Press release
Fifth Third Helps Grow Supplier Diversity Ecosystem Through 8th Annual Supplier Diversity Summit
CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- For the past eight years, Fifth Third has brought together diverse-owned businesses and suppliers with representatives of some
About this update from Fifth Third Bancorp
[{"type":"text","content":" CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nFor the past eight years, Fifth Third has brought together diverse-owned businesses and suppliers with representatives of some of the world’s largest corporations at its annual Supplier Diversity Summit, held each August at the bank’s corporate headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio.\n\n\nThe annual event connects diverse-owned businesses and suppliers from across the country with leaders from Fifth Third and other Fortune 500 companies, and it helps diverse business owners gain perspectives from each other and network with other corporate partners.\n\n\n“Supplier diversity is a strategic imperative at Fifth Third,” said Fifth Third Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer Kala Gibson. “We believe that a robust, inclusive and competitive supply chain is good for our businesses, our customers, our communities and our employees. Growing the supplier diversity ecosystem is vital to an inclusive and sustainable economy and has positive ripple effects across the communities we serve.”\n\n\nOn Tuesday, Fifth Third’s eighth annual Supplier Diversity Summit drew about 200 attendees for a day of panel discussions, breakout sessions, awards, and a pitch competition for the chance to win $5,300. Attendees included Fifth Third leadership and representatives of more than 130 companies from across 15 states.\n\n\n“As a minority supplier who serves Fifth Third Bank throughout multiple regions, we are always excited to meet with Fifth Third’s leadership at this centralized event. The annual diversity summit allows us to speak one-on-one with these individuals and learn where the bank is headed,” said Andrés Alvarado, vice president of business development and marketing for Marand Builders, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Fifth Third’s executive leadership attend the summit in person, which shows their commitment to supplier diversity. The value of this event is in the opportunity. Whether it is re-kindling existing relationships, or fostering new, the room is full of opportunity.”\n\n\nSpeakers at the summit included Gibson, Fifth Third Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Melissa Stevens, Fifth Third Director of Supplier Diversity Carla Cobb, Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan Michele Kearney, and Janice Bryant Howroyd, founder and owner of The ActOne Group.\n\n\n“The summit provides an incredible platform to ne...