A core focus of the Greater Houston Partnership’s One Houston Together initiative is to enhance spending with Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) within the Houston region. This work is advanced through quarterly Supplier Diversity Roundtables along with a bi-annual convening of chief purchasing officers (CPOs) within the Partnership’s membership. The 2022 Houston MBE Economic Impact Analysis reveals there are 771 certified MBEs generating $8.2 billion in revenue across 18 industry sectors in metro Houston. Many of these MBEs have established relationships with global corporations and are above $10M in revenue. Houston businesses have a great opportunity to capitalize on our region’s diverse supplier base and to ensure a robust and competitive pipeline of suppliers in the future. During the November 2023 convening of Houston CPOs, the Partnership welcomed two guest speakers to offer their perspectives on supplier diversity from their vantage point in Washington D.C.: Carmen West, vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Equality of Opportunity Initiative Nigel Stephens, Principal, Phoenix Strategies Amidst the evolving political climate related to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in both the public and private sector, Carmen and Nigel offered thoughtful advice to help companies have the best suppliers at the table when making purchasing decisions.  Key takeaways from the discussion included: Lead with the Business Case for Supplier Diversity: CPOs and leaders should lead discussions about supplier diversity with a strong business case. This includes highlighting key benefits such as supply chain resilience, recruitment and retention, access to new markets and customers, and innovation that supplier diversity can bring. It is important to document and measure the economic impact of supplier diversity both on the business and the community. Strengthen Commitment to Supplier Diversity throughout the Organization: Chief Procurement Officers and Chief Diversity Officers should emphasize the importance of commitment to supplier diversity within their organizations. Supplier diversity is not the responsibility of just one department, or a single person’s job, rather, it should be embedded into the core values and culture of the company. This commitment should be reflected in the formal procurement process and considered as part of the overall business strategy. Increase Collaboration and Connectivity: There is a need for greater collaboration and connectivity within the supplier diversity ecosystem. Companies, business support organizations like SBA and HMSDC and chambers of commerce should work together to share information, resources, and data on diverse suppliers. This can help overcome the challenge of identifying and accessing diverse businesses, especially those in underrepresented communities or industries. The Greater Houston Partnership’s One Houston Together Supplier Diversity Roundtable, CPO Convenings and the new MBE Accelerator Program are exemplars of this advice.  Improve Understanding of the Capabilities of MBEs: The mindset and perception about diverse entrepreneurs and their capabilities need to change. There should be a commitment to learn and understand what these businesses are capable of and how they can contribute to supply chains. This may involve corporate purchasing executives attending customized learning modules, training, and education to address the latest trends, innovations, shifting racial demographics and market demands that put today’s leading MBEs in the spotlight. Leverage Existing Networks and Data: There is a need to leverage existing networks and data to support supplier diversity. Organizations like the US Chamber of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency, Houston Minority Supplier Development Council, and Small Business Administration already have lists and databases of diverse businesses. Utilizing and connecting these resources can help identify and engage diverse suppliers. Carmen shared the U.S. Chamber is working on a new digital initiative to greatly improve this network of information sharing with more to come in 2024. Broadly speaking, as an ecosystem dedicated to supplier diversity, CPOs can lead these efforts by  emphasizing the importance of streamlining the MBE Certification Process. The certification process for minority-owned businesses has become burdensome and costly. The current system of multiple certifications from different organizations can be simplified and streamlined to reduce barriers and enhance access to opportunities. Companies should keep this complexity in mind and be flexible in the certifications they require.  For those interested in the Partnership’s Supplier Diversity programming and initiatives, contact Damean Townsend, Senior Director, Supplier Diversity at dtownsend@houston.org. 

Real estate developers Pagewood and Wile Interests announced a new redevelopment project that will transform warehouses in Houston’s bustling East Downtown neighborhood into a massive 10-block mixed-use district.  Slated to break ground in the second quarter of 2024, the multi-phased development – dubbed East Blocks, will encompass 513,000 square feet southwest of Shell Energy Stadium, according to Houston Business Journal.  Phase one will feature a unique blend of restaurants, shops, office and green space and will include existing tenants 8th Wonder Brewery and Pitch 25, while phase two will focus on additional retail and restaurant space.  Click to expand Aiming to enhance walkability in the area, the project includes converting the site’s former railways into four city blocks of green space that will connect the revitalized warehouses. The existing promenade will become a dedicated greenspace for community gatherings and activities such as fitness classes and farmer’s markets.  Click to expand Additionally, East Blocks will include an open-air alleyway concept to connect three buildings along Hutchins and McKinney Street and a walking and biking loop that will provide easy access to the new district from Downtown and the Columbia Tap trails that run through EaDo and the East End.   East Blocks joins several other new developments taking shape in Houston’s thriving EaDo neighborhood as the area continues to transform into a livelier and more walkable neighborhood. “Our teams are working diligently to infuse the diversity and personality found across Houston at East Blocks, while also making it a truly walkable and bikeable destination the city has yet to see,” said Paul Coonrod, founder and managing principal of Pagewood in a statement. “Once complete, visitors can expect a dynamic destination with unique retail, restaurants and office space paired with local art, events with sport teams and charities, and experiences that highlight Houston’s position as a global, first-class city.” East River, a 150-acre mixed-use development situated on the banks of Buffalo Bayou opened this year featuring office, restaurant and retail space along with a 360-unit apartment complex. The project also included a nine-hole golf course and restaurant concept – East River 9. A similar concept, The Plant, a 17-acre mixed-use district, will revamp the historic streets of Second Ward, establishing a pedestrian-friendly district lined with a diverse mix of restaurants and shops. The Houston Astros also recently announced plans for an entertainment district adjacent to Minute Maid Park that will feature a 17-story hotel, 60,000 square feet of retail space and a three-level gathering area for fans to watch games and other major sporting events. These developments not only address common challenges seen within the city like lack of walkable areas, but they also speak to Houston’s unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional quality of life. Discover more about Houston’s Neighborhoods and Communities.