The Greater Memphis Chamber is excited to announce the launch of a new webinar series dedicated to equipping business owners and leaders with strategies on implementing more equitable processes and opportunities within their companies. Sponsored by Independent Bank, the weekly webinar sessions are complimentary for both Chamber members and non-members.
To kick off the launch of the Strategies on Equity Webinar Series, we held the first session on S.M.A.R.T. Goals on Equity and Diversity with featured speaker Fred Towler, Chief Diversity Officer & VP Global Talent Management at International Paper. Towler gave insight on how Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-based (S.M.A.R.T.) goals can be employed to fulfill a company’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Want to join the conversation and learn how your company can develop strategic diversity and inclusion plans? See webinar series schedule below:
Thursday, July 23 – S.M.A.R.T. Goals on Equity and Diversity
Thursday, July 30 – Why Joint Ventures Matter
Thursday, August 6 – Shaping Minority and Women-Owned Business Participation from the Top
Thursday, August 13 – Hiring Practices and Processes that Promote Diversity
Thursday, August 20 – Getting Real about Supplier Diversity
Recordings of previous sessions:
S.M.A.R.T. Goals on Equity and Diversity
Few companies would disagree with equity and diversity existing as guiding principles. It should be noted, however, that guiding principles are best lived out through goals that embody these beliefs. This session provides insight on how Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-based (S.M.A.R.T.) goals can be employed to fulfill a company’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Featuring: Fred Towler, Chief Diversity Officer & VP Global Talent Management at International Paper.
Why Joint Ventures Matter
Growth can be a difficult proposition for many smaller companies seeking to compete at the next level for larger contracts and opportunities. A proven strategy that speaks to this challenge is the joint venture. This session explores the dynamics of a successful joint venture and how pooling resources, talent, and other things can benefit the participating companies in the long run.
Shaping Minority and Women-Owned Business Participation from the Top
In organizations, people take their cues from the top. This reality is no less relevant as it relates to how companies embrace minority and women-owned business participation and engagement. This session shares the story of a local organization that stands as an example of how pushing minority and women-owned business participation from the top can shape a company’s culture. Featuring Speakers: Scott Brockman, President & CEO Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority and Joe Claiborne, Senior Manager of Business Diversity Development Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority.
Hiring Practices and Processes that Promote Diversity
Two things can be true at the same time. A company can be interested in a more diverse workforce while also inadvertently discriminating in its hiring process. Having hiring processes in place that reflect the interest in diversity is extremely important. This session will provide some best practices from the human resources and administrative perspective that can truly support and not undermine a company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Featuring presenters: David Dart, Global HR Leader and Chief Human Resources Officer ServiceMaster and Johnel Angel Evans, Vice President, Inclusion Diversity & Engagement Becton Dickinson and Company (Headquarters – Franklin Lakes, NJ). Moderator: Dotty Summerfield Giusti, President and Owner Summerfield Associates, Inc.
Getting Real about Supplier Diversity
“We don’t know any minority or women-owned businesses that can do this particular job.” Some version of this statement is too often the last answer or effort a number of significant businesses give around engaging black-owned businesses in contracting opportunities. This panel discussion shares real steps companies at every level can take to be more intentional in engaging black owned companies while also introducing ways black-owned companies can better position themselves for next level opportunities.
Visit the Chamber’s events calendar to register for upcoming webinar series and events.
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