Member Spotlight: Centerpoint Energy Supplier Diversity Program

This month, we feature our member CenterPoint Energy, with a special focus on the organization's Supplier Diversity Program. 

CenterPoint Energy Supplier Diversity Program

• We recognize the economic importance of Diverse Business Enterprises (DBEs) such as Minority-owned, Women-owned, Veteran-owned, HUB Zone, and all categories of small business concerns to the community.
• We are committed to developing strong working relationships with diverse suppliers and using innovative approaches designed to continually improve business opportunities.
• Our commitment is not philanthropic – the relationships we seek must provide value both to CenterPoint Energy and to diverse suppliers.
• CenterPoint Energy’s Supplier Diversity program began in 1984 and a corporate-wide Supplier Diversity Policy Statement was signed early 2000.
• The similarities between Vectren and CenterPoint Energy Supplier Diversity initiatives outnumbered their differences by far, setting the stage for a stronger and expanded Supplier Diversity program. 

• Actively seek qualified diverse suppliers that can provide competitive and high-quality commodities and services for all applicable sourceable opportunities.
• Establish clear expectations and criteria requiring our major suppliers support our supplier diversity’s spend goals.
• Seek opportunities to assist in the development and competitiveness of diverse suppliers through instruction, mentoring, capacity building and outreach activities.

• Engineering, Substation, Transmission & Distribution Design
• Overhead, Underground, Line Locating
• Site Work, Hard Surface Restoration
• Heavy Equipment, Parts, Switches, Relays, Poles, Wires, Materials
• Vegetation Management
• Energy Efficiency

• Leak Detection Equipment
• Generators
• Storage Field Work
• Construction

• Computer Hardware & Software
• Telecom
• Marketing
• Janitorial
• Fleet/Logistics/Fuel
• Promotional Items
• Legal
• Consulting Services

• Promotes greater competition in the purchase of goods and services
• Promotes innovation and drives creativity
• Promotes economic growth in communities
• Provides different options for penetrating emerging markets
• Promotes company’s brand image and commitment to diversity