By Laura Clise Director
Sustainable Development and Continuous Improvement
We often talk about the importance of nuclear and renewable energy regarding our transition to a low-carbon energy future. When we talk about the benefits, the discussion includes greenhouse gas emissions reduction and energy security, the impeccable safety record of the nuclear industry and opportunities for job creation.
In today’s tough economic times, direct and indirect job creation are critical benefits that come from nuclear and renewable energy projects. We know small businesses play a huge role in overall economic growth and job creation in the U.S., which means that it is important for industrial leaders like AREVA to engage and support them through our supply chain activities.
Over the past several decades, leading corporations have benefited from strategic sourcing programs that include purchasing from small, minority-owned, women-owned, veteran and disabled veteran-owned, and HUBzone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) businesses. Their experience has shown the value and opportunities that exist for both large companies and the small diverse business entity (DBE). According to CEOs and supply chain executives, sourcing from DBEs can lower cost, increase flexibility, and improve quality and delivery while contributing to economic development and reflecting the diversity of communities and customers. In short, supplier diversity programs represent business value for large corporations and DBEs, alike.
Last week, more than six thousand people participated in the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) conference in Miami. Leaders from a variety of industries and minority business owners gathered to build and reinforce important supply chain partnerships.
At the NMSDC conference, AREVA had the opportunity to participate in the Utility Industry working group, which works to advance supplier diversity initiatives among utility companies and their suppliers like AREVA. To increase the robustness of their supplier diversity programs, AREVA customers have engaged first tier suppliers, like AREVA, in second tier (and beyond) supplier diversity initiatives.
AREVA provides safe, affordable clean energy solutions to its customers. But AREVA’s impact does not stop with simply the products and services provided. That supply chain impact has the potential to drive progress across the three pillars of sustainable development, resulting in job creation, economic development, and a more socially and environmentally sustainable supply chain.
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