On Tuesday, May 21, Syracuse University hosted its first-ever Procurement Fair as part of its new Building Local initiative, a three-pronged effort focused on opportunity, partnerships and business. The fair introduced local business enterprises—including those owned by women, minorities, veterans and others (referred to collectively as XBEs)—to opportunities with the University; helped local businesses and XBEs understand the goods and services used and needed by the University; and provided information on how to gain diverse business certifications.
Representatives from more than 100 Central New York businesses attended the fair, including Melanie Randolph, owner of Your Window to the World, LLC. “Events like [the Procurement Fair] are going to open doors for local businesses and create opportunities with Syracuse University,” says Randolph. “This gives us a more one-to-one relationship, where we can really work as a community and align our values together. The small businesses can come together and be greater together.”
Read the full story at Syracuse University News.