Area businesses can find out how to secure bidding opportunities at the “How to Navigate Case as a Vendor” event December 15 and 16
Case Western Reserve University aims to drive economic development for local businesses
December 13, 2004 | For more information: Kimyette Finley 216-368-0521
 Case Western Reserve University will continue to demonstrate its commitment to helping revitalize the city of Cleveland when the university sponsors the “How to Navigate Case as a Vendor” program December 15 and 16.
“How does a university located in an urban setting help drive economic development and inclusion? In any community, you need to have as many people working as possible. When people are working it supports the city’s tax base, infrastructure and schools,” explained Kathryn Hall, director of equal opportunity and diversity at Case. “We want to attract minority and female vendors that have an interest in doing business with the University, and we want to make this a model for other universities.”
Area businesses that want to secure opportunities to bid on work at Case can find out who to talk to, the types of projects, and resources available to business owners at this free, two-day event, which takes place both days from 4 to 7 p.m. at Case’s Thwing Center Ballroom, 11111 Euclid Ave.. “How to Navigate Case as a Vendor” is geared toward women and minority-owned businesses, particularly those who have not done work at Case, but all vendors are welcome to attend.
“How to Navigate Case as a Vendor” builds on the momentum of the University’s Supplier Diversity Initiative Council, a program implemented two years ago to afford female and minority-owned businesses the opportunity to compete in the economic arena of the University. As a result, Case has awarded over $40 million to minority and female-owned businesses for various professional services and projects at the close of the 2003–2004 fiscal year.
The first day is geared toward businesses that are interested in construction, architecture, engineering and building, while the second day targets businesses that sell goods and other professional services. Vendors will learn about how to navigate the internal practices at Case from a business perspective. “We’ll also have representatives who can talk about future opportunities for businesses to bid on work here,” Hall said.
In addition to opportunities at Case, other area companies and organizations are partnering with the University to present their available opportunities to vendors.
Hall said although vendors can learn about upcoming projects at Case and how to do business with the university, some businesses might have additional needs. That’s why the two-day event also will include information about resources that can help businesses grow. For example, representatives from ShoreBank, which provides short-term business loans for companies to make payroll, will be at the event. “I don’t think a lot of businesses know that type of program exists,” Hall said.
Corporate partners for the event are: the Black Trade Council, CAAO, The City of Cleveland, the Cleveland Municipal School District, Cuyahoga Community College, Cuyahoga County, the Cuyahoga Port Authority, Greater Cleveland RTA, Hard Hatted Women, the NAACP, the NOMBC, and ShoreBank.
For more information about the “How to Navigate Case as a Vendor” event, contact the University’s Equal Opportunity and Diversity office at (216) 368-8877.
About Case Western Reserve University
Case is among the nation's leading research institutions. Founded in 1826
and shaped by the unique merger of the Case Institute of Technology and Western
Reserve University, Case is distinguished by its strengths in education, research,
service, and experiential learning. Located in Cleveland, Case offers nationally
recognized programs in the Arts and Sciences, Dental Medicine, Engineering,
Law, Management, Medicine, Nursing, and Social Work. http://www.case.edu.
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