PITTSBURGH, PA –Members of the Pittsburgh business community came together March 12 at Rivers Casino to increase opportunities for minority-owned, woman-owned and other diverse businesses in the region at a first-of-its-kind event.
The idea behind Share 2015 was for Pittsburgh businesses to introduce their diverse suppliers to one another by inviting some of them to participate in a “matchmaking event” — and increase opportunities for those businesses to meet new customers.
More than 60 potential customers and suppliers with mutual interests were matched by 22 companies or institutions during brief, pre-arranged meetings at the invitation-only event.
“We are thrilled that the Pittsburgh business community came together in a huge way to support this event. Through communication, collaboration and commerce, the region is working to improve the economic development of diverse businesses. What a triumphant and powerful initiative. Our goal is to make it even larger next year,” said Toni Y. Silva, director, supplier relations, at UPMC.
UPMC worked with a small core group — representatives from PNC, CONSOL Energy, the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council, Allegheny County’s MWDBE Department and Rivers Casino — to plan the event.
The event was kicked off by Lynne Hayes Freeland, who served as the Mistress of Ceremony.
Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, UPMC Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Robert DeMichiei and Rivers Casino Chief Financial Officer Mary Cheeks welcomed participants with opening remarks prior to the matchmaking portion of the event.
About Post Author
