Lindsay France/University Photography

Daniels Paint and Decorating showcases its painting supplies.

Lindsay France/University Photography

Janelle Hanson, left, discusses Adminders products with company representative Janet Keefe.

In support of the university’s Toward New Destinations diversity and inclusion strategy, Cornell’s supplier show focusing exclusively on businesses owned by women, minorities or veterans was held May 16 on campus. More than 60 individuals stopped by, visiting the displays, talking with suppliers and attending the suppliers’ short presentations.

The diverse supplier event sought to increase campus awareness of the range of suppliers available who offer, for example, printing, automotive services, promotional apparel and items, laboratory and scientific supplies, remanufactured toner and janitorial equipment and supplies.

Attending vendors, many of them local businesses, included Roxbury Technology, Complete Book, The Presentation Source, Vasco Brands, Audio Video Corp., Eagle Envelope, DBM Controls, Daniels Paint and Decorating, New England Biolabs, Maguire Automotive, Photosynthesis Productions and The Adminders
. Procuring goods and services from many of these suppliers can be done through e-SHOP. A complete listing of diverse suppliers is online.

The vendors had the opportunity to attend a lunch meeting with Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management project staff who are working with them to build their business with Cornell. The vendors expressed appreciation for the opportunity to showcase their offerings. “I’ve been to a lot of these types of shows, but this is one of the very best,” said one vendor, who liked having the opportunity to give a presentation as well as meet potential customers.

In turn, Cornell attendees appreciated that the show was “not a high-pressure environment” and that the vendors “were able to present their products in a most organized fashion.”

A much larger event, the annual Supplier Show, will be held June 13, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., in Barton Hall, with more than 120 of Cornell’s preferred and contract suppliers, including its diverse suppliers. Last year’s show drew more than 1,500 people. This year, the Supplier Show will feature prize drawings at supplier tables, supplier presentations and a café hosted by Panera Bread. Register early to be eligible for additional prize drawings.