Policy hearing highlights how diversity strengthens supply chain
Majority Policy Committee hears from experts on improving diversity
Policy Committee August 9, 2023 | 12:08 PM
PITTSBURGH, Aug. 9 – Ensuring supplier diversity and supporting minority-owned businesses will strengthen the supply chain in Pennsylvania and can provide businesses with the opportunity to expand beyond the state and into the global market, experts testified before the House Majority Policy Committee Wednesday.
“Expanding diversity within the supply chain not only improves economic possibilities, but it also has the ability to enhance the quality of life within our communities,” said Rep. Aerion Abney, who represents a portion of Allegheny County and hosted the hearing. “If we embrace diversity in the supply chain, what we are really embracing is a stronger supply chain less susceptible to disruptions and a more secure economic future.”
The committee heard from testifiers Brian Oglesby, the President and CEO at Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council; Tina Doose, the founder and Board President of the Mon Metro Chamber of Commerce; Majestic Lane, the Chief Equity Officer of the Allegheny Conference; and Alexis Russell, the owner and consultant at Russell General Contracting. The hearing took place at Energy Innovation Center.
“As we heard today and throughout recent policy hearings, equity and diversity issues are also economic issues,” House Majority Policy Chairman Ryan Bizzarro said. “The region, state and nation is better served – and only capable of reaching its economic potential – when all parties have a seat at the table, when underserved communities have the ability for economic success and growth, and all parties are actively involved in contributing to the state’s economic success.”
Information about this hearing and other House Majority Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policy. Testimony from today’s hearing and past policy hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policycommittee/hearingmaterials. Photos for this event and past Policy Committee events to be used for publication can be found at pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee/Galleries.