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Insights > The power of connecting: Utilities partner to enhance local supplier chain
The power of connecting: Utilities partner to enhance local supplier chain
04/30/2024
Entergy works hard to make sure local suppliers and contractors are aware of potential opportunities to work with us, which helps grow the economies of the communities we serve.
Recently, Entergy joined four other utilities operating in Mississippi in co-hosting an event to help educate and connect local suppliers to utility supply chains.
Twenty-six diverse suppliers seeking to enhance their chances of successfully selling their products and services to utilities in Mississippi received important information and guidance at a session held in Entergy's Echelon building in Jackson.
The four-hour event, called "The Power of Connecting," was co-hosted by Entergy, Atmos Energy, CenterPoint Energy, Mississippi Power and Spire.
"This event gave members of our team the opportunity to discuss our strong commitment to supplier diversity and to build relationships with local contractors and suppliers in Mississippi," said Kya Moller, Entergy senior manager of supplier diversity, inclusion and sustainability. "The attendees left with a much better understanding of what they need to do business with Entergy and the other utilities that joined us as hosts."
Kya Moller, Entergy senior manager of supplier diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, with keynote speaker Jim Beckett, Mississippi Public Utility Staff executive director
In the general session for all attendees, supplier diversity representatives from the utilities presented overviews of how to do business with their companies, and Mississippi Public Utility Staff Executive Director Jim Beckett delivered a keynote address focused on the significant impact that Mississippi-based utilities have on the economic prosperity of the region.
Beckett discussed Hire Mississippi, which is a rule that encourages public utilities to use Mississippi resident contractors and subcontractors. It was issued by the Mississippi Public Service Commission in 2017 in an effort to boost economic development and increase employment in the state.
During breakout sessions, attendees visited with the utility representatives and networked with each other in small groups. Panel discussions enabled attendees to learn more the utilities’ individual approaches to increasing business opportunities with diverse and local businesses. Suppliers also had an opportunity to engage in focused discussions with procurement professionals about their capabilities and upcoming sourcing opportunities.
Many of Entergy's supplier diversity advocacy partners also attended the event, including the Southern Regional Minority Supplier Development Council, Women's Business Enterprise Council South, Jackson State University's Women's Business Center, Mississippi Minority Business Development Agency and the Jackson Airport Authority.
Mississippi suppliers and contractors that would like to learn about Entergy’s qualifications and bid opportunities can visit entergy.com/operations/supply-chain/doing-business/.
