ECRM eyes supplier diversity at recent event

SOLON, Ohio — Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing hosted a category review for Bi-Lo Holdings at ECRM’s Snack & Dry Grocery event that took place in late February. During that time, the company — which operates 800 stores under the Bi-Lo, Harveys and Winn-Dixie banners — met with more than 70 suppliers, including potential participants in its Supplier Diversity Program.

 

The goal of the program is to develop beneficial, successful and long-term partnerships with minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses, ECRM said.

 

“We operate in one of the most diverse areas of the country. Our desire is to provide products and services that reflect this diversity,” said Derek Lott, senior director of supplier diversity at Bi-Lo Holdings.  

 

Kate Armstrong, supplier diversity manager at Bi-Lo Holdings, added that “this most recent ECRM experience bridges the diversity compliance work that we do, with the normal retail/buying process. It’s a real game changer for us.”

 

Armstrong said the company is planning to introduce more diverse supplier in upcoming ECRM events. “And more importantly, we are partnering with ECRM to produce several events specifically tailored to the diverse supplier community,” she said.