Upcoming Events and Event Registration
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Ashford Suites Hotel |
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VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA and MACK TRUCKS, Inc. may be the first “two companies / one program” Supplier Diversity initiative in the USA, ‘automotive OEM – world’. We are not like the Big-3 in which brands or makes are divisions to a parent. We are; however, sister companies and produce premium, quality, heavy duty, Class-8 trucks well known in the market as being icons in the industry, as part of Volvo Group North America, Inc. and AB Volvo headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden.
STEVE HUMPHREY is a ‘down-to-earth’ Supplier Diversity Manager for the two truck companies and has the responsibility for the deliverable; “World-class” program recognition. Steve has over 34 years in the truck industry with varied responsibilities ranging from Truck Special Order Design to Manufacturing Industrial/Process Engineering and Purchasing Management. He is degreed in Business Administration, a Structured TQM Coach, and trained in numerous other industry disciplines. Being Supplier Diversity Manager, “I feel, is going to be my most interesting challenge yet. We, as program managers are change agents and the time is ripe for institutionalizing change. Census numbers are out there which reflect demographic and ethnic change and for the first time, are non-argumentative. Corporate America either tailors their business strategies to this inevitable shift or market share will likely suffer.” Steve is a strong advocate for the business case of diversity being for “economic reason” and is quick to correlate the value of product down assembly-lines in combating perceptions, myths, and mind-sets. In the service sector, the value proposition is even clearer. “In these challenging times, we simply cannot afford the risk of alienating, or jeopardizing revenue and business growth”.
Steve believes in the established, RGMA 5-Level process and has been careful to construct the infrastructure of the two companies/one-program initiative, capitalizing upon best practices of major corporations worthy of benchmarking. Also a belief is that corporate downsizing invites diverse suppliers to fill voids with niche talent tailored to problem resolution. “If we think about it, this re-definition of service can mean business opportunity for the savvy entrepreneur”.
Credits include; advisory board memberships, CMSDC Regional Advisory Committee Chair, CMSDC Board, VMSDC Board, Volvo being Charter Sponsor to WBE-SE, what he likes to believe as “charter corporate support” for veteran initiatives, community support, speaking engagements, panels, mentor/protégé programs, published articles, hosting and sponsorships, ‘home-base’ to Top MBE Regional Supplier of Year CMSDC, Regional MBE Coordinator of Year CMSDC 02/03 Regional Corporation of Year 02/03, Dorothy Brothers Advocacy Award 04/05 Carolinas MSDC, Top-10 Most Veteran Friendly Corporate Supplier Diversity Programs 05,06 & 2008, Best Corporations for Veteran-Owned Businesses, VMSDC President’s Leadership Award 05/06, and being recognized as 100 Men Impacting Supplier Diversity MBN USA 2006, CMSDC Advocate of Year 2008 (nominee) and Volvo as VMSDC Advocate of Year 2009. Steve also has responsibility as Vice Chair VMSDC-Western Region and formerly VMSDC Executive Committee.
Southwest Virginia, home to Steve for thirty years, is home to Volvo Trucks North America New River Valley Assembly Plant; however, Steve now resides in North Carolina with wife Gean and operates the Supplier Diversity Office out of headquarters in Greensboro. Daughters Michelle & Staci, son Todd and new grandson Matt are also in North Carolina. The Supplier Diversity field holds special interest for Steve to lend assistance to peer corporations and colleagues that desire program assistance.
Past Events
Business After Hours
When: February 18, 2010
Where: The Q Lounge 708 West Market Street Greensboro, NC 27401-1811
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m. (Cash Bar)
Business After Hours will be a networking event in which individuals will have the opportunity to discuss and share ideas while learning about local businesses and organizations. It is a relationship-building that benefits you, your company, or your organization. Come make new contacts and strengthen established ones. Yes, the Q is now smoke free! Free event. Cash Bar.
About our host, The Q Lounge: The Scene:
The Q has become a popular place for gay and gay-friendly locals to hang out. The Q makes going out a whole new thing. Everyday is the weekend at Q.
The Draw:
Even when it's not happy hour, cocktails are priced to please: about $4 for well-liquor drinks and not much more if your palate is accustomed to finer spirits. Ask for bartender Jody, who whips together a "Chocolate Blast" martini to rival all the similar, pricier concoctions poured at most other establishments. Open 7 Days a week 21+ NEVER A COVER M-F @ 4PM SAT @ 9PM SUN @ 7PM Under 21, 18+ ($5 cover) THE Q LOUNGE 708 WEST MARKET STREET GREENSBORO, NC 336.272.2587
