2024 Diversity Summit

Creating Connections between MWBE & Government

City & State PA’s Annual Diversity Summit will offer industry executives, public-sector leaders, and academics a half-day conference dedicated to fostering and expanding the relationships between the state and local government, prime contractors, and small diverse businesses (SDBs). Find out what it takes to thrive in Pennsylvania’s complex and competitive procurement arena by connecting with key government agencies, prime contractors and state & local representatives at the Diversity Summit.

08:30 AM	Registration & Networking Breakfast
09:20 AM	Opening Remarks by Greg Salisbury, Editor In Chief, City & State PA
09:25 AM	Introduction to Keynote Speaker by David Dix, Co-Founder of PACBOB
09:35 AM	Keynote Remarks by Norman Bristol Colón, Chief Diversity Officer, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
10:00 AM	Panel 1: Doing Business in Pennsylvania In September, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an order that increased opportunities for small and small diverse businesses to secure prime contracts, raised the revenue limit so more small businesses can qualify, and instructed Commonwealth agencies to provide key technical and capital access support to small and small diverse businesses, This process requires sorting through many opportunities and identifying the ones that are right for each organization. How can we promote productive capital spending, encourage public/private partnerships and design build, and make sure SDBs can fit into the implementation of major government projects? This panel will break down new projects and opportunities in Pennsylvania, including transportation, construction, technology, energy, and more. Moderated By: Justin Sweitzer, Managing Editor, City & State PA George Robinson II, Director-Supplier Diversity and Inclusion, UPMC Supply Chain Management Corey Pellington, Deputy Secretary for Administration, PennDOT Monique Nesmith-Joyner, Procurement Commissioner, City of Philadelphia Nic Caputo, Bureau Director for Corporations and Charitable Organizations, PA Department of State James Foley, CEO, Tactical Public Safety
10:50 AM	Break
11:00 AM	Panel 2: Strengthening PA’s SDB Programs The Shapiro administration is committed to creating economic opportunity for all by supporting small, diverse, and veteran businesses. The Administration secured $20 million of state funding in the 2023-24 budget for small minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses across the Commonwealth for the first time ever. In this panel, we will explore how the Shapiro administration will work with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion & Small Business Opportunities (BDISBO) and keep its promises to level the playing field for more small and diverse businesses throughout the Commonwealth. What are some of the roadblocks that have kept small businesses from participating in this program, and what role can Pennsylvania's labor community and government officials play in providing these businesses with the tools they need to succeed? Moderated By: Teresa M. Lundy, Principal, Founder, TML Communications Kerry Kirkland, Deputy Secretary of Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities, Department of General Services Stephanie Shell, Deputy Secretary for Administration, PA Department of Human Services Lisa Sanford, Director, Diversity, Inclusion & Small Business Opportunities, Pennsylvania Department of General Services Blane Stoddart, President & CEO, BFW Group, LLC
12:00 PM	Sessions Conclude