Nashville Area Chamber to Co-host Supplier Diversity Forum Supporting Small Business Owners

As part of our commitment to helping small businesses grow and prosper, the Chamber is partnering with Fifth Third Bank and Music City Center Jan. 26 to host a supplier diversity forum connecting small, diverse-owned businesses to major Middle Tennessee employers.

At this daylong, interactive event, attendees will hear from Mayor Megan Barry and a panel of experts, learn from successful minority-owned business leaders, engage with decision-makers from major companies and build a stronger network of buyers and other suppliers. Panel participants include representatives from Bridgestone Americas, Fifth Third Bank, Messer Construction, Skanska and Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County.

“Diversity is as relevant and important to the Fifth Third supplier network as it is to all other aspects of our business,” said Donna Burnell, managing director of enterprise workplace services for Fifth Third Bank. “We are committed to identifying potential suppliers, providing access to financing for undercapitalized businesses and investing in supplier management capabilities. This is important business for the bank, our shareholders and our communities.”

The supplier diversity forum underscores our work to connect our members to greater opportunities, while supporting Mayor Barry's goal of making Nashville an inclusive and welcoming community.

The forum will be this Thursday, Jan. 26, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at Music City Center. The cost to attend is $25 and includes coffee, lunch, parking and a networking reception. To register, visit our online event calendar.