As we close out 2024, we are filled with gratitude and pride as we reflect on a year of remarkable achievements and meaningful partnerships. First and foremost, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors. Your unwavering support has been crucial to the success of our events, and your commitment to diversity and inclusion has made a lasting impact on our efforts throughout the year. We deeply appreciate your partnership and look forward to continuing our work together in 2025.
This has been a milestone year for The Council, brimming with transformative events that united business leaders, corporate partners, and advocates in pursuit of progress and collaboration. Among our achievements, the Upstate New York Supplier Diversity Summit in Rochester in January stood out as a testament to our commitment to statewide inclusion and set the tone for the year. This groundbreaking event welcomed over 300 participants, sparking dynamic discussions, fostering connections, and reinforcing our efforts to expand opportunities across the region.
This year, we also introduced our first-ever four-part webinar series in collaboration with Tompkins Ventures, which received overwhelming positive feedback. These sessions provided actionable insights and empowered businesses to achieve greater success. Building on this momentum, we continued our popular “How to Do Business With” webinars, welcoming MGM, Pfizer, and Truist to share their expertise. These interactive events offered invaluable opportunities for our MBEs to connect with major corporations, gain practical knowledge, and understand the pathways to securing contracts. Their success reaffirms our commitment to fostering meaningful engagements, and we’re excited to carry these initiatives into 2025.
In April, we held our Business Opportunity Exchange, hosted by Prudential Financial. This event was an excellent platform for minority-owned businesses to connect with corporations, explore new opportunities, and foster long-lasting partnerships. It was a dynamic and engaging start to what would be a year of success.
In the summer, we gathered once again for our Biz Connect event, this time aboard the Horizon’s Edge Yacht. This unique setting offered our members the chance to build connections while enjoying beautiful views and meaningful conversations. It was a fantastic evening that highlighted the power of networking in a joyous and scenic atmosphere.
In September, we celebrated the best MBE supporters in the industry at our Partnership Awards Gala at Gotham Hall. This event was a true testament to the hard work and dedication of those leading the way in diversity and inclusion. Congratulations again to our honorees! Please take a moment to view the attached document showcasing our 2024 Partnership Awards Gala winners, whose achievements continue to inspire us all.
We wrapped up our signature events with our 27th Annual Networking for Scholarships event, an important occasion that focused on strengthening relationships and providing support for scholarships. It was a fitting close to a year of celebration and empowerment, as we worked together to ensure a brighter future for the next generation of leaders.
This fall, Northwell Health hosted our Healthcare Symposium, bringing together a distinguished panel of speakers and industry experts to explore innovative strategies for advancing supplier diversity in healthcare. The event provided invaluable insights and fostered meaningful discussions to help drive change in the industry.
As the year drew to a close, we partnered with Citi to host our Sustainability Symposium in December. This virtual event featured speakers from around the world, emphasizing the importance of aligning business operations with sustainable goals while fostering economic growth. It was a powerful finale to a year dedicated to progress, collaboration, and impact.
Throughout 2024, we had the privilege of welcoming over 300 new MBEs and 5 new Corporate Members to The Council. This growth is a direct result of the support of our community and the collective commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are excited to continue collaborating with all of our new and existing members as we move into 2025, and we look forward to seeing the impact these new relationships will have in the years to come.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce the tentative dates for our 2025 Signature Events:
- Business Opportunity Exchange: April 23, 2025
- Biz Connect: Summer 2025
- Networking for Scholarships: Fall 2025
- Partnership Awards Gala: October 10, 2025
Our theme for 2025, “Decreasing Systematic Business Growth Barriers: Increasing Sustainable Supply Chains,” will shape our work throughout the year. This theme emphasizes our commitment to addressing the systemic barriers that prevent diverse suppliers from reaching their full potential. At the same time, it underscores the need for sustainability within supply chains, ensuring that growth is not only achievable but also responsible and inclusive. As we tackle these challenges in 2025, we will continue to advocate for solutions that create a more equitable and sustainable future for all businesses, large and small.
In 2025, The Council is excited to continue expanding its reach with events across New York State, Northern and Central New Jersey, and beyond. This year, we’re also joining forces with the Eastern MSDC to bring impactful programming to Southern New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, further strengthening our regional presence.
We’re kicking off the year with another Upstate New York Supplier Diversity Summit in Rochester, New York, setting the stage for another year of meaningful connections and opportunities.
Join us on February 5, 2025 in Rochester, NY →
As we prepare for another exciting year, we encourage you to stay connected. To stay up to date with the latest news, event details, and opportunities, sign up for our newsletter, and follow us on social media.
If you would like to contribute to The Council for our 2025 calendar year, you can check out our sponsorship packages below. We offer a wide range of packages to fit any budget.
Thank you again for making 2024 such a remarkable year. We look forward to continuing our journey together in 2025 as we break down barriers, increase opportunities, and build a stronger, more sustainable future. Here’s to another successful year ahead!
With Gratitude and Best Wishes,
Terrence Clark