Michael Lucas, right, plant manager of GE Healthcare, moderates a panel discussion that included, from left, Deborah Williams, senior director of supplier diversity, Premier Inc.; Tomas Garcia, global sourcing manager, supplier diversity, GE Healthcare; Janet McCain, director of business diversity, HealthTrust Purchasing Group; and Tracy Mote, director of supply chain management, Miller School of Medicine.

The University of Miami’s Business Development Program, an initiative that advances the utilization of women and minority suppliers to the institution’s procurement process, brought together several stakeholders in the health care industry recently for a spirited discussion on the business model of group purchasing organizations (GPO).

Broward Health, Baptist Health South Florida, UM’s UHealth, the HealthTrust Purchasing Group, and Premier Inc. were among the many entities that participated in the UMatch GPO Forum, held on February 28 at the University of Miami Life Science & Technology Park. Read the full story

Sophia Galvin delivers remarks at the Southern Florida Minority Supplier Development Council’s 37th Annual Awards Gala, where she received the Advocate of the Year Award.

Sophia Galvin, director of inclusion programs in the University of Miami’s Office of Workforce Engagement and Development, has received the Advocate of the Year Award from the Southern Florida Minority Supplier Development Council (SFMSDC).

Galvin, who was nominated for the award by one of the University’s female-owned business vendors, received the honor at the council’s 37th Annual Awards Gala at Jungle Island in September, beating out nominees from Blue Cross Blue Shield and Office Depot. Read the full story

Sandra Redway, executive director of auxiliary services with her protégé, John Wyche, president of Trashco.

The University of Miami’s Business Development Program hosted a group of women and minority business owners for the first annual Mentor/Protégé graduation at the Newman Alumni Center Library on May 31. Nerissa Morris, vice president of human resources, kicked off the event with opening remarks, while Larry Marbert, vice president of Real Estate and Facilities, gave the keynote address. Read the full story

Left to right: Jay Nerang, president of the Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee; Beatrice Louissaint, president of the SFMSDC; UM VIce President of Human Resources Nerissa Morris; Sophia Galvin, director of UM’s Business Development Program and second vice-chair of the SFMSDC board of directors; and Erasmos Acostas, chairman of the board of directors for the SFMSDC.

The Southern Florida Minority Supplier Development Council (SFMSDC) awarded the University of Miami the Local Corporation of the Year Award at its recent 36th Annual Awards Gala. UM was nominated for the award by a minority-owned business and competed against Baptist Health South Florida, Miami Dade College, FPL, and Broward College for the award.

The Local Corporation of the Year is the highest honor presented by the SFMSDC in recognition of organizations in South Florida that consistently demonstrate a commitment to women and minority business development and have or are striving to establish world-class supplier diversity programs. Nerissa Morris, vice president of human resources at UM, accepted the award on behalf of the University. Read the full story

Gourmet Chef On Tour, also known as GOT Catering, has been named the Business Development Program’s Vendor in the Spotlight for the FY 2011 fourth quarter. Although the selection process was very competitive, GOT Catering stood out due to multiple nominations from a wide variety of departments.

GOT Catering has developed a strong local following because of their uncompromising focus on fresh and seasonal ingredients and reputation of providing exquisite food to fit every budget. Chef Rose, who trained in Europe, leads the company. His focus is on building long-term relationships by providing a top-notch, one-stop catering service. Please be on the lookout for GOT Catering this fall in the lobby of the Gables One building; the company will be the new food vendor. Learn more about GOT Catering at www.gotcatering.com.

For more information about the Business Development Program, click here.