PARSIPPANY, N.J.—Wyndham Worldwide, one of the world’s largest hospitality companies, achieved significant growth in its spend with diverse suppliers in 2010, adding value to its global supply chain while delivering on its core values. From linen supply, to equipment purchases, to general contractor and architectural services, Wyndham Worldwide spent 10.3 percent of its total purchases with diverse suppliers, a 51 percent increase over the previous year, placing the company among the top performers in its industry.
During the past year, Wyndham Worldwide continued to formalize its supplier diversity program; by including diverse suppliers when possible in each request for proposal and bid notice; increasing internal and external awareness of its supplier diversity program; and expanding its supply diversity reach around the globe. The program focuses on nine groups: African-American; Hispanic-American; Asian-American; Native-American; gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered; women; veteran and disabled-veteran; and disabled-owned businesses.
“Partnering with diverse suppliers brings great value to our supply chain, and helps ensure the products and services we provide meet the equally diverse needs of our customers around the world,” said Paul Davis, senior vice president, Strategic Sourcing at Wyndham Worldwide. “Internationally, developing relationships with diverse business owners and organizations also supports our growth in emerging markets, generating new ideas and opportunities for business in local communities, and supports the overall strength of the global travel and tourism economy.”
Diverse Locations for Suppliers
Wyndham Worldwide diverse partnerships include: Sobel Linen, a Hispanic-owned business based in Las Vegas that is the sole provider for terry cloth and linen throughout Wyndham Worldwide; Zero Chaos, an African American-owned contingent staffing business based in Orlando; and Software House International, a New Jersey-based Asian American woman-owned supplier of software, hardware, and related services.
“Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the Wyndham Worldwide culture, so it is no surprise that our corporate diversity strategy extends to the suppliers with which we choose to partner,” said Jose Nido, vice president of Global Supplier Diversity at Wyndham Worldwide. “Our approach is to seamlessly integrate supplier diversity as part of how we do business, and achieving results that add value by reducing costs, improving quality and increasing revenue through cultivating positive relationships within the diverse business community.”
The supplier diversity initiative at Wyndham Worldwide has received numerous accolades, including awards from the U.S. Minority Business Development Agency, Florida Minority Supplier Diversity Council, the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce, and the Morris County Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce in New Jersey.
In addition to requiring third-party or government certification of their diversity status, companies requesting diversity supplier status with Wyndham Worldwide must have been in business at least three years, offer competitive pricing, have proven financial viability and meet the company’s stringent service and quality standards, among other criteria.
Go to www.wyndhamworldwide.com.
