July 2, 2015 -- The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) recently recognized We Energies, a WEC Energy Group company, for its Supplier Diversity Initiative (SDI).

EEI honored the company, along with Arizona Public Service Co., with a 2015 Supplier Diversity Innovation Award in recognition of creative efforts to promote a diverse supplier base.

“EEI applauds APS and We Energies for their innovative ideas and new ways of doing business to advance and increase supplier diversity,” said EEI President Tom Kuhn.

Since 2002, We Energies’ SDI spending has increased 966 percent by using innovative approaches to build meaningful relationships with certified diverse businesses.

As part of the annual budget planning process, each internal business unit identifies contracts that will expire and other business opportunities for minority-owned and women-owned businesses. Also, supply chain buyers are required to conduct several matchmaker meetings per year with certified diverse businesses.

“From match-maker meetings to department-specific goals, we are committed to building relationships with diverse companies,” said Jerry Fulmer, We Energies vice president – supplier diversity. “By using innovative techniques, our supplier diversity initiative has grown exponentially.”

SOURCE WEC Energy Group