Arizona’s major utilities came together to host the second annual "Better Together" Business Resource Lunch on January 30, at Salt River Project’s PERA Training and Conference Center in Tempe, Arizona.
More than 300 attendees participated in the event, which provided Arizona-based small and diverse suppliers with direct access to procurement teams from SRP, Arizona Public Service, Southwest Gas and Tucson Electric Power.
"We know that strong supply chains are the foundation of a strong economy," said Erika Castro, Supplier Diversity Manager at SRP. "By bringing together Arizona’s utilities and suppliers, we’re making it easier for local businesses to access opportunities and position themselves for success."
The Better Together event featured a reverse expo where utility procurement teams and internal decision makers shared details on upcoming project opportunities across key business units, including generation, transmission, substation and other major operational areas.
Rather than suppliers exhibiting their services, the utilities gave local businesses insight into what they look for in contractors and how to navigate the bidding process effectively.
Beyond the expo, attendees heard from a keynote speaker whose message focused on leading through gratitude which provided a fresh perspective on fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Arizona utilities rely on a diverse and agile supply chain to maintain reliability, adapt to changing industry demands and nurture innovation, SRP noted.
“By working with high-performing local small and diverse businesses, utilities gain access to specialized expertise, increase competition in procurement and strengthen the local economy by creating jobs and generating tax revenue,” it said.
“The Better Together Business Resource Lunch was a remarkable success, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. Not only did our internal groups have tables alongside procurement, but other utilities also participated, allowing suppliers to engage directly with the decision-makers in the room. The event's structure facilitated meaningful interactions and streamlined communication,” added Castro. "When we contract with a supplier, it’s because they’ve shown us they are the best fit for the job. Our supplier diversity support helps businesses connect with the individuals and groups that would best align with their business capabilities for future opportunities.”
The Better Together Business Resource Lunch underscores the collective commitment of Arizona’s utilities to strengthening the region’s economy by fostering an inclusive and highly competitive supplier base, SRP said.
This event aligns with SRP’s supplier diversity strategy and commitment to a diverse supplier base. In 2023, the utility’s work with local suppliers created 2,338 jobs and supported incomes totaling $152.2 million.
These suppliers were selected based on the quality of their goods and services, their ability to meet the needs of large-scale projects, and their ability to deliver value in a rapidly evolving industry.
