Pitney Bowes believes a diverse supply base is important both internally and externally. Diversity and inclusion are key components of our core values, and help us to ensure that we are providing employees and customers with the best possible opportunities and solutions. By actively embracing diversity in all our operations, we maximize our access to innovation and improve our alignment with the changing demographics of our global customer base. At the same time, we recognize that customers need to know that the values they expect from Pitney Bowes itself apply equally throughout its supply chain.

For all these reasons, we regularly provide access to opportunities for diverse suppliers to compete for our business, and we work diligently to ensure a level playing field open to all qualified competitors. It is our policy that Minority, Women, Veteran, Service-Disabled Veteran, Hubzone, and other economically disadvantaged small business shall have the maximum opportunity to compete for our business. We currently have more than 800 diverse suppliers representing more than 25 product and service categories and $63 million in annual purchases.

Our supplier diversity program focuses on:

  • Integrating supplier diversity plans with sourcing process and strategies.
  • Identifying potential diverse suppliers and connecting them with sourcing opportunities.
  • Outreach to diverse businesses through minority development organizations and procurement events.
  • Educating and training to help both internal purchase decision makers and suppliers to understand our supplier diversity strategy and commitment.
  • Collaborating with prime suppliers to ensure diversity at multiple tiers within our supply chain.
  • Metrics and tracking to monitor progress and ensure alignment with our overall diversity strategy.

We currently report second-tier diverse spend (i.e., spend in support of customer contracts) to over 60 customers. Where applicable, we also include supplier diversity in response to requests for proposals from current or potential customers.

Supplier qualification and certification

We expect all suppliers to meet our high standards of product and service quality, as well as specific objectives related to cost, quality and delivery. To be considered for business with us, diverse businesses are encouraged to seek certification from one of the following agencies:

We also accept certification by local and state governments.

Our engagement with advocacy groups extends beyond membership. We actively participate in events, volunteer on committees which define and implement programs, and regularly assume leadership roles. Laura Taylor (Vice President, Enterprise Procurement) serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, and Lawrence Wooten (Manager, Supplier Diversity) serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council.

Supplier Diversity Summit

Each year we hold a day-long Supplier Diversity Summit, where diverse suppliers can share ideas and meet with company management to gain a better understanding of Pitney Bowes procurement opportunities and processes. Representatives of about 75 diverse businesses were among the more than 150 attendees at this year's Summit at Pitney Bowes World Headquarters in Stamford, CT.