ARTICLE _______________________________________________ Back To Main Page
We would like to thank our corporate sponsors for their continued support. This month we highlight Darden Restaurants as our featured Corporate Sponsor of the Month.
www.darden.com
 Our featured Darden Restaurants representative is Norma Sica, Director, Supplier Diversity.
Norma Sica is responsible for meeting/exceeding Darden’s diversity goals based on approximately $2.9 Billion annual spend. Serve as Darden’s external ambassador for our diverse supplier program while continuing to raise internal awareness and support for our supplier diversity initiatives. Work very closely with all levels of management to develop and mentor minority and women-owned enterprises. |
| |
What’s the best thing about your job?
Being able to make a positive difference in the life of an entrepreneur each time we’re able to award them business. I get a lot of self satisfaction as I see those entrepreneurs grow their business to national capabilities over time
|
How long have you worked with Darden Restaurants?
It will be 10 years in March 2007
|
How can WBEs get noticed by Darden Restaurants?
It’s critical that a WBE does their homework on Darden before they meet with the purchasing agent. I can’t stress enough the importance of knowing as much as you can about your prospective client. They also have to have a product or service we purchase at competitive pricing, quality, service, innovation, etc… and why they feel their product or service is 2nd to none.
|
|
What is the spend for Darden Restaurants with women-owned businesses?
As of FY’07 Q2 $21MM or 2.9% of Darden’s total expenditure.
|
|
