Golf: PGA gets deal to promote Golf Industry Supplier Diversity Initiative
The Professional Golfers Association of America has joined hands with Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, National Golf Course Owners Association, and World Golf Foundation to promote the Golf Industry Supplier Diversity Initiative.
Earnie Ellison, Jr., Director of Business and Community Relations for the PGA of America told the press, “We're proud that these organizations are furthering their leadership role in our industry by championing the value of the Golf Industry Supplier Diversity
Initiative.”
According to Ellison, the purpose of the deal was to encourage the golf associations to intensify procurement activities with small businesses. This would help in increasing their participation in golf and businesses linked with it.
Ellison highlighted the objective of Golf Industry Supplier Diversity Initiative and said, “To my knowledge, the Golf Industry Supplier Diversity Initiative is unique not just in the golf industry but across all sports today. Not only does the Initiative
promote growth and inclusion within the sport while delivering a positive financial incentive, but you have some of the most prominent organizations in golf coming together and demonstrating their belief and support in that ideal. That's a powerful statement
and one that The PGA of America and our partners are proud to make.”
The venture started in 2008 and Club Managers Association of America was the first one to join it. The real reason behind its start-up was a projection presented by National Diversity Solutions, a certified minority-owned strategic sourcing firm. According
to their study, by 2015, approximately 26 per cent of Americans’ buying power will be contributed by the small businesses.
Joe. Steranka, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of America endorsed Ellison’s stance and said that the increase in the participation would have a positive impact on the financial position of the golf industry.
To initiate the program, all four parties have designed a supplier forum, which will take place at the 57th PGA Merchandise Show. In the forum, the potential suppliers will get an opportunity to sign a contract with the PGA America. Moreover,
they will gain exposure, as the forum will be put on the official website of the Initiative and publications.
PGA America has taken a positive step to contribute in the economy by hiring small businesses for procurement purposes. The program will not only cut down the operational cost, but will also regulate the supplies.
Tags: