Debbie Hurst and John Young

Energy Future Holdings

Accepting: John Young, President and CEO Energy Future Holdings
Presenter: Debbie Hurst, President, Women’s Business Council Southwest

Energy Future Holdings has a longstanding commitment to the economic development of the communities it serves. The supplier diversity initiative at EFH was founded and continues to be based on the strength of this commitment. Endorsed and supported by the highest level of EFH’s management team, the supplier diversity initiative supports the development and utilization of small businesses and businesses owned by women and minorities.

EFH recognizes that a successful, progressive and innovative supplier diversity initiative not only enhances the economic development of communities, but also strengthens its competitive advantage in the marketplace. A strong minority and women supplier base increases the breadth and depth of available suppliers; creates more competition, providing a greater selection of competitive service providers; adds jobs; and strengthens the economy. For EFH companies, further value of supplier diversity can be directly linked to the business goals of each their respective businesses: TXU Energy, Luminant and Oncor.

EFH has been recognized for its work in women’s business enterprise development by the Women’s Business Council – Southwest as Corporation of the Year, by WBENC as one of America’s Top Corporations for WBEs 11 straight years since 2000 and by the Edison Electric Institute as Corporation of the Year. Since 1990, EFH’s supplier diversity has presented its Gold Star Recognition Program to acknowledge the signifi cant contributions of individuals, groups and businesses to its supplier diversity progress. In the 20-year history of Gold Star Recognition, over 3,000 gold stars have been presented.

Corporate leaders need to remain open to all options, explained Cheryl Stevens, vice president, supplier diversity.“Often, it seems, assumptions are made with respect to a WBE’s ability and capability without having all of the facts. It is really up to the supplier to present its case for being qualifi ed. While appearance may indicate one set of circumstances, one never knows what kind of joint venture, alliance or partnership a supplier or WBE may or may not bring to the table, if given the opportunity. And, it may be the best deal. Who know’s what may happen if corporations will just open the door,” she said. “For organizations, it is imperative to stay current and aware of current sourcing trends, in order to assist suppliers with their ability to remain competitive and viable. For women, all of the above are true. Explore every avenue of opportunity, figure out how to compete with all the tools available, including joint ventures, partnerships, alliances, savvy customers and sourcing trend knowledge.

“At EFH, we continue to get better at our planning cycles and forecasting. This allows our sourcing teams, our supplier diversity team and our suppliers to be ready when the opportunities occur. Clearly, there will always be emergencies, but our improvements in planning are enabling us to better predict opportunities,” Stevens said. “We also continue to see enhancements of our executive team endorsement, which raises awareness and accountability. Our strategy and policy committee with its senior level executives in our company also serve as our supplier diversity advisory committee. This gives ongoing support and feedback to our diversity initiatives.”