TO2015 Encouraging Small, Diverse and Local Businesses to Become Games Suppliers

TO2015's Supplier Diversity Advisory Council hosts business seminar in Toronto

TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - The Toronto 2015 Pan/Pan American Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) is calling upon local businesses to get involved in supplying goods and services that will contribute to the success of the Games.

Today, TO2015 is hosting a Winning in Business Seminar providing local businesses with expertise, tools and tips to prepare themselves for potential opportunities with the Games. More than 65 local businesses have registered for the Toronto event.

By establishing a Supplier Diversity Advisory Council to provide advice to the Organizing Committee and promote TO2015 business opportunities through various contacts, associations and networks, TO2015 is looking to build a database of local and diverse suppliers that could potentially win Games business. Members of the Council are recognized as key organizations or individuals who are experts in their fields and have a reach throughout the Games region. "From towels for the athletes to tables and chairs for the spectators at concession stands, we have a huge list of more than $300 million in goods and services that will be needed to successfully stage the Games in 2015," said Ian Troop, TO2015 Chief Executive Officer. "We want to tap into the expertise and services that we know are available from local, small and diverse businesses throughout the Greater Golden Horseshoe."

When it comes to selecting suppliers, the Organizing Committee's first objective is to focus on businesses that match the regional Games footprint. With the goal of engaging a diverse group of suppliers, TO2015 is encouraging involvement from businesses that are 51 per cent owned and operated by Aboriginal peoples, women, individuals from visible minority groups, persons with disabilities or individuals from the LGBT community. Small- to medium-sized businesses with less than 500 employees are also encouraged to seek Games opportunities.

"We are encouraging local businesses that don't usually think about participating in large-scale procurement projects to explore all the Games opportunities," said Bill Zakarow, TO2015 Director of Procurement.

Organized by TO2015, the February 22 Winning in Business Seminar will provide local businesses with expertise, tools and tips to prepare themselves for potential opportunities with TO2015. More than 65 local businesses have registered for the Toronto event."The Toronto 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games are an enormous growth opportunity for businesses of all sizes across Ontario and, in fact, potentially the entire country," said Jon Hountalas, CIBC Executive Vice-President of Business Banking. "As the Lead Partner of TO2015, CIBC wants to extend its knowledge and advisory expertise to TO2015 partners and potential partners to help deliver outstanding partnership proposals and business results to the Games."

By establishing a Supplier Diversity Advisory Council to provide advice to the Organizing Committee and promote TO2015 business opportunities through various contacts, associations and networks, TO2015 is looking to build a database of local and diverse suppliers that could potentially win Games business. Members of the Council are recognized as key organizations or individuals who are experts in their fields and have a reach throughout the Games region.

Chaired by TO2015's Bill Zakarow, the 10-member Council includes the following representatives:

Organization	Council Member
Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC)	Cassandra Dorrington
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Businesses (CCAB)	Clint Davis
City of Hamilton Economic Development	Norm Schleehahn
City of Toronto Economic Development and Culture	Robert Nolan
Diversity Business Network (DBN)	Len Rozen
The Justin Poy Agency	Justin Poy
The Ontario Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (OGLCC)	Ryan Tollofson
Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce	Idalia Obregon
WEConnect Canada	Mary Anderson

About the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games

The Pan American Games are one of the world's largest international multi-sport events, held every four years for athletes of the 41 member nations of the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO). The Games comprise all Olympic Summer Games sports, as well as traditional Pan American sports. The Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games will draw 10,000 athletes and officials and feature 48 sports in municipalities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe area. The Toronto 2015 Pan American Games will take place July 10-26 and the Parapan American Games August 7-14. For more information about the Games, please visit toronto2015.org.

For further information:

Carlene Siopis
Communications Advisor, TO2015
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]