As a part of Construction Inclusion Week we will have articles from Clark team members discussing various topics in a JEDI lens.

by Jeremy Barr

I’m proud to work at a company where inclusion is not only a belief we share, but a practice that we participate in.

Clark’s commitment to supplier diversity goes beyond its numbers. I am personally a member of the Supplier Diversity subcommittee where we actively track, measure, and identify trends from our suppliers. This allows us to view where our strengths are and, more importantly, where we need to seek improvement.  We are proud to partner with a diverse range of suppliers who each bring their own perspectives and strengths to the table.

Why does supplier diversity matter so much to Clark?

• Supplier diversity is critical to the growth and success of the construction industry.  Our industry is not typically known for its ability to embrace change. However, as our country and culture change rapidly, it’s never been more important for our industry to embrace that change in order to not only survive, but to thrive.
• Supplier diversity strengthens the economic health of both local communities and the small, diverse business that reside in them. This, in turn, supports job growth in these businesses and fosters entrepreneurship among those who are often underrepresented in the construction industry.
• Supplier diversity is becoming increasingly important to both customers, who have become increasingly aware of where material and labor is being sourced from, as well as to top talent, who have shown to prefer employers that value diverse work cultures.
• Bottom line: We believe in creating opportunities for all, regardless of background, fostering a culture of inclusion.