Representing Ball State Purchasing at the Supplier Diversity Development "Relationships to Partnerships Sessions" were Purchasing Coordinator Mark Keever and Purchasing Agent Tim Hagen. The event, held at Purdue's campus on November 13, 2007, consisted of four individual sessions targeting specific areas that concentrated on developing partnerships.

Mark Keever attended a session that pertained to Architects, Engineers, Constructors and related services.  Tim Hagen attended a session that addressed Marketing, Computer and Information Technology Services. Other sessions addressed Products and Goods, Green Purchasing, and Professional Services; with panel discussions and opportunities for networking with the attendees.

Guest Speaker Daryl Hodnett, Director of Proctor and Gamble's Diversity Development initiative program for the last 15 years, presented on the opportunities and impact that big business can have in stimulating Minority and Women Business Enterprise (M & WBE) business. Mr. Hodnett presented his films, " Supplier Diversity - The American Business Case," and "Creating Opportunities, The Diverse Solutions Story," followed by a question and answer session.

Mark Keever commented that this event fosters building and developing M & WBE business, referencing a quote by Jesse Moore, Director of the office of Supplier Diversity Development. "Many problems in minority communities such as housing, education and health care are classified as social problems, but are better classified as economic ones and the solution is to create wealth in minority communities."