Small biz could be solution to supply chain woes, says Children’s Mercy CEO; Why shared economic prosperity catalyzes innovation

By Startland News

It’s all about the ripple effect of outcomes, said Paul Kempinski, diagnosing the community health potential (and business case) for supplier diversity efforts. Corporate leaders just need to connect the dots.

“The more we advance our efforts with supplier diversity, the more it will catalyze innovation — as well as bring the opportunity to engage with those who don’t have equal access in the community. The goal is for economic prosperity to be shared,” said Kempinski, president and chief executive officer of Children's Mercy Kansas City. 

Children’s Mercy recently pledged its commitment — alongside 11 industry-crossing, major Kansas City-based corporations — to KC Rising’s CEO-to-CEO Challenge, an initiative encouraging corporate CEOs to increase spending with diverse small businesses.

Investing in supplier diversity reflects the mission and strategic plan of Children’s Mercy, Kempinski said, noting the efforts will bring a long-term, widespread impact to the organization. 

“When we connect the dots ever further as a children’s health organization, increasing supplier diversity will ultimately improve the quality of life for the families and children who are a part of these organizations that represent supplier diversity,” Kempinski explained. “It not only ties into our efforts and our obligation to be part of the community of leaders in diversity, equity and inclusion — but longitudinally, it ties into improving the quality of life and health status of citizens, especially children, in the community, which is aligned with our mission directly.”

Read the full article via the Startland News.