The first half of 2023 was filled with training webinars and exciting networking events by the Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce (LALCC). This year has featured many training webinars about acquiring certifications, contracting information, business strategies, and best practices to help LALCC members position themselves for expansion and growth through new contracting opportunities. 

Culminating the first half of 2023 on a high note, the first ever “Vendor Diversity Fair’ featuring major Hospitals and Health Systems from Southern California was held at the PIH Health Facility in Whittier. The event aimed to promote and encourage new opportunities for vendors, small businesses, and members from the Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce.    

The fair started with welcoming remarks by Chico Manning, System Vice president of PIH Health and a special mention acknowledging the hard work by LALCC Chairman Darrel Sauceda and the support of LALCC to promote the fair as it was exceptionally well attended.

Next came a video presentation from a local contractor who won a bid to provide asbestos work at a hospital and it demonstrated how the experience led to an on-going business relationship that continues to this day. From that experience, the contractor was able to grow his family-owned business and hire more staff.

The Vendor Fair was created for vendors and suppliers to learn about the needs and requirements of major hospitals and health systems and how to position their businesses to meet those needs.  The event provided matchmaking opportunities for hospitals and health systems and diverse vendors/suppliers to exchange ideas, share best practices, and make meaningful connections with supply chain decisions makers.

Vendors were encouraged to bring handheld materials and business cards promoting their products and services.  Prior to the event, vendors were instructed to prepare a script and be ready to pitch their products and services.     

The vendors were encouraged to discuss contracting opportunities, business requirements and certifications needed to start the process.  Hospital Supply Chain managers and their staff from PHI Health, Pomona Valley, Henry Mayo Clinic, Kaiser, Cedars Sinai, Riverside University Health Systems, Children’s Hospital LA were made available to LALCC members to learn how to become a vendor, the bidding process and win contracts.

Before the Vendor Fair, Darrel Sauceda, Chairman of LALCC met with executives from major Hospitals and Health Systems and urged them to open their contracting opportunities to Latino, Women, Veteran owned businesses who are members of LALCC.  Mr. Sauceda said the Diversity Fair was a major milestone for the chamber and the first ever of its kind.

The fair was Hosted by PIH Health, Communities Lifting Communities, and Hospital Association of Southern California. A second Hospital Supplier Diversity Conference is scheduled for the fall at the California Endowment in Los Angeles. The conference will feature hospitals and health systems.  LALCC members are encouraged to register and attend and to learn more about contracting opportunities, requirements, and certifications when registration becomes available.

Please visit the LALCC website for more information and to register for upcoming events.