The first annual MLB Diversity Business Summit, which is being held today in Chicago. Though hosted by the Chicago White Sox, representatives from all 30 MLB clubss and 10 minor league teams will meet with job seekers and vendors. Special attendees include MLB Commissioner Bud Selig and team owners will speak on panels. Organizers expect up to 1,000 people to attend.
In addition to employees for many of its departments, MLB clubs are looking for minority-owned businesses to provide a variety of services , including promotional items, maintenance work, and financial and marketing services. Workshops will be offered on licensing, sponsorship and international baseball operations.
An article highlighting the inaugural event and some local minority-owned businesses is available through the Chicago Tribune. You must be a premium member to read the article, but registration is free. The host team Chicago White Sox have already issued a a report on some of the day’s major events, including the morning address with remarks from Jerry Reinsdorf, chairman of the White Sox. “People tend to act in ways that are in their own selfish best interests. We just feel its in our own selfish best interests to deal with the whole world,” said Reinsdorf. “And when you’re hiring people, do you want the pool to be everybody or do you want it to be a small pool? If you’re looking for quality prices, why not open it to the whole world? You’re going to get better deals that way. If you can do good along the way, that’s fine. But the fact of the matter is that diversity is really good business.”
Update: MLB released it’s own lengthy summary of the event on its website, which includes a video.
