GCP Board approves resolution supporting diversity and inclusion as core operating principle

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Cleveland, Ohio-Dec. 9, 2008 - The Greater Cleveland Partnership Board of Directors has approved a resolution that supports diversity and inclusion as a core operating principle for the GCP Board and the organization as a whole. With this approval, the Board formally affirmed its previous commitment to be representative and reflective of the diversity of the GCP's membership and to support efforts and initiatives inclusive of the wide diversity of businesses and individuals in Northeast Ohio. The Board took this action at its quarterly meeting held Dec. 9.

The resolution states that the GCP's leadership body "embraces board diversity as a calculated strategy to enhance organizational creativity, promote competitiveness throughout its markets and ensure responsive corporate action." The action also encourages and supports the GCP's supplier diversity initiative aimed at ensuring a more diverse and competitive supplier base for the organization.

To address diversity and inclusion, the GCP also works through the Commission on Economic Inclusion, a GCP program focused on accelerating efforts to ensure full participation by minority individuals and minority-owned businesses in the region's economic development. In addition, the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE), the GCP's small business partner, supports and assists the growth efforts of the region's small business owners.

The Greater Cleveland Partnership,(GCP), the primary voice for businesses in Greater Cleveland, seeks to create jobs and improve the economic vitality of the region. On behalf of its more than 17,000 members, the GCP advocates with one voice; advances small business success; accelerates economic inclusion; builds a high-impact, sustainable economic development system; changes the face of Cleveland; strengthens global connections; and initiates a demand-driven talent system. The GCP is a founder and proud supporter of the Cleveland Plus marketing campaign.

The Commission on Economic Inclusion, a program of the GCP, is working to establish Northeast Ohio as a national model for economic inclusion. It is composed of more than 110 Northeast Ohio employers who have committed to improving board, senior management, workforce and supplier diversity within their organizations.

The Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) is one of Ohio's largest small business support organizations, striving to help small businesses grow and maintain their independence. Comprised of more than 17,000 member companies, COSE has a long history of fighting for the rights of all small business owners, whether it's through group purchasing programs for health care, workers' compensation, or energy, advocating for specific changes in legislation or regulation to benefit small business, or providing a forum and resource for small businesses to connect with and learn from each other.

Back to News