The 1st Annual Detroit Public Schools Top 100 Supplier Meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 14 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the General Motors Renaissance Center, organized by the DPS Office of Procurement and Logistics.

The conference is called as part of DPS’ efforts to develop a stronger partnership with top suppliers and create a strategic focus by zeroing in on quality, service, collaboration and cost.

The meeting will include supplier recognition awards and an opportunity for small group breakout sessions following presentations by Emergency Manager Roy S. Roberts; new Chief Procurement and Logistics Officer Tracy Joshua, who was recently appointed to the position by Roberts; Superintendent of Academics Karen Ridgeway; and Chief Financial Officer William Aldridge.

“The complete realignment of a formerly, contract-centered-Contracting and Procurement function to a new Procurement and Logistics department strategically focused on quality, service, collaboration and cost, will lead to improved supplier performance and customer satisfaction,” Joshua said.

“A ‘top supplier’ is critically focused on providing quality goods and services innovatively that are delivered on time, every time, at the right price with the right contract terms and conditions, working together with DPS to ensure excellence in sourcing,” Roberts said, adding, “For too long, we were focused on programs and individuals and not what’s good for the 70,000 students. This is an opportunity to change that.”