Volkswagen says it's already exceeded its goals for purchasing from minority businesses by the start of production at its Chattanooga plant.
Now, it's full speed ahead for the German Automaker's efforts to involve them.
That's where the third annual "Partnering for Success" Minority Business Trade Show comes in.
More than 40 of Volkswagen's biggest suppliers from all over the country joined minority business representatives here in Chattanooga... for the event.
John Taylor, Delphi Corp. a VW Supplier, "Delphi is truly committed to diversity both socially and from a business aspect. I came down here to find some suppliers we can do business with."
John Taylor came from Michigan at the invitation of his client... Volkswagen.
Keith Eakins, VW Manager of Supply Diversity, "We're looking for companies that are looking to do business that's the purpose of this show is companies that want to come and grow their business. This platform and this day is for those companies to come."
Eakins says events like this are the reason that the German Automaker earned recognition as Tennessee's corporation of the year for minority supply development.
And minority businesses owners in our region say they're reaping rewards too.
Frances Hall, Hall Communications Inc., "Some of my client companies, which when they get contracts that means I get contracts and so yes that has happened."
Organizers say the wheeling and dealing taking place here can have far reaching economic impact.
Cheri Henderson, TN Minority Supplier Development Council, "Whenever you bring more business into a company that causes expansion. Expansion creates the need for more employment and more employment increases the purchasing power, thus strengthening our communities as a whole."
Plans are already in the works to make the fourth annual minority business trade show even bigger and better than this year's.
