They are the engine of the American economy. When they succeed, communities gain economic strength and benefit from the jobs, training and support they provide.

To help fuel their growth, in 2003 Allstate established a supplier diversity program that actively seeks out diverse suppliers and invites them to compete for our existing procurement opportunities. The program is led by a dedicated full-time senior-level executive, integrated across all levels of our company and tied to performance evaluation for many of our procurement managers. When procurement opportunities arise, our managers scan the marketplace for qualified diverse suppliers and invite them to compete for the opportunity to work with Allstate. All leaders are required to provide their suppliers an opportunity to compete for our business. If the suppliers accept, they enter Allstate’s rigorous procurement process alongside all competing vendors. And if they win, they win on their merits.

Strategically growing the diversity of Allstate’s supplier base is good for business and good for society. Our company obtains the goods and services we need to continue operating smoothly. Small and diverse businesses grow and prosper. In turn, they provide jobs and other services that strengthen their own communities. In the long run, strong and vital communities create wealth for their citizens and eventually, demand for Allstate products.

Allstate uses criteria established by the Small Business Association to define and target “diverse” suppliers (see full program details and eligibility criteria). We measure our progress by measuring our targeted spend in the three categories listed in bold type below. We also measure our inclusive spend in all 12 categories identified by the United States Small Business Association as diverse and of special interest in meeting statutory obligations. These include:

• Minority/Women Owned Enterprise (M/WBE)
• Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)
• Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
• Disabled Business Enterprises (DIS)
• Disabled Veterans Business Enterprises (DVET)
• Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE)
• Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCU)
• Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUB Zone)
• Small Business Administration 8(a) Program (SBA8(a))
• Small Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (SDB)
• Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (VET)
• Small Business Enterprise (SBE)

In 2007, Allstate spent $201.8 million with 2,591 women- and minority-owned businesses.

Our membership with select organizations helps us to identify successful practices in supplier diversity, conduct national benchmarking and connect with diverse suppliers at a variety of forums. Allstate is a member of:

• National Minority Business Council
• Women Business Enterprise National Council
• National Hispanic Corporate Council