Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) Small Business Program was recently named “2024 Buyer of the Year” of goods and services from Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) during Carolina-Virginia Minority Supplier Diversity Council’s (CVMSDC) annual Business Opportunity Conference in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

As one of 23 regional affiliate councils of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), CVMSDC aims to expand business opportunities for minority businesses by creating mutually beneficial relationships with corporate members. The top buyer award recognizes significant contributions to supplier development and regional small and minority business initiatives.

During the ceremony, special recognition was given to SRNS Buyer Jana Chavous, who received accolades for the award category, and SRNS Rachel Boyd who serves as liaison to the CVMSDC council.

“We continue to partner with CVMSDC to elevate minority business participation levels and foster economic development,” said Jay Johnson, SRNS Deputy Vice President and CVMSDC Board Member. “We execute a ‘small business first’ approach for our procurements — with some buyers awarding over 93% of work, in any given month, to small businesses.”

At the heart of CVMSDC’s initiative is the MBE Leaders Program (MLP), symbolized by the MLP Ring — encompassing Midlands, Low Country, Pee Dee and surrounding areas. SRNS leadership is instrumental in empowering MBEs, enhancing their capabilities and fostering sustainable growth.

“SRNS was selected from a competitive pool of nominees from the MLP Ring, including: BMW, Bank of America, Ferguson, Truist, Duke Energy, Fluor and HII,” continued Johnson.

Council President and Chief Executive Officer Dominique Milton said, “This is a well-deserved recognition for our partner SRNS and their impact in the region. They remain intentional about supplier diversity and inclusion; and [they] continue to share opportunities with minority businesses in Virginia and the Carolinas.” On behalf of SRNS, Buyer Jana Chavous was named the “2024 Buyer of the Year” by the Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council during the annual Business Opportunity Conference in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

SRNS has contracts with more than 80 minority businesses, which comprises 18% of the company’s overall supplier spend. Since 2012, SRNS has committed over $456 million to minority businesses in South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia and $1 billion nationally.

SRNS has led best practice supplier development initiatives with many of these small businesses. “SRNS Buyers continue to actively support small businesses through the Mentor-Protégé Program, partnership opportunities and local economic development projects,” said Lisa Tanner, SRNS Small Business Liaison Officer. “By championing small business interests, SRNS creates a more dynamic and resilient business ecosystem, contributing to the broader economic prosperity.”

“Our impactful sourcing teams and collaborative approach have cultivated an environment where corporate leaders, MBEs, and community stakeholders can unite for mutual benefit,” said Dave Dietz, SRNS Supply Chain Procurement Senior Director. “SRNS Supply Chain Management is committed to supporting and investing in our regional suppliers, to advance SRS missions.”

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, a Fluor and HII partnership company, is responsible for the management and operations of the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site, located near Aiken, South Carolina.