Supplier Diversity Overview

For more than 30 years, Washington Gas has had a well respected and growing Supplier Diversity program. It is our corporate policy to support diverse and protected-class businesses. To our company, this approach is simply a sound business practice: seeking and procuring goods and services from a diverse set of vendors which produces competition in the marketplace that provides a benefit to our customers, community and our employees.

Over the past three years, Washington Gas had been named as one of the 40 Best Companies for Diversity in Black Enterprise magazine. Our efforts resulted in significant increases in total system procurement from minority and protected- class businesses, and we continue our efforts to foster supplier diversity in our operations.

On Feb. 6, 2009, Washington Gas and other Maryland utilities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Maryland Public Service Commission. The MOU established long-term goals for each utility to spend 25% with minority, women and service-disabled veteran business enterprises. The MOU requires that the utilities report the team's annual accomplishments and activities in promoting their supplier diversity programs. This reporting reflects the spend for goods/services and diverse supplier spend of our service territory in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

By signing the MOU, Washington Gas further demonstrates its commitment to supplier diversity and challenges us to develop initiatives that will cultivate the success of our vendors.

At Washington Gas, we understand that our responsibilities extend beyond our customers. By having a Supplier Diversity Program at Washington Gas, we have made a commitment to help enhance the quality of life throughout the community.

"Miller's is very fortunate to have recently entered into an agreement with Washington Gas that will be a significant catalyst to our growth in the coming years. Their procurement team was open to learning about and recognizing the value that a small, woman-owned local business can provide. As a result Washington Gas is now experiencing better service and pricing while also supporting a local small business"
-- Patricia Miller - President, Miller's Office Supply

"Washington Gas has played a vital role in our company's success and image in our community.  Working for Washington Gas is like playing baseball for top tier organizations like the Yankees, Red Sox or Dodgers.  Our relationship has allowed  C&E to expand into new areas and expand company capabilities."
--Carl Briggs - President, C&E