On June 3, the UCSF Office of Small Business, Office of Opportunity and Outreach, CLS, HR, Anchor Institution Mission Procurement team in CGR and Supply Chain Management held the  second annual Supplier Connections Expo during Staff Resource Days at the William J. Rutter Center of the Mission Bay campus.  More than 200 UCSF Health and Campus employees attended the event--along with members of the University of California Office of the President and San Francisco and Oakland chambers of commerce. The event established new connections and strengthened existing ones for both UCSF and our small business community.  

The event showcased 15 certified small-business suppliers of goods and services, along with 13 local caterers offering delicious tastings. Attendees enjoyed the face-to-face interaction with the businesses and gained greater insight into their offerings and services for future procurement opportunities. More than 20 prizes were donated by local companies, and UCSF partners were raffled off to lucky winners. Prizes included duffle bags, water bottles, wellness gift bags and pouches, candles, journals, gratitude banks, pens, and gift cards. We had raffle donations from UCOP, Office of Opportunity and Outreach, Facilities Services, Human Resources, AIM Procurement in CGR, Real Estate, small businesses I.D Me Promotions and Ellaprint. Thank you for your support!

 Aside from the tasty catered samples coordinated with our partner America To Go, Marliz Copado and her team of volunteers assembled small, local suppliers representing a variety of goods and services. Attendees gave great feedback and rated the event 4.9 stars (out of 5 possible stars). Strengthening ties with our community is an important Supply Chain effort that benefits all of UCSF. Thanks to everyone who attended or helped with the event execution.

We encourage you to further explore the suppliers featured at our Supplier Connections Expo at SRD26 and connect with those whose products and services align with your department's needs. Every purchase with certified small and local business suppliers is an opportunity to advance UCSF's mission and community impact. View the supplier list here.