Introduction
Dear Current and Prospective Boyd Gaming Suppliers:
It has been four years since we launched the Boyd Electronic Sourcing Portal "BeST"
to the public. Since that time we have continued to build and enhance the system
which now includes a new and improved registration tool, incorporation of an electronic
bidding feature as well as posting Company credit references. BeST is intended to
provide transparency about Boyd Gaming as well as a valuable "on-boarding" tool
to facilitate the inclusion of capable new suppliers into the procurement process.
We are all impacted by the current economic conditions and this has caused both
Boyd Gaming and its suppliers to be innovative in looking at ways to create additional
value by taking cost out of the supply chain. Cost reductions are not only on the
products and services we buy, they are also related to the processes surrounding
our "procurement to pay" function. We are continuing to look at a variety of processes
including ordering frequency, payment terms, inventory levels, accuracy of our item
descriptions, visibility of supplier costs, opportunities for consolidation and
branding of B-Connected into the products and service we procure.
In 2010, positive progress is continuing to be made related to our supplier diversity
initiatives. Boyd Gaming is as committed as ever to working with a diverse supply
base by providing opportunities for small and diverse businesses. Boyd Gaming is
one of the few gaming companies that provide reporting of our supplier diversity
spend consistent with industry guidance provided through the American Gaming Association.
Boyd reports only those suppliers that have provided third-party verification, usually
in the form of a certificate by organizations such as the National Minority Supplier
Development Council; www.nmsdc.org
or agencies which can be found at www.americangaming.org/diversity/vendors/certifications.cfm.
We continue to provide in the BeST portal under Supplier Diversity, "Useful Links"
to other certifying organizations. Proof of status as a Minority or Women owned
business enterprise "M/WBE" by third parties is critical to ensure the integrity
of our reporting by having true and accurate designations. M/WBE suppliers can directly
upload certificates into their profile and are encouraged to keep certificates current
as they expire. In 2010 we will be putting additional focus to work with M/WBE suppliers
to attain third party certification. If you have any questions regarding the certification
process, please refer to the FAQ section or send a note to diversitymatters@boydgaming.com.
For those of you that may be interested in doing business with Boyd Gaming, we would
encourage you learn about the Company and where we do business. Through the BeST
portal and at boydgaming.com, there is information that can perhaps help you and
help us define specific areas of opportunity. The next step is to complete the Supplier
Application and it important to be accurate in completing the required information.
Completing the supplier application does not guarantee contracts nor does it commit
Boyd Gaming to do business with your company. Any inaccurate, misleading or false
information may disqualify you from any future bid opportunities.
Again, thank you for your interest in Boyd Gaming.
Rick Darnold Vice President, Strategic Sourcing
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