Ohio-based ""Safeguard Properties"":http://www.safeguardproperties.com announced the results of a diversity survey of its vendor network, showing that 33 percent of its contracted services in 2010 went to businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities. Annual expenditures with these companies exceeded $153 million.
[IMAGE]
Safeguard CEO Alan Jaffa made the announcement on Monday at the company's Eighth Annual Vendor Conference in Cleveland, attended by more than 1,500 vendors from across the country, in addition to clients, civic leaders, and community partners.
""The clients we serve expect us to provide economic opportunities to companies that represent the diversity of communities across the country,"" Jaffa said. ""We have always been proud of our efforts to encourage and promote diversity, both within the Safeguard workplace and among our vendor networks.""
Jaffa added, ""Although no official industry record is maintained on this, we believe our expenditure with diverse businesses is the highest in the field services industry.""
Vendors are individuals and companies with whom Safeguard contracts to inspect and maintain defaulted and foreclosed homes across the country. The company's vendor network comprises nearly 10,000 businesses. On a monthly basis, Safeguard inspects and maintains more than one million properties nationally.
Jaffa says Safeguard is teaming up with its servicing clients to expand certification and training programs.
""Our goal is to provide even greater business opportunities for all vendors who partner with us to protect and preserve properties for the mortgage servicing industry,"" Jaffa said.