In 1984, CenterPoint Energy issued a policy of "Maximum Practicable Opportunity" for promotion of business with diverse business enterprises and began computerized tracking of purchasing volume with them. CenterPoint Energy thus began its Supplier Diversity program. Through outreach, mentoring and internal corporate education, the company nurtured its program, in strong collaboration with the Houston Minority Business Council and Houston Women's Business Council.
CenterPoint Energy first created its Supplier Diversity Advisory Council in 1991. Since then, management and employees together have worked hard to evolve supplier diversity into a strategic business initiative. CenterPoint Energy's corporate-wide Supplier Diversity Policy Statement was signed early in the year 2000.
