Caracal’s participation as an exhibitor at this year’s National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) conference held October 21-22, 2024, at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center, marked a significant milestone for our team. First, it marked Caracal’s 20th anniversary and spotlighted two decades of substantial growth for our company. Secondly, with over 400 businesses and more than 5,000 attendees gathered to champion the future of minority business enterprises, Caracal’s presence was our most expansive to date. Featuring a large primary booth – our biggest yet – and a nearby collaborative space, Caracal demonstrated our growing influence and commitment to supporting minority business growth.
Amid the vibrant atmosphere of industry professionals and advocates, Caracal made valuable connections with both existing partners and promising new prospects. The NMSDC conference provided a unique opportunity to showcase our new offerings alongside some of our existing capabilities, while affirming our dedication to diversity and innovation. From kitting and printing to healthcare products, circular recycling strategies, and paper solutions, Caracal’s offerings captivated attendees. This engagement was especially meaningful as we continue to support the mission of NMSDC and expand our reach to strengthen minority enterprises.
The 2024 NMSDC conference was an exceptional turnout for our team, marking our largest representation yet. With over 30 team members and strategic partners on-site, including our Owner, Board Members, C-suite executives, Directors, Managers, and participants from our Caracal Academy and LYNX mentoring programs, we had a strong presence that spoke to our commitment. Our strategic business partners, such as Taylor, Owens & Minor/HALYARD*, the Markey Group and I2Pure, joined us to support our message of innovation and inclusivity. Together, we emphasized the importance of collaboration and networking to advance Caracal’s mission.
For the past 20 years, Caracal has provided excellent customer service and high-quality products – at a fair price – while demonstrating a commitment to diversity, community development, and investment in a sustainable environmental future. Both at our thoughtfully designed booth and through our engagement on the show floor, NMSDC attendees learned about a wide spectrum of Caracal’s services, with a special spotlight on our newly launched Environmental Solutions Division. This initiative drew considerable interest, particularly from healthcare organizations eager to adopt sustainability practices. It was evident to these stakeholders that Caracal has channeled its substantial growth into delivering innovative products and services to the entire healthcare supply chain. Our environmental solutions – specifically, the debut of our Circular Recycling program – provided a timely answer for companies looking to enhance their sustainability efforts. We are thrilled to share that discussions with several organizations have begun, and one major healthcare system has already committed to participating in our recycling initiatives and purchasing commodities through Caracal to meet their minority spend goals.
One of the most rewarding highlights of this year’s NMSDC was the Minority Business Enterprise Legal Defense and Education Fund (MBELDEF) winning the “Champions of Minority Business Development Advocate of the Year” award. As Chair of the MBELDEF Board, Caracal’s CEO Don Roberts proudly accepted this recognition – alongside Sarah von der Lippe, the organization’s Chief Legal Counsel – during National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. The award acknowledges MBELDEF’s vital role in advocating for minority-owned businesses, promoting equal opportunity, and providing crucial legal support. This well-deserved honor reflects the transformative impact MBELDEF continues to make across the business landscape.
Adding a fun twist to the conference experience, Caracal participated in the 2024 NMSDC Scavenger Hunt hosted by In Cheq. As one of the scavenger hunt stops, our booth invited attendees to meet FRED, our company mascot, and snap a selfie with him. This interactive activity increased engagement with other participants and highlighted our vibrant company culture. Completed scavenger hunts entered participants into a drawing for prizes, including free registration for next year’s conference — an exciting opportunity for us to connect with future clients in a unique way.
With this year’s conference theme “Defining New Norms,” Caracal’s presence truly defined new norms for our company. Looking ahead to the 2025 NMSDC show in Miami, we are energized and ready to further elevate our impact, reinforcing our role in helping close the equity gap and secure a place for minority-owned businesses. This year’s conference was more than a success; it was a testament to Caracal’s growth, dedication, and bright future on the path to inclusion and innovation.