Nordstrom Aims to Hire Minority Contractors in Bellevue

SEATTLE—A major construction project planned for Bellevue offers a host of contracting opportunities, many of them earmarked for minority- and women-owned businesses.
Seattle-based Nordstrom Inc. will host a project preview event for the remodel of its Bellevue Square store from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the Hilton Airport and Conference Center, 17620 Pacific Highway S. in Seattle. The event is an opportunity for minority- and women-owned businesses to learn more about the retailer's contracting opportunities.
"Through this program, Nordstrom continues to build new partnerships with qualified minority- and women-owned businesses," said Barbara Valdez, director of the Nordstrom Supplier Diversity Program. "We're excited about remodeling our Bellevue store and hope for a strong turnout of businesses that would like to learn more about working with Nordstrom"
Nordstrom is seeking subcontractors for interior and exterior portions of the project, as well as vendors and contractors for construction supplies and materials. To be considered, a company must be licensed and bondable and demonstrate private-sector experience.
Nordstrom construction policy prohibits joint ventures or construction managers. Architectural and design services are not open for bidding. Interested subcontractors and suppliers are strongly encouraged to attend the event to be considered for the project and should bring with them complete information about their company.
The Nordstrom Supplier Diversity Program was created specifically to develop business partnerships with minority- and women-owned vendors, suppliers and construction subcontractors. In addition to construction services and supplies, the program identifies products ranging from women's apparel to office supplies.
In 2005, Nordstrom expenditures with minority- and women-owned businesses reached $635 million, bringing total expenditures to $6.4 billion since the program's inception in 1989.
Nordstrom is also a member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council and many of its local affiliates. In 2004 and 2005, the Northwest Minority Business Council recognized Nordstrom as Corporation of the Year for promoting minority business development through its Supplier Diversity Program.