As the state's largest health insurer, more than four million people depend on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for their health care benefits. To better serve this diverse population, we continue to take an inclusive approach to our community, clients and suppliers. The upcoming Ninth Annual Supplier Diversity Achievement Awards will shine a much-deserved light on many of our diverse partners who have embraced the cultural beliefs of Blue Cross and driven business results based on corporate goals and objectives. The Bartech Group (Bartech) is just one example of our diverse supplier partners that has played a significant role in helping BCBSM transform its operations, deliver value to customers and improve the health of the state of Michigan. Bartech is an industry-leading professional services firm that provides Blue Cross with staffing support across all labor categories. Since the partnership began in 1997, Bartech’s strategic solutions helped improve the Blues’ workplace labor plan. The company’s philosophy is simple: provide strategy, direction, tactics and enabling technology in a way that aligns recruiting efforts with corporate strategic goals. Just as Bartech has helped Blue Cross grow as a company, Blue Cross has sought to support Bartech as it developed into the leading global workforce management and staffing solutions provider that it is today. “We enjoy a great relationship with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan,” said David Barfield, President and CEO of Bartech. “Not only has our business with the Blues expanded, but their willingness to serve as a partner reference has enabled our growth with other clients.” Diverse suppliers, such as Bartech, have a remarkable impact on Michigan’s economy and population health. At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, we believe creating opportunities for diverse businesses is a key to our success. We are thankful for the tremendous accomplishments of Bartech and are proud to recognize this company, as well as all our diverse suppliers, at the Blues’ Ninth Annual Supplier Diversity Achievement Awards on Feb. 20, 2014.
