New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council Celebrates “Council of the Year Award” from National Minority Supplier Development Council

The Council's 35th Anniversary Gala Honored Bank of America and Con Edison with Top Corporation Awards for Minority Business Development.

New York, NY, December 24, 2008 --(PR.com)-- The New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council celebrated its prestigious “Council of the Year Award” from the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) during its 35th Anniversary Partnership Awards Gala, a tribute to business collaborations between New York and New Jersey corporations and minority entrepreneurs, held November 14 at the New York Marriott Marquis.

“The Council is honored to have earned NMSDC’s ‘Council of the Year Award,’” said Lynda Ireland, president and CEO, New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council. “Thanks to the support of our corporate members and minority business owners, some of The Council’s recent successes include signing reciprocal agreements with the City of New York and New York State for minority businesses, creating a national online course for supplier diversity executives with Rutgers University and opening a New Jersey office in Newark with PSEG.”

The 35th Anniversary Partnership Awards Gala saluted Bank of America with the “National Corporation of the Year Award.” Con Edison was honored with the “Regional Corporation of the Year Award.” Harvey Butler, vice president of supplier diversity procurement at JP Morgan Chase & Company was presented with the “Coordinator of the Year Award.” Cheryl Monroe, vice president, supply diversity and vendor development at Macy’s, Inc., earned The Council’s first “The Rising Star Award.”

The “Supplier of the Year Awards” were presented to Council-certified minority-owned businesses, with revenues from $1 million to $200 million, for outstanding business performance and community service. The Class I Award winner was Jennifer Young-Jackson, president and Stephen Jackson, general manager of RoaDDoggZ Productions, an award winning film/video production company. The Class III Award went to Lisa Price, creator and president of Carol’s Daughter, a manufacturer, retailer and wholesaler of fragrances, beauty and grooming products. The Class IV Award winner was Warren M. Thompson, president and chairman of Thompson Hospitality Services, a food service, restaurant and retail, and facilities management firm.

“In 2007, this council proved itself through dynamic educational offerings, created and provided numerous opportunities for MBEs and corporate members to connect and had exceptional operational success,” said Harriet Michel, president of NMSDC, which has 39 regional councils nationwide. “This council is not only outstanding but constantly seeks to improve its performance year after year.”

At the 35th Anniversary Partnership Awards, Greta Davis, executive director of supplier diversity at Time Warner, was the corporate co-chair and Ranjini Poddar, co-founder and president of Artech Information Systems, was the MBE co-chair. The evening presentation was hosted by Stephanie Elam, CNN business correspondent and featured Hilton Smith, senior vice president for corporate and community affairs at Turner Construction Company, and the chairperson of The Council. The sponsors were Artech Information Systems LLC, Time Warner Inc, Con Edison, Novo Nordisk, PepsiCo, Prudential and PSEG.

“Although we are in the midst of an economic crisis, we must not lose sight that minority owned firms play a critical role in generating jobs, creating wealth and introducing innovating products and services in local communities,” stated Ireland.

The rich ethnic diversity of the New York – New Jersey region is reflected in the 1,300 minority entrepreneurs certified by the New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council. This includes African-American, Asian Indian-American, Asian Pacific-American, Hispanic-American and Native-American businesses with annual revenues ranging from $100,000 to$3 billion. The Council has over 200 corporate members, which comprise some of America’s largest and influential Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies and educational institutions.

###
Contact
NY & NJ Minority Supplier Development Council
Fern Gillespie
917-334-9298
www.nynjmsdc.org
ContactContact
Categories