Chrysler Group Hosts Diversity Marketplace Expo

- Company commemorates 'Diversity Week' October 13 - 17 - Monica Emerson, Diversity Executive Director, says diversity is crucial to Company's success in the global marketplace

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 17 -- Chrysler Group celebrated "Diversity Week" this week with a number of activities and events designed to honor the unique talents of its employees and serve as an educational forum about the importance of diversity in the workplace and community. The weeklong celebration culminates in a marketplace expo today at Chrysler's headquarters with more than 30 businesses, community organizations and companies participating including Women's Economic Club, Youth Beyond Borders and the Detroit Urban League.

"Our company benefits from having a team of talented people from different cultures and points of view," said Monica E. Emerson, Chrysler Group Executive Director - Corporate Diversity Office. "We encourage the integration of diversity in all aspects of our business and are supportive and responsible to our diverse employees, customers, suppliers, and stakeholders. At Chrysler Group, diversity is crucial to our success in the global marketplace."

With the theme "Many Talents - One Company - Winning Together," this year's Diversity Week showcases Chrysler Group's commitment to diversity as a positive force for the development and growth of its business.

The Company's six Employee Resource Groups (Asian, African-American, Native American, Hispanic, Women and People of Diversity - GLBT), assist the company to raise awareness around key diversity issues. Diversity Week activities this week included employee "brown bag" sessions and panel discussions from the African American and Asian networks, Native American Employee Resource Group, and Women's Forum. Earlier this week, WXYZ-Channel 7 anchor and motivational speaker Frank Turner, delivered a keynote address on the topic of spirituality in the workplace.

"We recognize diversity as a positive force for global opportunity and growth," said Lisa J. Wicker, Senior Executive - Diversity Strategies and Operations. "We're committed to creating an environment where every employee can do their best work."

Chrysler Group's diversity initiatives extend beyond internal programs. The company supports organizations and institutions that foster diversity, as well. Chrysler Group is one of the original supporters of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Hispanic Association of Corporate Responsibility (HACR). Both aim to establish fair share initiatives in employment and economic equity.

Chrysler Group also has launched various initiatives to enhance minority supplier sourcing opportunities. These include the Minority Enterprise Initiative, a mentoring program that provides minority suppliers with comprehensive business assessments to help them improve their current processes. In addition, the "Matchmaker" program provides an opportunity for minority-owned companies to meet Chrysler Group Tier One suppliers to be "matched up" for potential business relationships. Now in its third year, the program has generated $110 million in new business opportunities.

In 2002, Chrysler Group sourced more than $3 billion to minority suppliers, representing 11 percent of its annual purchases. The Company has been named "Corporation of the Year" an unprecedented four times in a row for its commitment to the support and growth of minority business by the Michigan Minority Business Development Council.

Earlier this month, both Emerson and Wicker were recognized as leaders in workforce diversity by Oakland University and Women of Color, respectively.

Key highlights of Diversity Week include:

Monday, October 13 - DaimlerChrysler African American Network General Membership Meeting

Guest speaker: Tom Sidlik, Chrysler Group Executive Vice President -- Procurement and Supply

Tuesday, October 14 - DaimlerChrysler Native American Employee Resource Group Brown Bag:

  "Beginning the Journey to Your Past" (Family tree research basics)
  Keynote address with WXYZ anchor and motivational speaker Frank Turner

  Wednesday, October 15 -  DaimlerChrysler Women's Forum Brown Bag:
  "Meet & Greet" (Network event with the Women's Forum members)

  Thursday, October 16 - DaimlerChrysler Asian Network Brown Bag:

"Experience Asian Culture Through Art" (A showcase of the rich heritage, customs and practices of Asia)

Rainbow Push 4th Annual Automotive Symposium - "Removing Cultural Blinders for Economic Growth: Greening the Brownfields"

Friday, October 17 - The Diversity Marketplace Expo

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