DaimlerChrysler Announces Winners of Supplier Diversity Awards and Introduces New Supplier Diversity Web Site
- DaimlerChrysler recognizes Rush Trucking, Johnson Controls and three Chrysler Group employees for their outstanding supplier diversity performance - Company introduces all new Supplier Diversity Web site and reporting system to establish new minority supplier relationships - DaimlerChrysler continues support for leadership and growth of minority-owned businesses
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 4 -- DaimlerChrysler today recognized two minority suppliers for their outstanding performance and three DaimlerChrysler employees for their impact on the supplier diversity development in 2004 during a reception at the Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC) Procurement Conference in Detroit. DaimlerChrysler also announced the launch of a new Web site and reporting system that will help identify and register potential minority suppliers and record Tier 2 minority spending by DaimlerChrysler suppliers.
The DaimlerChrysler Supplier Diversity Web site enables DaimlerChrysler to potentially increase minority sourcing business. The online supplier registration tool is designed to identify and register potential suppliers. It offers an enhanced resource for new suppliers to build relationships and understand specific procurement requirements. The Web site can be accessed at http://supplierdiversity.daimlerchrysler.com/ . "Supplier diversity initiatives are vital to the development of economic revitalization and job creation," said Jethro Joseph, Senior Manager, Diversity Supplier Development. "It is a business imperative for DaimlerChrysler to support minority suppliers. It is an honor to recognize those suppliers who make stellar achievements in their business operations."
Rush Trucking received the "Minority Business Enterprise of the Year" award for consistently providing reliable delivery services and demonstrating exemplary leadership. Rush Trucking actively participates in the supplier diversity program by purchasing more than 16 percent of its goods and services from other minority-owned businesses.
Johnson Controls, Inc. was awarded the "Supplier of the Year" award for consistently demonstrating its commitment to the small, minority and woman- owned business community. In 2004, DaimlerChrysler partnered with Johnson Controls and Bridgewater Interiors to create a minority business joint venture. The deal produced over $400 million in new business for the metropolitan Detroit area.
Several DaimlerChrysler employees were honored for their extraordinary efforts in enhancing minority supplier growth opportunities and increasing DaimlerChrysler supplier participation with minority sourcing. Kevin Galvin, Director, Exterior Trim Procurement received the "Director of the Year" award; Steve Alcock, Senior Manager, Electrical/Electronics Procurement was awarded the "Purchasing Agent of the Year" award; Timothy Wright, Production Buyer Powertrain, was honored with the "Buyer of the Year" award; and Charles Perkins, Program Manager, Diversity Supplier Development, received the "Spirit of Cooperation" award.
"Our on-going commitment is to develop and maintain a qualified minority supplier base that is reflective of our customers," said Joseph. "Recognizing suppliers and employees for their outstanding efforts, and initiating resources to benefit their businesses help build better operations and services that are profitable for everyone."
Recently, Chrysler Group Chief Operating Officer and Chrysler Group Diversity Council member Tom LaSorda addressed minority suppliers and students at the National Association of Black Automotive Suppliers and encouraged them to take a leading role in the automotive industry. LaSorda challenged minority suppliers to grow their businesses in order to respond to global opportunities, adding that diversity is viewed as a positive force for developing and growing DaimlerChrysler business.
Last year, DaimlerChrysler was among industry leaders in diversity procurement. In 2004, Chrysler Group spent $3.3 billion with minority suppliers, which represents 12 percent of its total purchasing spend, an increase of $300 million from the previous year. Since 1983, the Company has sourced more than $27 billion to minority-owned companies.
More than a dozen national and regional organizations recognized Chrysler Group in 2004 for its Diversity Supplier Development programs. Those awards included the National Minority Supplier Development Council "President's Recognition Award" to Thomas Sidlik, DaimlerChrysler AG Board of Management Member and Executive Vice President Global Procurement & Supply and the "Corporate Advocate of the Year" award from Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC). In addition, the MMBDC has recognized DaimlerChrysler with its most prestigious "Corporation of the Year" award four times.
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