BLACK ENTERPRISE Names Ford Division President Darryl B. Hazel Corporate Executive of the Year for 2005

America's Leading Executive, the 20 Top Franchises for African Americans, and the Best Corporate Diversity Strategies Highlight September's BLACK ENTERPRISE

NEW YORK, Aug. 29 -- Darryl B. Hazel, Vice President, Ford Motor Co./President, Ford Division, has been named the BLACK ENTERPRISE (BE) Corporate Executive of the Year in the Publication's September 2005 issue. "Over a 29-year period, Hazel excelled in a series of managerial positions -- from sales and marketing to strategic management and product development -- which made him one of the industry's most knowledgeable and accomplished executives," notes Features Editor Alan Hughes in the executive profile "Fixing Ford." In 2001, Hazel became a Ford vice president and head of the Ford Customer Service Division. In 2002 he was named President of Ford's Lincoln Mercury Division, which rolled-out seven new products in 14 months under his leadership. By April 2005 Hazel was promoted to president of the mammoth Ford Division, overseeing virtually all marketing, sales, and distribution operations. For achieving such phenomenal growth and serving as a force for revitalization and renewal within Ford, BE chose Hazel as its top executive for 2005. (Pg. 116)

Each year, BLACK ENTERPRISE compiles a list of the top franchises that offer the best opportunities for African Americans. September's "20 Best Franchising Opportunities" represents the editors' choice of the most favorable business prospects across a range of the hottest industries. The results are based on a national survey of more than 400 members of the International Franchise Association and factor in data such as affordable start-up costs, revenue growth projections, and minority franchise outreach programs. BE's 2005 Best Franchising List includes Carvel, Church's Chicken, Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery, and Meineke Car Care Centers. (Pg. 108)

When BLACK ENTERPRISE published its 30 Best Companies for Diversity in July, the editors reported that as much as corporate America touts the importance of diversity in business, many companies remain uncertain about how to maximize the benefits of a more creative and strategic workforce. The 30 companies that appeared on our diversity list have made significant progress toward inclusion at all levels, from the mailroom to the boardroom, but 17 of the companies have been the target of discrimination lawsuits within the last two years. In fact, lawsuits, complaints, and frustrations on both sides of the table are a result of the many ongoing challenges facing corporate America as it struggles to manage issues surrounding gender, race, and culture. As part of BE's ongoing diversity coverage, Careers/Lifestyle Editor Sonia Alleyne hosts September's Diversity Roundtable and gives readers an insider's view from the leaders responsible for implementation and management of such programs. Those in attendance included senior-level executives from Accenture, Fannie Mae, Hershey Co., McDonald's Corp., and Wal-Mart. (Pg. 100)

Identity theft is the country's fastest growing crime. In "Stolen Lives" BE provides essential advice on how to protect valuable financial information, assets, and offers strategies for those who have become victims. (Pg. 86)

The September issue of BLACK ENTERPRISE is available on newsstands now.

BLACK ENTERPRISE, your ultimate guide to financial empowerment, is the premier business and investment resource for African Americans. Since 1970, be has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. The publication provides 3.8 million readers with monthly information on entrepreneurship, careers, and financial management. As the definitive source of information for and about African American business markets and leaders, be is the authority for business news and trends. The magazine is published by Earl G. Graves Publishing Co., New York.