Johnson Controls Honored By the Michigan Minority Business Council
10 November 2000
Johnson Controls Honored as '2000 Corporation of the Year' By the Michigan Minority Business Development Council
Diversity commitment, support for minority-owned firms
enable supplier to win honor for fourth time in five years
PLYMOUTH, Mich., Nov. 9 Johnson Controls has a
strong commitment to diversity, as reflected by its ongoing efforts to support
minority-owned companies. For its outstanding work in this area, the
automotive interior supplier has been named "Corporation of the Year" for 2000
by the Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC).
Representatives from MMBDC presented Johnson Controls with the Corporation
of the Year Award at the group's annual recognition dinner last night. The
event, attended by more than 3,500 people, was held at Cobo Center in Detroit.
Johnson Controls -- a major, global manufacturer of vehicle interior
systems -- has operated a program to recruit and develop minority-owned
suppliers since the early 1990s. In fiscal-year 2000, the company purchased
more than $465 million in goods and services from minority-owned firms, a
figure that's expected to grow to $515 million in 2001.
MMBDC, a voluntary organization with more than 1,000 members, works to
create links between major automotive companies and minority businesses.
This year marks the fourth time in the past five years in which Johnson
Controls has gained Corporation of the Year recognition from MMBDC.
"Upholding diversity is an established element of our corporate mission
and values," said John Barth, president and chief operating officer for
Johnson Controls. "Being honored by MMBDC is a strong statement that we are
putting our values to work in a manner that brings significant benefits to the
community."
At last night's event, the MMBDC gave recognition to individuals and
companies for supporting minority businesses. Johnson Controls received the
2000 Corporation of the Year Award in the "Industrial Purchasing Sector -
Tier-One Supplier" category.
In addition, two Johnson Controls executives were honored at the event by
the MMBDC for their outstanding service to the organization during the past
few years. Barth was recognized for his leadership, dedication and five years
of service as vice chairman on the MMBDC Board of Directors. Chuck Blaylock,
director of corporate affairs for Johnson Controls and an executive-on-loan to
the MMBDC, was honored for his efforts in managing the organization's
successful Project O.N.E. program during the past two years. The program --
designed to enhance business relationships between a group of minority-owned
companies and non-minority firms -- has grown to a total of 20 business
modules generating more than $150 million in sales for MMBDC-certified
Minority Business Enterprises.
Here are highlights of Johnson Controls' recent activities and
achievements in support of minority-owned firms:
The company...
* Has integrated "minority business development" as a key component of its
strategic business plan. Purchases from minority-owned companies are targeted
to grow each year.
* Increased its level of purchasing from minority suppliers by more than
97 percent between 1999 and 2000, from $235 million to $465 million.
* Requires its vendors to develop and implement their own minority
business development programs.
* Has developed successful partnerships in support of minority
businesses. For example, Johnson Controls is a joint-venture partner in
Bridgewater Interiors, LLC of Detroit, a minority-owned firm with a $900
million contract to supply complete seat systems for Cadillac DeVille
vehicles.
* Sponsors educational fellowships for officials from minority-owned
firms. Each year since 1998, Johnson Controls has funded MMBDC fellowships
that enable executives to attend special programs at the graduate business
school of Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire.
* Convenes trade shows and other events to encourage companies to
purchase goods and services from minority-owned firms.
* Provides ongoing mentoring and training to minority suppliers.
* Has been a strong contributor to MMBDC. Barth and other Johnson Controls
executives have served in leadership roles for the organization.
* During 1999, launched a private web site on the Internet that helps
Johnson Controls employees, customers and suppliers locate and utilize
minority-owned companies.
"We've taken a positive concept -- 'minority supplier development' -- and
translated it into a real plan of action that creates a sustained business
impact and advantages all around," said Larry Alles, Johnson Controls' vice
president of purchasing - worldwide. "It's a community and business initiative
that works well, and supports our strategic objectives."