Corporate Excellence Recognized at the Michigan Minority Supplier Development (MMSDC) Council 28th Annual Awards

DETROIT, Oct. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) announced the winners of their 28th Annual Awards at the Max Fisher Music Center. On October 4, over 600 of the nation's top corporate executives and minority business owners celebrated the stars whose work produced over $16 billion in contracts.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111028/DC95785)

The MMSDC "Celebrate the Stars of Supplier Diversity" Award recognizes the best and most strategic companies in the world. The award winners have created thousands of jobs in Michigan and invested in our local community. They recognize the innovation and value in supplier diversity.

"The winners of these highly competitive awards demonstrate not only outstanding business acumen but leave a lasting heritage of excellence and growth in our communities," said Louis Green, MMSDC President and CEO.

2011 Stars of Supplier Diversity:

Supplier of the Year Class I: Unique Expressions
Supplier of the Year Class II: Powerlink Facilities Management Services
Supplier of the Year Class III: Epitec Group, Inc.
Supplier of the Year Class IV: Vision Information Technology (VisionIT)
Corporation of the Year - Commercial Products: Herman Miller
Corporation of the Year - Construction: Walbridge
Corporation of the Year - Consumer Products: DTE Energy
Corporation of the Year - Education &Government Entities: Wayne State University
Corporation of the Year - Finance & Insurance: AAA Michigan
Corporation of the Year - Health Care: Henry Ford Health System
Corporation of the Year - Information Technology: IBM
Corporation of the Year - Professional Services: Kelly Services
Corporation of the Year - Manufacturing I: Johnson Controls
Corporation of the Year - OEM: Ford Motor Company
Corporate Buyer of the Year – Local: Eric Newton - Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI
Corporate Buyer of the Year – National: Jonathan Pratt, Johnson Controls, Inc.
Jethro Joseph Advocate of the Year – Local: Donna Strickland - Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI
Jethro Joseph Advocate of the Year - National: Kevin Bell, Chrysler Group
Diamond Award: Sid E. Taylor, SET Enterprises

About MMSDC
MMSDC is a non-profit, 501c3 organization. Founded in 1977, the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) has more than 1,200 certified minority businesses and over 300 corporate members working to further its mission to certify minority businesses; provide access to procurement opportunities; and develop capacity for minority business development. The MMSDC was recognized by the National Minority Supplier Development Council as "Council of the Year" for its work with major corporations to promote minority business development and growth. For more information visit the MMSDC's website at www.minoritysupplier.org.

SOURCE Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council