DTE Energy honored again as Corporation of the Year for its supplier diversity initiatives

DETROIT, Oct. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy was named Corporation of the Year – Consumer Products for the fourth year in a row by the Michigan Minority Supplier Diversity Council (MMSDC) for creating opportunities for minority-owned businesses.

MMSDC recognized DTE Energy for its efforts to include certified minority suppliers in its procurement program, assisting in the development of minority suppliers, and for promoting supplier diversity within the company, as well as with its vendors and other businesses and organizations.

The honor was presented Tuesday evening during the MMSDC 30^th Annual Awards Program sponsored by Chrysler, DTE Energy and Johnson Controls.

"We are very proud to be recognized again by the Michigan Minority Supplier Diversity Council," said Tony Tomczak, DTE Energy director of supply chain management. "The honors affirm our belief that supplier diversity is critical to the success of our economy, our company and the communities we serve."

DTE Energy was the recipient of the award in 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2008 as well.

"Our team helps suppliers to be successful through company initiatives that provide advocacy, training, mentoring, business opportunities and development experiences," said John Eley Jr., DTE Energy senior manager of corporate procurement and supplier diversity.

This year, DTE Energy expects to spend $265 million with certified minority suppliers. More than 90% of those dollars will be spent in Michigan, strengthening DTE Energy's commitment to support businesses in the state.

As a key participant in the Pure Michigan Business Connect Initiative, DTE Energy has pledged to shift an incremental $1 billion in spending from businesses located outside of Michigan, and in some cases the United States, to Michigan-based suppliers by 2015. DTE Energy is accomplishing this by ensuring low costs and high quality, demonstrating Michigan's overall competitiveness.

Already this year, DTE Energy has contributed more than $492 million to Michigan-based suppliers, including more than $94 million which was spent with businesses headquartered in Detroit.

About DTE Energy

DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric utility serving 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan and a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan.  The DTE Energy portfolio also includes non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, unconventional gas production and energy trading.  Information about DTE Energy is available at dteenergy.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.

SOURCE DTE Energy