DTE Energy named Best of the Best for supplier diversity by Hispanic Network Magazine

DETROIT, Sept. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy was recognized by Hispanic Network Magazine as a 2013 Best of the Best company for its supplier diversity program.

This is the seventh award DTE Energy has received this year for its commitment to diversity.

"DTE Energy is honored to be considered a Best of the Best company by Hispanic Network Magazine," said Tony Tomczak, DTE Energy director of supply chain management. "I believe our supplier diversity program is being acknowledged because we are committed to growing a network of diverse suppliers, including minority- and women-owned businesses. Building diversity into all that we do helps us to be the best energy provider, employer and community partner that we can be."

DTE is a diversified energy company serving 2.1 million electric customers and 1.2 million natural gas customers across Michigan.

Hispanic Network Magazine polled hundreds of companies in a variety of industries including the energy sector, technology sector and law enforcement agencies.

The publication evaluated companies' outreach and accessibility to the Hispanic and Latino populations. It also looked at how well companies pursued diverse applicants and certified disadvantaged business owners; as well as policies that support advancement, equal access and inclusion of all individuals.

This year, DTE Energy expects to spend more than $200 million with certified minority suppliers.

"Currently, DTE Energy works with more than 200 minority- and women-owned businesses," said John Eley Jr., DTE Energy senior manager of corporate procurement and supplier diversity. "Our team helps suppliers to be successful through company initiatives that provide advocacy, training, mentoring, business opportunities and development experiences."

A key participant in the Pure Michigan Business Connect Initiative, DTE Energy is also striving to keep more dollars in state. The company 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.

The 2013 Best of the Best list appears in the summer issue of Hispanic Network Magazine on newsstands now.

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