New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council Reschedules "Partnership Awards Gala" to December 12 Due to Hurricane Sandy

The Council to Donate Portion of Gala Sales to Minority Businesses Affected by Sandy

NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council has decided to reschedule its "Partnership Awards Gala" at the New York Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway, for December 12 due to the destructive impact of  Hurricane Sandy on The Council's corporate and certified minority business members (original date was November 15).

In Sandy's aftermath, several of The Council's certified minority businesses have experienced devastating property damage that directly impacted their household and business.  The Council has pledged to allocate a portion of the net proceeds the "Partnership Awards Gala" to aid them in rebuilding.

Many of The Council's corporate and certified minority business members with operations in lower Manhattan and the coastal areas of New York and New Jersey are unable to occupy their respective facilities.  Currently, some members in lower Manhattan will not be able to enter their buildings for a month.

"The Council must balance the impact of continuing with a festive event on the heels of such turmoil. The new date affords our entire network time to recover. There is a camaraderie and support that our corporate and minority business members have expressed to us. Our region has fortitude and endurance," stated Lynda Ireland, president and CEO, The Council. "Thankfully, none of our corporate members or Council-certified suppliers has reported any loss of life from Sandy. However, the property damage was disheartening and horrific. Members have been encouraged to keep The Council apprised of their personal and professional situations due to Sandy."

At the "Partnership Awards Gala," the prestigious Supplier of the Year Awards will be presented to minority companies The Griffin Security Agency and The Bartech Group, Inc.  The winners of The Council's influential corporate national, regional and advocate awards will be announced. The minority business co-chair is Leo Russell, president and CEO of Council-certified Pride Technologies, and corporate co-chair is BNY Mellon.

The Council, an award-winning National Minority Supplier Development Council affiliate, has approximately 200 corporate members and 1,300 certified minority businesses. Jurisdiction is New York State through Trenton, New Jersey. For more information call 212-502-5663 or online at www.nynjmsdc.org.

SOURCE New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council