14-Sep-09 8:00 AM EST

26TH ANNUAL AWARDS PRESENTATION FINALISTS

For Immediate Release

Contact: Lillian Lowery, MMBDC

(313) 873-1797

llowery@mmbdc.com

MMBDC Announces 26^th Annual Awards: “Celebrating the Stars of Supplier Diversity” Finalists

Detroit, Michigan (September 14) The Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC) announces the finalists for the 26^th Annual Awards: “Celebrating the Stars of Supplier Diversity”.

These MMBDC awards finalists contribute to over $9 billion and 45,000 jobs to the U.S. economy. On September 29 at 5:30PM, MMBDC invites you to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra/Max Fisher Center for a unique opportunity to be a part of an extraordinary evening of unprecedented networking with key business leaders, and celebrities as they celebrate the achievements of the stars of supplier diversity. The mistress of ceremonies is Rhonda Walker, a morning anchor on the local NBC Affiliate (WDIV Detroit).

“The finalists in these 19 award categories represent some of the most successful minority businesses and major corporations from across Michigan - and in fact from across the world. They are the key to our success and to our very survival in the future. They create new wealth for themselves and our communities,” said Louis Green, MMBDC President and CEO.

New this year, is a special awards presentation including local ethnic performers representing the diversity of MMBDC.

2009 Corporation of the Year Finalists

Commercial Products: Hayworth; Herman Miller; Steelcase

Construction: Barton Marlow Corporation; URS Washington Division; Walbridge

Consumer Products: DTE Energy; Kellogg Company; Marathon Oil Company

Education and Governmental Entities: Michigan State University; University of
Michigan-Flint; Wayne State University

Manufacturing I: ArvinMeritor, Inc.; Johnson Controls; Lear Corporation

Finance & Insurance: AAA Michigan; Accident Fund Insurance Company of Michigan; Comerica Bank

Health Care: Blue Care Network of Southeast Michigan; Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan; Henry Ford Health System

Professional Services: Cintas Corporation; FEV Engine Technology, Inc., Kelly Services

Manufacturing Level II: Gill Industries; PPG Industries; Kongsberg Automotive

Technology and Transportation: IBM Corporation; Ryder Integrated Logistics

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM): Chrysler Group LLC; Ford Motor Company; Honda of America, Manufacturing; Toyota

Corporate Buyer of the Year: Jehan M. Ghouse – Toyota Motor; Jonathan Pratt-Johnson Controls, Inc.; Scott Morre-Ford Motor Company

Jethro Joseph Advocate of the Year: Don P. Alessi – Comerica Bank; Brenda Marshall- Kelly Services; Adrienne Trimble – Toyota

2009 MinorityBusiness Supplier of the Year Finalists

Class I (Sales less than $1M): ATS Training and Consulting; Mardon Group; Schooner Consulting and Management

Class II (Sales between $1M - $10M): EKS Services; W3R Consulting; Wrightway Group, LLC

Class III (Sales between $10M - $50M): Computech Corporation; Epitech Group; Powerlink Environmental Services

Class IV (Sales over $50M): The Bartech Group; VisionIT, L.S. Brinker Company

Diamond Award: Leon Richardson-Chemico Systems; Ram Kancharla–Computech; Sid Taylor-SET Enterprises

The 26^th Annual Awards is presented by General Motors Company and Takata. The evening includes a strolling dinner followed by the awards presentation. Tickets and sponsorships are available via www.mmbdc.com. Proceeds from this event are tax deductible.

Founded in 1977, the Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC) has more than 1,300 certified minority businesses and over 400 corporate members working to further its mission to certify minority businesses; provide access to procurement opportunities; and develop capacity for minority business development. The MMBDC 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. MMBDC is a non-profit, 501c 3 organization. For more information visit the MMBDC’s website at www.mmbdc.com.

For additional information on this release, please contact:

Lillian Lowery

Phone: (313) 873-1797

Email:

Source: MMBDC

Website: http://www.mmbdc.com