AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler LLC was recognized as "Corporation of the Year" and "Minority Business Advocate of the Year" for its support of Minority Suppliers at the 25th annual Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC) Awards Gala held at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center Hotel on Wednesday, October 8, 2008.
John Campi, Chrysler LLC Executive Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer - Global Sourcing, and Jethro Joseph, Chrysler LLC Senior Executive - Diversity Supplier Development, accepted the award.
"It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the MMBDC for our long-term commitment to minority suppliers," said Campi. "Now in its 25th year, our Diversity Supplier Development program and all of our Procurement professionals work hard to enable qualified minority and women-owned suppliers to effectively compete for Chrysler business."
The Company was recognized as Corporation of the Year based upon its spending with Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), its Diversity Supplier Development programs and leadership within the minority- and women-owned supplier community, among other factors.
Tim Wright, Program Manager - Tooling Equipment and Construction for Chrysler LLC, received the award as Minority Business Advocate of the Year for his efforts in working with minority suppliers that have business with Chrysler and those seeking to do business with the Company.
"Tim has truly been an asset to the Chrysler Global Sourcing organization," said Joseph. "This award is a reflection of the hard work he has done to help those suppliers doing business with Chrysler."
The MMBDC serves as the premier minority-business organization in the state of Michigan, providing a platform for connecting minority companies and corporate supporters and advocating the success of both. Chrysler was an early supporter of the MMBDC and continues as a key partner to the organization, serving in various leadership roles.
About Chrysler LLC
Chrysler LLC, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., produces Chrysler, Jeep(R), Dodge and Mopar(R) brand vehicles and products. Total sales worldwide in 2007 were 2.7 million vehicles. Sales outside of North America were the highest ever with an increase of 15 percent over 2006. Its product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Grand Che{{{Cherokee and Dodge Challenger and Ram. The Chrysler Foundation, the company's philanthropic arm, annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations in the United States and throughout the world. In 2007, the Foundation gave approximately $21 million in charitable donations.