Hispanic Chamber Names Chrysler 'Corporation of the Year'

1722

AUBURN HILLS — The Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has named Chrysler Group LLC “Corporation of the Year” for 2012, citing the company’s outstanding commitment to supplier diversity and, particularly, the inclusion of Hispanic-owned businesses in its supply base.

The award was announced at the MHCC’s 23rd Annual Fiesta Hispana Gala held  Dec. 7 in Dearborn.

Chrysler Group’s supplier diversity goals require that 10 percent of a Tier 1 supplier’s procurement buy is sourced to certified minority suppliers. Chrysler Group announced early this year that it spent $2.1 billion with approximately 200 minority suppliers in 2011, representing 8.5 percent of its total annual purchasing. Women-owned businesses, which are tracked separately, accounted for $301 million of the Company’s spending. Overall, the Company purchased $31 billion in direct and indirect parts, materials and services in 2011. Since 1983, the Company has purchased more than $47 billion from minority-owned suppliers.

“Chrysler Group remains as committed as ever to creating a diverse and sustainable supply base that directly reflects our customer base,” said Kevin L. Bell, senior manager, Diversity Supplier Development, Chrysler Group LLC, who accepted the award on behalf of the Company. “Chrysler Group will continue to create opportunities for minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses because diversity is in the DNA of our Company. Our goal is a well-developed, diverse supply chain that is inclusive to all.”

In October, Bell received the Minority Supplier Development Leader of the Year Award from the National Minority Supplier Development Council “in recognition of his exceptional leadership in improving the overall participation of Asian, African American, Hispanic and Native American suppliers in the company’s global corporate supply chain.” In the same month, Bell also was named the 2012 “National Advocate of the Year” by the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council for his leadership in promoting the growth of minority supplier spending and business development at Chrysler Group.

Chrysler Group supports several organizations that assist Tier 1 suppliers with achieving their minority-owned and women-owned sourcing goals. These organizations also include the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. In addition, Chrysler Group supports veteran-business ownership through membership with the National Veteran-Owned Business Association.

“Chrysler Group’s commitment to supplier diversity and inclusion is a source of meaningful, sustainable value for the Hispanic community,” said Armando Ojeda, executive director, Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Receiving the MHCC’s ‘Corporation of the Year’ award was a well-deserved recognition of Chrysler Group’s commitment to all the communities it serves.”

During his keynote address at the 2011 MHCC Fiesta Hispana, Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ram Truck Brand and President and Chief Executive Officer, Chrysler de Mexico, Chrysler Group LLC, announced a $50,000 grant from The Chrysler Foundation to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, the nation’s largest provider of college financial aid for Latino students. Diaz announced a second $50,000 grant to the HSF, from the Ram Truck brand and The Chrysler Foundation, later in the year during the International Hispanic Network’s gala and awards ceremony in San Antonio, Texas.