Thursday, March 28, 2024

Corporations, minority vendors find validation at E Awards

Certified minority owned businesses and buying entities intersect at the annual E Awards of the Dallas/Fort Minority Supplier Development Council.  Numerous minority businesses, corporations, and public sector agencies gather to celebrate their roles in the growth and development of minority firms in the metroplex area at the yearly event. Signature sponsors Alcatel- Lucent and Argent Associates will host the 2012 awards program, Friday, November 16th at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.

The Council’s 2012 E Awards dinner, Excellence Through Performance, recognizes companies and individuals who have made significant strides in minority supplier inclusion, utilization and growth opportunities.  Awards will be presented in the areas of Buying Entity Advocate of the Year, Buyer of the Year, Corporation of the Year, Executive Advocate of the Year, General Contractor and Construction Corporation of the Year, MBE Advocate of the Year, MBE Supplier of the Year, MBE Construction Supplier of the Year, and Public Sector Agency of the Year.

Corporate member Alcatel-Lucent and minority-owned Argent Associates (who relocated its headquarters from Edison, New Jersey to Plano earlier this year) teamed up to present this year’s event.  “We consider the E Awards as the night where companies shine – the Oscar’s for corporate and public sector partners and diverse regional companies alike who share the “red carpet” to recognize some of our best and brightest,” said Betty Manetta, President and CEO of Argent.  Manetta understands the value of recognition, as Argent itself has been recognized nationally.  “This year’s event will highlight those companies that continue to excel in their respective category.”

Alcatel-Lucent has found participation in the E Awards to be helpful.  “This event provides a great venue to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of some outstanding minority business owners and Buying Entity members who provide opportunities for these businesses,” said Mark Artigues, Senior Director of Supplier Diversity for Alcatel-Lucent.  Alcatel –Lucent has been a member of the Council for over 20 years.

Companies are judged by Council membership – minority businesses are judged by Buying Entities representing corporations and public sector agencies; corporations and public agencies are judged by minority firms for the E Awards. Winners are announced the night of the event.  Jeff McLaughlin of Texas Instruments, a supporter of the E Awards since 1978, has enjoyed his opportunity judging and looking for outstanding minority firms.

“I look for (minority) companies that made a real difference, “said McLaughlin.  Same is true for minority companies judging for corporate advocates.  “We want companies and individuals who have a real passion for inclusion,” said Katrina Keyes of K Strategies, a minority firm, former Council board member and judge.  “Collectively, we all want people and companies who perform.”

The following are the companies and individuals who received awards in 2011:

  • Executive Buying Entity Advocate of the Year – Donna Weaver Erhardt, Verizon (2nd straight year)
  • Buying Entity Advocate of the Year – Nancy Walfield, Raytheon
  • Minority Business Enterprise Advocate of the Year – Tammy Coen, Rose International
  • Buying Entity Buyer of the Year – Patricia Hall, Oncor Electric Delivery
  • Buying Entity Volunteer of the Year – Alex Calo, Texas Instruments
  • Construction Buying Entity of the Year – Hensel Phelps Construction
  • MBE Volunteer of Year – Ray Marsh, RAM Contracting
  • MBE Construction Company of the Year – MEB Construction
  • MBE Supplier of the Year Class I (under $1million) – Make Ready Plus
  • MBE Supplier of the Year Class II ($1-$10 million) – Consumer & Market Insights (2nd straight year)
  • MBE Supplier of the Year Class III ($10 – $50 million) – LogistiCorp
  • MBE Supplier of the Year Class IV ($50 million plus) – Pinnacle

“We really appreciate all of the companies and individuals who have a vested interest in minority business growth and development,” said Margo J. Posey, President of the Council.

For additional information, contact the Council office at (214) 630-0747.

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