With more than $2 million in contracts awarded in less than a year to minority- and women-owned business enterprises mainly based in the University Circle community, Case Western Reserve University and its newly formed Supplier Diversity Initiative Council (SDIC) have been honored with one local and two state awards.

The SDIC has received Ohio Gov. Bob Taft's 2003 Minority Business Development Recognition Award, the Hispanic Business Association Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Ohio's Corporate Community Relations Award and the Cleveland NAACP's Freedom Award.

"It is an honor to receive these awards. They reflect the University's commitment to partner with a widely diverse group of business enterprises and to support community activities," said Hossein Sadid, CWRU's chief financial and administrative officer and chair of the SDIC. "I am truly proud of the members of the council for their dedication and passion for making the supplier diversity program a success in such a short period of time."

CWRU was one of four organizations in the state this year to receive the governor's Minority Business Development Recognition Award, which honors Ohio organizations for their exemplary work in supporting minority-owned businesses. The award also is designed to honor corporations or organizations that have significantly impacted or demonstrated innovative ways to foster minority business development.

"I am extremely pleased that Case Western Reserve University has been recognized by the State of Ohio and Governor Taft for the partnership we are building with the minority business community," said CWRU President Edward M. Hundert. "Those associated with the University value the diversity of the world in all its manifestations-diversity of people, ideas and learning. It is part of our mission to engage with our local community.

"Our Supplier Diversity Initiative Council is increasing the number of local minority firms competing successfully for our contracts," Hundert continued. "I believe every employer and purchaser has the opportunity to take these kinds of important steps to have a positive impact on the economy and the community."

CWRU was nominated for the 2003 Governor's Minority Business Development Recognition Award by the Cleveland NAACP.

"CWRU has made extraordinary progress in expanding opportunity for the community-based minority- and women-owned businesses in the past year," the NAACP nomination letter said. "Accomplishments achieved by the University in hiring minority contractors, eliminating barriers and developing creative approaches for outreach efforts make the CWRU Supplier Diversity Program one that is unparalleled in both private and public institutions in the region and the nation."

The Cleveland NAACP unanimously selected CWRU as this year's winner of its Freedom Award "for the leadership you have taken in being on the cutting edge in the development of the diversity program."

The award, the NAACP's highest honor, recognizes an individual, organization or business that has exemplified support and commitment to human and civil rights.

In honoring CWRU's SDIC, the Hispanic Business Association said, "We are proud of the contribution you have made to the community."

In working with community leadership, CWRU formed the SDIC at the end of June 2002 to help minority and women business enterprises gain greater access to business opportunities at the University.

In addition to members from CWRU, the council consists of representatives from the National Association of Women Business Owners, Hard Hatted Women, Northern Ohio Minority Business Council and Black Trades Council, among others.

 

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