Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 5 November 1999 — Page 29

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INSIDE*D*SECTION*CLASSIFIED*REAL ESTATE

NMSDC names SBC Communications ‘Corporation of the Year’

Key minority businesses also recognized NEW YORK, (PRNewswire) - The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) presented SBC Communications with the prestigious “Corporation of the Year’ ’ Award at a banquet last week in Phoenix. The award recognizes the company’s exemplary achievements in the area of minority business development. The award is regarded as the most significant honor to a major corporation for the utilization of minority suppliers. Since NMSDC was founded in 1972, hundreds of major corporations have started or expanded innovative programs to increase their business relationships with minority suppliers. SBC Communications has a strong management commitment and a highly-evolved, broad-based program which has active support throughout the corporation. In 1998, SBC spent $1.3 billion, more than 20 percent of its procurement base, with minority, women-owned and disabled

veteran-owned suppliers. SBC currently does business with more than 550 minority businesses. SBC has spent the past 30 years developing its supplier diversity programs, which include several best practices areas such as, coaching and mentoring minority business enterprises (MBEs), often in service areas under-repre-sented by MBEs; sponsoring loan programs and advanced educational opportunities that benefit minority-owned businesses and setting aggressive supplier diversity goals. “Our supplier diversity programs are an integral part of our use of supply line management for strategic advantage and have contributed to SBC becoming known as one of the most respected telecommunications companies in the world,” said Stephen Welch, president of corporate and administrative services for SBC Communications. “Minority, women and disabled veteran business enterprises are helping us customize our products and services at the local level as we build the SBC global network," he said. “They reduce our costs, improve our quality, and bring an

innovative spirit that we believe gives us a competitive advantage.” Joan N. Kerr, director of supplier diversity programs for SBC Communications, also received the MBE Coordinator of the Year award. Three top minority businesses were also recognized as national “Supplier of the Year” for excellence in business acumen and community service. They were: Ariel Capital Management Inc., Chicago; DataPrompt Inc., Carson, Calif., and Resource Management Inc. of Indianapolis. “These are some of NMSDC s highest awards given to minority suppliers who distinguish themselves and their businesses by successfully demonstrating growth in sales and employment while overcoming significant obstacles; consistently providing high quality products and services at competitive prices and significantly contributing to the growth and development of society in their community,” said Harriet R. Michel, president of the National Minority Supplier Development Council.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

American Airlines says it will hire a Black-owned ad agency

Mopar accessories complement Neon 2000’s all-new exterior

(NAPS A) - The quick, exciting and responsive Neon 2000 has a new exterior design which embodies a refreshing look of refinement and sophistication. Now Mopar Accessories has taken a great car and made it even better with Mopar spoilers, custom wheels, hood covers and roof racks. Dress up your Neon with a rear

dirt find other flying debris, check out the Neon hood cover, d&igned to securely fit the stylish contour of the new 2000 model. A 22-ounce floss polyester backing helps protect the paint surface, and the custom construction of the hood cover allows you to open the hood without removing the cover. To allow owners to carry their

DALLAS (AP) - American Airlines announced that it plans to hire a Black-owned advertising agency by February to help it target Black customers. The announcement by Fort Worth-based American came just a week after CompUSA, a Dallasbased computer retailer, promised to hire a Black advertising agency to end a protest by listeners of Black-owned radio stations. The airline, which already has an agency to craft its advertising for Hispanics, said its announcement was not a response to any complaints. “There’s nothing of that excitement with us. This Will just allow us to do a better job of targeting

that audience,” said spokesman Tim Smith. “We believe it’s a vibrant and growing segment, and that’s a reflection of the economic buying power of African-Ameri-can consumers.” The airline uses Florida-based Zubi Advertising Services Inc. for its Hispanic-targeted campaigns and DDB Needham, an arm of New York-based Omnicom Group, for overseas advertising. Temerlin McClain, a division of Chicagobased True North Communications, handles its national advertising. Smith said the new agency will displace none of those agencies. American said it is consulting with Black-owned firms in choosing an

agency. CompUSA promised to hire a Black advertising firm after a Dallas radio host complained about a consulting firm the computer-store chain had hired. Katz Media Group had advised its clients to limit advertising on stations targeting Black or Hispanic audiences because “advertisers want prospects, not suspects.” Tom Joyner, who hosts a Dallas show syndicated by ABC Radio Networks, encouraged listeners to send the company cash register receipts from CompUSA to prove that Blacks are an important part of the company’s’customer base.

A new way to ‘get connected’ quickly

(NAPSA) - Imagine a world where you no longer have to wait to get on the Internet. For the millions of people who use the Internet at home, slow connections, annoying noises, and of course, the inevitable busy signals can make using the Internet a frustrating

forecast is instantaneous. Cable modems offer the convenience of being able to talk on the phone, surf the web and have the TV on, all at the same time. The phone will not be busy when

The benefits of managing workforce diversity

BY WILLIAM T. LEWIS JR. “Our company did that diversity program.” “We had diversity training about a year or so ago.” “We can do a better job with our diversity efforts.” These comments suggest that some organizations may not have a clear understanding of what managing diversity is and how it can improve the bottom line. As the managing diversity director forGlobal Perspectives Inc., I hear these comments with alarming frequency. Global Perspectives Inc. is an Afirican-American owned training company that specializes

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

in customer service and managing diversity. We always welcome the opportunity to explain how managing diversity is a process whereby organizations seek to maximize the benefits of a diverse workforce through employee contribution and innovation. Global Perspectives provides the tools, information and training necessary to navigate through this process successfully. Managing diversity is a process that is broaderthan aone-day training session. This comprehensive

process addresses systemic obstacles that prevent employees from reaching their full potential. The benefits of managing diversity include: • Enhanced teamwork and camaraderie. • Increased employee commitment. • Increased productivity. • Increased innovation. • Improved employee relations. Organizations are at various lev-

els on the managing diversity continuum and their needs are as diverse as their workforce and customer composition. Therefore, any managing diversity initiative must be customized to fit the needs of the organization. Historically, consultants provided “cookie cutter” training to organizations, which meant specific needs remained unmet. This approach is not effective and does not champion the cause to change. Instead, it supports the status quo. When looking for diversity training, be aware of the one day, status quo training. This type of training will keep your organiza-

tion in a continuous cycle of frustration and futility. During the months of October, November and December, Global Perspectives Inc. is offering free tips on how to initiate and/or enhance diversity initiatives. For insightful tips on how to improve employee relations, maximize the talents of all associates and produce a more committed staff, please contact us at 4662366 or [email protected]. Also, ask about our upcoming workshop in December, which will outline the managing diversity journey.

Michael Twyman Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust names director of grants Michael Twyman has been named director of grants programs for the Indiana office of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Twyman will oversee the application and decision-making process for Indiana nonprofit agencies seeking grant support from the trust. He will also develop and manage the follow-up and funding and pro-gram-effectiveness evaluations, and work with the trust president and CEO to develop grant program strategies. “Michael brings to the trust a strong combination of experience in nonprofit human services management, volunteering leadership, local government policy development, and grant-making. As an Indiana native, he has a great love for the city and state in which Nina Mason Pulliam lived and worked,” said Harriet M. Ivey, president and CEO of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Twyman is a graduate of Fisk University. His staff positions have included: Planner House, Lutheran Child and Family Services, and the Community Action Agency. Twyman was also the neighborhood liaison for three years in the first administration of Mayor Stephen Goldsmith. He is a member of the adjunct faculty at the I.U. School of Social Work, where he earned a master’s degree and is working toward a Ph.D. in social policy. Most recently, he has been an independent consultant in community planning and development. His board affiliations include the local affiliate of Habitat Tor Humanity. the Coalition for Homeless Intervention and Prevention ant the Community Service Council of the United Way of Central Indiana. “I am looking forward to extending the legacy of Nina Mason Pulliam.” said Twyman. “It is an exceptional opportunity to be on the ground floor of a new foundation that will help support and increase the overall impact of the nonprofit community serving the citizens of Indiana.” he added. Holiday job fair Forest Manor Multi-Service Center is sponsoring a citywide job fair on Wednesday Nov. 17, from noon to 7 p.m. at the Forest Manor Center 5603 E. 38th St. If you are looking for a career start or maybe a retail job for the holiday season, then plan to attend the job fair at Forest Manor. You will have the opportunity to meet with prospective employers, on the spot interviews, research employment opportunities in all fields. If you are looking for career opportunities or the possibility to make money for Christmas this fair is for you. For more information call Jerry at 545-1204. See BRIEFS, Page D2