Jim Roberts star continues to shine in the minority supplier universe with yet another major award for the St. Joseph entrepreneur who created his business management consultancy on the local scene a number of years ago and draws perennial praise for the work he performs.
Just last week when Michigan's top corporations and Minority Business Enterprises gathered at the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council's 33rd Annual Awards Celebration, the Ambassadors Championing Excellence, or ACE, Awards and the Hall of Fame at the Detroit Marriot at the Renaissance Center, there was Jim Roberts…right on top once again.
His Jim Roberts Enterprises consultancy was delivered an ACE Award as Minority Supplier of the Year in Class 1. Other ACE Awards were given to:
- Minority Supplier of the Year – Class II — Mac Arthur Corporation
- Minority Supplier of the Year – Class III — V2Soft, Inc
- Minority Supplier of the Year – Class IV — Dakkota Integrated Systems, LLC
- MBE Luminary Award: Frank Venegas – Ideal Group
- Corporate Buyer of the Year: Francis T Lebryk – Johnson Controls
- Jethro Joseph Advocate of the Year Award: Kevin Bell – Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles
- President’s Award: Leon Richardson – Chemico
- Corporation of the Year Automotive OEM: Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles and General Motors (tie)
- Corporation of the Year Commercial Products: Herman Miller Inc.
- Corporation of the Year Consumer Products Petrochemical, and Energy: DTE Energy Company
- Corporation of the Year Financial & Insurance Services: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
- Corporation of the Year Manufacturing/Automotive: Lear Corporation
- Corporation of the Year Professional Services & Staffing: Kelly Services, Inc
- Volunteer of the Year: Teresa LeFevre – Comerica
- Executive of the Year: David Drouillard – General Motors Company
- Hall of Fame Inductee: Hank Aguirre – Mexican Industries
- Hall of Fame Inductee: Ron Hall, Sr. — Bridgewater Interiors
Michelle Sourie Robinson is President & CEO of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council. She says, “We recognized corporations, minority businesses, and individuals who excelled in engaging, mentoring and advocating diverse suppliers this past year.” She adds, “Our Ambassadors are true champions of excellence in minority supplier development."
Boasting an attendance of 850, the ACE Awards is one of the most prestigious business events that takes place annually in Michigan where the top leaders, executives, and visionaries in the region gather to celebrate the people who are making significant contributions to minority supplier development. At this event, minority business enterprises (MBEs) are honored for their excellent service in the past year as well as corporate members for their commitment to supplier diversity and supporting minority-owned businesses through purchasing contracts.
The Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization committed to driving economic growth within minority communities. The MMSDC advances this mission by facilitating over $26 billion annually in business contracts between corporations and certified minority business enterprises (MBEs). Founded in 1977, the MMSDC certifies minority businesses, provides MBEs with access to procurement opportunities, and develops the capacity of minority suppliers. The Michigan Council has been recognized by the National Minority Supplier Development Council as ‚’Regional Council of the Year’‚ three times since 2007 for its work in promoting minority business development. For more information about the MMSDC, visit www.minoritysupplier.org.
Jim Roberts Enterprises offers a wide range of consulting services to businesses and individuals from its home base in St. Joseph where Roberts is joined by Becky Gorton and Jill Beshears. You can learn more about their work by clicking the link below:
