On Friday, May 12th, ATR International was honored to attend the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council’s (WRMSDC) annual Excellence in Supplier Diversity Awards Banquet. As an active member and supporter of the WRMSDC’s goals and objectives, this annual event is one of the highlights of the year. The event was extra special this year for ATR as we won Supplier of the Year, Class 4 for the third time. Below is the complete list of winners. Congratulations to everyone!
OAKLAND, CA, May 12 — The Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council (WRMSDC), a local non-profit dedicated to promoting minority owned businesses, announced the winners of its 2017 Excellence in Supplier Diversity Award on May 12, 2017 at The Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland, CA.
Corporate Members and certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) competed for eleven distinguished awards celebrating individual and corporate advocacy, development, and partnership with WRMSDC. Award winners are recognized for their commitment to supplier diversity and outstanding efforts in advancing purchasing opportunities for minority owned businesses.
The 2017 Excellence in Supplier Diversity Award Winners are as follows:
Corporation of the Year Award: Kaiser Permanente is a National Corporate Member that continues to break new ground in Supplier Diversity initiatives. They have been innovative in their support and approach of building skills among MBEs and in awarding significant contracts to diverse suppliers. Kaiser Permanente is honored for their continuous innovation.
Regional Cornerstone Award: Eagle Promotions is a MBE that continues to support WRMSDC and fellow MBES to grow the pie of opportunity for diverse suppliers.
Ambassador of the Year Award: Scott A. Vowels, at Apple Inc. was recognized for his numerous hours of volunteer time, sharing of his expertise and his continuous advocacy for diversity in contract awards.
Executive of the Year Award: Stacy Taylor, SVP and Chief Procurement Officer for MGM Resorts International has led a team that delivers exemplary performance and results in Supplier Diversity. We honor her leadership and direction!
Supplier Diversity Leader of the Year Award: Tanya Nixon of Kaiser Permanente has made significant contributions to WRMSDC with her time, support, and advocacy. She has been a champion Supplier Diversity advocate.
Procurement & Purchasing Leader of the Year Award: Richard Ho of Pacific Gas and Electric Company is relentless in his advocacy for Supplier Diversity. He demonstrates how corporate managers can really make a difference even if supplier diversity is not in their job title.
Supplier of the Year Award winners demonstrate excellence in their services and products while showing growth in sales and job creation.
Class 1 Winner: Sumnu Marketing LLC 
Class 2 Winner: ICE Safety Solutions Inc.
Class 3 Winner: Akraya, Inc.
Class 4 Winner: ATR International, Inc.
2017 Trailblazer of the Year: R&R Partners is a new National Corporate Member that is paving the way for MBEs with great enthusiasm. They believe in supplier diversity and have shown their support by hosting MBE forums, sharing their knowledge and expertise, and volunteering their time.
Legacy Award: Robert Half is a Premier Corporate Member that has demonstrated exceptional support of the council over many years through leadership, financial contributions, Supplier Diversity achievements, advocacy, company volunteerism, and guidance.
2017 President’s Award: Lisa Castillo of AT&T won for her considerable contributions to the council. She has made introductions and brokered partnerships for MBE development, created opportunities in her own organization, and met with potential corporate members who helped us provide even more opportunities for our constituents.
2017 Icon Award: Joan Kerr of Pacific Gas and Electric Company has displayed iconic leadership in Supplier Diversity. She has built two world class programs across two companies and is recognized regionally and nationally as an executive with big ideas that deliver results.
About the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council
The Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council (WRMSDC) supports the growth and business development of minority communities by championing the use of minority-owned businesses in Northern California, Nevada, and Hawai‘i. Please visit us online at wrmsdc.org.