Chrysler announced this week that the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has named Chrysler the "Corporation of the Year" for 2012. The company won the award due to its "outstanding commitment to supplier diversity" and inclusion of Hispanic-owned businesses.

The award was presented to Chrysler at the MHCC's 23rd Annual Fiesta Hispana Gala held in Dearborn, Michigan.  Chrysler announced the news in a press release issued this week.

"Chrysler Group remains as committed as ever to creating a diverse and sustainable supply base that directly reflects our customer base," said Kevin L. Bell, Senior Manager, Diversity Supplier Development, Chrysler Group LLC, who accepted the award on behalf of the Company. "Chrysler Group will continue to create opportunities for minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses because diversity is in the DNA of our Company. Our goal is a well-developed, diverse supply chain that is inclusive to all."

Chrysler stated in the press release that earlier this year they spent $2.1 billion with 200 minority suppliers in 2011. This number represents over 8.5 percent of its total annual purchasing. Women-owned businesses made up over $301 million of the Company's spending, and overall Chrysler purchased $31 billion in direct or indirect parts, services and materials in 2011 according to the company's release.

Since 1983, Chrysler has purchased over $47 billion from minority-owned companies.

This past October, Bell was awarded the Minority Supplier Development Leader of the Year from the National Minority Supplier Development Council. The NMSDC awarded Bell with the honor for his "exceptional leadership in improving the overall participation of Asian, African American, Hispanic and Native American suppliers."  Bell also won the National Advocate of the Year" by Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council for helping the company expand its minority supplier spending and business development.

"Chrysler Group's commitment to supplier diversity and inclusion is a source of meaningful, sustainable value for the Hispanic community," said Armando Ojeda, Executive Director, Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in the company press release. "Receiving the MHCC's 'Corporation of the Year" award was a well-deserved recognition of Chrysler Group's commitment to all the communities it serves."

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