Monsanto wins top corporate word
The St. Louis Minority Business Council (SLMBC) recently held its 2005 Excellence Awards Program at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Clayton. The black-tie event recognized Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), corporations, government agencies and institutions that demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of successful minority businesses.
SLMBC President James Webb noted, “The annual Excellence Awards program is designed to applaud minority companies that have distinguished themselves in the business community and to recognize corporations that have demonstrated a high level of commitment in utilizing and developing minority businesses.”
Forty-eight MBEs were nominated to receive awards for their outstanding performance in the areas of manufacturing, construction and professional/other services. The following MBE companies received the SLMBC 2005 Excellence Awards for distinguished work in the St. Louis business community:
? American Pallet-Midwest for outstanding performance in manufacturing
? Capital International Communications, Inc. for outstanding performance in distribution
? Legacy Building Group for outstanding performance in construction
? Tech Services To Go Inc. dba TSI Engineering for outstanding performance in professional/other services
There were 24 major St. Louis-area corporations nominated for Corporation of the Year, Institution of the Year, and MBE Buyer/Coordinator of the year, respectively. The following SLMBC member corporations were recognized:
? Monsanto received the Corporation of the Year Award for demonstrating its commitment and for purchasing dollars spent with MBEs.
? Jeff Sharpe of Monsanto received the MBE Buyer/Coordinator of the Year Award.
? Washington University in St. Louis received the Government/Institution of the Year Award.
The Chairman’s Award for outstanding service supporting the Council’s mission was awarded to:
? Deb Lebryk of Monsanto Company
? Maria Ayres of Corporate Express
? Ivan James, of Ivan James & Associates/UTS Inc.
The evening ended with a champagne toast to the winners and dancing. Music was provided by The Jazz Edge.
The St. Louis Minority Business Council is a member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). This network of 39 affiliates is committed to facilitating partnerships between MBEs and major corporations.