Supervalu Honored for Diversity Efforts
Minneapolis-based Supervalu Inc. has been named one of America’s Top Organizations for Multicultural Business Opportunities by DiversityBusiness.com, which also named the grocer’s VP of supplier diversity as one of 19 recipients of the group’s 2010 Champion of Diversity Award.
The awards were presented during DiversityBusiness.com’s 11th annual National Multicultural Business Conference in Washington, D.C.
“Supervalu is committed to promoting diversity, not only throughout the company itself but within the vast network of suppliers and communities we serve,” said Michael Byron, Supervalu’s VP of supplier diversity. “We are honored to receive these awards from DiversityBusiness.com, a great organization that works tirelessly to promote and advance diversity at every level.”
Over 750,000 diversity business owners had the opportunity to participate in an online election to determine the top organizations award, with just 50 organizations receiving the award. Selection was based on the business opportunities provided to minority and women-owned businesses. Supervalu’s supplier diversity program ranked No. 26 on the list, which included Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. This was Supervalu’s first year on the list.
The Champions of Diversity Award is given to individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to solutions in diversity issues on a regional and national level. It is awarded to recipients who have successfully provided solutions to diversity initiatives in employment, procurement, housing and education within their companies and communities.
DiversityBusiness.com is the largest organization of minority-owned businesses in the United States that provide goods and services to Fortune 1000 companies, government agencies and universities.
Supervalu Inc. operates 1,114 traditional retail stores, including 805 in-store pharmacies; 1,280 hard-discount stores, of which 899 are operated by licensee owners; and 1,900 independent stores serviced primarily by the company's traditional food distribution business.