BALTIMORE, February 15 -- The Black CEO Summit marked another success at the Black Engineer of the Year, setting the stage for Minority, Woman and Veteran-owned businesses, as well as Small, Disadvantaged, 8(a) and HUBzone certified companies to discuss supplier diversity and inclusion with large, blue-chip companies. The one-day Summit attracted leading Fortune 500 corporations,industry executives, and press.
The Summit, sponsored by Visionary Marketing and Career Communications Group, took place at the Baltimore Convention Center, and marked the opening of the 21st National Awards Conference of the Black Engineer of the Year.
The day included sessions where top defense companies showcased supplier diversity programs, while moderators led discussions on the future of black business in the morning, followed by an afternoon of policy at the Minority Business Legislative forum.
IBM Corporation Vice President, Market Development Marilyn D.Johnson moderated the Black CEO presentation with representatives from Sprint Nextel and Miles & Stockbridge P.C. Attendees learned what is key to creating partnerships and economic prosperity.
Audience members at the Black CEO Summit Power Luncheon & Diversity Awards also heard that THE COVENANT In Action, the companion to the New York Times # 1 bestseller The Covenant with Black America, was on the New York Times Best Seller List, considered to be the preeminent list of best-selling books in the United States.
Media Personality Tavis Smiley noted in the Diversity Awards Luncheon address that 400 years after Africans landed in America's first English settlement in 17th century Virginia, blacks still lag behind in every single, leading economic indicator.
"It is incumbent on those in this room, "urged Smiley,"Each of us wants to live in a nation as good as its promise."
The Black Engineer of the Year Awards Conference is one of the largest diversity events of its kind, and will welcome thousands of America's minority engineering community. Conference highlights include seminars, and a diversity career show floor. For the complete program, visit: http://www.blackengineeroftheyear.org
