Photo Caption:
(From Left) Richard Isaacs, President, Sci-Lab Materials Testing Inc; Lisa Ross, Supplier Diversity Manager, Magna; Marcia Seymour, Senior Manager, Procurement Corporate Responsibility, TD Bank Group; Janice Larocque, President, Fast Labour Solutions Ltd; Kathy Cheng, President, Redwood Classics Apparel; Steve Pons, Vice President of Sales, Staples Promotional Products Canada; Debra Quade, Supplier Diversity Manager, Kellogg Company; Cassandra Dorrington, President, CAMSC; Deborah Grossman, VP, Manager Procurement Corporate Responsibility, TD Bank Group
October 1, 2015
For Immediate Release
TORONTO, October 1, 2015 – TD Bank Group was recognized as the Corporation of the Year today at the 11th Business Achievement Awards hosted by the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC). The award is presented to an organization that actively includes certified Aboriginal and minority suppliers in procurement opportunities and continues to develop and promote these suppliers internally and externally. Since 2004, Aboriginal and Minority-owned suppliers and the Canadian corporations that have diversity procurement mandates have been celebrated at the gala. While all certified CAMSC suppliers and corporations are eligible to be nominated, each year seven awards in total are presented.
“These awards celebrate the champions of supplier diversity and the benefits to our members and the economy,” explained Cassandra Dorrington, President and CEO, CAMSC. “To date, $1.7 billion has been spent by our corporate members with certified suppliers. Corporate Canada clearly recognizes the importance of diversity in their procurement programs and I am thrilled to shine a spotlight at this gala on those businesses that are spreading this message.”
Joset Wright-Lacy, President, National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), U.S. was the keynote for the evening. She spoke to audiences about key NMSDC successes in advancing supplier diversity throughout its 45-year history and highlighted examples with key corporate players. The NMSDC and CAMSC are both members of a Global-Link International Program that acts as a gateway for supplier and corporate members in the U.S. and Canada to meet international counterparts to provide business opportunities for certified minority business enterprises at home and abroad.
List of Winners and Highlights:
Supplier of the Year – Redwood Classics Apparel
President Kathy Cheng is dedicated to manufacturing her apparel in Canada, ensures a diverse workforce and an ethical supply chain.
Procurement Business Advocate of Year – Debra Quade, Supplier Diversity Manager, Kellogg Company
Debra has demonstrated her commitment to the goals of economic inclusion by providing suppliers with opportunities to network and grow.
CATA Technology Innovation Award – Sci-Lab Materials Testing Inc.
Sci-Lab providesdynamic and technically diverse independent testing for theAutomotive, Military, Aerospace, and Industrial & ConsumerElectronics industries.
Tier 1 Champion of Supplier Diversity– Magna
Magna engages with certified suppliers and encouragesparticipation from buyers at a wide range of Magna plants in orderto educate and engage internal champions.
Collaboration Award – Staples Promotional Products Canada
Staples partnered with Redwood Classics to provide products for CAMSC’s corporate members. Products are marked with a CAMSC-certified logo, demonstrating commitment to equal opportunities for suppliers to work with major corporations.
Small Business of the Year – Fast Labour Solutions Ltd.
Fast Labour Solutions, a division of Spirit Staffing & Consulting, openedin 1998 as the first 100% Aboriginal-Woman owned employmentagency in Alberta.
Corporation of the Year – TD Bank
TD’s commitment to diversity includes a Supplier Diversity program that spans North America and is focused on creating a level playing field for all suppliers. TD also developed a North American Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program.
About CAMSC
CAMSC (Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council) is a non-profit organization created in 2004 to advance the economic strength of Aboriginal and visible minority communities through business development and employment. CAMSC’s mission is to facilitate business relationships with Canadian corporations dedicated to diversity and supplier organizations owned by Aboriginals and minorities. Since its inception in 2004, corporate members have spent more than $1.7 Billion with CAMSC certified Aboriginal and minority-owned businesses. Visit www.camsc.ca
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Media Contact:
Daphne Shih
Director, Sponsorship and Marketing
Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council
T: 416-941-0004 x223
E: [email protected]