MBN USA Portal

MBN USA

November 02, 2022

Trailblazers honored for contributions to Michigan's minority business climate

The Michigan Minority Supplier Diversity Council recently announced its Hall of Fame Inductees for its 39th Annual Ambassadors Championing Excellence, or ACE, Awards Dinner.

Business trailblazers Suzanne Shank, John James Sr., Frank Venegas and Jimmy Settles were honored at the event, which took place at The Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan.

This year’s theme, “Eye of The Tiger,” honored the tireless contributions of those who individually and collectively work to transform Michigan’s minority business climate. The awards dinner was hosted by Comedienne Chrystal P.

A complete list and details are listed here: ace.minoritysupplier.org/ace-winners.

The ACE Awards celebrate supplier diversity leaders’ past, present and future who blazed the trails and actively work to scale and grow minority businesses, ultimately creating economic parity.

MMSDC remains dedicated to helping drive the economic growth of minority business enterprises through innovative programming, partnerships and pathways that reduce economic parity from 333 years to 15 years. This commitment is what is celebrated at the ACE Awards.

This year’s Michigan Minority Business Hall of Fame honors those leaders who changed the game to create quantifiable and sustainable results for the minority business landscape.

“Now more than ever, we must recognize and respect those who have carved a path for minority businesses while supporting those currently on that path,” said Michelle Sourie Robinson, MMSDC President/CEO. “[We are] building our future using the bricks of progress from our past.”

With the goal of increasing awareness and gaining economic parity, MMSDC continues its drive and dedication to level a historically biased playing field for minority businesses.

“Through compliance, certification and support with valuable resources and connectivity, we aim to address and then, eradicate inequality in access and opportunity to eliminate economic disparities,” said Sourie Robinson.

Founded in 1977, MMSDC certifies minority businesses, assists in their development, connects them with procurement opportunities, and serves as a strong advocate for minority business inclusion and supplier diversity.

To learn more about MMSDC, visit minoritysupplier.org.