Chrysler Group Supplier Diversity Executive Named "Leader of the Year" by the National Minority Supplier Development Council

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., November 8, 2012 /3BL Media/ - Auburn Hills, Mich. - Kevin L. Bell, Senior Manager – Diversity Supplier Development, Chrysler Group LLC, received the Minority Supplier Development Leader of the Year Award from the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) “in recognition of his exceptional leadership in improving the overall participation of Asian, African American, Hispanic and Native American suppliers in the Company’s global corporate supply chain.”

Bell received the prestigious award at the NMSDC annual awards event in Denver on October 30.

Earlier in October, Bell was named the 2012 “National Advocate of the Year” by the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council for his leadership in promoting the growth of minority supplier spending and business development at Chrysler Group.
 

Under Bell, Chrysler Group's supplier diversity goals require that 10 percent of a Tier 1 supplier's procurement buy is sourced to certified minority suppliers. Chrysler Group announced early this year that it spent $2.1 billion with approximately 200 minority suppliers in 2011, representing 8.5 percent of its total annual purchasing. Women-owned businesses, which are tracked separately, accounted for $301 million of the Company's spending. Overall, the Company purchased $31 billion in direct and indirect parts, materials and services in 2011. Since 1983, the Company has purchased more than $47 billion from minority-owned suppliers.

Chrysler Group continues to support several organizations that assist Tier 1 suppliers with achieving their minority-owned and women-owned sourcing goals. These organizations also include the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. In addition, Chrysler Group supports veteran-business ownership through membership with the National Veteran-Owned Business Association.