AMBASSADORS CHAMPIONING
A Celebration of Champions
EVENT SPONSORS
STRONG CHAINS HAVE DIVERSE LINKS
We believe supply chains should be as diverse as the customers they serve. That’s why we have a DTE Supplier Diversity team that seeks out local and diverse suppliers. We believe in helping our state and our customers by choosing businesses that support their communities. In 2023, DTE spent $988 million with diverse suppliers which went toward creating jobs in local and diverse communities. Because a supply chain shouldn’t just support its customers; it should also represent and connect them.
MMSDC Chairman
JEFF MORRISON
Dear ACE Ambassadors, MMSDC Members, Sponsors and Supporters:
As Chairman of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC), it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Ambassadors Champion Excellence (ACE) Awards.
For 41 years, MMSDC’s prestigious ACE Awards have celebrated and recognized corporations and individuals for their unwavering commitment to supplier diversity. We are proud to continue the celebration tonight and to take the opportunity to honor Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) for their quality, service, and phenomenal value.
We are also excited to induct four torchbearers into the MMSDC Michigan Hall of Fame tonight. These folks have brought about a positive and transformative impact on the minority business landscape in Michigan, playing a pivotal role in shaping the success of MBEs. It is an honor to recognize them and celebrate their achievements.
And for everyone joining us here tonight – our corporations, leaders, business owners, and supporters – thank you for your dedication and commitment to supplier diversity. It is through our collective action that we can continue to champion positive change and develop an inclusive supply chain.
I would also like to recognize all the ACE Award winners, as well as the ACE Ambassador Nominees. Congratulations on a job well done and thank you on behalf of all of us for your tireless efforts and dedication to driving transformative change. It’s inspiring to see the diligence and passion you demonstrate every day toward our shared goals.
Lastly, I would like to thank the MMSDC team for their commitment to boost minority business and further their mission of minority economic development. We appreciate your support, guidance, and unwavering dedication to facilitating successful partnerships between MBEs and multinational corporations.
Once again, congratulations and best of luck to all our ACE Ambassadors and thank you to everyone for joining us tonight. I hope you all have a great and memorable evening.
Jeff Morrison Vice President, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain General Motors
Driven by diversity.
General Motors would like to congratulate Jeffrey Morrison, VP of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain as the new Board Chairman of the MMSDC.
We’re proud that you’ll be an extension of GM and our commitment to grow and advocate for minority-owned businesses. Thank you for representing our long-standing legacy to support diverse suppliers across the state and our plans to become the most inclusive company in the world.
A Celebration of Champions
MMSDC
President & CEO
MICHELLE
SOURIE ROBINSON
Dear MMSDC Corporate Members, Certified MBEs, Sponsors, Partners, and Participants,
On behalf of the board, our constituents, and the staff of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council, I am delighted to welcome you to this year’s ACE Awards. Our theme this year, Illuminating Excellence, is meant to put a spotlight on some exceptional people, corporate partners and minorityowned businesses who exemplify the dynamism it takes to move the needle in making the goal of reducing the years to parity a reality.
Tonight, we are not only celebrating these individuals and companies who drive our mission forward, but we are also honoring our newest class of Hall of Fame inductees: Jim Bos, Sylvester Hester, Louis E. James, and Jim Roberts. These trailblazers have made lasting contributions to the state of Michigan and beyond, and we are profoundly grateful for their impact.
Our mission remains clear: to build a future that delivers growth, sustainability, and inclusion for MBEs. Research shows that on our current trajectory, it could take 333 years to achieve equity. However, with deliberate and intentional actions, we can reduce that timeline to just 15 years. By increasing minority spend by just one percent annually, sourcing certified MBEs, and expanding access to capital, we can accelerate this journey toward equity.
While the challenges we face are significant, our capacity to create meaningful change is even greater. The work we do together is more crucial than ever, and it is your deliberate and intentional efforts that make this progress possible. Thank you for your unwavering support and for being part of this incredible celebration of entrepreneurial and corporate excellence!
Enjoy this extraordinary evening!
Sincerely,
Michelle Sourie Robinson President & CEO
Michigan
Minority Supplier Development Council
A Celebration of Champions
SIGNATURE EVENTS COMMITTEE
BILL DUREN Duren Resources (Co-Chair)
JACKIE BURNLEY Walbridge (Co-Chair)
ANTOINETTE TURNER BWD Technologies
BARBARA MORGAN Lear
BRIAN MOORE Flex
DANIEL MUSCHONG DTE
DANIELLE PAGE Adient
DENISHA GREER Barton Malow
DURANT CRUM Dakkota
JENNIFER GOOD American Axle & Manufacturing
LAUREN CLARK Kyyba
LISA POINTER Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan
MARCUS LEWIS Full View Productions
MARILYN HORN 98 Forward
ROBERT E. BORDEAUX Caravan Facilities
RYOKO WATANABE Toyota
SHANNON ELLISON Flex N Gate
SHAWN PERDUE Miller Knoll
SHENG-DONG LIU Generalety
TAMIKA BROWN The Harmon Group
TAMMI HART Tenneco, Inc.
TANYA CADWELL-MURRAY ZF
TERESA LEFEVRE Comerica Bank
SEEL's President, Dr. E'Lois Thomas leads our staff in congratulating our Chairman & CEO, Louis E. James on joining the storied members of MMSDC's Hall of Fame!
We champion equitable efficiency with a suite of services. Working hand in hand with utility partners, SEEL supports program goals with sustainability in mind. Thanks to innovative leadership and a communityoriented staff, we are celebrating our 15th anniversary! Reach out to learn more about how we can help you on your energy efficiency journey.
E'LOIS THOMAS, PH.D. PRESIDENT SEEL, LLC
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM VIP RECEPTION
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM
GENERAL RECEPTION (2ND FLOOR - LEGACY BALLROOM)
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM DINNER AND AWARDS PROGRAM (2ND FLOOR - LEGACY BALLROOM)
8:30 PM EVENT CONCLUDES
A Celebration of Champions
DINNER MENU
Artisan Rolls & Butter
Mixed Greens Salad
DUET ENTREE:
Braised Beef Tips and Chicken Marsala with Dauphinoise Potatoes and Green Beans
DESSERT: Pound Cake with Fresh Berries and Vegan Chocolate Torte
A Celebration of Champions
As the key driver of minority business development for 40 years and counting in Michigan, MMSDC is the home of the Michigan Minority Business Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was created to ensure that iconic Michiganders are celebrated for the indelible imprint they’ve made on minority businesses that are driving the state’s economy while empowering communities that are often left behind. This year, MMSDC honors a class of ten trailblazers comprised of iconic MBEs and corporate leaders who ignited the torch that this evening’s Ambassadors now carry. These Hall of Fame Legends have made a legendary transformational impact on the history Michigan’s minority business growth.
Acro is a nationally recognized leader in orce management solutions to the world s premier organizations including Fortune 500 com ernment entities. It is not only one of the largest providers of talent, but also one of the la t certified minority-owned staffing firms in the U S Acro provides Managed Service Provider Vendor Management System (VMS), Staffing, and RPO solutions to the automotive, mobility, defense, and many other industries. Our services include: MSP Programs for Contingent Labor
Management of all types of contingent resources, including temporary workers and project-based consultants Acro delivers qualified talent, major cost savings, vendor compliance with client policies and regulations, cloud-based VMS technology, and many other program benefits
Vendor Management System
Industry-leading, cloud-based VMS application, XRM System, with unique modules for managing contingent staffing and statement of work (SOW) based projects
Full-Service Staffing Services
Engineering, IT, Accounting, Finance, Professional, Administrative, and Light Industrial for Temporary, Temporary-to-Direct, and Direct Placements
Consulting and Outsourcing
Technology Services, RPO, Payroll Service, IC/1099 Management
ILLUMINATING EXCELLENCE:
A Celebration of Champions
James Bos, before his retirement, most recently served as Vice President of Global Procurement, for Yanfeng Automotive Interiors. In this role, he was responsible for leading all purchasing activities on a global basis with a total spend of $7.5 billion.
Prior to this position, Bos was Vice President, Purchasing – Interiors for Johnson Controls (Yanfeng took a majority share in Johnson Controls’ Interiors business in 2015, and fully acquired the JV in 2020). At Johnson Controls, he held a variety of leadership roles in Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, and Procurement. Bos joined Prince / Johnson Controls in 1985. (Prince was acquired by Johnson Controls in 1996).
He earned a Bachelor of Administration degree from Hope College. Bos also is a graduate of the company’s Leadership Development Program and the elite “eXtreme Learning Program.” Additionally, he is a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), a certification from the Institute of Supply Management.
Bos currently serves on the MMSDC Advisory Board and is an active member of the One MMSDC Committee. Before his retirement from Yanfeng Automotive, he served on the board of directors for the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council for a total of 5 terms ( 20112015 and 2017 – 2023 ) and co-chaired the One MMSDC Committee during that timeframe. In 2020 and in 2023, Bos was recognized by the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council with the Executive of the Year Ace Award. In 2021, Bos was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council and served the GLWBC until his retirement from Yanfeng.
Hester has a love for people and the community and uses his position to further advance employment, revitalization, and revenue growth in underserved communities.
Sylvester L. Hester is the President and CEO of LM Manufacturing , LLC and also currently serves as the Chairman of GAA Manufacturing. At LM-Manufacturing, Hester is responsible for leveraging his significant expertise and experience in logistics, supply chain management, operations and business development. He has a proven track record of successfully forming, leading and growing businesses in the demanding, exacting and most times punitive auto industry. He also currently serves as the Chairman of GAA Manufacturing. At GAA, he presides over the Board of Managers meetings, ensuring fluidity and the achievement of a consensus in board decisions.
Prior to his appointment as Chairman of GAA, Hester served as President and CEO of the company responsible for providing strategic leadership for the company while satisfying Board of Directors directives by working with other management to establish long-range goals, strategies, plans and policies. He was also responsible for the organization’s fiscal function and performance. He grew the company from 16 people (1 location) in the auto industry to 2,300 people (18 locations) while driving a diversification strategy into the aerospace, pharmaceutical, food and beverage and the government business sectors.
Hester also currently serves as the manager of Detroit Connected Autonomous Technologies (D-CAT) where he is responsible for day-to-day activities and promoting the organization’s growth. He previously headed many other successful enterprises, including STM-LM, Global SQ, LLC, Key Logistics Solutions and ARD Logistics, LLC, to name a few.
A graduate of Ferris State University, Hester earned a Bachelor of Science in Plastics Engineering, Associated Applied Science – Plastics Technology and an Associate degree in Education. He also holds a Master of Science in Administration with a concentration in Leadership from Central Michigan University.
Louis E. James is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SEEL, LLC (Solutions for Energy Efficient Logistics). He is renowned for his exceptional business acumen and transformative leadership. Born in Starkville, Mississippi, and a Vietnam War veteran, Louis holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Mississippi Valley State University. His entrepreneurial journey began in the 1970s when he established multiple grocery and convenience stores in Chicago. He later acquired Morrilton Plastic Products and TTO, Inc. In 2007, he founded MCL Jasco, Inc., which now comprises five subsidiary companies operating across various states and industries, including energy, automotive, supply chain management, and agriculture. His flagship company, SEEL, LLC, is a key part of this diverse portfolio.
Louis is also a committed philanthropist and has been named the 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year for Michigan and Northwest Ohio by EY. He is also nominated for the 2024 Gandhi Award for Global Justice. Louis has been married to Dr. Pamela James for over 50 years, and they have two daughters and two grandchildren.
Diversity Powers Us Up
At Ford we recognize our social responsibility to provide opportunities to diverse businesses. For over a century we’ve been pioneers in providing opportunities to people regardless of race, gende r, sexual orientation and background. And even though we’ve already contributed billions to the US economy in diversity spending, we’re just getting started.
We’re proud to support the Michigan Minority Procurement Conference. Ford has a continued commitment to creating business opportunities for diverse suppliers including certified MMSDC Suppliers.
No one gets to the future alone. To learn more about our Ford Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Program, visit www.fordsupplierdiversity.com.
FORD
MACH-E
PERFORMANCE EDITION
A Celebration of Champions
Jim is the CEO of Jim Roberts Enterprises LLC, a management consulting company, and the CEO of Jim Roberts Investment Advisors LLC, a registered investment advisory company. He is also co-owner of the Lake Company LLC, a commercial real estate company. Prior to starting his first company, Jim was a Managing Director for CB Richard Ellis, the world’s largest commercial real estate company. At CB Richard Ellis he had over 3,000 people working for him in 52 countries and was responsible for an annual budget of $500 million.
Jim’s expertise is in strategic planning, process reengineering, financial modeling, corporate real estate, facilities management, project management, and DEI.
Jim has a civil engineering degree from the University of Michigan and an MBA in integrative management from Michigan State University. At Michigan he served as President of the American Society of Civil Engineers, was a member of the Engineering Council, President of the Engineering class of 1983, and was also inducted into the Vulcan’s. Michigan State University selected Jim as a Distinguished Executive MBA Alumnus.
ILLUMINATING
A Celebration of Champions
PRESENTING SPONSORS
HALL OF FAME SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSORS
SUPPORTING ACE SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
A Celebration of Champions
THANK YOU TO OUR VENDORS
AV PRODUCTION
3Pin Design & Management
CBoy Productions
Deep Drama Designs
Full View Productions
Gallant Stokes Productions
DÉCOR
Goodness Gracious
ENTERTAINMENT
Michael McDaniel Media
DJ Rue
Candice “Pretty Stringz” Smith
EVENT PRODUCER
The Wynning Experience
GIFTS AND AWARDS
Blossom Bright
Shankar Distillers LLC
GRAPHICS AND PRINTING
Detroit Signs and Graphics
Duren Resources
TR3 Studios
PHOTOGRAPHY
Hobson Media Group
SILENT AUCTION
V2Soft
VOICE OF GOD
Linda Ware
WINE
McBride Sisters Wine Company
ILLUMINATING EXCELLENCE:
A Celebration of Champions
JETHRO JOSEPH ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
• Jacinto Blanco - Yanfeng Global Automotive Interiors
• Sherry Diction - Adient
• Matt Greene - Toyota
• Marcia Hunter - Stellantis
• Anand Kumar - AAA
• Teresa Lefevre - Comerica Bank
• Dan Muschong - DTE Energy
• Bruno Olvera - Stellantis
• Lisa Pointer - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
CORPORATION OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
• Adient
• Barton Malow
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
• Comerica Bank
• DTE Energy
• Ford Motor Company
• General Motors
• Kelly
• MillerKnoll
• Stellantis
• Toyota
• Travis Spencer - Ford Motor Company
• Kelly Weibel - MillerKnoll
BUYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
• Devin Frosheiser - Yanfeng Global Automotive Interiors
• Marsha N. Ryan - Ford Motor Company
• Isabel Gross Garcia - Yanfeng Global Automotive Interiors
• Maureen Schwartz - Stellantis
• Julie Rood - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
• Brian Smith - DTE Energy
• Yanfeng Global Automotive Interiors
EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
• Dawn Gontko - Ford Motor Company
• James Line, Jr. - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
• Gloria Oldani - Comerica Bank
• Manuel Fernandez GonzalezYanfeng Global Automotive Interiors
• Kenneth Mathies - AAA
• Jaspreet Singh - DTE Energy
• Tracy Joshua - Kellanova
• Jeff Morrison - General Motors
• Robert Young - Toyota
SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR - CLASS IV
MBE LUMINARY OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
• Leon Richardson - The Chemico Group
• Moses Shepherd - ACE Petroleum
SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR - CLASS I
• Data Analytics Technology Advantage
• Digital Detroit Media
• Jim Roberts Enterprises, LLC
• Rizzarr
• The W Buchanan Group
SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR - CLASS II
• Corrpak
• Duren Resources, Inc.
• Full View Productions
• Walker Healthforce
SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR - CLASS III
• BarPellam (Powered by Impellam Group)
• DiversityTrax
• Heritage Vision Plans
• Infotree Global Solutions
• Jireh Metal
• Milagro Packaging
• Reagan Mechanical
• TGI Direct
• Youngsoft
• Acro Service Corporation
• Bridgewater Interiors
• The Chemical Group
• Choctaw-Kaul
• Devon Industrial Group
• Hollingsworth Supply Chain Innovators
• James Group
• LM Manufacturing
• SEEL
• Stenco Construction
• STG
• V2Soft
• w3r
• Walker-Miller Energy Services, LLC
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
• Tarolyn Buckles - Onyx Enterprise, Inc.
• Arthur Dudley, II - Butzel Long
• Charles Finneran - DTE Energy
• Jennifer Good - American Axle Manufacturing
• Jim Roberts - Jim Roberts Enterprises, LLC
• Travis Spencer - Ford Motor Company
2024 AMBASSADORS CORPORATION OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Celebration of Champions
A Celebration of Champions
2024 AMBASSADORS SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR: CLASS I NOMINEES
2024 AMBASSADORS
SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR: CLASS II NOMINEES
Building Stronger Futures Through Diverse Connections
We are honored to support the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council in their mission to empower minority-owned businesses and create meaningful partnerships with industry leaders.
Diversity and inclusion are absolute principles that have long been respected, embraced and celebrated at Flex-N-Gate. In all of its forms – race, gender, ethnicity, religion, viewpoints, and more – diversity is a core element of who we are as a company. Diversity among our people, ideas and solutions allows Flex-N-Gate to meet the growing needs of our customers while strengthening the communities in which we operate.
www.flex-n-gate.com
2024 AMBASSADORS
SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR: CLASS III NOMINEES
THE LEADING NAME IN SUPPLY CHAIN LOGISTICS
Celebration of Champions
We are the sum of our parts and our people.
We specialize in large-scale component manufacturing, complex assembly and sequencing, supply chain management, logistics, and land transportation for global brands. Our 3,000 highly trained team members at 20 locations in the U.S. and Canada build and deliver award-winning quality parts through innovative technologies, including injection molding, vibration and ultrasonic welding, and mechanical and robotics engineering. We bring unparalleled value to our customers. And we create sustainable job opportunities in diverse communities.
DAKKOTA.COM
Every day. Since 1984.
Fairness. Respect. Inclusion.
With multicultural roots, Nissan is committed to providing an inclusive space that encourages innovative ideas from our diverse workforce and supply base. We not only respect, but eagerly welcome, the varied perspectives of these talented men and women. Nissan believes our commitment to our core principles of diversity - fairness, respect and inclusion - is essential to creating quality and innovative products.
2024 AMBASSADORS
SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR: CLASS IV NOMINEES
Celebration of Champions
Celebration of Champions
2024 AMBASSADORS ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
JACINTO BLANCO
MATT GREENE MARCIA HUNTER
SHERRY DICCION
Driving diversity
ANAND KUMAR
DAN MUSCHONG
TRAVIS SPENCER
TERESA LEFEVRE
LISA POINTER
BRUNO OLVERA
KELLY WEIBEL
A global leader in automotive seating
At Adient, we’re committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive supply chain that benefits both Adient and our suppliers. That’s why we’re proud to support the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council and the Michigan Minority Procurement Conference.
2024 AMBASSADORS BUYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
DEVIN FROSHEISER
JULIE ROOD
MARSHA N. RYAN
ISABEL GRISI GARCIA
2024 AMBASSADORS EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
MAUREEN SCHWARTZ
BRIAN SMITH
DAWN GONTKO MANUEL FERNANDEZ GONZALEZ
A Celebration of Champions
TRACY JOSHUA
KENNETH MATHIES
JASPREET SINGH
JAMES D. LINE, JR.
GLORIA OLDANI
JEFF MORRISON
ROBERT YOUNG
2024 AMBASSADORS
MBE LUMINARY OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
LEON RICHARDSON
2024 AMBASSADORS
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
BUCKLES MOSES SHEPHERD
TAROLYN
ARTHUR DUDLEY, II
CHARLES FINNERAN
JIM ROBERTS
TRAVIS SPENCER
JENNIFER GOOD
6 @ 9:30 AM 11:30 AM WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MBE CERTIFICATION? The benefits of MBE Certification really boil down to one word: access. Certification gives MBEs exclusive access to top corporate purchasing agents, premium networking events, searchable supplier databases, affordable consulting services, technology programs, and vital introductions to nationally known corporations.
THE FUTURE OF SUPPLIER DIVERSITY IS HERE!
MMSDC’s proprietary online sourcing platform, Matchmaker365, was developed to connect corporate and MBE purchasing decision makers with minority suppliers across the globe, helping us bridge the gap to economic parity. Not only can suppliers be discovered by buyers searching for specific products and services, but also suppliers can source their own business needs from other qualified minority businesses.
KEY IMPACT
Councils, buyers, and suppliers are actively using MM365 to make connections
3070+ registered users globally Over 430 match requests in 2022
Right Resources. Right Timing. The solution to your most pressing sourcing demands, at your fingertips.
MINORITY BUSINESSES – CREATE YOUR PROFILE FOR FREE!
“Matchmaker365 has been an advantage for our company to be able to look at new sourcing opportunities and bring new suppliers into our industry.”
“This tool is extremely easy to navigate and user friendly. I have been raving to my team about Matchmaker365.”
In partnership with:
https://matchmaker365.org