











PRESENTED BY
On behalf of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC), it’s my pleasure to welcome you to the MMSDC’s Ambassadors Championing Excellence (ACE) Awards.
For almost 40 years, this prestigious event has celebrated top corporations, MBEs and individuals who champion excellence in minority supplier development and business. It’s our opportunity to recognize individuals and businesses for their commitment to supplier diversity. We honor minority business enterprises for excellent service, quality and value and the corporations that support MBEs through purchasing contracts and advocacy.
Tonight, we are excited to induct 4 torchbearers into the MMSDC - Michigan Hall of Fame. Our inductees have made tremendous contributions to minority business development here in Michigan, helping us expand our economy. It is an honor to recognize them and celebrate their many achievements.
For those of you joining us tonight – corporations, leaders, business owners -thank you for your commitment to supplier diversity. Your attendance is evidence of your dedication and collaboration to developing an inclusive supply chain.
And for tonight’s ACE Ambassadors – congratulations on a job well done! You are a critical part of minority business development here in Michigan. Thank you for your tireless efforts! I have seen the dedication and diligence demonstrated toward our shared goals.
Lastly, as my Chairmanship concludes, I want to thank Michelle Sourie Robinson and her fantastic team, who worked diligently to boost minority businesses and further their mission of minority economic development. It hasn’t always been easy, we’ve faced many challenges stemming from the pandemic and supply chain constraints, but together we persisted and succeeded. Michelle and her team maintained innovative programing during trying times and continue to overachieve in almost all key metrics.
Michelle, it has been an honor to serve as vice chair and chair over the last four years. Thank you for your support and partnership. I ensure you that I and Toyota will remain active and engaged members of MMSDC.
I hope you all enjoy the evening.
Robert YoungAt Comerica Bank, we proudly salute G Gloria Oldani, Fred Koshen and Teresa LeFevre for receiving MMSDC ACE Ambassador nominations
Congratulations to all of the MMSDC ACE Ambassadors and the Chairman’s Scholarship winners!
Thank you for raising expectations, within Comerica Bank and beyond
Dear Friends,
As governor of Michigan, it is my honor to extend my warmest greetings to everyone attending the 2023 Ambassadors Championing Excellence (ACE) Awards for the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC).
By supporting minority-owned businesses in our great state, you are helping to build a Michigan that works for everyone. I am truly grateful for your commitment to supporting and growing our diverse entrepreneurial landscape in Michigan. I would like to commend and recognize each honoree’s heartfelt commitment to supporting minority-owned businesses in Michigan.
Michigan is great because of the work, diversity, and grit of the people in it. Your organization’s accomplishments remind me how immensely proud and humbled I am to represent a state so full of heart, determination, and resilience. I have no doubt that you will continue to make a positive difference in the years to come and I look forward to continuing to work with you to build a bright future for Michigan.
Again, welcome to the 2023 ACE Awards, and congratulations to all of the winners being recognized this evening. Please accept my best wishes for a memorable event and continued success in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Gretchen Whitmer Governor of MichiganOn behalf of the board, constituents and staff of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council, I’d like to welcome you to this year’s ACE Awards & Chairman’s Gala. Our theme this year is “Phoenix Rising”. The symbolism of the phoenix rising is to emerge from a catastrophe stronger, smarter, and even more powerful than before. We thought this imagery spoke beautifully of the resilience our constituents have demonstrated and celebrates their tenacity to emerge shining even brighter than before!
In addition to celebrating the individuals and companies that drive our mission, tonight we also celebrate our newest class of Hall of Fame inductees, David Burnley, Leon Richardson, Gene Tabor and Carla WalkerMiller. We are grateful for the contributions they have made in the state of Michigan and beyond.
We will also recognize and honor the leadership of Bob Young, our outgoing Board Chair. Bob has served diligently, navigating the organization through some tough obstacles during his tenure. I am personally indebted to him for his unwavering support and wise counsel during these unprecedented times. Our primary focus is to build a future that delivers growth, sustainability, and inclusion for all. According to our research, it will take 333 years to achieve equity on our current trajectory. Yet, with a deliberate and intentional commitment to real growth, we can reduce those centuries to a mere 15 years. By increasing minority spend by just one percent per year, sourcing certified MBEs and providing access to capital, we can achieve our goals.
There is a lot at stake, and while I realize the challenges are vast, our capacity to affect change is even greater. Our work is more vital than ever and it would not be possible without your deliberate and intentional actions. Thank you for joining us tonight and please enjoy this amazing celebration of entrepreneurial and corporate excellence!
Sincerely,
We’re proud to support the 2023 Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council, ACE Awards & Chairman’s Scholarship Gala. Ford has a continued commitment to creating business opportunities for diverse suppliers including certified MMSDC Suppliers.
To learn more about our Ford Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Program, visit www.fordsupplierdiversity.com
SHANNON BARLOW Flex-N-Gate MBE
ROBERT E. BORDEAUX Caravan Facilities Mgt MBE
CHERYL BOWLSON Barton Malow Corp Member
TAMIKA BROWN The Harmon Group MBE
JACKIE BURNLEY Walbridge Corp Member
STEPHANIE BURNLEY DIG MBE
TANYA CADWELL-MURRAY ZF Corp Member
LAUREN CLARK Kyyba MBE
DURANT CRUM Dakkota Systems MBE
SHENG-DONG LIU Generalety, LLC MBE
BILL DUREN Duren Resources MBE
SHANNON ELLISON Flex-N-Gate MBE
JENNIFER GOOD American Axle Corp Member
DENISHA GREER Barton Malow Corp Member
KIM HART Toyota Corp Member
TAMMI HART Tenneco Corp Member
JENNIFER HOFFMAN Toyota Corp Member
MARILYN HORN 98Forward, LLC MBE
TERESA LEFEVRE Comerica Corp Member
MARCUS LEWIS Fullview Productions MBE
BRIAN MOORE Flex Corp Member
BARBARA MORGAN Lear Corporation Corp Member
DANIEL MUSCHONG DTE Energy Corp Member
LISA POINTER Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Corp Member
ANTOINETTE TURNER BWD Technologies, LLC MBE
ADRINA WALKER Toyota Corp Member
Program
4:00 PM
VIP Admission Check-In Begins
4:30 PM- 5:00 PM
VIP Reception
5:00 PM
General Admission Check-In Begins
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
General Reception (2nd Floor - Legacy Ballroom)
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Dinner and ACE Awards & Chairman’s Gala Program (2nd Floor - Legacy Ballroom)
8:30 PM
Event Concludes
Phoenix Rising:
Artisan Rolls & Butter
Salad:
Traverse City Salad - Mesclun Greens, Candid Pecans, Port-Soaked Cherries, Blue Cheese, Shaved Red
Onion. Served with Balsamic Vinaigrette.
Entree:
Miso Ginger Cod & Braised Beef Tips with Rosemary Roasted Red Skin Potatoes and Asparagus
Dessert:
Sweet Potato Cheesecake
Wine:
McBride Sisters Wine Company
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.
Adient is a global leader in automotive seating. We recognize that positively contributing to our communities helps us build an even stronger organization.
That’s why we are proud to sponsor the 2023 ACE Awards and support the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council.
Is your business minority-owned? Scan the QR code below to register with Adient.
adient.com
Carla Walker-Miller is the Founder and CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Services (Walker-Miller), a 22-yearold values driven, B Corp certified company that changes lives through energy. Her high performing firm’s efforts in energy efficiency and clean energy help decrease the energy burdens on local families and businesses, create sustainable jobs, diversify local energy workforces, and position small business owners to become sustainable suppliers in the clean energy economy.
In 2022, Carla has been honored with the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) Inspiring Energy Efficiency award, the Tough Enough to be a Girls Scout award by the Girl Scouts of Southeast Michigan, Women of Achievement and Courage Award by Michigan Women Forward (MWF). Later this year, she is also set to receive the Eastside Community Network’s Corporate Champion of the Year award and the Max M. Fisher Award for Outstanding Philanthropist. In 2021, she received the Woman Business Owner of the Year Award on behalf of NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners). She was also honored with an induction into the Wayne State University Ilitch School of Business Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hall of Fame. Other 2021 recognitions include the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Award, and the Detroit Women’s Leadership Network Woman of the Year Award. Awards received in previous years include being a three-time Crain’s Detroit Cool Places to Work winner, the 2020 Inc. Magazine Female Founders 100, 2019 Humanitarian of the Year by the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, 2019 Michigan Energy Innovators Business Council’s (MiEIBC) Business of the Year, 2019 Distinguished Business Leader awarded by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (Great Lakes Chapter), and the 2017 EY Entrepreneur of the Year award for the Michigan and Northwest Ohio Region. Additionally, Walker-Miller received both the Small Business of the Year, and the Woman Owned Business of the Year award by the Michigan Small Business Administration in 2015.
She is also very involved in several community efforts serving on the boards and/or committees to include the Executive Committee Chair for the Detroit Means Business Coalition, Building Performance Association (BPA), the Mayor of Detroit’s Workforce Development Board, The Henry Ford, the Hudson-Webber Foundation Trustee Member, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM), BasBlue, the Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS) National Board, the AKA Foundation Board, the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM), the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (MiEIBC), Michigan Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), among others.
Carla received her bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Tennessee State University. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Bank of America is proud to serve our communities by investing in diverse suppliers and supporting organizations like the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council at their 2023 Chairman’s Scholarship Gala. This reflects our work to invest in minority-owned businesses and economically empower our communities around the world.
Visit us at bankofamerica.com/about.
David’s career began in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio where he was accepted into a five-year plumber apprenticeship program. Later, he furthered his education by taking engineering courses and specialized in nuclear mechanical engineering and quality control. He had a seven year stint as a nuclear mechanical test engineer at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant in Perry, Ohio. Burnley transitioned his career and became a general superintendent/project manager for one of the nation’s largest construction firms. After several successful years he relocated to Michigan to form his own business.
David is President and CEO of the Devon Group which is comprised of Devon Contracting, a general contractor and precast installer and Devon Industrial Group, a specialist in construction management and special projects, and is co-owner of Tri-Tec a 100% minority owned engineering, project management and integration services company. For the last 18 years, Devon Group has been in partnership with Walbridge, one of the largest construction companies in the United States. Clients are inclusive of, but not limited to, Toyota, Ford, General Motors, FCA, Honda, University of Michigan, Wayne State University and Detroit Public Schools.
Asked to explain his success, Burnley simply responds, “The key to success for me is to stay focused”, “I stay in my zone, but I always look to see where the industry is going and I ask myself, how can I add more value to my customers”. One of Burnley’s greatest accomplishments is reaching out to help other diverse businesses succeed. He is also an important part of the Detroit community and strives to develop other minority-owned companies in their “journey to success”.
He is a proud member of several professional organizations including, MMSDC, CAM, MBCC, GLWBC and AGC.
At Barton Malow, we understand that how we build is just as important as what we build. We integrate our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion into the way we do business, inside and out. This includes programs for our workforce, suppliers, and contractors.
Barton Malow is strongly committed to ensuring fair bidding opportunities to Minority, Women-Owned, Small, HUB Zone, LGBT, Veteran and Service-Disabled Veteran businesses.
Established in 1984, our award winning Supplier Diversity program has been recognized by the NMSDC and WBENC partner organizations. The core of our program is centered on building confidence in business owners, creating a space for networking and providing resources to ensure growth.
The Barton Malow Supplier Diversity Policy and Program is implemented across the Family of Companies in order to ensure diverse firms receive equal access and a fair opportunity to compete for business in joint ventures, contracts, subcontracts, and the purchase of goods and services.
Our Florida team is entrenched in the local subcontractor market and has developed strong relationships in the Central Florida region, dating back to our firs project in 1971.
• Streamlining of the process for prequalification and bid management on all projects
• Providing contractors with capacity building programming and diverse supplier training
• Structuring bid packages to maximize the participation of diverse business through 1st, 2nd and 3rd Tiers
• Providing Executive Mentorship to our diverse joint venture, association and protege partners
• Highlighting and promoting the success our diverse suppliers through our website and media channels
• Strengthening partnerships with national organizations and regional contractor associations that provide support to our diverse partners
Gene Tabor is the Principal of Tabor Automotive Consulting, focusing on Supplier Development and Strategic Supply Chain Management. Tabor Automotive has focused on supporting Diverse Suppliers and their relationships with their customers and potential customers.
Mr. Tabor was in Automotive Purchasing for 37 years. He joined Toyota in 1987. He was General Manager of Purchasing of Toyota North America Purchasing for 19 years. His responsibilities included:
Overseeing the Procurement of:
• Indirect and Production Materials; Construction, Machinery and Equipment, Logistics, Packaging, Services, Steel, Paint and Production Materials.
• Parts and Components
• Services, Prototype and Export Purchasing Responsibilities Also Included:
• Supplier Diversity, Risk Management, Procurement Systems, and Supplier Relations.
• Purchasing New Model and Project Management, Tooling and Purchasing Cost Engineering
Mr Tabor began his career at Ford Motor Company Purchasing in 1978 and subsequently joined Chrysler Purchasing in 1985.
He served as a member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council Board and the Corporate Plus Committee; the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Procurement Council; and a Member of the Board for the Automotive Industry Action Group. After graduating from Hanover College in 1976 with a Bachelor of Economics, he earned a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University in 1978.
Leon C. Richardson is the Founder, President and CEO of The Chemico Group, the largest minority-owned, veteran-owned chemical management and distribution company in the U.S., which celebrated 33 years in business in 2022. Chemico is a highly regarded Tier 1 supplier to customers in the automotive, aerospace, biopharmaceuticals, electronics and government sectors, employing 450+ people (75% minority) and amassing $175+ million in sales annually. The company has spent $40 million with MBEs since 2014 (6 percent annually).
A passionate champion for MBE development, Richardson serves as a NMSDC Board member and served on the MMSDC Board for 15+ years. He chaired MMSDC’s Minority Business Input Committee overseeing expansion initiatives for 1,200 MBEs in the state. Richardson co-chaired the General Motors (GM) Minority Supplier Council, served as chairman of the National Association of Black Suppliers, was a former board member of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Supplier Partnerships for the Environment and the Chemical Management Suppliers forum. Richardson is a devoted mentor working with up to 10 students/young professionals at a given time, and a strong advocate for investment in community.
Richardson and Chemico have received awards from GM, Toyota, Stellantis (Chrysler), Honda, Boeing, Honeywell, Congressional Black Caucus, NAACP, Rainbow PUSH, Automotive News, Crains, Michigan Chronicle and other distinguished organizations. Chemico has been named NMSDC MBE of the Year Award (2018) and MMSDC’s Supplier of the Year four times. Black Enterprise named Chemico to its list of top 100 Black Businesses nine times.
Richardson is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served his country for eight years as a noncommissioned officer. Richardson was recently appointed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer as a member of the Michigan Strategic Fund Board of Directors and will serve a 3-year term. Richardson and his wife Cheryl are the proud parents of four daughters and one son.
Presenting Sponsors
Hall of Fame Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Supporting ACE Scholar Sponsors
Chairman’s Scholar Sponsors
Supporting Scholar Sponsors
Scholar Sponsor
AV Production
3Pin Design & Management
CBoy Productions
Deep Drama Designs
Full View Productions
Gallant Stokes Productions
Décor
Goodness Gracious
Fabulous Fabrics
Entertainment
Comedian Crystal P
Terrance Jones
Event Producer
The Wynning Experience
Gifts and Awards
Mercury Promotions & Fulfillment
Mixed Promotions
Harlem Candle Company
Marketing & PR
Images and Ideas
Milo
Graphics and Printing
Duren Resources
TR3 Studios
Photography
Hobson Media Group
Scriptwriter
Patricia Andrews-Keenan
Silent Auction
V2Soft
Voice of God
Linda Ware
Wine
McBride Sisters Wine Company
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.
Jethro Joseph Advocate of the Year Nominees
• Jacinto Blanco - Yanfeng Global Automotive Interiors
• Bruno Alejandro Olvera DiazStellantis
• Matt Greene - Toyota
• Gregory Hawkins - Stellantis
• Tamara Hicks - General Motors
• Marcia Hunter - Stellantis
• Anand Kumar - AAA
• Teresa LeFevre - Comerica Bank
• Kenneth Mathies - AAA
• Brian Moore - Flex
• Lisa Ross - Magna International
• Travis Spencer - Ford Motor Company
Buyer of the Year Nominees
• Bryson Batiato - Yanfeng Global Automotive Interiors
• Evan Crahen - National Fuel Gas
• Jordan Evers - Adient
• Joanne Flemming - Yanfeng Global Automotive Interiors
• Fred Koshen - Adient
• Brian Llyod - Ford Motor Company
• Jason Oldani - Ford Motor Company
• Anu Sehgal - Ford Motor Company
• Maureen Schwartz - Stellantis
• Nerisha Wright - Toyota
Corporation of the Year Nominees
• Barton Malow
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
• Comerica Bank
• DTE Energy
• Ford Motor Company
• General Motors
• Kelly
• Stellantis
• Toyota
• Walbridge
• Yanfeng Global Auto Interior Systems
Executive of the Year Nominees
• James Bos - Yanfeng Global Automotive Interiors
• Dante Crockett - Ford Motor Company
• Dawn Gontko - Ford Motor Company
• Tracy Joshua - Kellogg Company
• Kenneth Mathies - AAA
• Jeff Morrison - General Motors
• Gloria Oldani - Comerica Bank
• Jaspreet Singh - DTE Energy
• Teresa Thiele - Stellantis
• Valencia Stoudamire - Henry Ford Health
• Marlo Vitous - Stellantis
• Marvin Washington - Stellantis
• Robert Young - Toyota
MBE Luminary of the Year Nominees
• David Burnley - Devon Industrial Group
• Denise Everett - Global Technology Associates, LTD
• Sylvester Hester - LM Manufacturing
• Brenda Oldham - RAM Insurance & Financial Services
• Leon Richardson - The Chemico Group
• Jim Roberts - Jim Roberts Enterprises
• Varchasvi Shankar - V2Soft, Inc.
• Lisa Wilmore - The Wilmore Agency
Volunteer of the Year Nominees
• Therissa Allen - Nippon Seiki NA
• James Bos - Yanfeng Global Automotive Interiors
• Marissa DeCook - Stellantis
• Jennifer Good - American Axel Manufacturinf
• Jacqueline K. Munson-GainesJMC Connect
• Jim Roberts - Jim Roberts Enterprises
• Travis Spencer - Ford Motor Company
• Karl Stephens - Call Center For Hire, LLC
• Taryn Sulkes - Eagle Specialties, LLC
• Christan Washington - Stellantis
Supplier of the Year - Class I Nominees
• Data Analytics Technology Advantage
• Eagle Specialties, LLC
• Jim Roberts Enterprises, LLC
Supplier of the Year - Class II Nominees
• CorrPak
• Digital Detroit Media (DDM)
• Duren Resources, Inc.
• Full View Productions
• IPS Technology Services
• PCE Monarch
• Saanvi Technologies, LLC
• VMX International
Supplier of the Year - Class III Nominees
• Acro Service Corporation
• Arrow Strategies
• Detroit Automotive Tech
• Milagro Packaging, LLC
• Reliance One
• Roy Smith Company
• State Line Construction and Maintenance
• Systrand Manufacturing
• TGI Direct
• V2Soft, Inc.
• w3r Consulting (Webrunners)
• Walker Healthcare IT
Supplier of the Year - Class IV Nominees
• Acro Service Corporation
• The Chemico Group
• Choctaw-Kaul Distribution Company
• Devon Industrial Group
• Diversified Chemical Technology
• Ewie
• Hollingsworth
• Renaissance Global Logistics
• Seel, LLC
• Systems Technology Group
• Zones, LLC
At SEEL, we specialize in providing turnkey services to help our partners reach their clean energy goals. Our suite of energy management services are tailored to support your climate goals.
As an agile and innovative company, SEEL thrives on collaboration with our sustainability partners to revolutionize program designs and deliver rapid, high-quality services. Choose SEEL, and let’s make energy efficiency work for you!
Visit us at seelllc.com or contact information@seelllc.com
2023
2023 Ambassadors
Supplier of the Year - Class II Nominees
2023 Ambassadors
Supplier of the Year - Class III Nominees
At AAM, we honor everyone who works passionately to advance the causes of diversity, equity and inclusion. We’re proud of our partnerships with our Diversity Supplier Network and stand with everyone who believes that unique perspectives and experiences drive creativity and foster growth.
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 2022, DTE spent $885 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.