Nine of Memphis’ biggest corporations have joined with the Midsouth Minority Business Council (MMBC) in a workplace initiative to strengthen the local economy with greater diversity. Charter member companies of MMBC’s “Model Diversity Corporation Initiative”, including local giants FedEx, AutoZone, and International Paper, have dedicated staff to diversity goals including increasing contracts with local minority-owned businesses.
The Model Diversity initiative takes a multi-prong approach to promoting minority economic development through supplier and work force diversity, institutional inclusion and community giving. Member companies pledge to increase their commitment to all aspects of the program. Nine Memphis-based companies are charter participants, including AutoZone, FedEx Express, First Tennessee, International Paper, Memphis/Shelby County Airport Authority, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Pinnacle Airlines, ServiceMaster and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The MMBC, a nonprofit economic development agency that offers resources and training for minority and women-owned businesses, are working with charter members to familiarize representatives from participating companies with the new program. The organization will also conduct a seminar of the initiative at the MMBC’s annual Economic Development Fair on August 26-28 at Memphis Cook Convention Center.
For More Information Contact: Luke Yancy (901) 525-6512
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