Carlson has been named Corporation of the Year by the Minnesota Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) for its supplier diversity initiatives and achievements. The announcement was made during MMSDC's 31st annual business opportunity fair held in St. Paul on Sept. 18 and 19.

"We are constantly looking for ways to build and develop valuable supplier relationships," said Carmen Baker, Carlson's vice president of enterprise diversity. "This honor fits with our commitment to embrace diverse suppliers."

"Carlson's proactive supplier diversity initiative helps us become a catalyst for new ideas and potential process improvements," said Judy Gauvin, Carlson's supplier diversity manager.

Carlson's supplier diversity initiatives ensure that diverse suppliers are included in its sourcing process. Since 2002, Carlson has been certified as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) by Women's Business Enterprise National Council and the National Women Business Owners Corporation. Carlson's overall goal for its supplier diversity effort is to benefit clients and suppliers, along with the economy and the communities it serves.

MMSDC is a non-profit, and one of the 39 regional councils of the National Minority Supplier Development Council. It serves as a link between corporations and minority-owned businesses in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.