2016 TOP Corporations

‘RELATIONSHIPS IN ACTION’ A HIGH NOTE IN THE NAMING OF
THE GREATER WOMEN’S BUSINESS COUNCIL’S 2016 TOP CORPORATIONS OF THE YEAR
Unprecedented mix of industries comprise 2016 Honoree List Underscoring Expanded Utilization of Women Business Suppliers  

ATLANTA  – When the Greater Women’s Business Council, Inc. (GWBC), the largest provider of certification and development resources for women business enterprises (WBEs) in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, sought to identify its 2016 TOP Corporation honorees, two things were glaringly clear:  1) thriving relationships are the centerpiece of successful corporate contracts; and 2) a diverse mix of industries are tapping the power of women business suppliers. At 11 a.m. on June 8, at the Georgia Terrace Hotel, nine varied corporations will be celebrated as GWBC’s TOP Corporations of the Year (TOP) for their demonstrated passion for inspiring, engaging and empowering WBEs. 

Accenture, AT&T, BMW Manufacturing Co., Georgia Power, Grady Health System, Sonoco, The Coca-Cola Company, Wells Fargo & Co. and UPS are the noted honorees that will receive a unique salute presented through the real-world testimonies of WBE partners whose business has been directly impacted by their support. Atlanta Power Anchor Karyn Greer joins as Mistress of Ceremonies, guiding a program that will bring the relationships between the corporate honorees and the women entrepreneurs to life in tribute.

“Our TOP Corporation recognition has a very special place in my heart,” said Roz Lewis, president & CEO of GWBC.  “While our team, corporate partners and certified women businesses work tirelessly year-round, this is the moment where we experience the fulfillment of GWBC’s mission and the tangible benefits of these ‘empowered relationships,’” added Lewis.

From healthcare, supply chain solutions and packaged goods and services to automobile, banking and telecommunications, GWBC is inspired by the mix of industries focusing their support on women business enterprises (WBEs).  TOP Honorees and WBE Presenters include:
     • Accenture: presented by WBE Nancy Williams of ASAP Solutions Group
     • AT&T: presented by WBE Jodi Gill of The Experts Bench
     • BMW Manufacturing Co.:  presented by WBE Marlene Kelly of Exhibits South
     • Georgia Power: presented by WBE Rachael Murphy Humphrey of Metro Records Management
     • Grady Health System: presented by WBE Melanie Rhodes of Diversity Spend Solutions
     • Sonoco Packaging Company: presented by WBE Patti Massey of MYCA Group
     • The Coca-Cola Company: presented by WBE Paige Nichols of Jansen Advertising
     • UPS: presented by WBE Kanchana Raman former owner of Avion Systems
     • Wells Fargo & Co.: presented by WBE Kittie Watson of Innolect, Inc.

Judged by a panel of WBEs, criteria for the GWBC Top Corporations of the Year awards include corporations that are members of the organization; have a dedicated supplier diversity program serving Georgia and the Carolinas; meet and exceed spend goals with WBEs; and actively participate in educational and development activities with WBEs in the region. GWBC Top Corporations of the Year Awards is sponsored by Georgia Power, PS Energy Group, Sonoco and WDS among many others. 

To register for the GWBC TOP Corporations of the Year Awards, visit  www.gwbc.biz; and join lively discussions at Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. For press inquiries, contact Nichole Taylor at taylor@taylorcommunicationsgroup.com. 

ABOUT THE GREATER WOMEN’S BUSINESS COUNCIL, INC.
The Greater Women’s Business Council, Inc. (GWBC) is a not-for-profit women’s organization that provides nationally-recognized certification through its Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) network, innovative programming and value-driven events customized to the unique needs of women business owners (WBEs) in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. GWBC’s constituency is comprised of more than 900 certified WBEs, dozens of corporate member partners, government entities and business alliances united to inspire, engage and empower women-owned businesses. A Regional Partner Organization of WBENC, GWBC is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with a satellite office in the Carolinas.