DTE earned top honors for its leadership in connecting minority-owned businesses with growth opportunities during the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council’s recent Ambassadors Championing Excellence (ACE) Awards.
The company received four awards for excellence in supplier diversity including the MMSDC Corporation of the Year for promoting, mentoring and developing businesses owned by minorities.
For the second year in a row, Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer Tony Tomczak earned Executive of the Year for personal involvement in developing and empowering the company’s minority suppliers.
“We believe we’re at our best when our supply chain reflects the broad diversity of the customers we serve,” Tomczak said. “When we build up minority businesses, we also build the capacity for economic growth and revitalization. This is very gratifying work and I’m thankful to the MMSDC for this recognition.”
The DTE Foundation earned a special President’s Community Impact Award for its wide-ranging philanthropic efforts that include donating over two million masks, funding technology for Detroit students, and providing meals, energy assistance and resources.
“Our support during COVID-19 impacted individuals and organizations across Michigan when they needed it most,” said DTE Foundation president Lynette Dowler. “We see this as core to our company’s mission and we remain deeply committed to this transformative work.”
Long-time DTE buyer Charles Asberry was also recognized as Buyer of the Year for his efforts to increase minority business contract awards, offer referrals to other companies and identify new market opportunities for diverse suppliers.
DTE is a nationwide leader in supplier diversity. So far this year, the company has spent $582 million with diverse suppliers which is nearly 20 percent of its overall external spend.
The company also received national recognition in the fall. DTE was among the top nominees for the National Minority Supplier Development Council Corporation of the Year award in October of 2020.