The Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC) is celebrating 40 years of advocating on behalf of Georgia’s minority businesses. Serving as the state’s leading small business development and supplier diversity organization, the GMSDC advances business opportunities for its certified Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American business enterprises. 

GMSDC President and CEO Stacey Key explains that the core function of the GMSDC is to certify Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), help them develop the capacity to compete, develop partnerships with businesses and governmental agencies, and then advocate for their success. 

“The mission has stayed the same for the past 40 years, and we have stayed true to that mission, which is to assist minority businesses in growing and creating jobs,” said Key. “The first 40 years have been fabulous, but the next 40 years will be different.  Businesses change and we have to adapt to meet the needs of the business community and the constituents we serve.”  

Building and sustaining partnerships are an important part of GMSDC’s success. Each year, the GMSDC hosts its annual Spirit of Alliance Awards gala, which honors corporations, MBEs, and supplier diversity advocates that are leading the way in small business development and creating opportunities for minority-owned businesses in Georgia. 

At this year’s 33rd Spirit of Alliance Awards gala, held October 3rd in Atlanta, five corporations received a special 40th Anniversary President’s Award for their support of the Council throughout its 40 years of existence. AT&T, The Coca-Cola Company, Cox Communications, Delta Air Lines, and Georgia Power were honored for their longstanding commitment and dedication to the vision that helped launch the GMSDC in 1975 and fostered its growth during the past four decades. 

“These five companies have been with the GMSDC for its entire 40-year journey, which is phenomenal,” said Key. “They have supported us financially, through their leadership, and with their resources. They have also been actively engaged in helping minority businesses and helping the GMSDC evolve over the past 40 years.’ 

In addition to the 40th Anniversary President’s Award, AT&T was selected for both the Corporation of the Year and Crystal Award. Both of these awards weigh a company’s small business development program, its level of engagement with diverse vendors, and its overall commitment to the GMSDC’s mission to create opportunities for small businesses. Others receiving awards included Executive of the Year Paul Bowers of Georgia Power, Advocate of the Year Todd Gray of the Grady Health System, and JE Dunn, recipient of the George Lottier Rising Star Award. 

Key said this year’s theme⎯Realizing Tomorrow⎯is focused on the GMSDC’s mission to continue providing minority business with the resources needed to achieve their business goals. 

“We want to continue to be the premier resource for business in Georgia…the go-to organization for whatever businesses need for their tomorrows,” said Key. “If they need help finding financial assistance, new technologies or coaching to help get their companies back on track, we want to help. We want to optimize opportunities for minority businesses in Georgia.” 

Moving forward, Key says she wants to see the GMSDC become a presence in other cities across Georgia. 

“I see us having satellite offices working with our business partners, local small businesses and other organizations,” said Key. “The GMSDC wants to be there to support grassroots efforts throughout Georgia.” 

For more information, visit the GMSDC website www. http://gmsdc.org/. For a complete list of award recipients, visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/10/prweb13040697.htm.