Member Testimonials

The Altria family of companies' active engagement with diverse suppliers began in the early 1970s, and in 1981 our Supplier Diversity Program was established as a priority initiative. Being an active Corporate Member of WBENC has helped us increase our initiatives, especially in respect to identifying key woman-owned suppliers. The sourcing tools that WBENC provides its members, in addition to the Supplier Diversity Best Practices research, has been invaluable to our diversity initiatives. The Altria family of companies — including Kraft Foods and Philip Morris USA — have outstanding records in advancing their respective businesses with diverse suppliers. In 2004 alone, these companies, along with Altria Corporate Services, Inc., purchased more than $1.1 billion in products and services from minority- and women-owned firms. Altria is committed to working with certified minority- and women-owned businesses. To that end, we were honored, yet not surprised, when we received WBENC's Top Corporation Awards for outstanding supplier diversity practices.

At AT&T, we believe that supplier diversity provides us with a strong position to compete effectively in the marketplace. We are proud of our strategic alliances with minority- and women-owned businesses and organizations, and enthusiastically embrace the clear vision and mission which guides our diversity initiative. Being an active Corporate Member of WBENC has helped us enhance AT&T's diversity and inclusion outreach, especially in respect to identifying key woman-owned suppliers. The sourcing tools that WBENC provides its members, in addition to the Supplier Diversity Best Practices research, has been invaluable to our diversity initiatives. AT&T's corporate policy underscores the company's commitment to our M/WBE Program by stating that maximum opportunity will continually be afforded to minority- and women-owned businesses to participate with us as suppliers, contractors and subcontractors of goods and services. In addition, the policy ensures strict compliance with all regulatory agency requirements, as well as with federal, state and local procurement regulations and programs. AT&T's world-class supplier diversity programs and the unwavering commitment of our executives to incorporating diversity owned businesses into the company's supply chain are strong proof points for why AT&T has been selected as one of America's Top Corporations for Women's Business Enterprises since the inception of the award.