The Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council Hosts its 24th Annual Awards Gala and Selects Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. as its Corporation of the Year

On Friday, July 13th, the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC) hosted its 24th Annual Awards Gala in the CNN Center in Atlanta, Georgia.  The mission of the GMSDC is to promote business relationships between corporate and government entities and minority suppliers within the state of Georgia.  The annual gala is the GMSDC's primary source of operating revenues.  

The GMSDC's Annual Sparkle Awards Gala has consistently lived up to its name. Over the years, it has grown into a "must-attend" event for Georgia's leading corporations and minority suppliers. 

The gala this year was sponsored by Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. The Mistress of Ceremonies was Carol Lin, co-anchor of CNN Live at Daybreak, which is seen weekday mornings from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. (EST). Ms. Lin introduced the evening's honored speakers, and many were Georgia's corporate elite.  Governor Roy E. Barnes, of Georgia, was among the distinguished guests. Governor Barnes praised the economic benefits of supplier diversity, and declared Georgia's continued commitment to providing opportunities for minority-owned businesses.

The GMSDC's organizing committee orchestrated the gala, and deserves recognition for effectively utilizing the creative and technical talents of local minority-owned businesses to produce the event.  

Music was provided by Ken Ford, an outstanding contemporary jazz violinist.  Ford is classically trained, but never imagined he would play the violin as a career.  Ford is quoted as saying "...jazz violin wasn't even a thought. It was something I just fell into, and in love with."  

While the music was memorable, other minority suppliers made equally significant contributions to the evening.  Lighting and sound were orchestrated by AEE Sound and Lighting.  Graphic design services were provided by Digital Graphics on Demand.  The brochure and other printed materials came from Custom Printing of Georgia, Inc. The awards and gifts were furnished by HE Hammond Enterprises, Inc., and the exquisite floral arrangements were the work of KB Production Events and Floral Designers, Inc. 

In the end, the gala was much more than a mere awards function and fundraiser for the GMSDC.  The gala was a celebration of the many benefits that can accrue from programs that develop and utilize minority-owned businesses.

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