by
Matthew Jones
Toyota
Motor Manufacturing North America, Inc.
(TMMNA) has a long history of being a
good corporate citizen here in the United
States. It was one of the first foreign
automotive manufacturers to build its leading
cars and trucks on U.S. soil, starting with the
Toyota Camry. It has been a leader among
overseas carmakers with its commitment to
American suppliers.
In that tradition, Toyota
recently announced that it has exceeded its
target of spending $1 billion with minority Tier
1 businesses – one year ahead of its initially
stated goal. Tier 1 suppliers include those
vendors who supply goods and services directly
to Toyota.
“There are many factors that went
into this accomplishment, from the hard work of
our team members to the top support of Toyota
management,” said Adrienne Trimble, manager
of supplier diversity for TMMNA.
“Ultimately, though, it was made possible by the
excellent quality of growing group of minority
suppliers.”
The $1 billion goal, set in 2002,
puts Toyota’s diversity supplier spending at
more than 7.5 percent of its annual purchases.
The milestone was announced at
Opportunity Exchange – Toyota’s
annual minority business conference and trade
fair. Dr. Mae C. Jemison, the
first African-American woman in space, served as
the keynote speaker.
“Toyota believes our supply base
should reflect the diversity of our customers
and our team members,” said Seiichi Sudo,
president and CEO of TMMNA. “And
Opportunity Exchange is a platform where we
can actively promote business opportunities for
minority-owned businesses.”
|
Photos 1, 2 & 4 |
Suppliers showcase their products at
Toyota's 16th Annual Opportunity
Exchange Tradeshow, which was held
November 30, 2005. |
|
Photo 3 |
Dr.
Mae Jamison delivers the keynote
address. |
TMMNA has held the Opportunity
Exchange for the past 16 years. The event
has grown to include more than 1,700
participants and more than $100 million in new
contracts last year.
Last year,
Toyota and PepsiCo were awarded
Corporation of the Year by the National
Minority Supplier Development Council, a
national advocate for increased utilization of
minority suppliers by major national and
international corporations.
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