For the third consecutive year, Wayne State University has received a Corporate ONE Award from the Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC), the nation\'s largest minority business development organization. The presentation was made during MMBDC\'s recent annual Buyers Supplier Luncheon in Flint.

The award recognizes organizations that "fully participate" in MMBDC\'s Project ONE program for mentoring minority partners. To qualify for the honor, recipients must have a formal supplier diversity program, report minority purchases to the council and be an exhibitor at the annual MMBDC Trade Fair and Conference.

Wayne State was recognized for its leadership in the WSU/PepsiFritoLay Project ONE team, which it co-chairs with Pepsi Bottling Company of Detroit. The team mentors 11 minority business partners and provides them with referrals, networking and business opportunities. The WSU/PepsiFritoLay Project ONE team is a leader in providing referrals and business opportunities among the 15 teams participating in MMBDC\'s Project ONE program.

"We are particularly proud of this accomplishment, as it represents the tremendous emphasis the university places on active participation in a diverse market place," said Joan Gossman, director of purchasing for the university.

In addition to the Corporate ONE Award, the MMBDC has recognized Wayne State several other times over the years for its commitment to the minority business community. The university received Corporation of the Year Awards in the education category in 1989, 1999, 2001 and 2003.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 12 schools and colleges to more than 33,000 students.