Boeing

For the second year in a row, The Boeing Company has been voted one of the top Fortune 500 companies for business opportunities in an Internet poll of multicultural businesses. Boeing placed fourth.

More than 100,000 firms across the United States had the opportunity to participate in the online vote earlier this winter. Conducted by DIV2000.com, a multicultural business-to-business Internet portal, the annual poll identifies the "DIV50" -- the 50 Fortune 500 companies that offer the most business opportunities to minority-and woman-owned suppliers. Government agencies are ranked separately.

"It's an honor to receive this recognition for our commitment to supplier diversity," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Space and Communications and socio-economic advisor to the Boeing Supplier Diversity Council. "Boeing is dedicated to the principle of participation by minority and woman-owned businesses wherever the opportunity exists. These organizations help to provide us with the services and products we need to remain competitive and grow our businesses."

Boeing has had an active supplier diversity program for 50 years. In 2001, Boeing did more than $1 billion in business with minority-owned and woman-owned firms.

"Our diverse supplier base gives us strength, innovation and flexibility -- tapping the skills and technologies available within that business community is vital to reinforcing our position as the premier aerospace company in the world," said Bill Stowers, Boeing vice president and general manager and leader of the companywide Supplier Management Process Council. The Council establishes performance standards for more than 15,800 Boeing suppliers.

Boeing and the other winners were honored in a ceremony at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Conn. A complete list of the DIV50 is available on the Div2000 web site.