Northrop Grumman’s Newport News Garners Award
Northrop Grumman Corporation's Newport News sector has received the Defense
Contractor of the Year Award from the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC). The award was presented to the company's Newport News sector for its long-standing practice of contributing to the economic growth and development of the African American community.
John Shephard, senior vice president, Operations, for Newport
News, accepted the award on behalf of the company. "This award is a
recognition of the longstanding effectiveness of our small and
disadvantaged business program." The program, which has been in place
for 30 years, expands the sector's diverse supplier base and provides
small, minority and women-owned suppliers the opportunity to compete on
an equal basis with larger, traditional suppliers in the market place.
"Northrop Grumman Newport News views supplier diversity as an
essential part of our business culture and success. We spent over $36
million with minority suppliers in 2002. They came through again for
us and we value them greatly as part of our business team. It's a real
win-win," Shephard said.
Newport News is also a sponsor of multiple business opportunity
fairs including the Virginia Business Opportunity Fair in Richmond,
Va., May 5-7, 2003. These outreach events provide minority-owned firms
with a way to introduce themselves to potential customers and to
develop business opportunities.
"The Defense Corporation of the Year Award is being given to
Northrop Grumman Newport News for its commitment and participation with
members of the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of
Commerce," GLAAACC Chairman Gene Hale said. "They have provided over
$1 million in subcontract work to chamber members."