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."