Chrysler LLC Diversity Supplier Development Group Recognizes Top Suppliers and Employees

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 4, 2008 -- Chrysler LLC's Diversity Supplier Development group recognized top performing suppliers and employees that exemplify the core values of Chrysler LLC's Global Sourcing organization. Employees are recognized for their efforts in successfully working with suppliers to improve spending with qualified minority suppliers. The recognized companies and individuals are:

IBM Corporation, 2008 Corporation of the Year -- As Corporation of the Year, IBM supported the minority community by participating on over 10 regional minority business development councils, which support and grow minority businesses. The company employed a full-time Global Supplier Diversity Program Director who led a team of eight local supplier diversity Program Managers, as well as four additional employees supporting global initiatives. The efforts of these individuals has helped IBM to achieve their Chrysler minority spend objectives for seven consecutive years.

Bartech Group, Inc., 2008 Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) of the Year -- As MBE of the Year, Bartech Group spent $27 million with Tier 1 minority companies, representing 11.4 percent in minority spending, a 300 percent improvement from previous year minority spending. Bartech Group management has a long standing record of involvement in civic and charitable activities. An MBE is defined as a business or company that is at least 51 percent owned and controlled by a person or group of people who are recognized as an ethnic minority.

Most recently, Bartech launched a new social initiative to fund the construction of wells that will provide clean, safe drinking water for individuals in Africa, Haiti and other developing countries.

Timothy Jones, Chrysler LLC, Production Control Manager, Plant Diversity Coordinator of the Year -- Tim Jones set the benchmark for all Chrysler plants by hosting the first on-site minority supplier plant event at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. Local minority companies representing a variety of commodities were invited to meet with plant representatives regarding the needs of the facility. As a result of the event, KACE Logistics was awarded a one-year contract for the sequencing of door trip panels for the 2009 Dodge Ram pickup truck.

"The St. Louis North Assembly Plant has created the model for future plant events for minority suppliers," said Jethro Joseph, Senior Executive - Supplier Diversity Development. "Innovative events like this positively impact the overall success of Chrysler's diversity program."

Richard Blomberg, Chrysler LLC, Senior Buyer -- Material Handling Equipment, Global Sourcing Professional of the Year -- To be recognized as Global Sourcing Professional of the Year, Rich Blomberg took on the role of Diversity Supplier Development champion within his Global Sourcing Group. Blomberg exceeded his minority spend goal for three consecutive years by coaching, mentoring and consistently providing opportunities for MBEs.

"Blomberg embodies the spirit of supplier diversity at Chrysler," said Joseph. "His dedication to inclusion in the supply base is commendable."

Chrysler Diversity Supplier Development

Established in 1983, the Chrysler LLC Diversity Supplier Development (DSD) group develops and maintains a qualified, diverse supplier base that is reflective of the company and its customers while achieving diversity sourcing objectives. In 2007, Chrysler LLC spent nearly $5 billion with minority suppliers, an increase of 81 percent over 2006 levels. Since 1983, Chrysler has sourced more than $38 billion from minority-owned companies.