Mercedes-Benz Honors USTA ICON Award Recipients at the 2012 US Open

MONTVALE, NJ--Sept. 4, 2012:  A short break from the tennis action at Arthur Ashe Stadium is on the agenda for Mercedes-Benz, Official Vehicle of the US Open, as it plays a role in recognizing the USTA ICON Awards recipients on September 4, 2012.

The fourth annual ICON Awards at the US Open celebrate diversity and inclusion in the sport of tennis and in society.  The event includes the Billie Jean King Legacy Award, which goes to Pat Summit, former head coach of University of Tennessee women's basketball and all-time NCAA most winning coach.  The evening's other honorees will be the late wheelchair tennis pioneer Randy Snow and the late Lee Hamilton who, as Executive Director of the USTA, instituted the creation of this association's Diversity and Inclusion department.

Mercedes-Benz USA, a subsidiary of Daimler AG, who employs 271,370 people worldwide representing over 140 nationalities, share a common goal in building diversity throughout its organizations from internal programs for career development to partnerships with institutions that support professional training and diversity across cultures.

"We greatly respect the ICON Awards and the USTA's leadership in honoring those that contribute to fairness and equality in sport and throughout the world," said Tommy Shi, Diversity and Inclusion Officer for Mercedes-Benz USA. "Diversity drives innovation in any organization and our different experiences, skills and perspectives are strengths that help shape the future of Mercedes-Benz."

This year's honorees join an outstanding and accomplished list of those whose contributions have been previously recognized including the late Arthur Ashe, baseball legend Hank Aaron, former New York City Mayor David Dinkins, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Phoenix Suns, Rick Welts, and former USTA President Judy Levering. The dynamic achievements and unyielding commitment of this group to removing barriers and creating opportunities for others are the foundation of what the ICON Awards seek to recognize and honor.