2012 Diversity Award Applications Deadline Oct. 21

Posted: Thursday, October 06, 2011

The Greater Des Moines Partnership's Diversity Council is currently accepting applications for the Partnership’s 2012 Diversity Award. Now in its 12th year, the Diversity Award recognizes businesses and organizations throughout the region that have taken significant steps to advance the diversity and inclusion efforts in their organization. It also recognizes businesses that strive to create opportunity and embrace an inclusive workplace culture.

“All organizations that have a commitment to Diversity and Inclusion should consider applying for the award,” said Rona Berinobis, Director of Workforce Inclusion for Wellmark, Inc. and the 2011 Chair of the Partnership's Diversity Council. “The process will enable you to assess your own practices. The added bonus is that you will learn opportunities for improvement are from a panel of local diversity and inclusion specialists from a variety of organizations. Our entire workforce took pride and celebrated when Wellmark won the prestigious award.”

The Diversity Award recognizes two categories small to medium, and large-sized organizations. To be considered for the award, a business must be a regional member (via an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce) or an investor of the Partnership and complete an application. Applicants are assessed on organizational diversity and inclusion initiatives and objectives including but not limited to: employee demographics, recruitment, retention, and vendor relationships. Supplier diversity has been factored in past applications and in 2012 this section will include more detailed questions. Applications are evaluated and finalists are visited by a panel of judges before a decision to name the awardee(s). Winners will be announced during the Partnership’s Annual Dinner in January 2012. 
 
Applications and guidelines for the award are available on the Diversity Council Award page. This year’s application will be available as an online form to add to the ease of the process and to help promote sustainable practices.

Completed applications must be submitted to the Partnership’s Diversity Council by Friday, October 21, 2011, either electronically through the online form or emailed to the Partnership’s Diversity Development Director, Alba Perez at aperez@desmoinesmetro.com. Questions about the application process also may be directed to Alba Perez at (515) 286-4937.

For more information on the diversity effort of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, visit www.desmoinemetro.com or contact the office at (515) 286-4950.  Media inquiries should be directed to Susan Ramsey at (515) 286-4954 or sramsey@desmoinesmetro.com.