Navoba BUY VETERAN CORPORATE GOVERNMENT FRANCHISE YOUR BIZ COMMUNITY

best corporations HUGE CORPORATE for vETERAN-OWNED

By Matthew Pavelek CONTRACTING n 1999, the veteran-owned of their way to use VOBs. business movement took In 2007, approximately 10 a giant leap forward with percent of Fortune 1000 companies legislation requiring the sought veteran-owned suppliers. Ifederal government to recognize Through NaVOBA’s efforts, that vetrepreneurs and setting a mandate number has grown by more than OPPORTUNITIES to buy from businesses owned 60 percent. Today, more than 160 by service-disabled veterans. In Fortune 1000 companies maintain 2005, NaVOBA launched Veterans programs designed to use VOBs as Business Journal to bring the VOB preferred vendors in their supplier movement to corporate America. diversity eff orts. While the federal government is Retail colossus Walmart, FOR the world’s single largest purchaser consumer products behemoth of goods and services, the potential Proctor and Gamble, and innovative for vetrepreneurs selling to all of tech giant Apple, Inc. all buy veteran corporate America dwarfs the federal because it’s good business. Johnson opportunity. & Johnson, earning a place among YOUR BUSINESS Unlike the federal government NaVOBA’s Best 10 Corporations for and its prime contractors, many Veteran-Owned Businesses for 2011 states, and some local and municipal and 2012, provides further evidence governments, corporate America is that the VOB movement is advancing NaVOBA is proud to honor the 10 Best Corporationsporations not mandated by law to use veteran- well beyond the beltway. for Veteran-Owned Businesses for 2012. owned suppliers. Just like any Earning the honor as one of business, large corporations exist to NaVOBA’s 10 Best Corporations for turn a profi t. Selling through a sense Veteran-Owned Businesses shows of entitlement doesn’t work in this a company’s dedication to veterans environment. Traditionally, prime and demonstrates an understanding federal government contractors, like that doing business with veterans isn’t Lockheed Martin and Booz Allen just the right thing to do; it’s simply a André Wyss President Hamilton, always went above and smart business decision. Th e bottom Novartis beyond to include VOBs as suppliers. line is doing business with VOBs Pharmceuticals But NaVOBA’s hard work over the boosts the bottom line. Corporate Corporation past fi ve years is really starting to America is eager to do business with pay off with huge fi rms that have no veterans, these 10 corporations just obligation to utilize VOBs going out happen to be the best.

38 APRILAPRIL 20122012 || VETREPRENEURVETREPRENEUR APRILAPRIL 20122012 || WWW.NAVOBA.COMWWW.NAVOBA.COM 3939 Navoba BUY VETERAN CORPORATE GOVERNMENT FRANCHISE YOUR BIZ COMMUNITY

best corporations for vETERAN-OWNED

BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON 2011 REVENUE: $5.6 BILLION INDUSTRY: DEFENSE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 25,000 SUPPLIER DIVERSITY MANAGER: DIANE MARSDEN # OF YEARS ON LIST: 7X

Booz Allen Hamilton con- said. “Through these rela- sense and because it sup- LEARN MORE tinued its impressive record tionships, Booz Allen has ports our community,” For additional Information of earning the distinction increased its competitive Shrader said. about the Booz Allen Hamilton Supplier Diversity Program visit as one of NaVOBA’s 10 Best advantage; offered more Booz Allen seeks vet- www.navoba.com/BAH. Corporations for Veteran- services to clients, and eran-owned businesses Owned Businesses again has ultimately fulfi lled the across all of the fi rm’s cross- in 2012. The McLean, Va.- fi rm’s promise to help cli- cutting functional capabili- WHAT DOES BOOZ ALLEN based firm believes that ents succeed.” ties including: strategy and HAMILTON BUY FROM those who have served and Ralph W. Shrader, Ph.D., organization, analytics, in- SMALL BUSINESSES? protected our country are BAH chairman and CEO, formation technology and • Systems Integration Services crucial to our nation’s last- said Booz Allen is strongly operations. The fi rm plans • Cyber Operations Support Services • Enterprise Architecture Services ing viability and deserve committed to its U.S. Small to continue its aggressive • Human Capital and Workforce the maximum practicable Business Program. outreach to the small busi- Impact Analysis opportunity to do business “It is a corporate com- ness community including • Strategic Planning Services with prime contractors and mitment that cascades being a Platinum Sponsor the government. throughout the managerial for the upcoming National HERE ARE SOME VETREPRENEURS CURRENTLY Diane Marsden, man- levels of the fi rm because Veteran Owned Small Busi- WORKING WITH BAH: ager of BAH small business it makes good business ness Conference in June. • Millennium Corporation programs, said veteran- • Information Management owned businesses con- Resources, Inc. tribute to Booz Allen’s • MBL Technologies successful client engage- DID YOU KNOW? ments and bring new • Thirty-two percent of the ideas, innovations, capabili- workforce at Booz Allen has ties, and diversity. self-identifi ed as a veteran. “Booz Allen Hamilton • Thirty-nine percent of Booz Allen new hires during 2011 were takes great pride in being veterans. the only fi rm to be named • Booz Allen has received as a best corporation for 3 Nunn-Perry Awards for veteran-owned small busi- mentor-protégé excellence. nesses every year since the • Booz Allen is one of the Top 50 Military-Friendly Employers for list’s inception,” Marsden the sixth year in a row (2006-2011). • This is the eighth straight year Booz Allen Hamilton takes great pride in being the only fi rm to be that Booz Allen has seen a dollar named as a best corporation for veteran-owned small businesses increase to its subcontracting every year since the list’s inception … This award also speaks to with SDVOSBs. the reputation Booz Allen has with veterans in general.” – Diane Marsden, Manager of BAH Small Business Programs

40 APRIL 2012 | VETREPRENEUR Navoba BUY VETERAN CORPORATE GOVERNMENT FRANCHISE YOUR BIZ COMMUNITY

best corporations for vETERAN-OWNED

COMCAST CORPORATION AND NBC UNIVERSAL 2011 REVENUE: $55 BILLION INDUSTRY: TELECOMMUNICATIONS NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 126,000 SUPPLIER DIVERSITY MANAGER: AJAMU JOHNSON # OF YEARS ON LIST: 6X

Making its sixth consecu- Business Association’s veteran, women, minor- LEARN MORE tive appearance as one of commitment to ensuring ity-owned and HUBZone For additional Information NaVOBA’s 10 Best Corpora- that veteran-owned busi- Small Businesses. Through about the Comcast Supplier Diversity Program visit tions for Veteran-Owned nesses can compete for these relationships, we de- www.navoba.com/Comcast Businesses, Comcast Cor- businesses opportunities velop reliable resources, poration perennially dem- within our supply chain. create jobs, strengthen our onstrates its commitment Comcast and NBCUni- purchasing power, and WHAT DOES COMCAST/ to veteran-owned busi- versal actively recruit vet- build value for our share- NBCUNIVERSAL BUY FROM nesses. Comcast Corpora- eran-owned businesses holders.” SMALL BUSINESSES? tion acquired NBCUniversal and track year- over-year Comcast is working to • Construction services (Comcast) in January 2011 and within progress. enhance its operational • Furniture (Comcast) • Logistics (Comcast) its new combined com- “The strength of our resources, including: • IT (NBCUniversal) pany the commitment is supplier diversity program building tools to expand • Legal (NBCUniversal) stronger than ever. is dependent upon de- Comcast’s second tier • Film and TV Production services Ajamu Johnson, senior veloping and sustaining procurement program; (NBCUniversal) manager of Supplier Di- relationships with diverse developing a new vendor COMCAST CURRENTLY HAS versity, said Comcast is suppliers, including vet- registration site; and es- VETREPRENEURS SUPPORTING committed to promoting, eran-owned businesses,” tablishing a consolidated THE FOLLOWING AREAS: increasing and improving said Comcast and NBCUni- supplier-locator tool. • Software Development the overall level of spend- versal Chief Procurement NBCUniversal plans • Advisory services ing with diverse busi- Offi cer Peter Kiriacoulacos. to increase outreach to • Marketing • Value added hardware resellers nesses within its supply “At Comcast and NBCUni- NaVOBA and will also plan and system integrators network, including vet- versal, our supplier diversity an event to engage vet- • Private Jet services eran-owned businesses. program is committed to eran-owned businesses • Landscaping “Comcast Corporation engaging veteran, disabled- on sourcing opportunities. is thrilled to be recognized DID YOU KNOW? • Comcast Corporation received for the sixth consecutive recognition in 2012 for being one year as one of the Best 10 of the “Top 50 Organizations for Corporations for Veteran- Multicultural Business Opportuni- Owned Businesses,” John- ties” by DiversityBusiness.com. son said. “We share in the • Comcast Corporation and other cable operators hosted California National Veteran-Owned Cable, an industry-specifi c supplier diversity outreach event The strength of our supplier diversity program is dependent upon in California in September, 2011. developing and sustaining relationships with diverse suppliers, including veteran-owned businesses.” – Comcast and NBCUniversal Chief Procurement Officer Peter Kiriacoulacos

42 APRIL 2012 | VETREPRENEUR Navoba BUY VETERAN CORPORATE GOVERNMENT FRANCHISE YOUR BIZ COMMUNITY

best corporations for vETERAN-OWNED

DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL 2011 REVENUE: $3.5 BILLION INDUSTRY: DEFENSE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 22,000 SUPPLIER DIVERSITY MANAGER: DEBBIE NEWBERRY # OF YEARS ON LIST: 6X

Falls Church, Va. - based small-business manager, VOBs are encouraged LEARN MORE DynCorp International said DI prides itself on its to enter their company For additional Information earned its sixth honor work to support the small profile in DI’s supplier about the DynCorp Interna- tional Supplier Diversity Pro- gracing NaVOBA’s Best business community. database, Newberry gram visit www.navoba.com/DI Corporations for Veteran- “Being named one of said. “Those interested Owned Businesses list for the ‘10 Best’ means that should include as much 2012. DI takes creating our outreach eff orts and detail as possible in order WHAT DOES DYNCORP BUY contracting opportunities results are noteworthy to to provide a good capa- FROM SMALL BUSINESSES? for veteran-owned busi- the veteran community bility statement for their • Fixed Wing Charter Air Services nesses seriously, with the and we are very proud of company.” • Medical Services vetrepreneur-friendly phi- that,” Newberry said. “It DynCorp International’s • Medical Supplies losophy coming directly allows us visibility in the small business office has • HR Services • Personal Protection Gear from the highest levels of marketplace, and par- increased this past year by • IT Products and Equipment the company. ticularly among veteran- adding two additional ex- “Sixty-five percent of owned businesses that perienced small business HERE ARE SOME our workforce is made up may be a fi t for becoming managers to the team and VETREPRENEURS CURRENTLY WORKING WITH DYNCORP: of veterans and our ties a supplier. The best part is strategically working with • Beverly Sue Global Services, LLC with the veteran commu- of my job is when DI and its business groups to target • Gryphon Holdings LLC nity are incredibly strong,” great small businesses are small businesses in specifi c • Proactive Communications, Inc. said Steve Gaff ney, chair- able to establish a success- geographical locations. man and chief executive ful partnership.” DID YOU KNOW? • DynCorp International and offi cer of DynCorp Inter- CenterScope Technologies were national. “The dedication named Nunn-Perry Award and experience that they recipients for 2012 under the bring to the job each day Army’s Mentor-Protégé Program. – whether as employees, • The Nunn-Perry Award is the Department of Defense (DoD) partners or suppliers – en- Offi ce of Small Business’ riches the support we pro- highest honor. vide defense, diplomacy • This year, the DI team is one of and development initia- only seven teams, out of 150, tives around the world.” selected to receive the coveted prize. Debbie Newberry, DI’s Sixty-fi ve percent of our workforce is made up of veterans and our ties with the veteran community are incredibly strong. The dedication and experience that they bring to the job each day – whether as employees, partners or suppliers – enriches the support we provide defense, diplomacy and development initiatives around the world.” – DynCorp International Chairman and CEO Steve Gaffney

44 APRIL 2012 | VETREPRENEUR Navoba BUY VETERAN CORPORATE GOVERNMENT FRANCHISE YOUR BIZ COMMUNITY

best corporations for vETERAN-OWNED

JOHNSON & JOHNSON 2011 REVENUE: $65 BILLION INDUSTRY: MEDICAL DEVICES & DIAGNOSTICS, NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 117,000 SUPPLIER DIVERSITY MANAGER: VERONICA MANUEL-GILBERT PHARACEUTICALS, AND CONSUMER GOODS # OF YEARS ON LIST: 2X For the second year in a suppliers contribute to the toward supplier diversity LEARN MORE row, New Brunswick, N.J- economic vitality of local and small business growth For additional Information based Johnson & Johnson communities. By support- as an integrated program about the Johnson & Johnson Supplier Diversity Program visit earned the honor as one ing them, we help lift our that sets goals and ac- www.navoba.com/J&J of the 10 Best Corporations communities and make countability for supplier for Veteran-Owned Busi- them stronger.” diversity results at all levels nesses. The fi rm owns such Last year, Vetrepreneur of the business,” Manuel- WHAT DOES JOHNSON household brands as Band- featured Alex Gorsky on Gilbert said. & JOHNSON BUY FROM Aid, Listerine, Tylenol and the cover. J&J recently an- As J&J uses its im- SMALL BUSINESSES? Visine, just to name a few. nounced that Gorsky, an proved analytics to drive • Components for medical devices Veronica Manuel- Army veteran, will be the down into specifi c areas • External manufacturing • Packaging Gilbert, J&J’s director of fi rm’s new CEO. for sourcing, it continually • Capital Enterprise Supplier Diver- “We have seen an ever- looks for those specific • Construction sity said the company was increasing commitment of areas where small and vet- • Facilities services founded on the principles our chief executive offi cer eran-owned businesses of its credo which includes and executive committee can participate. DID YOU KNOW? • There are small businesses a fundamental premise supplying almost every category that “we are responsible for of spend purchased by J&J the communities in which medical devices and diagnostics, we live and work.” pharmaceutical and consumer “Many of our diverse product companies. suppliers are also small • Last year, Johnson & Johnson became the fi rst health care or veteran-owned busi- company to join the Billion Dollar nesses, the economic en- Roundtable: a group of only gine of our country and 17 companies that spends over catalysts for innovation,” $1 billion annually with minority- said Johnson & John- and women-owned businesses. son Vice President, chief procurement officer, Hans Melotte. “We believe that strong, vibrant and growing small and veteran Many of our diverse suppliers are also small or veteran-owned businesses, the economic engine of our country and catalysts for innovation. We believe that strong, vibrant and growing small and veteran suppliers contribute to the economic vitality of local communities. By supporting them, we help lift our communities and make them stronger.” Johnson & Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky is an Army veteran and – Johnson & Johnson Vice President, Chief Procurement Officer, Hans Melotte holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. Gorsky spent six years in the U.S. 46 APRIL 2012 | VETREPRENEUR Army, fi nishing his military career with the rank of captain. Navoba BUY VETERAN CORPORATE GOVERNMENT FRANCHISE YOUR BIZ COMMUNITY

best corporations for vETERAN-OWNED

LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION 2011 REVENUE: $3.7 BILLION INDUSTRY: TECHNOLOGY NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 10,400 SUPPLIER DIVERSITY MANAGER: ED WEIL REYES # OF YEARS ON LIST: 1X

Carlsbad, Calif.- based Life Technologies CEO as valued partners in our LEARN MORE Life Technologies built on Greg Lucier said the com- supply chain.” For additional Information its honorable mention in pany’s success in helping The innovation that about the Life Technologies Supplier Diversity Program visit 2011 and earned a spot solve problems people care comes from small and www.navoba.com/Life. on NaVOBA’s 2012 list of about depends on its abil- diverse business will con- the 10 Best Corporations ity to refl ect the rich diver- tinue to play an impor- for Veteran-Owned Busi- sity of humanity – not only tant role with the success WHAT DOES LIFE nesses. Supplier Diversity in our its own employee of Life Technologies. We TECHNOLOGIES BUY FROM Program Manager Ed Weil base, but in the companies will participate in events SMALL BUSINESSES? Reyes said the company it does business with. like the National Veteran • Biologicals and chemicals used believes that doing busi- “We remain committed and Small Business Con- in our manufacturing process. • Packaging ness with vetrepreneurs is to aff ording opportunities ference and, in California, • Logistic support simply smart business. to historically-underuti- the “Keeping the Promise” • Employee moves and “While the federal gov- lized domestic businesses veteran business event as offi ce reconfi guration ernment encourages the which are owned and part of our active outreach • Sheet metal use of veterans and ser- operated by minorities, program to fi nd the best HERE ARE SOME vice disabled veterans, women, veterans and/or qualified veteran-owned VETREPRENEURS CURRENTLY the bulk of our business service disabled veterans businesses. WORKING WITH LIFE comes from research and TECHNOLOGIES: development laborato- • Heritage Global • Royal Paper Box Company ries outside of the federal • New England Biolabs. government,” Reyes said. • Westair Gases & Equipment “Hence our support of vet- eran and service-disabled DID YOU KNOW? veterans is beyond simply • This past year, over 45 percent of Life Technologies’ discretionary a mandate – it is because spend was with small businesses. it makes good business • Each Veterans Day for the last sense. We are proud of the two years, the fi rm’s vice president fact that we improved our of global procurement issued last year’s honorable men- an incentive to all procurement tion to be selected one of personnel to increase their utilization of veteran-owned and the 10 best this year.” service disabled veteran-owned businesses. At Life Technologies we value diversity and make it an integral element of our corporate culture. We have seen great value in actively working and maintaining relationships with well qualifi ed veteran-owned businesses. They bring innovative solutions and a fresh business perspective.” – Life Technologies CEO Greg Lucier

48 APRIL 2012 | VETREPRENEUR Navoba BUY VETERAN CORPORATE GOVERNMENT FRANCHISE YOUR BIZ COMMUNITY

best corporations for vETERAN-OWNED

LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION 2011 REVENUE: $46 BILLION INDUSTRY: DEFENSE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 123,000 SUPPLIER DIVERSITY MANAGER: NANCY DESKINS # OF YEARS ON LIST: 5X

Bethesda, Md.-based Nancy Deskins, director, vices to our customers,” LEARN MORE Lockheed Martin Corpo- Category Management Pleshko said. “These busi- For additional information ration provides advanced & Supplier Diversity. “We nesses enhance Lockheed about the Lockheed Martin Supplier Diversity Program technologies to America’s recognize the value of vet- Martin’s competitive edge visit www.navoba.com/lmc warfi ghters. In addition to eran-owned businesses though their innovation its commitment to the ac- and strive harder each and agility. At Lockheed tive warfi ghter, the fi rm is year to increase our eff orts Martin, we are honored WHAT DOES LOCKHEED also committed to provid- of supporting the veteran to be included among the MARTIN BUY FROM ing veterans with business community.” 2012 Best Corporations SMALL BUSINESSES? opportunities long after Dan Pleshko, vice presi- for Veteran-Owned Busi- • Machined or manufactured they wear a uniform. Even dent, Global Supply Chain nesses. It is a validation component parts • IT expertise in a challenging business Operations, said the fi rm – and I give credit to our • Applications development economy, Lockheed Mar- recognizes that veteran- employees who work dili- • Test equipment tin has demonstrated its owned businesses are a gently every day to assist • Expertise in Aircraft Parts and continued commitment critical national resource. our men and women in Search & Detection, among others by awarding contracts “Essential partnerships uniform, both while they • Electronic components to veteran-owned firms. with these businesses are in active service and in HERE ARE SOME In Fiscal Year 2011 alone, will help us successfully their civilian roles.” VETREPRENEURS Lockheed Martin awarded deliver products and ser- CURRENTLY WORKING more than $1 billion to vet- WITH LOCKHEED MARTIN: • Evans Precision Machining Inc. eran-owned businesses. • Ascent Technologies This dedication has • Edge Consulting, LLC earned Lockheed Martin its fi fth consecutive honor DID YOU KNOW? as one of NaVOBA’s 10 Best John Zuccaro, a Lockheed Martin employee, was a core Corporations for Veteran- team member that developed Owned Businesses. the Veteran’s Institute for “We are very proud Procurement (VIP) training of the honor of being as a way of making LM’s named one of the Best 10 veteran-owned small business Corporations for Veteran- subcontractors stronger business partners. Owned Businesses,” said At Lockheed Martin we are honored to be included among the 2012 Best Corporations for Veteran-Owned Businesses. It is a validation – and I give credit to our employees who work diligently every day to assist our men and women in uniform, both while they are in active service and in their civilian roles.” – Dan Pleshko, Vice President, Global Supply Chain Operations

50 APRIL 2012 | VETREPRENEUR Navoba BUY VETERAN CORPORATE GOVERNMENT FRANCHISE YOUR BIZ COMMUNITY

best corporations for vETERAN-OWNED

NOVARTIS AG (PARENT COMPANY OF NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CORPORATION) 2011 REVENUE: $58 BILLION INDUSTRY: PHARMACEUTICALS NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 124,000 SUPPLIER DIVERSITY MANAGER: SHERI SHAFIR # OF YEARS ON LIST: 5X

Located in East Hanover, efi t our business and help diverse workforce, is ben- LEARN MORE New Jersey, Novartis drive innovation, but they efi cial for a number of rea- For additional Information about the Pharmaceuticals Corpora- also stimulate economic sons. Once they are on the Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corpora- tion Supplier Diversity Program visit tion is an affi liate of No- development in the com- same playing fi eld, these www.navoba.com/npc vartis AG, headquartered munities where we do diverse suppliers are fre- in Basel, Switzerland, business.” quently succeeding against which provides innova- Sheri Shafir, associate larger fi rms,” Danoff said. WHAT DOES NOVARTIS tive healthcare solutions. director of Supplier Diver- NPC has worked hard PHARMACEUTICALS NPC’s outstanding com- sity said she’s proud to to continually improve its CORPORATION BUY FROM mitment to partnering play a role at NPC, where program. In 2011, NPC par- SMALL BUSINESSES? with veteran-owned busi- the fi rm has consistently ticipated in three formal • Premiums /Promotional items • Printing nesses earned the fi rm its focused on increasing op- supplier diversity men- • IT/Security fi fth consecutive honor as portunities for qualified toring programs. In ad- • Electrical Contracting one of NaVOBA’s 10 Best diverse suppliers of all cat- dition, Supplier Diversity • Facility Maintenance Services Corporations for Veteran- egories. Carol Danoff , NPC provided individual men- HERE ARE SOME Owned Businesses. Vice President, Strategic toring to help suppliers VETREPRENEURS CURRENTLY “We are very proud to Sourcing, agreed. deliver an eff ective pitch WORKING WITH NPC: be a recipient of the Best “In my experience, en- and more eff ectively de- • Integrated Security Holdings 10 Corporations for Vet- lightened companies right- fi ne and deliver their com- • Bergen Industrial eran-Owned Businesses fully acknowledge that a petitive advantage and • Cavalier Logistics for the fifth consecutive diverse supply chain, like a value messaging. DID YOU KNOW? year,” NPC President André • NPC’s veteran-owned supplier Headquartered in Wyss. “It demonstrates Basel, Switzerland. spend increased by 32 percent our ongoing commitment from the previous year? to supplier diversity and In many instances, this is due to increased demand within an our dedication to build- existing supplier relationship. ing relationships with This is an illustration that these small, minority, veteran suppliers understand NPC’s and women-owned busi- business needs and are getting nesses within our network repeat, increased business of suppliers. Not only do as a result. • NPC is a 2-star NaVOBA Corporate these relationships ben- Member and an active participant on NaVOBA’s Corporate We are very proud to be a recipient of the Best 10 Corporations for Veteran-Owned Advisory Board. Businesses for the fi fth consecutive year. It demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supplier diversity and our dedication to building relationships with small, minority, veteran and women-owned businesses within our network of suppliers.” – NPC President André Wyss

52 APRIL 2012 | VETREPRENEUR Navoba BUY VETERAN CORPORATE GOVERNMENT FRANCHISE YOUR BIZ COMMUNITY

best corporations for vETERAN-OWNED

ROCKWELL COLLINS INC. 2011 REVENUE: $4.8 BILLION INDUSTRY: DEFENSE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 20,500 SUPPLIER DIVERSITY MANAGER: KRIS GRALUND # OF YEARS ON LIST: 1X

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, -based owned businesses, will tinues to be committed LEARN MORE Rockwell Collins, a firm help position Rockwell to maximizing veteran- For additional Information about that serves customers in Collins to succeed now owned business participa- the Rockwell Collins Supplier Diversity Program visit aerospace and defense, and far into the future. tion whenever possible. www.navoba.com/RC. makes its fi rst-ever appear- “Veterans have our deep In order to continue the ance this year as one of gratitude for their contribu- success in FY’11 and be- NaVOBA’s 10 Best Corpo- tion and sacrifi ce, and we yond, RC’s Small Business WHAT DOES ROCKWELL rations for Veteran-Owned are committed to helping Offi ce has re-aligned with COLLINS BUY FROM Businesses. Kris Gralund, them put their unique and the subcontracts team to SMALL BUSINESSES? sr. project manager, sup- desirable skills to work,” build awareness and in- • Engineering services plier diversity and small Jones said. “I am fortunate crease engagement with • Connectors • Crystals business liaison officer, to lead a global team of veteran-owned businesses • Filters said RC understands that people that understands during the early proposal • Displays small businesses bring a our diversity and inclusion stage. This effort has • Printed Circuit Boards competitive environment strategy extends beyond helped increase opportu- and challenge the entire the walls of our company nities for veteran-owned HERE ARE SOME VETREPRENEURS supply chain. to our suppliers.” businesses to engage on CURRENTLY WORKING “Veteran-owned busi- Rockwell Collins con- key customer proposals. WITH ROCKWELL COLLINS: nesses are dedicated and • TEVET LLC diligent in delivering qual- • Lake Engineering Inc. • Whitmor Wirenetics ity products and services, • Universal Circuits while providing technical solutions and innovative DID YOU KNOW? cost savings to our supply • Rockwell Collins is planning chain,” Gralund said. a small business technology symposium showcasing veteran- Rockwell Collins presi- owned businesses with key dent and chief executive technologies to increase offi cer Clayton Jones said awareness of veteran-owned the innovative perspec- businesses to its employees. tives and solutions RC • In fi scal year 2010 the Rockwell gains from diverse sup- Collins Small Business Offi ce was recognized by the Small Business pliers, including veteran- Administration with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence Veterans have our deep gratitude for their contribution and sacrifi ce, and we are in Manufacturing. This award is committed to helping them put their unique and desirable skills to work. I am the highest distinction given to a large business subcontractor fortunate to lead a global team of people that understands our diversity and inclusion by the U.S. government. strategy extends beyond the walls of our company to our suppliers.” – Rockwell Collins President and Chief Executive Officer Clayton Jones

54 APRIL 2012 | VETREPRENEUR Navoba BUY VETERAN CORPORATE GOVERNMENT FRANCHISE YOUR BIZ COMMUNITY

best corporations for vETERAN-OWNED

SAIC 2011 REVENUE: $11 BILLION INDUSTRY: DEFENSE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 43,000 SUPPLIER DIVERSITY MANAGER: VICTORIA VO # OF YEARS ON LIST: 6X

McClean, Va.- based SAIC Vo said SAIC is honored petitive environment we LEARN MORE made its impressive sixth to be recognized as a com- know that the expertise For additional Information about appearance on NaVOBA’s pany that understands the VOBs can bring forth will the SAIC Supplier Diversity Program visit www.navoba.com/SAIC. 10 Best Corporations for value proposition and be critical to our mutual Veteran-Owned Busi- benefit of working with success.” nesses list for 2012. Victo- VOBs and SDVOBs SAIC has an immedi- ria Vo, SAIC senior business “We know that veteran- ate need for small busi- WHAT DOES SAIC BUY FROM SMALL BUSINESSES? development specialist, owned small businesses ness partners in the areas • Cyber – defensive and off ensive said the fi rm believes that can bring the needed of cyber security, health, measures, information operations, the talent and expertise of capabilities and subject energy, and intelligence, and analytics veteran-owned small busi- matter expertise to en- to name a few. Not all op- • Renewable energy ness teammates is a vital able SAIC to better serve portunities are unique to • Health care – electronic health records, privacy, analytics, ingredient to SAIC’s overall our customers and their VOBs. But, as a result of life sciences small business program. missions,” said Babak its market focus and cus- • Systems Engineering “Veteran-owned busi- Nouri, vice president and tomer sets, VOBs may be • Logistics and Supply Chain nesses (VOBs) have a director of small business quick to understand them unique set of characteris- programs. “In today’s com- better, Vo. said. HERE ARE SOME VETREPRENEURS CURRENTLY tics in terms of their sub- WORKING WITH SAIC: ject matter expertise and • Federated IT customer knowledge,” • Technatomy Corporation Vo said. “Many of our ef- • Ranger Land Systems, Inc. forts within the national DID YOU KNOW? security sector require the • SAIC has been recognized as combination of techni- a leader in working with small cal knowledge and deep businesses by the Small Business domain expertise that Administration (SBA), DoD, VOBs possess. The ability DHS, the VA and NASA for overall performance and eff orts in to blend knowledge, skills working with small businesses. and quick reaction capa- • Select awards include the SBA bilities requires a special Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for blend of skills that only excellence in working with small VOBs can bring.” businesses and the Department of Defense Nunn-Perry award for “We know that veteran-owned small businesses can bring the needed capabilities and subject matter mentor-protégé excellence. expertise to enable SAIC to better serve our customers and their missions. In today’s competitive environment we know that the expertise VOBs can bring forth will be critical to our mutual success.” – Vice President and Firector of Small Business Programs, Babak Nouri

56 APRIL 2012 | VETREPRENEUR Navoba BUY VETERAN CORPORATE GOVERNMENT FRANCHISE YOUR BIZ COMMUNITY

best corporations for vETERAN-OWNED

AB VOLVO (PARENT COMPANY OF VOLVO/MACK TRUCKS) 2011 REVENUE: $39 BILLION INDUSTRY: TRANSPORATION NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 94,000 SUPPLIER DIVERSITY MANAGER: TEODORA SERBAN # OF YEARS ON LIST: 5X

Since 1911, Mack Trucks, with veteran-owned sup- products and services,” LEARN MORE Inc., has served the United pliers in every part of our Serban said. “There are no For additional information States Military and has business, from central of- restrictions in our organi- about the Mack Trucks Supplier Diversity Program visit earned a solid reputation fi ce functions to engineer- zation that would prevent www.navoba.com/VMT. as being durable, depend- ing to manufacturing.” a veteran-owned business able and serviceable on Teodora Serban, sup- from taking advantage of the battlefield. In fact, plier diversity development any opportunity that would WHAT DOES MACK TRUCKS INC. Mack considers itself to be manager at Volvo said the meet their current product BUY FROM SMALL BUSINESSES? a veteran. For the second firm has shifted its focus or service off ering.” • Tubes and Metal Stampings year in a row, the fi rm has from supporting supplier The fi rm is also devel- • Mirrors earned the distinction as diversity-related functions oping a potential supplier • Air Horns one of NaVOBA’s 10 best and events to a true supplier database and new supplier • Lights and Refl ectors • Marketing Materials Corporations for Veteran- development objective. introduction process that Owned Businesses. “We currently source will allow it to evaluate and HERE ARE SOME “At Mack Trucks, Inc., with veteran-owned busi- promote diverse, qualifi ed VETREPRENEURS CURRENTLY WORKING we’re proud to call vet- nesses for automotive parts suppliers within its pur- WITH MACK TRUCKS INC.: eran-owned businesses and non-automotive parts, chasing organization. • PULVERMAN/Kingston Sales our partners in the trans- • Tucker Industries, Inc. portation industry,” said • Hadley Products Corporation President Kevin Flaherty. • Phillips MFG Company “Mack has a long history DID YOU KNOW? supporting the U.S. mili- • In 2011, Mack partnered with tary, dating back to 1911 Ice Industries, a veteran-owned when we supplied the fi rst supplier of air tanks, and awarded Mack trucks to the U.S. them about $2.5million/year for War Department. Today the next three years. • Mack is initiating system changes we continue to build that will push responsibility for trucks for the U.S. military, inclusion of diverse suppliers but we also support our at all levels. armed forces by looking • It’s also implementing a program for opportunities to work that will work with non-selected suppliers to help them secure At Mack Trucks, Inc., we’re proud to call veteran-owned businesses our partners in the the necessary resources and transportation industry. Mack has a long history supporting the U.S. military, dating back qualifi cations to be competitive with non-diverse qualifi ed to 1911 when we supplied the fi rst Mack trucks to the U.S. War Department. Today we competitors on a much continue to build trucks for the U.S. military, but we also support our armed forces by looking larger scale. for opportunities to work with veteran-owned suppliers in every part of our business.” – Mack Trucks President Kevin Flaherty

58 APRIL 2012 | VETREPRENEUR 1N a voba bes t c BUYor pVETERANoratio n s CORPORATE for vETE R AN GOVERNMENT-OWNED BU SIN FRANCHISEESSES YOUR BIZ COMMUNITY

2012 honorable mentions

ConAgra Foods Dell JP Morgan Chase & Co. Northrop Grumman UPS 2010 Revenues: 2012 Revenues: 2010 Revenues: 2011 Revenues: 2010 Revenues: $12.4 Billion 62.1 Billion 89.7 Billion $15.1 Billion 49.5 Billion Number of Employees: Number of Employees: Number of Employees: Number of Employees: Number of Employees: 25,000 (2008) 100,300 (2011) 260,095 (2011) 72.500 (2011) 400,600 (2010) Supplier Diversity Supplier Diversity Supplier Diversity Supplier Diversity Supplier Diversity Website: Website: Website: Website: Website: www.navoba.com/conagra www.navoba.com/dell www.navoba.com/jpmorgan www.navoba.com/northrop www.navoba.com/ups

Best Corporations for VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSES Methodology To determine the “10 on policies relating to procurement infrastruc- Our rankings were divided into quantitative and Best Corporations for the inclusion of veteran- ture and allocation of qualitative scoring with the following weighting: Veteran-Owned Busi- owned businesses as assets, the existence nesses,” Vetrepreneur part of every company’s and quality of a mentor- Overall VOB program: 45% analyzed large compa- supplier diversity protégé program, and Assets dedicated to VOB outreach: 16% nies (those that exceed program and the way any supplementary Internal VOB program evaluation 15% $1 billion in annual in which that company actions the company & comparison: revenues) using web utilizes its outreach may have taken to VOB goal: 8% research, telephone program to attract improve its relationship Supplier diversity personnel infrastructure: 8% inquiries, and a survey veteran-owned with veteran-owned Supplementary efforts: 8% posted earlier this year. businesses. We also businesses. We based our rankings explored the company’s

2011 10 best corporations for VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSES

Consistent Performers These companies have earned the honor 3 years or more.

Booz Allen Hamilton Lockheed Martin Northrop Grumman SAIC Novartis UPS Comcast Corporation Mack Trucks Inc. & Volvo Xerox Trucks North America DynCorp International AT&T Dell

60 APRIL 2012 | VETREPRENEUR