IRVINE, CA — Supplier of the Year Awards Luncheon, sponsored by the Southern California Region of the National Minority Business Development Council (SCMBDC), was held at the OMNI Los Angeles Hotel. One by one, the nominees made their way through the large ballroom, on the red carpet and onto the stage until all 40-plus award nominees were introduced and recognized. But it would be another hour before awards were presented to the four, 1st place finishers.

This year, 42 top-performing, SCMBDC-certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) nominated by 16 corporations competed for the award in four categories, based on gross annual sales of less than $1 million (Class I), between $1 million and $10 million (Class II), between $10 million and $50 million (Class III), and $50 million or greater (Class IV).

One award is presented in each class and MBEs are judged on demonstrated growth and development; employment and job creation, consistent high quality operations and business performance, products / services.