The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) was recently presented the Corporation of the Year award by the MidAmerica Minority Business Development Council. UMKC was chosen for its achievements in minority business development, aiding minority business growth through purchasing, and seeking technical and managerial assistance from minority providers.

“This award means a lot to UMKC because it acknowledges not only our design and construction minority business development, but also the technical and management assistance we extend through outreach and relationships in the community,” said Bob Simmons, UMKC Assistant Vice Chancellor of Facilities. “Participation numbers are great, but the mentoring and relationships are what builds commitment.”

UMKC also was commended for its commitment to extending equal economic opportunities to minority firms.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a three-part mission: visual and performing arts, health sciences, and urban engagement.

MidAmerica Minority Business Development Council (MAMBDC) is part of a network which includes a national office in New York and 38 regional councils across the country. There are 4,000 corporate members throughout the network, including America’s top publicly owned, privately owned and foreign-owned companies as well as universities, hospitals and other buying institutions. The regional councils certify and match more than 15,000 minority-owned businesses with member corporations that want to purchase goods and services. For more information, visit MAMBDC.