DETROIT — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan received top honors at the recent Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council's 27th Annual Awards Program. A winner for the fourth consecutive year, The Blues was presented the prestigious Corporation of the Year award in the financial and insurance services sector. BCBSM won an award in each of the three categories for which it was nominated — a rare accomplishment, according to the council.

 The Corporation of the Year is awarded annually to the corporation that actively includes certified minority suppliers in its procurement opportunities, assists in the development of minority suppliers, and promotes supplier diversity and business development.

 In addition, MMBDC presented awards to two Blue Cross employees. Ulysee Rice, Jr., BCBSM advanced procurement specialist, received the Corporate Buyer of the Year award. Donna Strickland, BCBSM supplier diversity program manager, received the Jethro Joseph Advocate of the Year award.

 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan continues to build new partnerships with suppliers and business partners to improve supplier diversity and better serve communities in Michigan. A key component of the Blues' Corporate Procurement program is business expansion and penetration in new growth markets.

 "We enjoyed celebrating BCBSM's success this year with our Corporation of the Year award from MMBDC," said James Line, director, Corporate Procurement. "We appreciate being recognized for our efforts and are thankful for the support of our business partners and suppliers. We will continue to build and enhance our strategies to maximize outstanding corporate results for the communities we serve."