Latin Business Association Honors Verizon for Its Commitment to the Latino Small-Business Community

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Latin Business Association has presented Verizon with the 2011 Chairman's Historical Corporation of the Year Award, in recognition of the company's commitment to supplier diversity and its support of the Latino small-business community.

The LBA cited Verizon's efforts to increase access to business opportunities for Latino-owned businesses and for providing guidance and support to the membership of the LBA and the small-business community.

"Verizon's forward thinking extends beyond its innovative products and services," said Ruben Guerra, chairman of the Latin Business Association. "Through strong supplier diversity programs and business partnerships within the Latino community, Verizon sets the bar high for other companies."

Verizon partners with the LBA to offer the Supplier Diversity Bootcamp.  The program provides tools to help minority-owned companies position themselves to obtain contract and procurement opportunities within the public and private sectors.

Christina Gonzalez, Verizon associate director of marketing, said, "Verizon's partnerships with diverse organizations such as the Latin Business Association help us compete in the global marketplace.  This recognition by the LBA reflects the deep connection between Verizon and the diverse communities we serve."  

Verizon has a long-standing commitment to provide procurement opportunities for business enterprises owned and controlled by minorities, women, persons with disabilities and service disabled veterans (MWDVBEs).  Supplier diversity is a critical element of Verizon's strategy to grow and compete in the marketplace and to provide customers with the highest quality of service. 

About LBA
The LBA, located in Los Angeles, Calif., was established in 1976 as a private nonprofit organization with a commitment to make a positive economic impact by creating business growth, providing advocacy and business education. See www.lbausa.com.

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with more than 107 million total connections nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries, including all of the Fortune 500.  A Dow 30 company with $106.6 billion in 2010 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 195,000.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

SOURCE Verizon