Office Depot named to 2011 list of America's Top Corporations for Women's Business Enterprises by Women's Business Enterprise National Council, the 10th year Office Depot has been included on the list

Cindy Allen

BOCA RATON, Florida , February 27, 2012 (Business Wire) – Office Depot (NYSE: ODP), celebrating 25 years as a leading global provider of office supplies and services, today announced that the Company was named to the 2011 list of America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises by Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). The award is the only national recognition honoring corporations for world-class programs that level the playing field for women’s business enterprises (WBEs) to compete for corporate business. This marks the tenth year that Office Depot has been included on the selective list.

“Our Top Corporations know that women’s businesses drive innovation and competitiveness in today’s marketplace. That’s why they are deeply committed to strategic business development programs that span their organizations and achieve measurable results”

“Being recognized by WBENC is an honor for Office Depot, our partners and our customers,” said Neil Austrian, Chairman and CEO of Office Depot. “We support women-owned businesses through a variety of initiatives, and are committed to helping this important, growing segment of our customer base succeed.”

Contributing to Office Depot’s recognition is the Company’s matchmaking program. As part of Office Depot’s supply chain diversity program, this signature business capability matches purchasers and potential suppliers recommended by Office Depot, including women-owned businesses, through a one-on-one meeting. During 2011, Office Depot arranged or participated in various matchmaker sessions – many of which took place at WBENC meetings.

“Our Top Corporations know that women’s businesses drive innovation and competitiveness in today’s marketplace. That’s why they are deeply committed to strategic business development programs that span their organizations and achieve measurable results,” said Pamela Prince-Eason, President and CEO of WBENC.

Since becoming a corporate member of WBENC in 2000, Office Depot has participated in numerous WBENC networking events and WBENC initiatives, including sponsoring two books authored by former WBENC President Susan Bari, supporting WBENC's Tuck School of Business scholarship program, and several WBENC Regional Partner Organizations. In 2008 and 2009, Office Depot hosted the first and second annual Women's Business Development Center (WBDC) of Florida Conference & Business Expo at the Company's global headquarters. This summer, Office Depot will co-chair WBENC’s National Conference & Business Fair in Orlando, Fla.

About WBENC

The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is the leading advocate for, and authority on, Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs) as suppliers and vendors to the nation’s corporations. Founded in 1997, WBENC is also the nation’s leading third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women, with nearly 11,000 WBENC-Certified WBEs. WBENC certification is accepted by more than 1,000 corporations representing America’s most prestigious brands, in addition to many states, cities and other entities. Throughout the year, WBENC and its 14 Regional Partner Organizations provide opportunities for interactions between more than 650 member corporations, government agencies and thousands of certified WBEs at business building events and other forums. WBENC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks and accepts donations from corporations, foundations and individuals that support its mission and programs. For more information, please go to www.wbenc.org.

About Office Depot

Celebrating 25 years as a leading global provider of office supplies and services, Office Depot is Taking Care of Business for millions of customers around the globe. For the local corner store as well as Fortune 500 companies, Office Depot provides supplies and services to its customers through 1,656 worldwide retail stores, a dedicated sales force, top-rated catalogs and global e-commerce operations. Office Depot has annual sales of approximately $11.6 billion, and employs about 40,000 associates around the world. The Company provides more office supplies and services to more customers in more countries than any other company, and currently sells to customers directly or through affiliates in 58 countries.

Office Depot’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ODP. Additional press information can be found at: http://mediarelations.officedepot.com and http://socialpress.officedepot.com/.

© 2024 Business Wire, Inc., All rights reserved.