Message from BDPA Corporate Sponsor: MillerCoors

Norm Fleming

Norman Fleming (senior director, MillerCoors) is a long-time member and supporter of BDPA programs, scholarships and services. He believes that BDPA is filled with information technology thought leaders that are making a difference when it comes to preparing the Black community to win the future in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Norman introduced BDPA to his company ... MillerCoors ... and the corporate partnership has flourished over the past few years. In addition to being a major sponsor at the national level, MillerCoors is working closely with our local BDPA chapters in Chicago and Milwaukee. In fact, MillerCoors hosts many of the public meetings for BDPA Milwaukee chapter!

Norman shared the following message earlier this month:

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"Great news for MillerCoors. We were named “Outstanding Corporation of the Year” at the 36th Annual National BDPA Technology Conference & Career Fair held August 5-9, 2014 at the JW Marriott Indianapolis. The following BDPA awards/acknowledgements have been achieved during that conference week:

• BDPA “Outstanding Corporation of the Year” - BDPA recognizes exceptional companies that provide African Americans with challenging and fulfilling career opportunities in Information Technology. MillerCoors was recognized as a company who have demonstrated a commitment to BDPA’s mission, people and an understanding that Diversity has a bottom line business case value. Key contributors: Karen Alber (BDPA/SIM CIO Panelist, BDPA Chicago Chapter Award of Excellence), Bill Eismont (Dignitaries Panelist), Carmen Giles (Milwaukee Chapter President), Ashton Clark, Adrienne Williams, Melodi Warren Anderson, Treccy Marquardt-Thomas (BIS summer intern), Dave Hora and BISLT.
  

Carmen Giles & Craig Brown

• BDPA “Comeback Chapter of the Year” - BDPA recognizes chapters across the country that are committed to developing the Information Technology talent pipeline from the “Classroom to the Boardroom.” BDPA Milwaukee Chapter was recognized as the “Comeback Chapter of the Year” for its accelerated growth and commitment to students, members, and corporate sponsors. Compared to 45 other chapters across the nation, BDPA Milwaukee has attracted the highest percent of new members in one year. And, for the first time in its history, the Milwaukee Chapter sponsored eight local high school students in this year’s National High School Computer Competition championship. Key contributors: Carmen Giles (Chapter President), Allen Baylor, Adrienne Williams, Melodi Warren Anderson and Matt Brahm (HSCC Instructor)

• BDPA Dignitaries Panel Discussion on the topic “Executive Presence” - MillerCoors sponsored the IT Senior Management Forum Networking and BDPA Dignitaries Panel Reception. CIOs, CTOs, SVPs, VPs, and senior leaders from Fortune 500 companies, federal agencies, and educational institutions convened during the BDPA conference to learn from top executives on the key “leadership presence” attributes required for aspiring IT and business leaders in their respective careers. The CIO/EVP of Eli Lilly, Global CIO of Deloitte (moderator) and VP of Johnson & Johnson were some of the key members of this distinguished panel. Key contributors: Bill Eismont (MillerCoors Panelist), Carmen Giles and Ashton Clark

• JW Marriott Indianapolis – Point of Distribution (POD) - MillerCoors was the exclusive adult beverage provider of beer/cider products throughout the entire conference at every BDPA corporate reception, post reception party, and the Black-Tie Awards Gala. As MillerCoors recently launched Redd’s Wicked Apple nationally, this brand was the #1 consumed FMB product throughout the National BDPA conference at the second largest JW Marriott in the nation. MillerCoors promoted Wicked Apple, Miller Fortune, Crispin Original, Smith & Forge, Redd’s Apple Ale, Redd’s Strawberry Ale, Summer Shandy, Blue Moon, Peroni, Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Batch 19. And, MillerCoors’ branded glassware was showcased at the receptions. Furthermore, Miller Lite, Coors Light, Blue Moon, Summer Shandy, and Redd’s Apple Ale were also served on draft at the JW Marriott sports bar. Key Contributors: JW Marriott (Amy McNeely), Monarch Beverage Co. (Ashley Searer), MillerCoors (Ryan Tohill, Norm Fleming)
  

Thanks to the MillerCoors team that spent the week in Indy promoting our company. We are proud to be America’s Best Beer Company!"

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This is an example of the multi-dimensional relationship that BDPA seeks to have with each of its corporate sponsors. We are convinced that BDPA provides a remarkable 'return on investment' for Corporate America. If you or your company would like to learn more about BDPA sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to us by email (corpsales@bdpa.org) or phone, (301) 584-3135, ext. 108.