Shelby seeks nominations for leading DEI companies
Nominations are now open for Shelby Publishing’s new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion awards program, which will launch in 2021 to recognize the most iconic companies working to advance and uphold diversity, equity and inclusion in the U.S. grocery industry.
Shelby will recognize and celebrate companies across all sectors of the retail food industry – retailers, wholesalers, distributors, suppliers/vendors and solutions providers – that demonstrate an exemplary commitment to driving and imparting positive changes across their organizations by removing barriers and creating environments where individuals can thrive as their authentic selves.
“It’s been said that it takes many different flowers make a bouquet,” said Stephanie Reid, president and publisher of Shelby Publishing. “In the same vein, we are extremely proud to launch a program to honor the industry’s most influential companies that are working collaboratively to build more diverse, equitable and inclusive climates both at their workplaces and the community at large.”
The program, which will be presented in Shelby’s March issues and on its website, will spotlight the most deserving companies that are taking above-and-beyond measures to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in their organizations, communities and the industry as a whole in three classes – retailers; wholesalers and distributors; and suppliers, solutions providers and sales and marketing agencies.
All three categories will recognize high-performing, benchmark-driven nominees that have set the standard for exemplary diversity, equity and inclusion practices and advocacy efforts. Other requirements by class include the following:
Retailers
These retailers have been transformational catalysts in the realm of workplace diversity, equity and inclusion for their organizations, local communities and the industry as a whole, and their records for peer mentoring and workplace empowerment reflect their demonstrated commitment and stellar achievements in the space.
Wholesalers/distributors
These companies have been transformational catalysts in the realm of workplace diversity, equity and inclusion through demonstrated practices, peer mentoring and related efforts to empower their teams to have a voice in growing and sustaining the support of diversity and inclusion advancement in their workplaces.
Suppliers, solutions providers and sales and marketing agencies
These companies have been transformational catalysts in the realm of workplace diversity, equity and inclusion through demonstrated practices, peer mentoring and related efforts to empower their teams to have a voice in growing and sustaining the support of diversity and inclusion advancement in their workplaces.
For this effort, Shelby has enlisted veteran grocery industry journalist and award-winning editor Meg Major to serve as chairwoman of its new Diversity, Equity and Inclusions advisory board.
“We’re delighted to have Meg serve in this important role to help us launch and build a meaningful DEI platform that will stand the test of time,” Reid said. “Given her vast industry knowledge and demonstrated track record creating and nurturing industry-leading awards programs, Meg is uniquely qualified to chair our new DEI Awards program.”
The deadline for nominations is Jan. 25.
In addition to print and online recognition, those chosen also will be formally celebrated during 2021, additional information for which will follow.
Shelby’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Icon nominations must be submitted via the official online entry form, which can be accessed here.
