New York Stock Exchange to Host Member Companies for Dialogue on Diversity and Inclusion...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

GLOBAL DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP EXCHANGE  

New York, NY, January 20, 2012 –Racing Toward Diversity and Ibis Communications today released additional details about the upcoming Global Diversity Leadership Exchange event hosted by the New York Stock Exchange on February 1, 2012.  This first of its kind awareness initiative highlighting the business value of diversity will feature a panel discussion, best practices exchange, and networking among executives of several NYSE member companies.

The Exchange will provide a unique forum for senior executives of global companies to share their perspectives and experiences with leveraging diversity and inclusion to support business objectives in the global marketplace. The event is sponsored by Pitney Bowes Inc., Toyota Motor Sales USA, AT&T, Sodexo, Hewlett-Packard Company and Group O.

“Diversity and breadth of participation are key drivers of the strength of our markets and economy.  As the world looks to regain economic growth, the timing is perfect for this discussion of the business importance of taking an inclusive approach,"  said Ray Pellecchia, VP of Corporate Communications at NYSE Euronext and chairman of the company's U.S. Diversity Council.  "As a center of global business, we are delighted to serve as host and do our part to advance this vital conversation.” 

Richard Ketchum, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, FINRA, is the featured speaker. He will be followed by a panel that includes: Murray Martin Chairman, President and CEO, Pitney Bowes; Tracey F. Doi, Chief Financial Officer, Toyota Motor Sales USA; Dr. Rohini Anand, SVP and Global Chief Diversity Officer, Sodexo; and Debbie Storey, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer, AT&T. 

Robert F. Marchman, EVP, Market Regulations, FINRA will moderate the discussion among the panelists and 250 invited guests. Conference producers are also encouraging members of organizations that the sponsors partner with on the business value of diversity such as the National Urban League, the National Minority Supplier Development, and WBENC, as well as the general public to participate in this conversation via Twitter and Facebook.  In the sessions that follow, the live audience will have an opportunity to network with their peers to share best practices, resources and develop strategic alliances that help meet their needs. 

Martin noted, “The Global Diversity Leadership Exchange will help expand the discussion about the business impact of diversity - one of the defining characteristics of today’s global marketplace.  At Pitney Bowes we believe that diversity and inclusion are important enablers in growing our value to all of our stakeholders – employees, customers, shareholders, suppliers, and the communities in which we operate.  I am looking forward to the conversation with the other panelists, participants in the room, and those who join the conversation via Facebook and Twitter.”

Storey remarked, "From the first telephones and transistors to the latest smart phones, AT&T's 135-year history of innovation and growth has been rooted in a simple understanding: Diversity excellence is a business imperative. Our millions of customers, suppliers and shareowners across the globe come from all walks of life and varied backgrounds; to continue exceeding their expectations means understanding what matters most to them - and that starts with a workforce and culture that reflects their diversity. AT&T proudly supports the Global Diversity Leadership Exchange because it represents and reflects our values and business philosophy."

“HP is proud to sponsor the Global Diversity Leadership Exchange. The event will  provide us an opportune backdrop to join other sponsor corporations who demonstrate the business value of diversity and inclusion, and the role of leadership in driving results.” said Nancy Minchillo, Global Supplier Diversity Manager, Hewlett-Packard Company. 

Fields Jackson, publisher, Racing Toward Diversity, and social media maven best known by his Twitter handles @fleejack and @race2diversity said, “We are inviting everyone who participates from anywhere in the world to send in their questions using the hashtag #Global Diversity.  We will choose questions from our Twitter and Facebook feed to ask directly to our panel in real time. We also encourage participants to follow on Twitter and Facebook all of the companies involved who will be actively blogging while the conversation is taking place.”

“We are excited to be able to launch our first Global Diversity Leadership Exchange at a world economic center. The venue of the New York Stock Exchange truly underscores the business case for diversity and inclusion,” says MaryAnne Howland, president of Ibis Communications, co-producer of the event.  “We are thankful for the tremendous support we have received from all of our sponsors and look forward to continuing to support this very important dialogue.”

For more information, visit www.ibiscommunications.com/rsvp.