Posted July 18, 2005 to GDN Headlines | Section Home | Print

Companies Join Forces in Seeking Support for National Diversity Observance

WASHINGTON -- Two prominent national diversity
companies, Minneapolis-based ProGroup, Inc. and Washington, DC-based Diversity
Best Practices, have joined forces in creating a Proclamation for Celebrate
Diversity Month, a proposed new official History and Heritage Month, to be
observed each July in workplaces, communities, not for profits, and
educational institutions nationwide.

The unveiling of the proposed Proclamation for Celebrate Diversity Month
will be made on July 20th at 10:00am in Washington, DC at the Dirksen Senate
Office Building, Room SG-51 (Ground Floor). Through the announcement, the
companies will call on government and businesses leaders to support its
passage through Congress. To lend support, individuals and organizations can
endorse the Proclamation online at
http://www.celebratediversitymonth.org/site/page/pg4178.html

According to Karen Stinson, CEO and Founder of ProGroup, Inc. and Edie
Fraser, President and Founder of Diversity Best Practices, Celebrate Diversity
Month compliments and enhances the current lineup of diversity related
observances. While there are six nationally designated History and Heritage
months approved by Congress, there is no single established period that
reaches out to everyone and recognizes all of the nation's diversity.

"Our growing multiculturalism, the global economy, and the threat of
terrorism make it more imperative than ever for all of us to bridge
differences," said Stinson and Fraser, quoting from the proclamation and
mission statement. "No one person can represent an entire group because great
variations exist within all groups."

Two years ago ProGroup initiated a related observance under the name
Appreciate Diversity Month. That observance, which has been renamed Celebrate
Diversity Month, will continue to be observed in 2005 from August 15 to
September 15. The timing will remain in effect until Congressional approval of
the new proclamation.

The announcement will be made at the annual WOW! Facts (an almanac of
diversity and women) release event. The event will be attended by prominent
members of the Senate, House, presidential cabinet as well as business
leaders. Some of the speakers scheduled to attend include: Senator Hillary
Clinton, Senator Debbie Stabenow; Congressman Mike Honda; and Secretary of
Transportation Norman Mineta; among others. (For event details, visit
http://www.ewowfacts.com)

Diversity Best Practices (DBP) is a leading management resource that
provides benchmarking opportunities and strategic resources for its corporate,
government and not for profit members. In our member-based service, primarily
Fortune 500 corporations and government entities exchange best practices with
regard to diversity issues and build diversity management and resources.
Focusing on topics set out by a leadership council of its members, DBP
provides case materials on all areas of diversity and forums for exchanging
ideas around these issues. Since its official launch in April of 1999 more
than 150 companies and government entities have joined the service and its
benchmarking programs DBP is a subsidiary of iVillage Inc, a leading women's
media company. For further information, contact Brian M. Heiss of Diversity
Best Practices at 202-463-3780 or Heiss@TPAG.com

ProGroup, Inc. (http://www.progroupinc.com)
A pioneer in workplace and marketplace diversity since 1986, Minneapolis-
based ProGroup, Inc. develops and implements practical solutions-through its
consulting, educational workshops, and training tools.to address the
complexities of a diverse workforce and marketplace. ProGroup was founded by
Karen Stinson, the creator of the first corporate video-based training program
ever on diversity some 20 years ago (Mosaic Workplace). Indeed, many of
Stinson's early pioneering diversity concepts and tools have served as a
cornerstone of diversity programs worldwide. Today, she continues to lead the
company along with President and business partner, Myrna Marofsky. Serving
companies in a broad range of industries, ProGroup's client list includes many
Fortune 500 companies: Deloitte, General Mills, Target Corporation, Saks
Incorporated, Aetna Life Insurance Group, Medtronic, Inc., Marshall Field's,
Phillips Consumer Electronics N.A., American Family Insurance Group, Hospira,
Inc. Carlson Companies, and Cingular Wireless, among others. For further
information, contact Jane Rohman, Jane Rohman & Associates, 413-848-1407,
jr@janerohman.com

SOURCE ProGroup, Inc.

Web Site: http://www.progroupinc.com http://www.ewowfacts.com
http://www.celebratediversitymonth.org/site/page/pg4178.html