Appliedinfo Partners, Inc. Named Technology Firm of the Year By US Department of Commerce

New York – Appliedinfo Partners, Inc. has received the 2004 New York Minority Economic Development (MED) Week Technology Firm of the Year award, presented by the US Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). The annual MED Week event recognizes outstanding achievements by minority business enterprises and honors corporations and financial institutions that support minority business development. The award was accepted by John and Betty Lau, President and CEO of Appliedinfo.

Appliedinfo was nominated by Cendant Car Rental Group, which comprises Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car, Appliedinfo implemented the DivTRAK application system in the 350 airports that house Avis and Budget's car rental operations, and its D2 Creative division has produced several successful communications plans for the firm.

Lynn Boccio Vice President, Supplier Business Alliances at Cendant Car Rental Group, spoke of relationship that she and Appliedinfo have built over the years, noting, "The people at Appliedinfo have have proven themselves more than valuable to our business and customers. Appliedinfo is more than just a vendor to us; it is truly our strategic partner."

The event featured addresses by representatives of various minority communities and MED supporters. Former NBC News Reporter Ti-Hua Chang represented the Asian American community as the Master of Ceremonies. American Freedom Movement leader, The Hon. Percy Sutton, highlighted the contribution of African American leaders in the New York community. Ms. Chiling Tong, Associate Director of MBDA national from Washington, DC spoke of the Administration’s mandate to increase procurement opportunities and access to capital for minority communities around the country.

The keynote luncheon address was delivered by Founder, Chairman and CEO of UniWorld Group Byron E. Lewis, who spoke of his personal challenges securing initial funding to start his company, which eventually grew into a multi-million dollar enterprise in New York City. Hilton O. Smith, corporate Vice President of Turner Construction Company, received the Distinguished Supplier Diversity Award for Turner’s outstanding record in procurement with minority and women-owned businesses.

Guests of the event included individuals from educational institutions, not-for-profit organizations and private enterprises such as Baruch College, Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Con Edison of New York, Time Warner, Colgate-Palmolive, NY & NJ Minority Supplier Development Council and others.

Contact:
Mike DeFabrizio
732.507.7337