Detroit, Michigan / New York, New York – June 11, 2020 – The National Minority Development Council (NMSDC) named Detroit entrepreneur, Frank Venegas, Jr., Chairman and Founder of the Ideal Group as its 2020 MBE of the Year. NMSDC presented Venegas with the Award at its 2020 Leadership Awards virtual presentation. The theme was “In This Together”.
The MBE of the Year Award is presented to the owner of an NMSDC-certified minority business enterprise who has been actively engaged within the NMSDC network for a minimum of two years. The up and coming or seasoned recipient demonstrates exceptional leadership, is paving the way for other MBEs, and is fully committed to minority supplier development and supporting the NMSDC network.
Certified by the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC), NMSDC recognized the Ideal Group as its Supplier of the Year in 2005; followed by the Joint Leadership Award with General Motors in 2012. As a result of his regional and national council experiences, Frank Venegas developed a strong entrepreneurial mentorship culture within the Ideal Group. A staunch advocate for inclusion, tolerance and justice, Venegas sees mentoring business and community leaders as a way that he can add value and respect.
In accepting his award, Frank Venegas, Jr. acknowledged the role that NMSDC and MMSDC played in growing the Ideal Group companies especially in the last twenty years. He thanked them for the introductions to Ideal’s major automotive customers including General Motors, Ford Motor Company, FCA and Toyota, and the value of those companies’ Supplier Diversity and Mentorship Programs.
Venegas talked about the importance of succession and how important it is for the Ideal companies that his son and daughter, Jesse Venegas and Linzie Venegas are now seasoned business owners, ready to lead. He looks forward to Ideal’s future under their leadership. Frank also gave tribute to his immigrant Mexican grandparents, who settled in Detroit in 1917.
During the program, Adrienne Trimble, NMSDC President urged corporations and MBEs across the country to support the “In This Together” Campaign, revealed June 5, 2020. NMSDC promises to amplify our advocacy for supplier diversity and economic inclusion domestically and globally. We will leverage our forums to listen to MBEs about the obstacles they face and provide access to services and resources which address their challenges. Our efforts will be intentional and positioned to generate parity and economic inclusion within the all-too-often underserved minority business community.
Learn More about Adrienne Trimble and the In This Together campaign here.
