(PRNewswire)- For its continued efforts to contribute to the development and economic wellbeing of African American and other minority communities, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Southeast Region has presented its 2005 Leonard F. Springs, II Corporate Partner Award to Lowe’s.
This prestigious award was presented during the Association’s 53rd Annual Southeast Region Civil Rights Advocacy Training Institute Freedom Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 16, at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida.
Reverend Charles L. White, Jr., NAACP Southeast Regional Director, said, “The Leonard F. Springs, II Corporate Partner Award is given annually to the company that has demonstrated the most consistent partnership with the NAACP Southeast Region through both financial and in-kind resources support. This award is being presented to Lowe’s in recognition of its ongoing partnership and dedication to the NAACP Southeast Region, including a $25,000 contribution to aid hurricane victims in Florida, continued support of the NAACP on the local and regional levels, the company’s visible multi-cultural marketing initiatives, and the diligent efforts of Lowe’s officials to maintain productive dialogue with the NAACP.”
The NAACP also presented this award to Lowe’s in 2001. With fiscal year 2004 sales of $36.5 billion, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE(R) 50 company that serves approximately 11 million customers a week at more than 1,100 home improvement stores in 48 states. Based in Mooresville, N.C., the 59-year old company is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world.
“We’re honored to receive this award from such a heralded organization,” said Darryl Henderson, vice president of Lowe’s corporate human resources and fairness programs. “Lowe’s is committed to being a valued corporate citizen in each and every community we serve. This commitment is an extension of our respect for our 165,000 employees, the 11 million customers that visit our stores each week and the thousands of vendors that support our product offerings. We’re also proud that the NAACP Southeast Region has chosen to recognize our active commitment to diversity and inclusion.”
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its half-million adult and youth members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors. The Southeast Region consists of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
