PLANO, Texas, June 18 /diversitybusiness.com/ -- The J. C. Penney Company, Inc. has named 13 minority and women-owned suppliers as winners of its 18th annual Supplier Diversity Development Awards. Combined, JCPenney and Eckerd purchased more than $580 million in goods and services from minority and women-owned business enterprises last year.

Suppliers like Kate Dodge typify the winners' commitment to excellence. Dodge is president of National Equity, Inc., of Omaha, Neb., winner of the Grand Award in the JCPenney Products & Services category. Although relatively small in its industry, National Equity, Inc., has become JCPenney's No. 1 relocation service, managing approximately 60 percent of the company's associate moves. Dodge's firm has developed a stellar reputation for delivering exceptional customer service while also consistently surpassing cost targets.

"JCPenney has a rich tradition of developing minority and women-owned businesses. Our Supplier Diversity Program dates back to 1972," said Vanessa Castagna, President and Chief Operating Officer of JCPenney Stores, Catalog and Internet. "Partnering with outstanding minority and women-owned businesses adds value to our merchandise offering and also fosters the growth of these deserving entrepreneurs."

The Company also bestowed awards on 11 management associates for their extraordinary efforts to build business with minority and women-owned suppliers in 2000. The associates are recognized for mentoring suppliers on how to best navigate within the JCPenney and Eckerd systems to effectively transact business with the Company.

"When we help each other, we grow together," said Art Avila, Manager of Supplier Diversity Development. "That's the intent of this program."

To find out more about this year's winners, go online to the JCPenney Supplier Diversity Awards web site -- The site includes photos of the presidents and CEOs of the companies receiving this year's awards, along with the JCPenney and Eckerd associate winners.

JCPENNEY SUPPLIER DIVERSITY AWARDS - 2001

     JCPENNEY SUPPLIERS-
     MERCHANDISE CATEGORY

     Grand Award
     Bahari Group, Ltd.
     (Daywear and Dresses
     New York, N.Y.>
     Fattaneh Bahari, President

     Children's Division
     Alpha Garments, Inc.
     (Girls/Juniors Trendy Fashions)
     New York, N.Y.
     Assad Jebara, President-Owner

     Home Division
     C&F Enterprises, Inc.
     (Decorative Quilts and Bedding Accessories)
     Newport News, Va.
     Carol Fang, Owner

     Men's Division
     Wicked Fashions, Inc.
     (Hip-Hop Fashion)
     Carlstadt, N.J.
     David Khym, President

     Women's Accessories Division
     For Bare Feet, Inc.
     (Novelty Socks)
     Helmsburg, Ind.
     Sharon Rivenbark, President


     JCPENNEY SUPPLIERS-
     PRODUCTS/SERVICES CATEGORY

     Grand Award
     National Equity, Inc.
     (Relocation Management)
     Omaha, Neb.
     Kate Dodge, President

     Information Technology
     Abacus Technical Services, Inc.
     (Professional IT Consulting)
     Richardson, Texas
     Dawn Robinson, President-Owner

     JCPenney Stores
     Marketing Innovators International, Inc.
     Rosemont, Ill.
     Lois M. LeMenager, Chairman and CEO

     Legal
     Wickliff & Hall, P.C.
     (Legal Counsel)
     Houston, Texas
     Martin Wickliff, Esq., Named Partner

     Marketing
     R&J Creative Images, Inc.
     (Photography)
     Dallas, Texas
     Jeri Masoner, President


     ECKERD SUPPLIERS

     Grand Award
     Mark Master, Inc.
     (Name Badges, Strips, Plates, Store Stamps)
     Tampa, Fla.
     Ronald A. Govin, President

     Logistics
     G&A Warehouses, Inc.
     (Distribution Services)
     Bensalem, Pa.
     Manuel Avino, President

     Merchandise
     Prima Creations, Inc.
     (Holiday Decorations)
     Anaheim, Calif.
     David Shu, President


     JCPENNEY ASSOCIATES-
     MERCHANDISE CATEGORY

     Grand Award
     Derrick Flowers, Buyer, Men's Division

     Children's Division
     Dewey Melton, Associate Buyer

     Home Division
     Katie Erb, Brand Development Manager
     Stacy Leigh, Assistant Buyer

     Women's Apparel Division
     Laura Baker, Senior Assistant Buyer

     Women's Accessories Division
     Tonia Degner, Assistant Buyer

     JCPENNEY ASSOCIATES-PRODUCTS/SERVICES CATEGORY

     Grand Award (tie)
     Patricia Hanson, Vice President & Director of Purchasing Operations
        Management
     Vicki Cartwright, Project Manager, Diversity and Work-Life


     ECKERD ASSOCIATES

     Grand Award
     Alveta Bastarache, Buyer, Non-resale Purchasing

     Merchandise
     Michael Ahearn, Category Manager
     Kevin Osborn, Category Manager