 | TOMMY G. THOMPSON Governor |  |
For Immediate Release - October 21, 1998
Contact: David Blaska (608) 266-6925 or Marlene Duffield (608) 264-8746
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES EIGHT "GLASS CEILING" AWARD WINNERS
Recognition Given for Promotion of Women, Minorities to Major Positions
Milwaukee - Gov. Tommy G. Thompson today announced that eight Wisconsin companies have been recognized by his Glass Ceiling Commission for promoting women and minorities to top leadership positions.
This year’s eight "Diamond Award" winners more than doubles the number of the Governor’s Diamond awards presented in the two previous competitions combined.
"I am gratified that my Glass Ceiling Commission has proven to be a catalyst in advancing women and minorities," Gov. Thompson said. "Top managers at leading companies are making it clear that a sound economy requires Wisconsin to utilize all the talent of all its people."
The governor created the nation’s first state Glass Ceiling Commission in 1993. This year’s winners are:
The Governor said the companies met the four major criteria for the award by:
a Creating a climate and commitment to the advancement of minorities and women to upper management and board positions.
a Providing effective career development training, sponsorship and mentoring programs for women and minorities.
a Creating or developing internal support systems that eliminate artificial barriers to the advancement of those in both groups.
a Using innovative recruitment advancement techniques.
ABB Flexible Automation, Inc.: Top management personally serves as mentors for "high potential" employees. The firm conducts innovative recruitment through community-based organizations. Personal career plans of employees are developed and reviewed regularly.
American Family Insurance has developed a "PEOPLE Plan" that judges describe as "unique, innovative and should serve as a model for other companies." Judges said a diversity awareness and minority youth program and scholarships was outstanding.
GE Medical Systems: Every employee has a mentor. Every training program must reflect diversity. The company has an excellent tracking/reporting system to ensure women and minority involvement, and is developing a childcare facility to encourage women to become and remain employed with the company.
Kimberly Clark uses employee networks to break down barriers for Asian Americans, African Americans, and gay/lesbians. Has a well-defined diversity leadership program. Uses a development resume bank for individual career planning. Operates a partnership with United Negro Colleges.
Quadgraphics has family-friendly policies and practices to help employees reach full potential. That includes on-site childcare, a bank, car dealership, travel agency, and fitness center to ensure women are attracted to the firm’s work force, and stay once hired. Judges found it also provides excellent on-site training and career assistance.
Tecumseh Products Company recruits, hires and trains W-2 workers, with emphasis on helping them solve transportation, childcare, and other needs. The company now has minorities comprising 12 per cent of its work force. The company also maintains contact with the police chief, chamber of commerce and others to help reduce tension and problems within the community. It has promoted women into management and such non-traditional roles as driving fork lifts.
Time Warner Cable: Nearly half (46 per cent) of upper management positions are held by women. Four of seven vice presidents are female, and two are African American. The company operates with a "hire the best and focus on diversity at every level" philosophy. The company also has partnerships with the Milwaukee Area Technical College to recruit, sponsor, and provide mentors for women and minorities. The firm has outstanding outreach into the community.
Wisconsin Electric Power Co.: The company hires and promotes women and minorities into significant leadership and officer positions, including vice presidents for power plants, finance, and customer service. One board member is an African American woman. It also sponsors employees in organizations and community initiatives.
Glass Ceiling Commission: The Governor's Diamond Awards for 1998