09-13-2012
05:00 AM
771 Loves
Southwest Airlines has been named one of the Best Companies for Diversity in 2012 by Hispanic Business Magazine, an annual list determined by more than 32 variables that measure the Company's commitment to Hispanic hiring, promotion, marketing, philanthropy, and supplier diversity. This is the fifth year we have been included in the list. Top companies on this year's list went well beyond workforce diversity initiatives and implemented strategies to reach more Hispanic consumers and increase their procurements with minority- and Hispanic-owned suppliers. To see a complete list, visit: http://alturl.com/k4afv. Congrats, SWA!
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07-26-2012
12:08 PM
809 Loves
Southwest Airlines sponsored the student project workshop at the annual conference of the National Association of Black Journalists a few weeks ago. We provided travel to 30 deserving students to actively participate in a real newsroom during the event, and to work alongside the best journalists in the country. The students were so happy about the experience that they wrote a few thank you notes. Lance Dixon Morehouse College NABJ Member Flying to New Orleans on Southwest was my first experience with the airline and I loved it. The flight attendants were courteous and the rides from Ft. Lauderdale to New Orleans and back were smooth and passed by quickly. I traveled to New Orleans for the National Association of Black Journalists convention and while there I participated in a student multimedia project. The project, and the convention as a whole, gave me lifelong memories, created valuable relationships and gave me treasured writing experience. None of that would have been possible without Southwest Airlines (and I wouldn’t have saved as much on checked bags either!) and I will certainly choose them for my next travel experience.
Monica Guerra San Francisco State University NABJ Member
I wanted to be a news producer and I would do anything to get experience in my field. Entering my senior year at San Francisco State University, I definitely craved more experience and connections with those in my field. Fortunately, I heard about the NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists) convention, where there would be about 2,000 members in the news, journalism and blogging field along with a student apprenticeship program where we would have hands on experience in producing news. Perfect! This was my chance! I applied, and not only did I get in, but I also was able to have my registration into the convention and my stay covered. But how was I going to get there? I was young, broke, and filled with dreams. Between side jobs here and there, paying my living expenses, and saving to pay for the approximate $200 for textbooks for the next school semester, not much is left over. I was ecstatic when I found out Southwest was covering my flight! Finally, nothing was standing in my way. I could get my foot into the door, and who knows what will come out of this journey?
Tony Evans Clark Atlanta University NABJ Member
Having the opportunity to fly on Southwest Airlines in route to the National Association of Black Journalists convention in New Orleans, Louisiana was indeed a priceless experience. This was the first time I had the luxury of flying with the airline and I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the company's service and hospitality. Flying with Southwest Airlines was essential to me being able to meet journalism and media professionals at the convention in an effort to make life-long professional and personal contacts. Since I live and work in Raleigh, North Carolina, the only convenient and hassle free way for me to have arrived to the convention on time would have been through flying on Southwest Airlines. It really goes to show that the company cares deeply about supporting minorities and organizations that are busy working to impact change in the United States and around the world. I would also like to add that my favorite parts of the convention were having the chance to work on the Student Multimedia Projects. Under the leadership of the best and brightest media professionals, I learned so much about news-gathering. Denise James, Anthony Wilson, Janell Lewis and Darryl Huger gave me and several other Television mentees so much knowledge and insight that I am still trying to soak in from the week of training. There were many challenges that I encountered daily, but with the leadership of the mentors, I'm sure to always remember to fight challenging stories head-on and to not ever back out of a difficult situation. The convention also provided an opportunity for me to meet with News Directors, Executive Producers and other reporters so that I could learn of their thoughts about the current state of news industry. After many conversations, I was told that news is becoming more cost-efficient and less people are working at stations because of the "one man band" concept of reporters shooting, editing and writing their own stories. Media professionals say it's a cheap and cost-cutting way to survive in an industry where a number of people are getting their news from other sources besides television. Southwest Airlines is owed an unlimited amount of gratitude and appreciation I believe I would never be able to repay. I had the opportunity to learn how to report in a fast-paced news environment with aspiring news reporters just like me. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to fly Southwest Airlines to work with, and meet with such helpful, and wisdom-filled professionals.
Kelcie McCrae North Carolina A&T State University NABJ Member
When I found out the Southwest Airlines was the airline carrier for the National Association of Black Journalists’ Student Multimedia Projects I was more than excited. As a frequent flier I can honestly say that I love flying this airline for numerous reasons. Not only do they have a friendly staff and comfortable seating, my bags fly free, who doesn't love that? As a self-proclaimed 'over packer' it was necessary that I checked my bags for this convention, mainly for my need to change my wardrobe. By flying Southwest I was able to bypass pesky bag fees! For that and a wonderful ride I want to say thank you Southwest for yet another enjoyable experience.
Justin Madden Grambling State University NABJ Member
This year's NABJ Convention was one the most successful. Hundreds of sponsors and members flooded the city of New Orleans to make NABJ 2012 an unbelievable experience. But, there was one sponsor who reigns supreme than others: Southwest Airlines. Southwest Airlines donated over 30 travel vouchers for me and my peers to be a part of the NABJ Student Multimedia Project. As a first time attendee to a NABJ convention and student project, it's great to know that others are invested into your education just as much as you are Being a part of the Student Multimedia Project gave me real newsroom experience: deadline writing, researching, interviews and going after the main idea, the "meat and potatoes" of a story. It also enhanced my understanding of the AP stylebook. But, one must realize that this would not have been an exceptional experience without the help of Southwest Airlines, and for that I am forever grateful.
Derrick Q. Lewis Temple University NABJ Member
Thanks to Southwest Airlines I was able to attend the NABJ convention in New Orleans. As always, Southwest made sure my safety was their #1 priority. The staff effortlessly made accommodations for my flight from Philadelphia to New Orleans and provided great customer service on my flight back home. Thanks Southwest.
Jeannette Reyes Kent State University NABJ Member My name is Jeannette Reyes and I just graduated from Kent State University. I was excited and looking forward to attending the NABJ convention. It was a networking opportunity and learning experience that I did not want to miss. However, not only was I a recent graduate but I had just gotten a potential offer to Little Rock and needed to make sure that I had the funds for the move. I knew that I could not afford a round trip plane ticket to New Orleans. But it was difficult to turn down the opportunity because I had my hotel and registration paid for. The convention was quickly approaching and I was trying to work something out. I was told a couple of weeks before going to New Orleans that my plane fare would be covered by Southwest Airlines. I was elated because that was the last thing I needed. The service was amazing. I changed my return flight a couple of times last minute and I was very impressed with the quality of the customer service provided by the agent I spoke to over the phone. Southwest not only made my trip to NABJ possible but they made it a pleasant one.
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Beautiful Mexico, Mexico of our hearts! We are excited to announce several new AirTran international routes to Mexico. Starting today, May 24, AirTran began flying nonstop to Mexico City and Cancun from San Antonio, and tomorrow, AirTran will begin nonstop service from Austin to Cancun. These new flights are part of the international expansion of AirTran, which includes new service from Denver to Cancun which began in April, and new service from Orange County to Cabo San Lucas/San Jose Del Cabo and Mexico City which begins on June 3. AirTran has served San Antonio for almost four years, and we love this city. We are excited to offer San Antonians nonstop service to Cancun and Mexico City, as we’ve heard from many Customers that these destinations are just what San Antonio wants. These new routes reaffirm the commitment of Southwest, as we spread our wings in the international market via our subsidiary, AirTran. It is our goal to increase service to the destinations that our Customers want to fly—and, with summer here, what better place to relax than Mexico?! Additionally, AirTran began service today from FLL to San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) with two daily nonstop flights.
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So when are you going to add Savannah, Georgia to your cities served? You'd make a ton of $$$$ from folks wanting to go to Savannah as well as Hilton Head, SC!
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One of the best parts about Southwest is how personable the airline is. They truly break the barriers when it comes to the other company's ideas of "professionalism", which make those companies look stiff and robotic compared to the genuineness of Southwest. On that note, another great aspect about Southwest is the open seating. You guys should really consider hiring some of these women to be randomly dispersed during pre-boarding on every flight, then charge more for early check-in.
-Jared F
Tulane
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12-20-2011
07:37 PM
307 Loves
I'm at the St. Louis Lambert Southwest Airport and Picture Perfect kiosk is closed. How can I enter myself and my husband into your drawing?
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10-19-2011
04:54 PM
12 Loves
A HUGE "Mucho gracias" goes out to Olga and the entire SC Team that helped make this day a success!!!
Mucho amor!
Cyndi
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09-28-2011
03:02 PM
8 Loves
Well as long as they are not gay I guess SWA is cool with minorities.
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09-16-2011
06:29 PM
209 Loves
How are you celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month? Southwest Airlines found a unique way to celebrate it with Customers and Employees by inviting everyone to come together today and sing “Cielito Lindo” (Lovely Sky) a la Southwest Airlines’ style. Today, in specific markets, Southwest Employees led passengers onboard planes, at airport gates, and at airport ticket counters to sing along to “Cielito Lindo.” To be ready for the occasion, our Employees have been rehearsing “Cielito Lindo” for the last couple of weeks. You can have a sneak peek of rehearsals by clicking on the link below: http://www.youtube.com/user/SWASingAlong If you did not fly today, you can still be part of the celebration. Send us your video singing “Cielito Lindo” or any other song that celebrates your Hispanic heritage to swasingalong@gmail.com We will be posting our sing along videos captured at our stations, in our offices, and on our flights throughout the month, so stay tuned, you might see yourself singing! “Celebremos tu Herencia” Cielito Lindo a la Southwest Ay, ay, ay, ay, canta y no llores Porque cantando se alegran, Cielito lindo, los corazones. Ay, ay, ay, ay, canta y celebra Demuestra el orgullo hispano Cantando con Southwest Airlines. Ay, ay, ay, ay canta y celebra Demuestra el orgullo hispano Cantando con tora tu fuerza.
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What's happening on Friday, September 16th? Keep your eyes on Southwest's social channels, and you'll find out...
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07-21-2011
05:40 PM
100 Loves
Hey good folk at Southwest Airlines,
We're huge fans of you all over at iMeet (http://imeet.com). So much so that we did a post about your customer service on our blog (https://blog.imeet.com/throw-away-the-script-and-be-human/).
Thanks for your inspiration as leaders and in top-notch customer service.
Take care.
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I want it all: the city, the lights, the clothes, the people, the food, and the nightlife. And now, it’s easier than ever. Beginning Sunday, June 5, Southwest will offer more service to Newark Liberty International (EWR) in New Jersey, with three daily nonstops between EWR and Baltimore/Washington, three daily nonstops between EWR and Denver, two daily nonstops between EWR and Houston Hobby, and two daily nonstops between EWR and Phoenix Sky Harbor. These new flights join Southwest’s existing service to Chicago Midway (5 daily nonstop flights) and St. Louis (2 daily nonstops).
With this addition, Southwest will provide our Customers nearly 50 daily flights to and from the greater New York area from three great airports—Long Island MacArthur, LaGuardia and Newark. Our Customers are now ever more free to move about the Big Apple.
To celebrate this new service, anyone who visits the Southwest Porch at Bryant Park this Sunday, June 5, and mentions the word “Newark” to their server, will receive a fabulous wichcraft cookie platter courtesy of Southwest Airlines. The Southwest Porch is located in the Southwest corner of Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan.
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For the second year in a row, Southwest Airlines was named the official airline of the National Hispanic Public Relations Conference. This premier conference gathered more than 500 communication and marketing professionals in Los Angeles to discuss trends, technology, and the fast pace of today’s information. As Hispanics solidify their standing as one of the nation’s largest groups-reported by the 2010 US Census-the demand for cultural relevant content is growing. Over the span of three days, this highly regarded conference hosted dozens of Hispanic PR training workshops, interactive VIP events for brands with bloggers, industry leading keynote speakers—including Rosanna M. Fiske, first Latina Chair and CEO of the Public Relations Society of America—and many other activities all focused on giving participants unprecedented opportunities for networking and professional development.
Actor and director, James Edward Olmos with Rosanna M. Fiske (both with SWA bags!) From English to Spanish to Spanglish, the world is changing and so is the way we communicate. Southwest is proud to sponsor events that promote conversations and action. As a low-cost carrier and Leader in the industry we must continue to listen to what our Customers are saying, even if it’s a different language. ¿De acuerdo? Yo también.
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Every day working here at Southwest Airlines, I hear the concept of Leading by Example. The concept is applied to everything from our work, to our Internal and External Customer Service, to our personal lives. Leading by example is much more than a concept; it is a way of living at Southwest. I’ve been a devoted follower of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s life and how he led by example. His life was filled with great achievements, and I'd like to share a few things I’ve learned by following his life: Education is first: “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character--that is the goal of true education.” As a young boy, Dr. King knew he saw the world differently, and understood the power of education. He pursued a higher education in a time when opportunities where not abundant. He had the charisma, he had the intelligence, but education was the key to the world. Your time is now: “We are now faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today.” At the age of 35, Martin Luther King, Jr., was the youngest man to have received the Nobel Peace Prize. He did not wait for the right moment; he seized the opportunity and defied all established rules. It’s never over: “We have come a long, long way, but we still have a long, long way to go.” Although Dr. King became a Pastor at the tender age of 25 and had left our world at 39, he left a legacy that opened the path to transformation in today’s civil rights. The journey is not over. Believe in Love: “I am convinced that love is the most durable power in the world.” In the midst of the worst time of his life, he still loved the cause. Martin Luther King never gave up and his upmost inspiration was Divine Love. Serve: “Not everybody can be famous. But everybody can be great, because greatness is determined by service.” With a Servant’s Heart, Dr. King turned around a Nation and sacrificed his personal wellbeing to make a better world. Today we celebrate his life, his achievements and best of all, the freedoms we enjoy from the sacrifices Dr. King and many others made to open the land of opportunities to all of us. In my opinion, his greatest achievement was to bring together people from all walks of life in one belief, that we all are equals. Celebrate today his life and his memory and ask yourself life’s most urgent question: what are you doing for others?
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Thanks for the free Corona on my way home from a very long day last night. The flight attendant smiled when I asked! They didn't make a general announcement. Guess it pays to be a fb friend of SWA.
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10-18-2010
05:24 PM
379 Loves
Last Tuesday, October 12th, Southwest Airlines celebrated Hispanic Heritage month in beautiful Bryant Park, New York City. We partnered with The Pregones Theater Company to give us a glimpse of the poetry of Sandra Maria Esteves, one of the founders of the Nuyorican poetry movement through the interpretation of "Until We Win" with music and dance. The event also featured guest speaker Dr. Norma Barquet, CEO of America SCORES. Dr. Barquet spoke on what it means to be Hispanic in the United States. Southwest Airlines is proud of its diverse workforce and continues to celebrate it with its Employees. Southwest Airlines was selected by Hispanic Business magazine as one of the Top 60 Elite companies for Diversity. It was a night of Cultura, Arte y Amistad that we all enjoyed. Celebremos tu Herencia.
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I am a mother, I’m wife, and a daughter, but I am also an immigrant. I speak with an accent and sometimes get my words confused as I am constantly translating in my mind. Never in my life would I have imagined leaving my dear Island of Puerto Rico to come to the States to work. I was part of the Next Generation of new young professionals leading in the government and private sector with many opportunities and a great life. But life happens, so does a deep economic depression, and Puerto Rico was not exempt from it. Now I’m part of the “Nueva Ola” or New Wave of professionals who decided to move away from home to survive and to provide a better future for their families. I am not the first one, or the last one to move to the United States to find an opportunity. Whether your parents, grandparents or ancestors came in from different parts of the world, we have different colors in our blood, but we are all the same-we all bleed red. Today we start celebrating the strength and hard work of Hispanic Americans, whose zeal for family and country has helped shape society. We celebrate not only diversity, but heritage, integrity, and honor. I am blessed; today I woke up as an Employee of one of the best Companies for Diversity according to Hispanic Business magazine and the best Company in the world--at least for me because Southwest is Home away from Home. Celebrate today your heritage, the struggles and the triumphs of those who came to this great land before you, and I encourage you to embrace how the world has changed. ¡Celebra tu Herencia!
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07-22-2010
03:40 PM
310 Loves
Lánzate: the bridge to success Today we announced the winners of our Lánzate Travel Awards to deserving Hispanic students to help them continue their higher education. These students are selected with the help of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and a group of judges, comprised of college professors and professionals from around the country. For some of these students, this award is the bridge that helps them keep their family involved in their success. But don’t take my word for it, let’s hear it directly from a few of our winners: Dianne Dimas As a second time recipient of the Southwest Lánzate Travel Award, I have already seen the role it has played in helping me achieve success. This award has provided economic support in the form of fully covered roundtrips to and from college. Putting me at the door step of the University of Michigan, this program has been a motivation to continue pursuing my dreams as I have managed to reach the institution of my choice to become an electrical engineer. This program has also been a bridge between my life back home and reaching my goals. Returning for the holidays meant seeing my family and having their presence and support physically. That was fundamental my first year in college as I was on my own for the first time. I think that this program offers not only a method of transportation, but also the ability to see those that have always supported you and matter most. Adriana Campos Although the decision to attend Stanford University was my own, my undergraduate career has been a family affair. From the very beginning I understood the implications of my choice. Attending Stanford meant being away from my tight-knit Mexican family for almost four years. Furthermore, attending an out-of-state university meant financially burdening my working-class family. But as I near the end of my undergraduate career, I breathe a sigh of relief. The investment was worth it; pursuing a higher education has come with a financial and emotional price, but the gains for myself and for my family are immeasurable. The Southwest Lánzate Award has given my family and I the opportunity to celebrate our journey. Though I have been physically apart from my family for a majority of the past three years, their long-distance love and support are the reasons why I am graduating. Consequently, it only makes sense that my parents and my brother join me next year as I proudly walk the stage. I feel fortunate that Southwest has given my family and I an opportunity that we otherwise would not have had—to close this chapter so that together we can begin the next one. Cindy Camacho My parents have never been able to fully participate in my education. They have always been my source of strength, but their ability to be part of my education has always been limited by linguistic and financial barriers. It is difficult for me to live and study in a place my parents have never even seen. Though I can describe my college experience to them, there is always a piece missing. Enabling my parents to attend my graduation ceremony will allow them to fully become a part of my education, to share with me my successes of the past four years. The Southwest Airlines Education Travel Program enables me, for the first time, to truly share with my parents my college experience and to show them what their strength and support has allowed me to do. The judges. With more than 3,000 applicants in the last six years, the Lánzate program is a proven successful educational program that serves underprivileged Hispanic students, providing complimentary travel for them and their families to maximize their potential and create opportunities for growth. To see the complete list of winners, visit: www.swamedia.com.
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So sad to have missed the conference! Maybe next year.
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I often hear that being a mom is the greatest achievement a woman can have. I agree on the achievement part, but not on the greatest part. The greatest achievement a woman can have--in my opinion--is not just being a mom, but seeing her kids thrive for themselves, while her heart is pounding with fear and excitement. Moms are great at faking smiles when they are preoccupied, keeping their sweet tone when they are about to cry, and accepting goodbyes when it’s time to grow up. But I never realized all of this until I had my own kids. Every day when I hear them laugh, talk, make jokes, or just finish their homework, my heart accelerates with joy and excitement—I realize this great achievement every day I’m with them. I make an effort to spend as much time with them as possible, as I am aware that they are growing up so fast. My 13-year-old is already in middle school, part of the dance team, and a text message champion. The seven-year-old is a Cub Scout, and his life revolves around dirt, insects, and basketball. Life is perfect! To all the moms out there—specially the working mom that pushes herself to provide a better future to her kids—you have my utmost respect and admiration, as you are the one building our homes, constructing a better nation, and dreaming for the future—not just for your kids, but for all of us.
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Congrats, Ginger! I'm honored that I've had the opportunity to work with such a stellar leader. It's all true, folks!
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No Luv for anyone you decide is "too fat to fly" though, huh SW?
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Wow, what a fun way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! I really love the poster design, good work, José Suaste!
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From all of us in Pensacola, FL we salute Hispanic Heritage Month! As a first generation American with ties to Colombia, South America it is wonderful to find cities such as Pensacola, FL embracing its diverse heritage that includes one full of latin LUV! We hope that Southwest Airlines travelers can visit our friendly skies, beautiful sugar white beaches that span 40 miles and enjoy the history and culture of the Nation's oldest European settlement. In fact, we just started a cause to show you at Southwest the LUV we have for your company and your many customers. Visit our Pensacola, FL LUVs Southwest Airlines cause on Facebook: http://www.causes.com/pcolaswa just to get a taste of the LUV! We've amassed nearly 3,000 supporters in less than three weeks and have generated more than $100K in pledges in only THREE DAYS! The testimonials by the fans are simply amazing.
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When is this going to happen? I am dying for a great vacation there!
Thanks!
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06-09-2009
02:30 PM
218 Loves
Okay, picture this: Scene One: Medium Shot--Office area, man in business suite: You are walking back and forth in your office, and you can’t seem to understand why that business deal is not closed yet. You call your client, he’s not in, he’s at the business convention, ugh!! Sr. Destino appears and asks you: “What are you waiting for? Grab your bag and close that deal!” Scene Two: American Shot--Golf Course, two men very, very happy: The deal is closed and you just shot a hole in one in front of your new client. Life is great, Thanks to Sr. Destino. Then, who is Sr. Destino? Sr. Destino is Southwest Airlines, the ultimate travel companion who will not let you miss the great things in life, like the important business deal or your family having a great time vacationing. Southwest Airlines provides dependable and affordable, worry-free travel to give everyone the freedom to do as they want, even in challenging times. This is the concept behind Sr. Destino, the new Spanish summer ad campaign running on Univision, Telemundo, Azteca, Galavision, CNN Español, ESPN Sports, national Hispanic radio stations, and internet portals like Univision.com and YouTube. The concept and ad production was created by Dieste, the Dallas based Hispanic ad agency. Dieste, named best multicultural agency by AdAge, has been Southwest’s Hispanic agency for more than ten years.
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06-02-2009
12:01 PM
188 Loves
Did you know? Of the 23 million nonfarm businesses in the US in 2008, women owned more than six million of them. These firms generated more than $940 billion in revenues, employed more than seven million workers, and had more than $173 billion in payroll. The 2007 Small Business Administration study, Minorities in Business: A demographic review of Minority Business Ownership, well establishes that by 2010, four out of ten businesses will be minority owned. So what do those numbers mean for Southwest Airlines? It means a wider variety of suppliers, ideas, and opportunities for our Company. That’s why for more than 20 years, Southwest Airlines has promoted and opened its doors to local minority-owned businesses through our Supplier Diversity program. And to celebrate our program, Southwest Airlines was a proud sponsor of the DFW Minority Business Development Council’s 2009 ACCESS tradeshow: Your Business, Your Vision, Your Future, Your Success at the Arlington Convention Center, where more than 800 businesses gathered together to meet, greet, and close deals with the local big corporations. Southwest Airlines has participated for many years at ACCESS as a corporate sponsor, and opening the doors to minority-owned businesses like Zones, Inc. Ask Christina Corley, President and COO, of this small but mighty company. “We met the Southwest Airlines executives at ACCESS 2006 and landed one of our best accounts. We now provide network and software solutions to one of the biggest carriers in the world,” said Corley. “We encourage this event to anyone who is serious about their business and wants to create partnerships with companies who support supplier diversity programs like Southwest Airlines.” Southwest values diversity and seeks to create an environment that encourages and supports diversity both in the workplace and within our supplier base. Our Supplier Diversity Program was designed to enable Southwest to extend opportunities to qualified Small, Disadvantaged, HUBZone, Minority, Woman, Veteran, Service Disabled Veteran, and GLBT-Owned Businesses (Diverse Suppliers). It is the goal of this program to assist Diverse Suppliers in their development as competitive suppliers of products and services. Click here for more info on our Supplier Diversity.
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03-13-2009
09:35 AM
13 Loves
I love the duck! I've seen that and other ducks through out HDQ, but never knew where to get one. I'm a contractor here, so I'm hoping I can get my hands on one...or two X-)
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