For the second consecutive year, United Parcel Service of America, Inc. (UPS) has been named one of the 10 Best Corporations for Veteran-Owned Businesses. The Atlanta, Ga.-based shipping giant and NaVOBA corporate member has consistently proven its commitment to VOBs.

Fritz Valsaint, supplier diversity coordinator at UPS, said the company works hard to do business with veterans because it values military experience in its employees, its UPS Store franchisees and its suppliers.

"Veterans are battle tested, flexible, and adaptable," Valsaint said. "They can perform at the highest level individually or in a team. They have been taught to deliver on time and under budget. These are all qualities that are essential to UPS."

Valsaint said UPS wishes to congratulate all the corporations that were named Best Corporations for Veteran-Owned Businesses.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to our veteran-owned suppliers for their continued commitment to helping us meet our customers’ expectations and for making this recognition possible," Valsaint said. "While we are honored for this recognition, veterans should know that we are continually looking for new and improved ways to engage their community and enable more mutually beneficial business opportunities."

UPS launched its Supplier Diversity Process in 1992 as part of its commitment to diversity. Valsaint said UPS sees a commitment to diversity as a key strength of its culture and growth strategies. The formalization of the UPS Supplier Diversity Process enables it to diversify its supplier base, penetrate new markets, fulfill customer requirements and provide economic opportunities.

"Additionally, diverse suppliers provide UPS with innovations and other value added benefits that strengthen our competitiveness and ability to serve our customers," Valsaint said. Our culture has always been one of inclusiveness and support of our communities. Supplier Diversity, therefore, is woven into the fabric of our business strategies and contributes to the success of our company.

UPS improved its efforts by assigning a dedicated contact person to the veteran business community and updating its Web site to attract attract more veteran-owned businesses. Vasaint said UPS will continue to make more targeted efforts to find veteran-owned business that offer regional, national and global products and services. 

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