NEWARK, N.J., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council established a permanent presence in New Jersey, when it opened its first New Jersey office today. The office serves as a networking resource and direct link between the state's corporations and minority-owned businesses. Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. (PSEG) donated to The Council the use of 332-square feet of furnished office space, in its downtown headquarters. The new office offers New Jersey minority businesses easy and convenient access to information on how to become a certified minority business supplier and other information necessary to establish or expand their business. The Council, a regional affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. is a non-profit organization, which identifies and certifies minority-owned businesses, and facilitates procurement opportunities between Corporate America and Council-certified minority suppliers. In 2004, The Council-certified minority business owners conducted over $5 billion in services with its corporate members, which consist of Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies and educational institutions. "For many years, PSEG has been a major supporter of the mission of The Council. This new first floor location at PSEG will give The Council the opportunity to be more visible not only in Newark, but in New Jersey," said Lynda Ireland, president, New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council. "It will be an important tool in sharing the benefits of minority business ownership. PSEG's support has ranged from hosting the NJ headquarters office for The Council to developing innovative education programs for The Council's minority business owners. Their support has been tremendous." "As a member of The Council's Board of Directors, I am proud to see PSEG open their doors to establish a much needed New Jersey office location," added Susan Hogan, PSEG manager supplier diversity. "In doing so, they continue their valuable and long-standing commitment to diversity and The Council." Dr. Harriet Michel, president, National Minority Supplier Development Council and Robert E. Busch, president and chief operating officer, PSEG Services Corporation welcomed and addressed the group of 100 invitees. Lynda Ireland, president, New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council and John E. Anderson, PSEG vice president of supply chain management and minority-owned business representatives also made brief remarks. DATASOURCE: New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council CONTACT: Fern Gillespie, NY & NJ Minority Supplier, Development Council, +1-917-334-9298; or Roben Rasheed-Hernandez of PSEG, +1-973-430-8324

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