2.13.2008 - 12:46pm ET

(CSRwire) WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --B'nai B'rith International, one of the world's oldest and largest human rights, community action, and humanitarian organizations, is proud to announce it will recognize Eastman Kodak Company and its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Antonio M. Perez, with the prestigious Corporate Distinguished Achievement Award at a gala in New York City on June 18, 2008.

B'nai B'rith will honor Kodak for its commitment to innovation, diversity, and philanthropy -- values that BBI has been committed to since its founding in 1843. The gala, which takes place at the St. Regis Hotel, begins with a cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by the award presentation.

"Eastman Kodak Company's commitment to diversity, one of the great cornerstones of this nation, is to be lauded and emulated," said Daniel S. Mariaschin, executive vice president of B'nai B'rith International. "B'nai B'rith International and Mr. Perez and Kodak share a vision that education and tolerance can combat bigotry. Kodak promotes diversity and inclusion worldwide, and we are pleased to share our vision with them."

Kodak has earned recognition six times as one of DiversityInc'sTop 50 Companies for Diversity, and has been named to Black Enterprise'slist of Best Companies for Diversity for the last three years. In 2007, the company received a 100 percent ranking on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. Perez, Kodak's CEO since 2004, has helped lead the company's digital transformation aimed at delivering innovative new products to consumers and commercial customers. In 2008, he serves as chair of the Diversity Best Practices CEO Diversity Initiative. Perez is a member of the Business Council as well as the Business Roundtable, and he is a trustee of the George Eastman House. To learn more about Kodak's diversity initiatives, go to http://www.kodak.com/go/diversity.

"B'nai B'rith is proud to present its highest award to such an exemplary company as Kodak -- which successfully balances economic and social issues," said B'nai B'rith International President Moishe Smith. "Kodak is an innovative business and technology leader that is also committed to diversity and tolerance in the workplace. It's a business model that should serve as a model for all of corporate America."

For more than four decades, B'nai B'rith has presented the Corporate Distinguished Achievement Award in recognition of the accomplishments of key community and corporate leaders around the world. These exceptional individuals and companies are honored for their community service, dedicated leadership, and commitment to bettering the lives of the individuals they serve.

Celebrating B'nai B'rith International's 165 years

B'nai B'rith International, the global voice of the Jewish community, is the most widely known Jewish humanitarian, human rights, and advocacy organization. BBI works to aid the victims of disaster; improves the lives of senior citizens through housing and advocacy; promotes health initiatives and education; provides youth leadership training; serves community members in need; and fights intolerance around the world.Visit http://www.bnaibrith.org.