FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., June 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Michigan is one of the first states in the nation to form a state council of the National Diversity Council (NDC). The vision of the NDC is to cultivate a nationwide network of affiliated councils to advance diversity and inclusion by transforming workplaces into inclusive environments where individuals are valued for their talents and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

In the current economic environment, the Michigan Diversity Council (MIDC) can be a solution to providing valuable learning opportunities to companies, employees and community members by sharing resources and best practices with other companies. This organization complements the existing diversity initiatives in Michigan by providing on-going learning opportunities, discussion and best-practice sharing among leading companies and diversity professionals.

The MIDC will add value to the state of Michigan by:

• Providing new approaches/solutions to the complex issues of diversity today
  
• Addressing key issues relevant to our community; because MIDC is member-led it will ensure that the topics addressed are relevant to Michigan businesses and community groups
  
• Providing opportunities for ongoing learning
  
• Giving Michigan a voice in the growing national conversation on diversity

The Michigan Diversity Council will be hosting its first-ever Best Practices Forum on Tuesday, June 30, 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Daimler Financial Services, 36455 Corporate Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48331. The building is located along the south side of 12 Mile Road between Drake and Halstead roads. Daimler Financial Services is a national sponsor of the National Diversity Council.

The Best Practices Forum will feature presentations by Carmen M. Carter and Christopher J. Metzler, PhD, Associate Dean Human Resources, Georgetown University.

Ms. Carter is Founder of the Multicultural Women's Council, Principal of InsideDiversity and author of "Do It Yourself Diversity." Dr. Metzler is Associate Dean at the School of Continuing Studies at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. Prior to that position, he was at Cornell University where he directed the EEO and Diversity Studies Program. The cost of the Best Practices Forum is $49. Participants may register online at www.michigandiversitycouncil.org.

"This forum is a perfect way for human resources professionals and heads of employee resource groups to gain valuable insights from nationally renowned speakers on diversity issues without having to travel outside of the state of Michigan," said Dennis Kennedy, Founder of the National Diversity Council. "Despite the economy, diversity is part of the business agenda in Michigan and this forum provides both insight and incredible value."

The National Diversity Council is a non-profit 501 (C)(3) organization that champions diversity as a business imperative. The National Diversity Council was launched in the summer of 2008. The catalyst for the National Diversity Council was the need for a national organization that would champion diversity and inclusion across the country.

The mission of the NDC is to be both a resource and an advocate for the value of diversity and inclusion. The NDC serves as the umbrella organization to support statewide and regional affiliates, which foster an understanding of diversity and inclusion as a dynamic strategy for business success and community well-being through various initiatives.

The NDC has been very successful at connecting businesses, community leaders and universities through learning events, conferences, publications and awards programs. Additionally, the NDC provides a platform for best-practice sharing. Although a new organization, the NDC already has a very strong network. Speakers at past conferences include: Colin Powell, Jane Fonda, John Ashcroft, Spike Lee, Jeb Bush and Christopher Metzler.

Attention News Media: There will be a media conference call at 2 p.m. eastern on Thursday June 25. The call will feature Carmen M. Carter, key presenter at the upcoming MIDC Best Practices Forum; Dennis Kennedy, Founder of the NDC, and Lora Vinande, President of the MIDC Advisory Board and Diversity and Community Relations Manager for Daimler Financial Services. Accredited journalists wishing to participate on the call should email Chrystal Johnson at chrystal.johnson@daimler.com to receive the toll free conference call phone number.

Daimler Financial Services

Daimler Financial Services

DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Americas LLC provides brand-specific financing for automotive dealers' inventories and their retail consumers, and conducts business as Chrysler Financial and Mercedes-Benz Financial. As DaimlerChrysler Truck Financial, it also finances commercial vehicles for affiliate products such as Freightliner, Sterling and Western Star. The company serves as the headquarters for operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela, and has approximately 5,600 employees who manage a portfolio of more than $104 billion with nearly five million contracts. DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Americas LLC is a company of the DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Group, headquartered in Berlin, Germany, which operates in more than 40 countries with an employee base exceeding 11,000 and a global portfolio of approximately $144 billion. DaimlerChrysler Financial Services is one of the leading financial services organizations worldwide.

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