Northwest Minority Business Council

Washington Mutual Vice President and National Supplier Diversity Manager Fernando Martinez is the current board chair for the Northwest Minority Business Council. According to Martinez, the NMBC has specific priorities and
goals, which support minority business enterprises as well as corporations and public agencies. “As the board chair, I have two goals. First, establish the NMBC as the organization to whom corporations and MBEs look to for profes-
sionals that can assist with development of their business and ultimately deliver value to their customers,” he said. “Second, I aim to create a foundation and business model that allows the Northwest Minority Business Council to solidly
grow over the next 3 to 5 years.”

Diversity creates and supports a more competitive marketplace, explained Martinez. “And, economic growth builds strong, vibrant communities for everyone, which is why the council is important,” he said. “I honestly believe
that the NMBC can make the Northwest a more dynamic market. To achieve this, there needs to be a link between MBEs, corporations and the community. The NMBC is that link.”

Martinez told MBN USA that he strongly believes in giving back to his
Fernando Martinez community and has been actively involved in non-profit organizations for more than 15 years in various capacities. “When I joined WaMu, the expectation was that I would participate as an NMBC board member,” he said. “What better opportunity than to be able to serve on a board that fulfills both personal and professional values. It is a great feeling to be able to engage and support minority-owned businesses while having the strength and commitment of a Fortune 500 company behind me.”

Key 2007 Accomplishments

• Significant growth — The the number of corporate and agency members as well as the number of certified MBEs has significantly increased.

• Thirty-year milestone — The NMBC Summit Awards Gala celebrated its 30th anniversary with award-winning journalist Guy Garcia serving as the keynote speaker.

• Strategic partnerships — The NMBC created a strategic partnership with the University of Washington to develop the Minority Business Executive Program.

• Event success — The NMBC golf tournament and silent auction helped raise money for the NMBC Scholarship Fund. The NMBC Showcase Business Conference and Opportunity Fair was a success with supplier diversity specialist Craig Clayton serving as the keynote.