Companies across America are making important investments of time, money, and knowledge in two realms they consider vital to their global competitiveness: their employees and their communities. These efforts are resulting in an array of diverse initiatives, including teaching employees and community residents essential technological skills, partnering with schools to advance science and math education, and helping employees balance their work and family responsibilities.

These projects have a common premise: the belief that corporate citizenship not only helps better people's lives but also benefits business by boosting performance, improving the bottom line, and building competitive advantage. Business can do well by doing good.

Honoring the Best Corporate Citizens

The Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership exemplifies the values of corporate citizenship. This annual presidential award is presented to companies that have demonstrated a deep commitment to initiatives that empower employees and communities while advancing strategic business interests. It brings a new level of distinction and visibility to the country's best corporate citizens.

Prominent business leaders, working in collaboration with the Department of Commerce, established The Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership in 1997 as a complement to the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. The Award is a tribute to the memory and extraordinary record of Ron Brown, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce from 1993-96. During his tenure at the Commerce Department, Brown sought to bring U.S. business to the forefront of the global economy, and his commitment to corporate citizenship as a business strategy shaped both his work and his vision of a strong America.

The Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership is presented at an annual White House ceremony, amidst media coverage that ensures greater public awareness of the accomplishments being honored.

Ron Brown: A Man of Vision

In January 1993, Ronald H. Brown became the 30th U.S. Secretary of Commerce, the first African-American to hold this cabinet position. A leader of trade missions on five continents, Ron Brown died when a plane carrying him and a delegation of U.S. business leaders to the Balkans crashed near Dubrovnik in April 1996.

Brown was a forceful advocate for the Commerce Department and its mission. During his tenure, Brown promoted U.S. exports, emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and the economic development of distressed communities across America. He also opened new markets for U.S. businesses around the world by showcasing the quality of American products and services.