BASF has been named one of America’s Top Corporations in the Chemicals, Energy, and Utilities sector for Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs) by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). The award is the only national recognition honoring corporations for world-class supplier diversity programs that reduce obstacles and drive growth for women-owned businesses.

“We are honored to be recognized as a Top Corporation for Women’s Business Enterprises,” said Tobias Dratt, President, BASF North America. “BASF’s supplier diversity program is a great example of living our company values and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. A diverse supplier base is critical to meeting our needs, and those of our customer’s, while fulfilling our commitment to our diverse consumer base and the communities in which we operate.”

“With our strong supplier diversity program, BASF is dedicated to breaking down barriers and seeking opportunities to level the playing field, in partnership with WBENC, not only for women-owned businesses but all under-represented groups,” said Ruchita Banerjee, Supplier Diversity Procurement Manager.

Since 1999, WBENC has celebrated America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises honorees who successfully drive the sustainable inclusion of women-owned businesses within corporate and government supply chains and local communities through economic growth and job creation.

“America’s Top Corporations set the standard for leadership in corporate supplier diversity programs and supply chains, helping develop and support for women-owned businesses. Top Corporations are valued partners in our 26-year strong WBENC commitment to providing essential growth and opportunities to women entrepreneurs and business owners,” said Pamela Prince-Eason, President and CEO of WBENC, the nation’s leader in women’s business development.

The WBENC Top Corporations model reviews WBE outreach and engagement, such as providing support for successful onboarding and retention of WBEs for supply chain business needs and development of future WBEs. The model also assesses foundational concepts of supplier diversity, including overall program structure, contracting, and reporting, and organization accountability with executive leadership and line of business decision-makers.

In 2021, BASF also co-founded the Chemical Industry Forum, as part of their partnership with WBENC, to share best practices and increase the number of WBENC-certified suppliers capable of supporting industry needs.