AT&T is well-known within the state of Texas and across the country as a leading communications and entertainment company, but an important aspect of the company that should not be overlooked is its unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion.

AT&T is working harder than ever to be a good neighbor to Texans and in every community the company serves. AT&T's focus on diversity extends throughout its recruiting, procurement, philanthropy and marketing initiatives.

"We realize that diversity is more than the right thing to do; it is fundamental if we are to be successful in the marketplace," said Bob Reed, vice president of diversity and inclusion at AT&T. "Our commitment to diversity enhances the way we do business and gives AT&T a competitive edge."

AT&T was the title sponsor for the third annual Texas Diversity & Leadership Conference & Exposition in Dallas, an event that attracted approximately 4,500 students, professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders. AT&T has supported the Texas Diversity Council since its inception in 2004, and the Texas Diversity & Leadership Conference since the first conference held in San Antonio in 2005.

"It is a privilege to support an organization that places such a high value on diversity," said Cecilia Orellana-Rojas, associate director of corporate diversity at AT&T, and president of the San Antonio Advisory Board of the Texas Diversity Council. "Dennis Kennedy and his team are dynamic in conveying the importance of inclusion within corporate America."

AT&T has received numerous diversity awards and honors so far this year, including:

• Ranking No. 3 among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity, No. 1 among the Top 10 Companies for African Americans, and No. 3 among the Top 10 Companies for Recruitment and Retention.
• Being named as one of the Top Corporations for Women's Business Enterprises by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (as both AT&T and BellSouth).
• Ranking No. 1 among DiversityBusiness.com's Top Organizations for Multicultural Business Opportunities.
• Inclusion among HISPANIC Trends magazine's Top 50 Corporations for Supplier Diversity (as both AT&T and Cingular).
• Inclusion among the 40 Best Companies for Diversity and 15 Best Companies in Supplier Diversity by Black Enterprise magazine.

AT&T's diverse workforce is an asset to the company and a result of its commitment to recruit and hire the very best talent. Today, AT&T's 50-state workforce is 46 percent female and 38 percent people of color.

Supplier diversity is a critical initiative of AT&T's business strategy and a key component of the company's plan to deliver the best products and services to its customers. AT&T is a member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable, a supplier diversity think tank of corporations that spend more than $1 billion annually with diverse companies. Only 12 member companies qualify that this level. In 2006, AT&T spent $5.15 billion with diverse suppliers, representing 13 percent of the company's procurement base.

At AT&T, diversity and inclusion are essential to the company's culture and business success. In fostering diversity and inclusion, AT&T has created a better business environment, one that makes the company an employer of choice, a preferred business partner and an important contributor to the community. For more information on AT&T's diversity and inclusion initiatives, visit www.att.com/diversity.

Bob Reed, Vice President-Diversity & Inclusion, AT&T