Booz Allen Receives Global Business Ambassador Award

Annual honor recognizes organizations in Virginia whose outstanding business practices also reflect positively on the U.S. and its values.

On April 10, the World Affairs Council of Greater Richmond presented the 2008 Virginia Global Business Ambassador Award to Booz Allen Hamilton for its exemplary work in the service sector. Senior vice president Dave Aldrich accepted the award on behalf of the firm.

The award honors Booz Allen for its corporate citizenship and high standards of service in international business dealings, and for manifesting American business values. The recognition is also intended to draw attention to companies that positively influence the views other countries have of the United States and “brand America.”

Booz Allen has more than a dozen offices and nearly 10,000 staff members located in Virginia, Aldrich noted in his acceptance remarks. “Virginia has been a very good place for our firm to do business—not surprising, given the state’s well-deserved reputation for a highly productive and high-tech workforce.”

The annual Global Business Ambassador Award is conferred in conjunction with public programs featuring national and state leaders. The awards event featured former Virginia governor Mark Warner in 2007 and former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage in 2005. Held at the University of Richmond, the 2008 awards luncheon featured Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke as the keynote speaker.

At the sold-out luncheon, Bernanke reassured attendees that, although financial markets in the U.S. are currently distressed, policymakers and regulators had identified the sources of financial turmoil and were taking steps to correct the situation. Unlike the Great Depression of the 1930s, which resulted in numerous bank failures, Bernanke said the banking system today is in good shape.

Launched in 1996, the World Affairs Council of Greater Richmond educates citizens of Central Virginia about the importance of international affairs and generates interest in foreign policy in support of the region’s business and financial community. The Council also co-directs the Virginia Center for the Teaching of International Studies. A Council committee of public and private sector leaders makes the selections for the Global Business Ambassador Award in the service sector.

story posted April 16, 2008