S.T.E.P.

When we encourage career advancement among our diverse workforce, it not only helps individual people succeed-it creates a richer work environment for everyone and inspires employees across the organization. That's why Sysco created the System to Entry-Level Promotion, or Sysco S.T.E.P. Sponsored by the Corporate Diversity Department, S.T.E.P. is designed to help motivated associates advance their careers at Sysco as far as their abilities will take them.

Through the Sysco S.T.E.P. program, career-minded associates throughout Sysco operating companies are paired with experienced managers, or coaches, who provide the one-on-one advice and professional guidance they need to succeed. Participants also receive study materials that help them develop awareness of the skills needed to succeed as a supervisor, evaluate their motivational fit for a supervisory position and identify the skills that need further development.

The Sysco S.T.E.P. program has been an outstanding asset in our mission to improve diversity among our supervisors and managers. The participation of women and people of color in the program continues to grow year by year. And it is clear that those who participate are repeating the rewards: In 2004, those two groups made about 52% S.T.E.P. participants advanced into District Sales Manager and Frontline Supervisor positions.