Houston, Texas –The Houston Minority Supplier Diversity Council (HMSDC) presented DIR with the prestigious Rigel Award during the 2017 HMSDC Expo luncheon held November 30, 2017, at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Named after Rigel, a blue super star whose radiant characteristics stand out among the other stars, the HMSDC Rigel Award recognizes minority-owned enterprises (MBEs) with a proven track record of supporting other minority-owned businesses by engaging them as contractors for services. DIR’s mission overlaps with HMSDC’s mission in that we seek opportunities to engage with other minority suppliers to partner on projects, provide us services, or learn from each other. DIR’s president, Dr. Russell H. Jackson, continues to serve as a mentor for many (current and aspiring) minority owners of businesses, with the goal of assisting them as they navigate the corporate waters and pursue their dreams of building and sustaining successful businesses. Nominated for this award by CIGNA, based on our long-standing partnership, DIR is grateful to HMSDC for this recognition.