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Black Data Processing Associates and WorkForceDiversity.com have named Lilly the best company in America for blacks in the IT industry

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) announced today that it has been given the Epsilon "Star of Highest Magnitude" Award and has been named the best company for blacks in technology by the Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) and WorkplaceDiversity.com. The Epsilon Award is given annually to the top company in the nation that promotes a workplace and environment that supports the advancement of African-Americans in the information technology industry.

"We are thrilled and honored to have received this award," said Michael Heim, senior vice president of information technology and chief information officer, at Lilly. "This award is proof that Lilly has made, and will continue to make, choices that support our dedication to diversity and ultimately offer better solutions for our employees and patients."

Lilly received the Epsilon Award at the BDPA's annual national conference which was held this month in Raleigh, North Carolina. The first pharmaceutical company to win top honors, this was the fourth consecutive year Lilly was listed as one of the top companies for blacks in technology.

According to the BDPA, a company must attract and recruit the most talented employees, clients and customers as well as realize positive financial results to be considered for this award. Eligible companies also submit a survey related to workforce and supplier diversity within the organization.

About Lilly

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers - through medicines and information - for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com.

About BDPA

The BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl A. Pace, Jr. and the late David Wimberly after the two met in Philadelphia to discuss their concerns about minorities in the data processing field. Today, BDPA is a global member-focused organization that serves the professional well-being of blacks in the IT industry. BDPA remains committed to excellence and providing a wide spectrum of resources to members, corporate sponsors, businesses, educational institutions and the community. The organization is a catalyst for professional growth and technical development for those in the IT industry.

About WorkplaceDiversity.com

WorkplaceDiversity.com is the source for diversity talent. The first career web site for companies that want to recruit experienced diversity candidates, a leader in the sourcing industry combines leading technology with diversity and career information, job boards, staffing and executive search. WorkplaceDiversity.com enables experienced diversity talent to find open positions at companies that support diversity, and to obtain information and resources that will help them attain their career goals.