Employee diversity is an issue that has long topped the human resources agenda. But many corporate leaders still link diversity more closely with maintaining a positive corporate image than with boosting their bottom line. A new report from the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) highlights the direct connection between diversity and business success.

Walking into the Toronto Congress Centre last Saturday evening there was a sense of inspiration in the air. An evening that started out with a greeting from Prime Minister Stephan Harper and ended with a young Michael Jackson “sound a-like” singing Never Can Say Good-Bye to the funky beat-boxing of the one and only non-instrumental sound machine Sean Mauricette, a.k.a. Subliminal. The 2010 edition of the BBPA (Black Business Professional Association) Harry Jerome Awards simply had something to offer for everyone.