Southport, CT - Oct. 25, 2002 -- Div2000.com. The States' leading Diversity-owned businesses were recently announced at the National Diversity awards ceremony in Washington, DC. The Div50 represents the Top 50 Diversity (Women and Minority) owned businesses in the State. As a member of the distinguished Div50, these companies are sought after by large institutional buying organizations to provide goods and services on a local and national basis.

For the 2nd year in a row, this year's list includes Ascolta, based in Irvine, California. The companies on the Div50 list represent businesses in Technology, Manufacturing, Food Service and Professional services. With over 9-million Diversity-owned businesses in the United States, these businesses have distinguished themselves as leaders in their industries and communities. Diversity-owned businesses contribute over $1.4-trillion in sales to the U.S. economy.

The Div50 annual list is produced by Div2000.com, the nation's leading multicultural, b2b Internet portal that addresses the business needs between large organizational buyers and multicultural business owners. "Diversity businesses are now a fundamental element of the business landscape in America. These businesses have distinguished themselves as the new champions in American Business" said Kenton Clarke, CEO of Computer Consulting Associates International, Inc.