In its ninth year, The DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity® list was announced live at a function attended by more than 300 corporate executives in New York City March 12.

Reflecting dramatically increased attention to diversity management among progressive companies, 401 applications were received, up 14 percent from last year.

The DiversityInc Top 50 competition is an editorially driven, metrics-driven process that has no connection with business conducted with DiversityInc. Any company or organization with more than 1,000 employees may apply. The survey measures four areas: CEO Commitment, Human Capital, Supplier Diversity and Corporate and Organizational Communications. Click here to view an article on our methodology.

The list itself covers 19 industries, from consumer-facing companies to B-to-B's to industrial businesses. They range from small regional companies to global giants. Click here to see the DiversityInc Top 50 list.

"This year's data shows dramatically improved results in the DiversityInc Top 50, especially in senior management and board representation across both gender and race." said Luke Visconti, CEO of DiversityInc. "Culturally, we're seeing CEOs implement accountability and communications programs on an unprecedented scale. The results reflect substantial movement."

Last night's dinner announcement was preceded by DiversityInc's first day-long learning event on diversity management. DiversityInc will be holding a major event for CEOs of DiversityInc Top 50 companies in November (click here for event information).

DiversityInc is a privately owned $10-million company. More about DiversityInc can be found at www.DiversityInc.com/aboutus.