CHICAGO, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- MillerCoors is proud to receive the 2009 Matthew Shepard Foundation corporate "Essential Piece Award." The award is presented annually to a corporation exhibiting and supporting inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) employees, as well as engaging in efforts with the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

"We are honored to receive the 'Essential Piece Award' and will continue to provide meaningful support towards the growth of diversity in our organization," said Leo Kiely, Chief Executive Officer of MillerCoors. "We are a company made up of a diverse group of people who work together to fulfill two basic commitments: brewing great beers and supporting the communities where we live and work, and we believe it is critical that we promote diversity and inclusion everywhere we are as a business, including the LGBT community."

MillerCoors firmly believes in the mission of the Matthew Shepard Foundation to replace hate with understanding, compassion, and acceptance. As part of its larger corporate social responsibility platform, Great Beer, Great Responsibility, MillerCoors makes it a priority to support its people and communities.

MillerCoors is a national sponsor of the Matthew Shepard Foundation and was the first corporation to respond to a public call by Judy Shepard to ensure dealing with hate is a top priority in our schools and workplaces. In addition, MillerCoors:

• Teamed with the Matthew Shepard Foundation and Human Rights Campaign (HRC) to pass the Matthew Shepard Act and Employment Non-Discrimination Act (EDNA) on Capitol Hill.
• Was the first company in the alcohol beverage industry to provide domestic partner benefits.
• Sponsors an LGBT employee affinity group which offers educational, social and support opportunities for its members and all MillerCoors employees.
• Supports non-profits working with people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.
• Does not discriminate against employees or potential employees on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

"This award is a testament to all that MillerCoors embraces and leverages diversity and inclusion in our workplace and community," said Doug Sanborn, Brand Manager for Multicultural Marketing, LGBT, for MillerCoors. "Under no circumstances can we tolerate hate or discrimination, and we do everything we can as a company to help educate others."

In addition to awarding MillerCoors the corporate award, the Foundation honored Sanborn as the individual recipient of the 'Essential Piece Award.'

About MillerCoors

Built on a foundation of great beer brands and more than 288 years of brewing heritage, MillerCoors continues the commitment of its founders to brew the highest quality beers. MillerCoors is the second largest beer company in America, capturing nearly 30 percent of U.S. beer sales. Led by two of the best-selling beers in the industry, MillerCoors has a broad portfolio of highly complementary brands across every major industry segment. Miller Lite is the great tasting beer that established the American light beer category in 1975, and Coors Light is the brand that introduced consumers to refreshment as cold as the Rockies. MGD 64 completes the company's premium light beer portfolio, offering consumers fresh, crisp taste at just 64 calories. MillerCoors brews premium beers Coors Banquet and Miller Genuine Draft; and economy brands Miller High Life and Keystone Light. The company also imports Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Pilsner Urquell, Grolsch and Molson Canadian and offers innovative products such as Miller Chill and Sparks. MillerCoors features craft brews from the Jacob Leinenkugel Company, Blue Moon Brewing Company and the Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Company. MillerCoors operates eight major breweries in the U.S., as well as the Leinenkugel's craft brewery in Chippewa Falls, WI and two microbreweries, the 10th Street Brewery in Milwaukee and the Blue Moon Brewing Company at Coors Field in Denver. MillerCoors vision is to create America's best beer company by driving profitable industry growth. MillerCoors insists on building its brands the right way through brewing quality, responsible marketing and environmental and community impact. MillerCoors is a joint venture of SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company.