The University of Washington was recognized in March 2009 as the 2009 Government Agency of the Year by the Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council. The UW bested the cities of Seattle and Tacoma, King County, Sound Transit, and the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises in garnering the award. The Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the relationship among major corporations, public agencies and minority-owned businesses.