#United States #Maryland #Leadership #Lowe's #ELC

Lowe's Receives 2025 ELC Corporate Award

In a significant recognition of its commitment to workforce development and people-centered leadership, Lowe's has been named the recipient of the 2025 ELC Corporate Award by The Executive Leadership Council (ELC). This prestigious award will be presented at the ELC Recognition Gala on October 2, 2025, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Maryland, emphasizing Lowe's dedication to nurturing its employees and driving business performance through inclusive leadership practices.

Acknowledgment of Excellence

The ELC Corporate Award celebrates organizations demonstrating strategic excellence in creating leadership pipelines that are ready for enterprise challenges. Under the visionary leadership of Chairman and CEO Marvin Ellison, Lowe's has emerged as a national model for fostering diversity and resilience within its workforce, cultivating a culture that promotes talent across various roles and communities.

Lowe's has exemplified a successful blend of operational excellence and a people-first strategy, as noted by Michael C. Hyter, President and CEO of ELC, who stated, "Lowe's exemplifies the intersection of operational excellence and people-first strategy. They are building a workforce and a leadership culture that serve as a blueprint for success for every industry."

Investment in People and Community

Since 2018, Lowe's has invested over $4 billion in associate wages and share-based compensations, providing robust support for its employees. In a remarkable achievement, more than 85% of leadership positions in stores have been filled internally, showcasing Lowe's commitment to promoting from within. The company's Track to the Trades associate program works towards combating the critical labor shortage in skilled trades, while the Lowe's Foundation champions numerous community revitalization projects, funding 100 large-scale initiatives each year. Furthermore, every Lowe's store actively participates in local community improvement projects across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

The leadership pipeline cultivated by Lowe's consists of diverse voices equipped with esteemed expertise in their respective fields. This focus on diversity ensures a range of experiences and perspectives are represented in leadership roles, strengthening the company’s overall mission. This year, Lowe’s joins a distinguished list of previous recipients of the ELC Corporate Award, including major corporations like Bank of America, Boeing, and Procter & Gamble.

Gala Week: Elevating Leadership

The ELC Recognition Gala marks the culmination of ELC Gala Week, a multi-day summit designed to enhance leadership capabilities across various organizational levels. This year's event will feature six concurrent programs, including the Mid-Level Managers Symposium and executive forums, which aim to connect over 3,000 professionals and students. Gala Week reflects ELC's commitment to nurturing a pipeline of high-level executives through educational initiatives, enhanced access, and strategic visibility.

ELC Scholarship Program: Cultivating Future Leaders

Now in its 30th year, The ELC Scholarship Program continues to be a vital initiative aimed at empowering emerging business leaders. In 2025, the program awarded $2 million in scholarships to 102 undergraduate and graduate students, with 70% of recipients attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). These scholars are engaged in various academic disciplines, ranging from business and management to health and humanities. This year also marks the introduction of the Ronald C. Parker Legacy Scholarship, paying tribute to the late President and CEO of ELC, whose influence continues to shape the next generation of leaders.

Conclusion

Lowe's recognition by The Executive Leadership Council showcases its ongoing commitment to effective leadership that emphasizes inclusivity and community engagement. As the organization continues to invest in both its workforce and the broader community, it sets an example for other companies aiming to create sustainable and impactful leadership models.