Cherokee Nation Industries has been recognized by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) as an outstanding small business provider for 2010.

Each year, Lockheed Martin business units in Orlando, Fla. and Dallas, Texas, nominate and select small businesses that have consistently provided outstanding support and products during the past year.  Though the corporation has thousands of suppliers, only a few of the small businesses are recognized for their outstanding quality in goods and service.

At an awards banquet in Orlando, executives from the Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control and Simulation, Training & Support business units presented awards to 18 companies.

“Small business partners bring a unique skill set to our products and services,” said Dale P. Bennett, president of Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training & Support.  “We have developed a long and valuable relationship with them and are happy to recognize the significant role they play in the success of our corporation.”

“Our small business partners are vital to our mission success,” said James F. Berry, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.  “Lockheed Martin relies heavily on materials, services, solutions, resources and components through our small businesses to provide our customers with world-class products.”

“We strive to provide quality products and service to our customers,” said Bryan Collins, chief operating officer, Cherokee Nation Industries. “Their success is critical to ours, so we are happy to provide Lockheed with the valuable resources and components they need to succeed.”

CNI’s customer delivery schedule was 100 percent on time to Lockheed Martin, and the company rated overall shipments and contract performance of CNI 99.86 percent for the year.