In a few short weeks, the NMSDC leadership and the Regional Councils will be convening in Washington, D.C. for our annual NMSDC Quarterly Meeting in nation's capital (April 27-29). This will be the second year that we have chosen to come to Washington for the Spring Quarterly Meeting. The purpose of the our meeting is tied to its location. GNEMSDC staff, directors and the MBE Input Committee Chair and perhaps others will be fanning out on Capitol Hill to meet with legislators and their aides. The purpose of these meetings is to share with the Greater New England Congressional Delegation, 12 U.S. Senators and 22 Congressional Representatives, our message and mission. We also are highlighting the needs of minority businesses throughout the region. We are not lobbying for particular legislation - that would be a potential violation of our 501-c-3 charter. We are informing Congress that there is a constituency of businesses that is often overlooked in the formation of policy. We have detailed statistics on our corporate membership and the certified MBEs in our Council, but if you have a story you want to share with us, we would be happy to share that story with the Congress. Winning the hearts and minds of Congress takes more than statistics. MBEs have been particularly hard hit by this recession and many have done extraordinary things to keep their employees active and on the payroll. Congress needs to hear your stories. A little help and understanding from Washington can go a long way towards improving conditions for all Americans.
March 8, 2010
