December 27, 2011

The mission of the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council is to significantly increase business relationships between our corporate members and our certified MBEs.  We believe that minority business development is a key component of reducing poverty, unemployment, increasing wealth, and integrating American society.  You are receiving this email in order to keep you abreast of developments with the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council, Supplier Diversity Issues and Minority Business Development.  If you like what you read please share internally and externally.  Thank You Gloria Yopp for Ten Plus Years! The end of 2011 also brings with it the end of the career of Gloria Yopp as the Certification Manager of the GNEMSDC and CMSDC before that.   Gloria is retiring at the end of this week after serving almost 11 years.  Gloria was  part of the team of Delores Holley that came over to the CMSDC after retiring from Northeast Utilities.  The Council was from my perspective, a perfect second career for Mrs. Yopp.  In addition to handling the certification process with excellence that was recognized by the entire NMSDC network, Ms. Yopp also had the nearly impossible job of managing my calendar.  The last 11 years have been an absolute joy working with Gloria. On behalf of the GNEMSDC board of directors,  the regional network of Certification Managers, and all of our certified MBEs, I say thank you and enjoy your retirement.  Annual Award Gala 2012 It is not too early to start thinking about and planning for the 2012 GNEMSDC Annual Awards Gala that will take place on Thursday, April 26 at the Aqua Turf in Southington, CT.  Corporate members can begin by thinking about the MBEs they worked with who went the extra mile to provide excellent services for them in 2011.  These MBEs benefit from the public recognition of a job well done.  MBEs can similarly think about the corporate buyers and supplier diversity managers who  assisted them to win contracts and to learn more about them and their corporations.  MBEs and corporate members who are interested in assisting us make this year's event fantastic are also welcome to volunteer to serve on any of the sub-committees we have established.  Just give Tatiana a call at the office, 888-874-7114.  We welcome your participation. Save The Dates - Upcoming Events 2012 We are extremely pleased to share with you information about some of our upcoming events so that you can mark your 2012 Calendar TODAY.  In 2012 we will have two brand new events on our calendar for both corporate members and MBEs. The first new event is Greater Boston Minority Enterprise Development Conference on June 7.  The GNEMSDC, because of our Boston MBDA Business Center, is taking on the challenge of making this event one of the premier events that bring together public sector buyers, large federal and state non-minority contractors and certified MBEs.  The second is actually a return to a New England tradition; the Greater Boston Supplier Diversity Golf Classic on Monday, June 11 at Ferncroft Country Club.  Ferncroft is one of Boston's top private clubs and will surely be a hot ticket.    We encourage our corporate members and MBEs to become Annual Sponsors in 2012.  These sponsorships help the Council, and they give you a price break over buying participation in the events a la carte.  We are also filling out the calendar with some unique events at some of our corporate members' places of business.  We have events in the planning process for Pitney Bowes, UTC, and PepsiCO, with more to follow.  We are also in the process of selecting sites for GNEMSDC Quarterly meetings.  This year we held Quarterly meetings at EMC, Citizens Bank, The Basketball Hall of Fame, and Raytheon.  We know that in 2012, Liberty Mutual has signed up to host a Quarterly Meeting. If your company would like to host a Quarterly meeting or a "How to do Business With" meeting, we welcome your participation and support. Just call the office for details.   Here are dates and locations for some of the major events we want you to be aware of. Tuesday, March 27 - 2nd Annual MBE Capital Conference - Hosted by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM (Date Subject to Change)  Thursday, April 26 - GNEMSDC Awards Gala and Annual Meeting at Aqua Turf Club, Southington, CT 5:00 PM  to 9:00 PM Wednesday, May 23 - NMSDC Awards Gala, NYC at the Hilton Towers Reception stars at 6:00 PM Thursday, June 7 - Greater Boston Minority Business Enterprise Conference and Expo Location to be determined  Monday, June 11 - Greater Boston Supplier Diversity Golf Classic at Ferncroft County Club, Danvers, MA 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM  Friday, July 13 - Greater Connecticut Supplier Diversity Golf Classic at Lyman Orchards Golf Club, Middlefield, CT 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM Wednesday through Friday, September 12 to 14, GNEMSDC Annual Business Opportunity Fair and Conference, MGM Grand at Foxwoods Sunday October 28 to Wednesday, October 31 - NMSDC Conference and Business Opportunity Fair, Denver, CO We hope to see you at as many of these events as possible! NMSDC/GNEMSDC Activities and Information Please take a close look at the events listed below.  The links will take you to detailed information about the events.  We will have more information for those events that do not currently have live links, but please mark your calendars and call the office. Information and Presentations: FHWA Offering 4th Round of Highways for Life Grants    Best Practices in Minority Supplier Development - Prepared by Ralph G. Moore & Associates Nominations for Small Business Week 2012!  - Full Nominations Guidelines      MBEIC News    Gary Stiffler Voted in as MBE Input Committee Chairman The votes are in and it was unanimous, Gary Stiffler, President and CEO of the MATLET Group was voted in as the new MBE Input Committee Chairman.    Mr. Stiffler replaces Carlton Oneal of Light Speed, LLC, who served 2 terms as MBE Input Committee.  On behalf of the GNEMSDC board and the MBE community, I thank Mr. Oneal for his dedicated service to the mission of the GNEMSDC.   Congratulations Mr. Stiffler we look forward to working you. The MBEIC Education sub-committee is seeking additional members. For those looking for an opportunity to forge deeper relationships with fellow business owners, and corporations, and are willing and able to commit some of their time - this would be a great opportunity to help plan and shape events that will inform and educate the Council's MBE community. If you're interested, Please send an email to Jill Davis at The MATLET Group jdavis@thematletgroup.com before January 23, 2012. Corporate Member Showcase - CT Lottery This week we feature CT Lottery. State Representative John A. "Tony" Miscikoski, of Torrington, known by many as "The Father of the Lottery," believed that a state lottery could provide substantial benefits to the residents of the state. Each year for nearly a decade, Miscikoski presented legislation to authorize lottery sales. Miscikoski's dream became a reality in 1971, and the Connecticut State Lottery came into being.    View Presentation  MBE Showcase -BRAVA Marketing Promotions   This week we feature BRAVA Marketing Promotions. BRAVA Marketing Promotions combines a nearly unlimited selection of best price promotional products and exceptional customer service with Fortune 500 marketing and branding experience to achieve the best results for our clients. Our low cost promotional products are selected with the objective of enhancing your company marketing program or advertising campaign. Our online product selection system and extensive imprinted promotional product selection ensure that our clients get the absolute best value in the promotional product industry. At BRAVA Marketing Promotions, we take a consultative approach to your promotional program. We pay attention to the details of proper product selection, imprint design and placement, and on-time product delivery to the location of your choice.  View Presentation  NMSDC News TAKE THE FINANCIAL PULSE OF YOUR COMPANY.  REGISTER FOR THE BIZ-FIT   CHALLENGE TODAY!    The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) has partnered with NuLevel Strategic Solutions to offer a series of online assessment tools to help NMSDC-certified minority business owners evaluate the health and financial condition of their businesses. The three-part Biz-Fit Challenge program is available to you FREE of charge through 8/1/2012. During this pilot phase, participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.  Register for the Biz-Fit Challenge at www.nmsdconline.com/education.   Program Guidelines:   To take advantage of this program, participants must meet the following eligibility criteria: Only the CEO/owner of the minority business is eligible to participate. MBE participants must be currently certified by one of NMSDC's 37 affiliated Councils. MBE participants must have a current profile in NMSDC's MBISYS ® database. MBE participants must maintain current certification throughout the duration of the program (8/1/2012). MBEs can take each challenge once and must complete each part before moving on to the next one.   The Biz-Fit Challenge includes the following three online assessment tools:  "Biz-Health Analyzer" - This tool allows MBEs to understand their business' health relative to liquidity, solvency and leverage-the three most common factors considered by capital providers. MBEs are able to assess how they are performing relative to their competitors.     "Breakeven Analyzer" - This tool helps business owners determine the company's current breakeven revenues and its five-year projected breakeven revenues. MBEs are able to determine their minimum revenue requirements on an annual, monthly, weekly and hourly basis and use breakeven revenue as a guide in their overall pricing strategy as well as their strategic planning process.     "Valuation Analyzer" - This tool is designed to give businesses a rough valuation of their company based on applied industry-based valuation multiples. The information provided includes an overview of various valuation methodologies; approaches to building business value; translating value into wealth; and interpreting business value and business value drivers.    Upon completing each part of the online Biz-Fit Challenge, participants generate a comprehensive report using data from their current 12-month ending financial statements and complete a short survey to gauge the overall effectiveness of the challenge. For more information: Contact the NMSDC Office at (212) 944-2430, send an email to bizfitchallenge@nmsdc.org   or read "Biz-Fit Challenge FAQs." Opportunities with Corporate Members Greater Boston area corporate member is looking for Janitorial Service.  Call GNEMSDC office for more information.  (GNEMSDC certified MBE only) Employment opportunity in Hartford area non-profit organization, for the IT & Social Media.  Call GNEMSDC office for more information NAACP Boston branch invites bid for Audit Services, closing January 14, 2012 The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) invites sealed bids for Lead Paint Abatement at various Federal Developments, BHA Job No. 0717-02, prepared by ATC Associates, 150 Zachary Road, Manchester, NH 03109  Connecticut Lottery Corporation Request for Proposals - Supplier Diversity Consulting Services   Employment Opportunity at MA State Treasurer's Office, for the Assistant Executive Director of Sales and Regional Operations for the Massachusetts State Lottery.  For more information visit, www.masslottery.com Tracks Unlimited, a NJ based railroad construction company, is looking for certified MBEs to assist them in a CT DOT Rail Project.  If you are interested in the opportunities with this company contact, Ellen Brown, EEO Officer at Tracks Unlimited, 908-769-6840.  And Finally II & Essays on Minority Business Development The Book is Now Available in Paperback!  Click here to Order Book Today!  Why you should buy? Minority business owners who are looking for practical advice on better managing their enterprises will find a wealth of information in the book. And anyone interested in the best practices in supplier diversity will find the book instructive and inspiring.   ***All of the proceeds for the book will be donated to the GNEMSDC. So this is a great way to have your own personal record of this historic time and support the Council. And since all proceeds are going directly to the GNEMSDC your purchase is tax deductible. Our plan is to only sell the book on line. You can read it on all I-Pads, other tables, cell phones and computers. Your purchase supports the work of the Council. Thank you for your support. View Book Table of Content Boston MBDA Business Center News     Three Ways to Start Planning Better for Your Existing Business Add  "Boston MBDA Business Center" to your Google+ Circle. US Commerce.Gov,  Article - Boston MBDA Business Center Opens to Assist Minority Businesses    Boston MBDA GNEMSDC Business Center Grand Opening pictures by Tom Ficklin

And Finally... As this year comes to a close, I think about the connections between dreaming, hoping, planning, executing, managing and success.  Entrepreneurs are by their very nature dreamers.  I say this as an entrepreneur.  Even in my current role as the senior executive of a growing non-profit organization, I still dream of greater success for the organization and its stakeholders.  Entrepreneurs that are successful, which you can translate as entrepreneurs who overcame setbacks, will recognize the common spirit that enlivens all of us to dream.   It starts with a dream.  When entrepreneurs close their eyes, or when they have quiet time to reflect about the future of their enterprises, they see where they currently are and where they want to be.  The gap between what is and what is desired is only closed by hard intellectual and physical work.  There really is no free lunch, or free anything for that matter.  Everything must be worked for and worked for with a sense of mission and an attitude that the effort will be rewarded.  So as we close out this year and prepare for the next one, take some time this week to dream, to hope, to plan and to see the success that awaits you and your enterprise.   In your service, Dr. Fred

December 19, 2011

The mission of the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council is to significantly increase business relationships between our corporate members and our certified MBEs. We believe that minority business development is a key component of reducing poverty, unemployment, increasing wealth, and integrating American society. You are receiving this email in order to keep you abreast of developments with the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council, Supplier Diversity Issues and Minority Business Development. If you like what you read please share internally and externally. Annual Award Gala 2012 It is not too early to start thinking about and planning for the 2012 GNEMSDC Annual Awards Gala that will take place on Thursday, April 26 at the Aqua Turf in Southington, CT. Corporate members can begin by thinking about the MBEs they worked with who went the extra mile to provide excellent services for them in 2011. These MBEs benefit from the public recognition of a job well done. MBEs can similarly think about the corporate buyers and supplier diversity managers who assisted them to win contracts and to learn more about them and their corporations. MBEs and corporate members who are interested in assisting us make this year's event fantastic are also welcome to volunteer to serve on any of the sub-committees we have established. Just give Tatiana a call at the office, 888-874-7114. We welcome your participation. Looking Back 2011 Events 2011 Events GNEMSDC hosted or had a role in during 2011. Thank you for making these events possible! Boston RAC 6-Jan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Springfield Lunch 17-Jan NMSDC Quarterly Meeting Las Vegas Multiday 24-Jan RI RAC 28-Jan Testimony to State of CT CHRO on MBE Opportunities 9-Feb Stamford Municipal Opportunities for MBEs 28-Feb Boston Scientific - Presenatation to BS Procurement Team on Supplier Diversity 2-Mar Federal Reserve Bank - Access to Capital Summit at Boston Federal Reserve Bank 3-Mar Testimony to State of CT General Assembly on Need for Change in State MBE Program 7-Mar American Association of Blacks in Energy 10-Mar MDC Reception and Meeting on Clean Water Opportunities for MBEs 16-Mar Tyco International Supplier Diversity Program Princeton, NJ -Presentation on Supplier Diversity 21-Mar BCBSMA Event Celebrating Success of MBEs and BCBSMA Program 24-Mar Doing Business With NU 29-Mar Next Street Capacity Building Workshop 30-Mar NMSDC Quarterly - Multiday event 11-Apr GNEMSDC Awards Gala 28-Apr Destino Awards Hartford 5-May GNEMSDC Quarterly Meeting Raytheon 11-May ICIC Capital Access Meeting Boston 12-May NMSDC Dinner NYC 18-May HCC Reception in GNEMSDC Copley Office 24-May RI RAC at Citizens Bank with Governor Chaffee 25-May Boston Globe Latinos and 2010 Census Program 26-May Doing Business with Pitney Bowes Event - Best Practices 13-Jun ST Louis MSDC Annual Expo 16-Jun Connecticut Hospital Association Mini Expo for MBEs 23-Jun Next Street Supplier Diversity Roundtable 30-Jun GNEMSDC Golf at Lyman Orchards 15-Jul NMSDC Quarterly Meeting Boston Multiday Event 29-Jul National Urban League Minority Business Day 30-Jul Liberty Mutual Lunch for Boston RAC 3-Aug Quarterly Meeting at EMC 11-Aug Bryant University Supply Chain Conference 25-Aug Staples Supplier Diversity Conference 7-Sep Doing Business with Uconn and Uconn Health Center 14-Sep MA Supplier Diversity Conference 19-Sep US Commission on Civil Rights Hearing at State Capitol 20-Sep Turner Construction National Community Affairs Conference 21-Sep INE Supplier Diversity Conference at Fenway 22-Sep MED Week Boston 23-Sep MED Week Washington DC 27-Sep GNEMSDC Trade Expo and Conference Multiday Event 3-Oct UTC MBX 4-Oct El Mundo Breakfast Boston 13-Oct Meeting with Cox Communications Supply Chain Team 20-Oct Connecticut Hospital Association Diversity Conference for Members 25-Oct NMSDC Conference Multiday Event 30-Oct RI RAC Organized Dinner and Meeting at Amica 10-Nov White House Roundtable at Boston Foundation 15-Nov Holiday Card Exchange Aetna 1-Dec US Commission on Civil Rights Hearing at State Capitol 6-Dec Holiday Card Exchange Citizens Bank 7-Dec Reception at AI Engineers for Customers and Supporters 9-Dec Presentation to MA State Treasurer's Diversity Council 13-Dec Holiday Card Exchange Boston 13-Dec See you all in 2012 events. Save The Dates - Upcoming Events 2012 We are extremely pleased to share with you information about some of our upcoming events so that you can mark your 2012 Calendar TODAY. In 2012 we will have two brand new events on our calendar for both corporate members and MBEs. The first new event is Greater Boston Minority Enterprise Development Conference on June 7. The GNEMSDC, because of our Boston MBDA Business Center, is taking on the challenge of making this event one of the premier events that bring together public sector buyers, large federal and state non-minority contractors and certified MBEs. The second is actually a return to a New England tradition; the Greater Boston Supplier Diversity Golf Classic on Monday, June 11 at Ferncroft Country Club. Ferncroft is one of Boston's top private clubs and will surely be a hot ticket. We encourage our corporate members and MBEs to become Annual Sponsors in 2012. These sponsorships help the Council, and they give you a price break over buying participation in the events a la carte. We are also filling out the calendar with some unique events at some of our corporate members' places of business. We have events in the planning process for Pitney Bowes, UTC, and PepsiCO, with more to follow. We are also in the process of selecting sites for GNEMSDC Quarterly meetings. This year we held Quarterly meetings at EMC, Citizens Bank, The Basketball Hall of Fame, and Raytheon. We know that in 2012, Liberty Mutual has signed up to host a Quarterly Meeting. If your company would like to host a Quarterly meeting or a "How to do Business With" meeting, we welcome your participation and support. Just call the office for details. Here are dates and locations for some of the major events we want you to be aware of. Tuesday, March 27 - 2nd Annual MBE Capital Conference - Hosted by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM (Date Subject to Change) Thursday, April 26 - GNEMSDC Awards Gala and Annual Meeting at Aqua Turf Club, Southington, CT 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Wednesday, May 23 - NMSDC Awards Gala, NYC at the Hilton Towers Reception stars at 6:00 PM Thursday, June 7 - Greater Boston Minority Business Enterprise Conference and Expo Location to be determined Monday, June 11 - Greater Boston Supplier Diversity Golf Classic at Ferncroft County Club, Danvers, MA 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM Friday, July 13 - Greater Connecticut Supplier Diversity Golf Classic at Lyman Orchards Golf Club, Middlefield, CT 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM Wednesday through Friday, September 12 to 14, GNEMSDC Annual Business Opportunity Fair and Conference, MGM Grand at Foxwoods Sunday October 28 to Wednesday, October 31 - NMSDC Conference and Business Opportunity Fair, Denver, CO We hope to see you at as many of these events as possible! NMSDC/GNEMSDC Activities and Information Please take a close look at the events listed below. The links will take you to detailed information about the events. We will have more information for those events that do not currently have live links, but please mark your calendars and call the office. Information and Presentations: Best Practices in Minority Supplier Development - Prepared by Ralph G. Moore & Associates Nominations for Small Business Week 2012! - Full Nominations Guidelines New Corporate Member - Copley Place On behalf of the board of directors GNEMSDC, I welcome our new corporate member Copley Place - Simon Property. Simon Property Group, Inc. is an S&P 500 company and the largest real estate company in the U.S. The Company currently owns or has an interest in 392 properties comprising 262 million square feet of gross leasable area in North America, Europe and Asia. Simon Property Group is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employs more than 5,000 people worldwide. The Company's common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol SPG. For further information, visit the Simon Property Group. We look forward to working with Copley Place. Coprotate Member News - United Rental On behalf of the board of directors GNEMSDC, I congratulate United Rentals on their RSC acquisition. Read story posted on Router. MBE News - NEW ENGLAND, HOME TO CHEETAH CUBS Thousands of CHEETAHS have arrived in Connecticut. To our very own certified MBE, Paulette Trowers-Lawrence, who gave life to a vision and dream, these CHEETAHS are real. To those who are kids, at heart, these are plush, huggable, dancing, and singing 12" cheetah toys with removable clothes and built-in music that is timed to the cheetahs body movements. With the dancing cheetahs' current song, "I am a cheetah, a future leader. Teach me more", Lawrence and the company that she founded, Connect to Higher Education Electronic Tools, Application & Help (CHEETAH™), are helping students to become CHEETAH CUBS© (Children Understanding the Benefits of School) with a no-excuse attitude towards learning. The organization has created interactive, multi-functional and innovative toys that also have an embedded educational benefit that teaches life lessons. Complementary items include sing-along coloring books, music, puzzles, and commitment pledge. As the company continues to motivate children within several schools, a newly introduced mascot will have a lasting impact on students nationwide. CHEETAH™, with its niche of producing innovative and unique plush and stuffed toys, is also expanding its product lines to include promotional items. Limited Editions of Dancing Cheetahs are guaranteed to be delivered for the Holidays, if purchased by 12/22/2011, on the company's website, www.mydreamcheetah.com. A free My First Sing-A-Long Coloring Book, which includes the words of the song in the toy are also available while supplies last. Grab your cheetah toys today. MBE Showcase - Industrial Safety, LLC This week we feature Industrial Safety, LLC Industrial Safety is a leading provider of integrated supply, procurement and logistics solutions to Government entities and businesses. Industrial Safety is a full service Government Contractor and a preferred fulfillment partner to Fortune 500 Clients. Whether you are purchasing emergency supplies for a natural disaster or constructing a new Military Facility, Industrial Safety has all the supplies you need to effectively complete the job. Industrial Safety has relationships with over 2500 manufacturers and suppliers stocking over 1,000,000 items. View Presentation GNEMSDC Social Media News The GNEMSDC is adding Skype and Google+ to our array of social media resources. Try it you just might like it. Contact us via Skype ID - GNEMSDC1 "Like us" "Follow us" and Face Book, Twitter, and LinkedIn -Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council Add "Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council" to your Google+ Circle. Google+ for business is now available, see Google+ presentation How to set up Google+ for business - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dn5iRkH7W_s Opportunities with Corporate Members NAACP Boston branch invites bid for Audit Services, closing January 14, 2012 The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) invites sealed bids for Lead Paint Abatement at various Federal Developments, BHA Job No. 0717-02, prepared by ATC Associates, 150 Zachary Road, Manchester, NH 03109 Connecticut Lottery Corporation Request for Proposals - Supplier Diversity Consulting Services Employment Opportunity at MA State Treasurer's Office, for the Assistant Executive Director of Sales and Regional Operations for the Massachusetts State Lottery. For more information visit,www.masslottery.com Tracks Unlimited, a NJ based railroad construction company, is looking for certified MBEs to assist them in a CT DOT Rail Project. If you are interested in the opportunities with this company contact, Ellen Brown, EEO Officer at Tracks Unlimited, 908-769-6840. And Finally II & Essays on Minority Business Development The Book is Now Available in Paperback! Click here to Order Book Today! Why you should buy? Minority business owners who are looking for practical advice on better managing their enterprises will find a wealth of information in the book. And anyone interested in the best practices in supplier diversity will find the book instructive and inspiring. ***All of the proceeds for the book will be donated to the GNEMSDC. So this is a great way to have your own personal record of this historic time and support the Council. And since all proceeds are going directly to the GNEMSDC your purchase is tax deductible. Our plan is to only sell the book on line. You can read it on all I-Pads, other tables, cell phones and computers. Your purchase supports the work of the Council. Thank you for your support. View Book Table of Content Boston MBDA Business Center News - Welcome Jeannette Gerald The Boston MBDA Business Center is pleased to announce that Jeannette Gerald has joined our team of business development professionals. Ms. Gerald headed her own business development consulting company since 2008. Prior to that, Ms. Gerald worked as the Senior Director at the Babson College of Executive Education. Ms Gerald also worked as the Vice President for the United Way of Massachusetts Bay where she headed their Community Impact and Investments group. Ms. Gerald has a BA in mathematics and physics from the University of MA Boston, a MBA from Roosevelt University and a Masters of Science in Information and Management Sciences from the University of Chicago. Ms. Gerald will be working with MBEs in the MBDA Center, helping them get to achieve a higher level of performance and success with public and private buying organizations. We are pleased to have her join our team. Add "Boston MBDA Business Center" to your Google+ Circle. US Commerce.Gov, Article - Boston MBDA Business Center Opens to Assist Minority Businesses Boston MBDA GNEMSDC Business Center Grand Opening pictures by Tom Ficklin

And Finally... It is very easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of business and miss the things that are important in life. The reality is that our time here is short and we have an opportunity everyday to make a difference in someone's life other than our own. There is a growing body of literature that points out that the key to personal satisfaction is not how much you make, or how much you keep, or how much you have, but how much you give. I am actively seeking opportunities to give of my time and resources. Not only does it make a big difference in the lives of those you help and need that help, sometimes desperately, it contributes to your own well being. The readers of this newsletter, in the terminology of OWS, are most likely part of the 10 percent, if not the 1 percent. And as difficult as our lives as business leaders sometimes seems, we are all very fortunate in ways that we sometimes forget. I too am guilty of forgetting this simple fact that while we all have worked hard, we owe much of our success to circumstances that were beyond our control and to people we may not even personally know. So this week I will reflect on my good fortune and attempt to give until it hurts. I hope that you will join me. Have a safe and Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza and Joyous Hanukkah. And give. In your service, Dr. Fred