July 25, 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!!!

NMSDC On behalf of the GNEMSDC board of directors I want to thank the NMSDC for giving us the opportunity to host the NMSDC Quarterly meeting. The meetings were focused on developing the NMSDC strategy of the future. In addition to these interactive sessions managed by Accenture, we had wonderful contributions by Joseph Black, Chief Procurement Officer of Aetna , Lt, Governor Tim Murray from the Commonwealth of MA, and Kevin Kelleher, President and CEO of Cartus. The early feedback from attendees was that it was a very successful event. These events take a great deal of support and work. This included our Event Sponsors, Liberty Mutual, Pfizer and Gonzales, Saggio and Harlan; our meal sponsors, Thompson Hospitality and State Street Financial; and our Ad Sponsors, AT&T, The MATLET Group and Minuteman Trucks. And we had the dedicated work of the staff, Andie Kim, Tatiana Paredes, Gloria Yopp and Jerilynn Clark as well as the invaluable assistance of a great team of volunteers. Maybe in a few years we can host another one of these important meetings, and maybe, just maybe the opportunity to host the NMSDC Business Opportunity Fair and Conference.

GNEMSDC 3rd Quarter Meeting - August 11, 2011

On August 11, the EMC Corporation will host the GNEMSDC Quarterly meeting at their main office located in 55 Constitution Boulevard, Franklin, MA from 1 pm to 5 pm. This meeting will feature opportunities for certified MBEs with EMC one of the largest technology companies in the country. We have a limited number of seats available for MBEs, so if you are interested, please register immediately. Register now!

3rd Quarter Meeting Agenda

GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Expo Date Changed! - New Dates October 3 through October 5

2010 Expo sign

The GNEMSDC Expo that was originally planned and advertised for September 26 to September 28 has been changed to Monday October 3 through October 5 at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods.

The reason for the change was a number of conflicts on the originally scheduled dates between our show and the Federal Government's Minority Enterprise Development Week program in Washington, DC from September 27 through September 30. Many of our corporate members and certified MBEs attend MED Week either because the Federal Government is often their largest customer and this is the premier Federal government event focusing on supplier diversity.

The MED Week event is also an event that the GNEMSDC may have a role in this year. So for these reasons, we have moved the dates. I apologize for any inconvenience this change may have caused. We look forward to seeing you at perhaps both programs now instead of neither.

Hotel Reservation

Volunteer opportunity available - Contact Volunteer Coordinator

NMSDC Assessment Program

The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) is rolling out a new and exciting program designed to help MBEs develop their businesses in order to be more profitable and successful suppliers to Corporate America. Take a look at the link below for more information. As we learn more about the program we will share it with our readership.

NMSDC Assessment Program

NMSDC/GNEMSDC Upcoming Events, 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.


Events and Activities:

Information:

Non-GNEMSDC Events

Most of these activities our corporate members, MBEs and Council staff have been invited to attend. The links will take you to detailed information about the events.

If you have events and activities that you want to share with our network send us a PDF file at least two weeks before the event.

We reserve the right to publish or not publish events and activities.

Opportunities with Corporate Members

If you are a corporate member, and want the Council to spread the word about your opportunity we would be happy to do that for you anonymously and for free!

The Housing Authority of The City of Bridgeport Invitation for Bid (IFB)

BPInstallation of Combination Heating and Domestic Hot Water Boilers

at Forest Green, 725 Palisade Avenue


The Housing Authority's Purchase Order number is 42648

Solicitation Number: 020-PD-11-S

Solicitation Date: July 24, 2011

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport is requesting sealed bids for the installation of 20 Munchkin T50M NG boilers or equivalent at Forest Green Apartments. All bids must be received by

10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 301 Bostwick Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. No bids will be accepted after the designated time and date. A Pre-Bid Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at 725 Palisades Ave, Bridgeport, CT

Though not mandatory, all bidders are encouraged to attend.

Should you have any questions, please contact me at 203-337-8820

And Finally II & Essays on Minority Business Development

eBook cover

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

And Finally...

Fred in ohio

Last week we heard from two senior corporate leaders on what is necessary for MBEs to be successful with their companies. There were several areas of intersection in the talks by Joseph Black, CPO of Aetna and Kevin Kelleher, CEO of Cartus. But one thing that I took away from their remarks was the need for MBEs to what I will call "getting in the kitchen". Corporate members make, and/or sell services. Suppliers that provide goods and services that are necessary components of the products or services they sell to their consumers are of much greater value to them than suppliers who provide "supportive" services that all businesses use and require - indirect products and services. It is ironic that success for MBEs comes from doing less not more. Concentration on supplying direct goods and services is something I encourage MBE entrepreneurs to focus on. While this might mean fewer potential customers, it might also translate into greater profits and sustainability. MBEs have to get in the kitchen where corporations are doing the cooking.

In your service,

Dr. Fred