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.
|
GNEMSDC Trade Expo Summary - Updated 9/7
|
The GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Fair and Expo is turning out to be an event full of great speakers, networking events, and business opportunities. Here is a summary of the three day program.
Wednesday, September 12
10:00 AM : Stakeholders Meeting of GNEMSDC Board of Directors, MBEIC, Senior Advisory Board, and other interested parties to learn about the direction, performance and plans for the GNEMSDC. This is your opportunity to share your thoughts, experiences and suggestions directly to the GNEMSDC leadership.
12:00 Noon: MBDA Luncheon - This luncheon will feature MBDA Boston Business Center Project Director, Warren Bacon and his team. They will discuss and summarize the first year of the program and how MBEs and corporate members can participate in this exciting and successful program.
1:30 PM: "Corporate Collaborative Learning" Workshop - This workshop will features Tom Davis (Cartus), Bill Boodry (Liberty Mutual), Kristen Hickey (Aetna) and Larry Wooten (Pitney Bowes). They have prepared brief presentations in the areas of "Selling Supplier Diversity Internally", "Making the Connection between Supplier Diversity and Corporate Sales", "Corporate Spend Analysis" and "Helping MBEs Make Connections". This session is for corporate members only!
1:30 PM: MBE Workshop - This session will feature Google and a separate session on "Promoting MBE Growth Through Strategic Alliances, Private Equity and Venture Capital". The Google presentation will cover some of their latest small business technology designed to help small businesses become successful in this digital age. Chris Genteel of Google will be making this presentation along with members of his team. The second section will feature Charles Corpening, President and CEO of Joshua Partners. Joshua Partners is one very successful model of private equity growing MBEs to scale. Charles M. Smith of Eastern Bank is also on the program to give his perspective on how banks can contribute to the strategic development of MBEs. This is a must see program for MBEs interested in growth.
5:30 PM: Bowling at High Rollers - Luxury Lanes and Lounge Reception. If you have not attended this event in the past, you missed out on a fun evening of bowling and networking. Even if you can't break 100, you are sure to have fun mixing it up with our corporate members and MBEs.
Thursday, September 13
7:30 AM: CPO Breakfast - This event features CPOs from several GNEMSDC corporate members. They will discuss developments in corporate procurement and their impact on minority business development. Confirmed for this panel as of Thursday, August 22 are John Mayes of Yale University and T. Blair Decker of Electric Boat/General Dynamics and Jeffrey Place of United Technologies Corporation are scheduled panelists. The panel will be moderated by GNEMSDC Chairman, Lawrence Wooten of Pitney Bowes Corporation.
9:00 AM: Corporate and MBE Showcases - We have 28 excellent corporate and MBEs ready to spend 20 minutes making Powerpoint presentations about their businesses and value propositions. This very popular program gives corporate members and MBEs a chance to learn much about each other.
12:00 Noon: Luncheon Featuring Jeffrey Fox - This award winning author and consultant is making his second appearance at the GNEMSDC Expo. He had rave reviews when came and spoke about his new book at that time "How to Become a Fierce Competitor". Now he is back to share information from his new book "The Transformative CEO". Mr. Fox's engaging real life examples are lessons MBEs and corporate members will not want to miss. We will also be making a special presentation to Rodney Butler, Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation at the luncheon. We are proud to have Stan Simpson, of Fox 5 as the MC for this event.
1:30 PM: One-on-One Meetings - This year the one-on-one meetings are back. We have over 70 tables set up for corporate members and MBEs to spend 15 minutes together discussing their companies and their opportunities. Corporate members and MBEs are encouraged to participate in this event. Corporate members can target specific categories of MBEs and MBEs will have visibility on which companies are looking for the services they provide. This event has proven track record of turning potentials into actuals. Do not miss this!
6:30 PM: Shining Star Reception - This year we recognize and honor Kevin Kelleher, President and CEO of Cartus and Marianne Lancaster of Lancaster Packaging as our 2012 Shining Stars. This will be a fun evening of food, drink, dancing, and networking. Past Shining Stars are encouraged to join us to welcome Kevin and Marianne into the fraternity.
9:00 PM: Booth Set Up - I just wanted to note that this year the GNEMSDC has contracted with an MBE, White Exposition, to handle the logistics of the booths. We welcome them to our program.
Friday, September 14
7:30 AM: Sponsors' Breakfast - We are fortunate to have Marie Johns, Deputy Administrator for the Small Business Administration join us a our Keynote Speaker. Ms. Johns bio is listed above. This will be a great way to start this important day.
9:00 AM: Ribbon Cutting and Morning Session of Trade Expo - Once again the Expo floor is sold out. We are also using new technology (supplied by another MBE) that will make your trade show experience more enjoyable and efficient. This year your name badges will have your basic information encoded on the badge. This will allow anyone with a droid or IPhone or IPad to record information which can later be downloaded into a database. This is exciting stuff for an exciting program.
12:30 PM: Sponsors' Luncheon - Our Keynote Speaker this year is Maggie Anderson, author and activist. Ms. Anderson has been featured on CNN, MSNBC, the Huffington Post and elsewhere for her experiment of buying only from African American businesses for a full calendar year. She documented her experiences in the "Empowerment Experiment". Ms. Anderson has many lessons to share that are broadly applicable to our efforts to build minority businesses across the board.
2:00 PM: Trade Expo Afternoon Session - The afternoon session is actually a great time to catch MBEs and corporate members when they are ready to talk business. During this session we will also announce the winners of the silent auction. Corporate members and MBEs are encouraged to donate items for the auction. Not only does your gift go to a worthy cause, MBE scholarships, it is a great way to market your business.
5:30 PM: Post Expo Reception - Wind down with those hearty souls who have relished three days o f networking, business development and education. Then drive safely home!
|
| GNEMSDC Trade Expo Highlights: |
Chris Genteel of Google to Present to MBEs on Wednesday, September 12
Chris Genteel of Google will be presenting to the MBE Training Session on Wednesday, September 12 in the afternoon. His presentation will cover some of the latest business technology designed for small businesses. Google will also be participating in the one-on-one sessions on Thursday.
 Charles Corpening of Joshua Partners to Speak at MBE Seminar on Wednesday, September 12.
Chairman and Founder of Joshua Partners, Charles Corpening brings decades of Wall Street experience to his highly focused acquisitions holding company. A longtime Partner in the Industrials Group with Citigroup Venture Capital (CVC), one of the world's oldest and most admired private equity firms, the firm managed a $10 billion fund with global reach and focused on partnering with Fortune 500 firms.
 Jeffrey Fox To Speak Thursday Luncheon
Back by popular demand, author, consultant and sales guru, Jeffrey Fox will be speaking at the 2012 GNEMSDC Trade Expo. If you missed his presentation two years ago, you missed one of the highest rated programs we have ever hosted. At the time, Mr. Fox had just published the book "How to Be a Fierce Competitor". Now Mr. Fox's visit is timed perfectly for the release of his new book: "The Transformative CEO".
 Marie Johns, Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration- Keynote Speaker on Friday, September 14.
We are very pleased to announce that Marie Johns, Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration will be our Keynote Speaker on Friday, September 14 at the GNEMSDC Sponsors' Breakfast. We are honored to have her participate in our program.
 Author Maggie Anderson to Speak Friday Luncheon
Author and MBE activist, Maggie Anderson has agreed to be the keynote speaker on Friday, September 14 at the GNEMSDC Sponsors Luncheon. Mrs. Anderson has become a national advocate for minority businesses as a result of her work on the "Empowerment Experiment".
T. Blair Decker of Electric Boat - Corporate Chair
We are pleased to announce that T. Blair Decker, Director Material Acquisition, Material Engineering Services/Information, Document, & Configuration Management for Electric Boat/General Dynamics has agreed to serve as the 2012 GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Fair and Expo Corporate Honorary Chairman.
Belsarios Rosas of WEI- MBE Co-Chair 
We are very pleased to announce that Belsarios Rosas, President and CEO of WEI has agreed to serve as the MBE Co-Chair for the GNEMDC Business Opportunity Fair and Expo.
 Rodney A. Butler, Chair of Mashantucket Pequots to Receive Special Recognition
The GNEMSDC is going to recognize Rodney A. Butler for his leadership and support for minority business development at the GNEMSDC Expo on Friday, September 14. Rodney A. Butler serves as Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council as of January 1, 2010
Kevin Kelleher, President and CEO Cartus - Corporate Shining Star 
We are very pleased to announce that Kevin Kelleher, President and CEO of Cartus has agreed to serve as the 2012 GNEMSDC Corporate Shining Star. Kevin has been a fixture with the GNEMSDC and we want to recognize his support and leadership.
 Marianne Lancaster, President of Lancaster Packaging - MBE Shining Star
We are pleased to announce that Marianne Lancaster of Lancaster Packaging will be our MBE Shining Star. Ms. Lancaster was a leading voice for the merger between the NEMSDC and the CMSDC. We appreciate her leadership and support and look forward to presenting her the 2012 Shining Star |
Trade Expo Exhibitors and Attendees List
|
The following companies are scheduled to participate as Exhibitors at the GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Fair and Conference. For more information about their location on the trade show floor, ask for a map when you pick up your name badges at Foxwoods.
This year exhibitors and attendees will have "smart" name badges. QR codes will be on each badge which can be read with a smart phone. The information in the QR code includes critical information provided by registrants, like name, company, email address and telephone number. We believe this will make the show much more productive and efficient for exhibitors and attendees. We will have more information about how to access the information when you register. We have enlisted the assistance of Global Nest, a certified MBE, to help us with this state-of-the-art event management system.
|
One-on-One Participating Companies
|
The following companies have signed up for the One-on-One Meetings.
These companies are meeting with certified MBEs on Thursday, September 13 from 1:30 to 5:00. You must be certified and registered for the Conference in order to participate in this program.
Sign-ups for the One-on-One meetings are from 2pm-2:30pm and the actual meeting will start at 2:45pm through 6pm. The meetings will take place in Premier B and D.
Here is a summary of the commodities and services that corporations are looking to procure.
The following companies are referenced in the summary document above:
|
Press on the Expo
|
News on the GNEMSDC Expo is all over the media including the following:
Print Media
Northeast News Hartford
Radio Media
WYBC - 94.3 FM New Haven
WUNR - 1600 AM Boston
Touch 106 - 106 FM Boston
Internet
Press Releases
You can help us out by tweeting, using Facebook and forwarding this email to your prospective clients and business partners. The more people and companies in attendance, the better!
|
MBE and Corporate Members Participating in the Showcases - September 13
|
MBE and corporate member showcases will be held on Thursday, September 13. Companies participating in the showcases will be making 15-20 minute Power point presentations about their companies. Corporate members participating will be talking about opportunities with their companies and how to become part of their supply chains. These are very informative session. Showcase companies and those coming to see these presentations must be registered for the conference. Here is the list of companies participating in this very exciting program. |
Upcoming Events
|
There are several events coming up on our calendar that are designed specifically for MBEs to learn about corporate opportunities. We know how busy everyone's schedule is, but these are events often hosted by our corporate members with the expressed purpose of finding out more about you and your business with the ultimate aim, to make you a valuable supplier to their companies. Here are some events you should consider:
- 2012 Upcoming Events
- September 12-14 - GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Expo and Conference at MGM Grand at Foxwoods.
- September 17-18 - PA-DE-NJ MSDC Conference and Business Opportunity Conference - Caesars Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ - I will be a keynote speaker at this event on September 17. For more information visit affiliate.nmsdc.org/panjde/app/template/index.vm.
- September 18 - MBEIC Day on Capital Hill, Washington, DC. The Maryland/DC Minority Supplier Development Council (www.MDDCMSDC.org) is organizing a day on Capitol Hill for MBEs from across the nation to visit with their elected officials.
- September 19 - Diversity and Inclusion Educational Forum - Massachusetts Gaming at Boston Convention and Exposition Center
- September - Interise "StreetWise MBA" Boston program is starting this month. The GNEMSDC will offer a scholarship for half the cost of tuition for a certified MBE interested in attending. For registration and more information about the program visit,www.interise.org.
- September 29 - Joslin Latino Diabetes Initiative Inaugural Benefit Concert and Reception. Click Here for More Information. The GNEMSDC is proud to support improving the health of all residents in Boston.
- October 2 through November 10 - Turner School of Construction Management, Co-Sponsored by Liberty Mutual and the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office. Training will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm over the six week period beginning October 2. Please contact John Fitzpatrick at john.b.fitzpatrick@state.ma.us to register and get more details.
- October 22 - St Francis Hospital Supplier Diversity Vendor Fair, Hartford, CT
- October 28-31 - NMSDC Conference and Business Opportunity Fair - Denver, CO. For more information visit www.nmsdc.org.
- October 30 - CBIA "Shaping Connecticut's Future: 2012 Manufacturing Policy Forum" 7:45-11:30 am at the Legislative Office Building, Rooms 2c and 2D, 300 Capitol Avenue, Hartford. For information and registration, contact Adam Ney at adam.ney@cbia.com or 860-244-1933.
- November 15 - Supplier Diversity Best Practices Day at Fenway Park, Boston, 8:00 am to 11:30 am. Join us for this joint meeting of MBEs and corporate members to demonstrate case studies of the best practices of minority supplier development in New England. There is limited space for this meeting. Contact Joanne Wang to register at jwang@bostonmbdacenter.com.
|
Need Your Help
|
This year, a team of dedicated volunteers has the privilege of managing the silent auction at the GNEMSDC Supplier Diversity Business Opportunity Expo on September 12-14. 2012 at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods. Our goal is to obtain new and exciting auction prizes that will bring in all the funds possible. We are once again beseeching your support via a contribution to the silent auction (gift cards, items, etc.), to assist in attaining our goal. This is an opportunity to market your business as well as contribute to the organization that focuses on helping businesses such as yours succeed.
Let's make this a banner year for fund-raising!
Please drop-off your donated item (s) at registration on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Additionally, contact Tatiana Paredes at TParedes@gnemsdc.org, (203) 288-9744 or Stephan Jackman at soj75@comcast.net, (862) 268-4158 prior to the Expo so that there is appropriate signage for your item.
As a member of the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council, you realize the benefits of the many programs offered to Minority Business Enterprises throughout the year either directly, by obtaining a scholarship and receiving superb education, or indirectly, by bettering your business relationship with a MBE who attended an educational program. Much of these funds are obtained through the various fund-raising events run by the Council.
The Council THANK YOU in advance. See you at the Expo!
Director of Development and Marketing
Family Intervention Services, Inc.
|
|
And Finally...
|
This past weekend I had the pleasure attending the Basketball Hall of Fame Ceremony in Springfield, MA. My alma mater, UCLA was well represented with three of the twelve new inductees, including a classmate, Jamal Wilkes. I was awestruck by the legends in the room including Air Jordan, Karem, Larry Legend, Coach K, Cousey, Pat Riley, Sir Charles, King James, Dr. J, and other NBA and college royalty. (I had the pleasure of sitting behind Mr. Wilkes and next to his teammate, Hall of Famer Rick Barry. But in all of the speeches and testimonials I heard was the acceptance speech by the son of UCLA Alumni and former Boston Celtic, Don Barksdale. Don played at UCLA in 1943. His path to UCLA and the Celtic, where he was the first African American to make the NBA All-Star team was not easy. He had been cut from his high school team three years in a row. Yet he continued. He played professional basketball for a team that traveled to games where he could not stay in the same hotel or eat in the same restaurant as his teammates, yet he continued. His son said that his father's lifelong consistent message to him and his siblings was that if you have passion and are willing to work harder than anyone else, there is nothing that can stop you. This is true in basketball. It is true in life. It is true in business. Bring that passion to Foxwoods this week and make your business a hall of fame enterprise.
In your service,
Dr. Fred
|
|
