September 4, 2012

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
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. 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 are scheduled panelists.

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.

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, Google
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 CorpeningCharles 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 JohnsMarie 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.


M AndersonAuthor 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 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 ButlerRodney 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 Kevin K Head shot
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.

Here is the most up-to-date list of registered attending companies for the Expo.  As of this morning we have over 800 registered attendees. 
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.
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 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 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.  
    •  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.
MBEs Are Looking to Buy Corporate Assets and Business Units
expo 2
The next phase of minority business development will be characterized by minority entrepreneurs buying business units or whole businesses that were once owned by non-minority owners or were publicly traded businesses.  We want to encourage all of our corporate members to consider the GNEMSDC as source of willing and capable entrepreneurs who are interested in taking over divisions, business units, product lines or facilities.  If your company is considering such strategic moves, we want to be in the mix.   
 
We will keep all inquiries confidential.  You should contact me directly at fmckinney@gnemsdc.org.  
Opportunity at Bridgeport Housing Authority
BP The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport
 Request for Proposal (RFP) Marina B Development
Solicitation Number:  034-PD-12-S
Solicitation Date: August 31, 2012

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport (HACB) is seeking proposals from qualified design firms to provide schematic/design development services for Marina Village B, a mixed-income housing complex.

A non-mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference is scheduled for Friday, September 7, 2012 at 11:00 a.m., in the Gary Crooks Building Conference Room located at 301 Bostwick Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605. This will be followed by site tour.  Proposals are due by 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 14, 2012 and are to be mailed or hand-delivered to 150 Highland Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604, Attn: Eugene Sumter, Chief Procurement Officer.

A complete solicitation document, including required forms will be available after 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at the office of the Purchasing Department at 301 Bostwick Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605.  The Housing Authority reserves the right to waive any minor informality in the solicitation process and to reject any or all proposals.
And Finally...
Fred in ohio
Although I am older than I care to admit,  Labor Day ia a bittersweet day. I love the long weekend, but for someone who adores the long days of summer, this day always symbolizes the end of the season and the beginning of school. It did not help that for the first 45 years of life (after 5) I was either in school or teaching in a school.  Teaching school made the day no easier than being in school.  Now that I am in "the real world" where the artificial school season is only a vague reminder of the agricultural season that schools were in tune with, the day remains a day that is tinged with a mild state of the blues.  Now, the day means the start of the business year, and for the GNEMSDC, the season of trade shows, ours, several other Regional Councils and the big NMSDC show at the end of October.  So this weekend, I spent resting and relaxing and enjoying family and friends.  I hope that you enjoyed your Labor Day and are now recharged and ready for business.  In about a week, I hope to see as many of you as possible at our Trade Show (September 12-14) at Foxwoods.  All I can say is thank goodness there will be no surprise exams, but you will need to be on top of your game, because in business, it counts everyday. 

In your service,

Dr. Fred
Dr Fred QR