September17, 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. 
Thank You!
THX
I cannot express my full and sincere appreciation to all of the sponsors, the exhibitors, the advertisers, the volunteers, the staff, the workers at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods, the board of directors, the speakers, the panelists, the moderators and the attendees for their participation and support of the 2012 GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Fair and Expo.   Every year I wonder can it get better, and I have to share my view that this year was special.  Not only did the changes in the program design seem to increase the energy level, but every session seemed to speak to the needs of attendees.  

We are asking every attendee to complete the on line survey to let us know how we can improve on this year's program.  The changes we implemented this year were the result of what we learned last year.  We realize we have not achieved perfection, but perfection is our goal and we might get close with your feedback and your continued support of our efforts.  There is something about the participants in our organization that goes beyond the typical business relationship.  I hope to never lose that feeling as we pursue our mission. 

Thank you from my heart! 
Thank you to 2012 Business Opportunity Trade Expo Volunteers 
Al Tawrel - Northeast Utilities
Alice Turner - Alice Margie Turner, M.Ed.
Annie Pagano - ITI
Anurag Sharma - MyCom
Brandie Cannady - Creative Solutions
Charles Federick Sr. - CF Electrical Service
Colleen Flaherty - W&R/RCI/FTI
Doreen Blades - US Eco Products, Corporation
Ecem Akarra - Bannerker
Eric Hutchison - Rose International Inc
Francesco Pagano -ITI
Gail Williams - Alegre Communications Inc
Gianne Doherty - Creative Solutions
Grace DiBenedetto - BCBSMA
Janet Wooten  - VCU
Kyong - Industrial Safety
Patricia Latimer - NStar/CLP
Stephan Jackman            
Tony Brennan - ACP Facility Services
Valrie King - Ratheon
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 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  affiliMeate.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 25 - Minuteman Trucks Open House to celebrate the opening of their new facility.  Congratulations and much success.
    • 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 15 - Meet and Greet at Johnson and Wales Culinary Art Museum, 10:00 am to noon.  This is a collaborative effort with several Rhode Island organizations including the Small Business Administration, CVS-Caremark, RBS Citizens Bank, and Johnson and Wales.  All are invited.
    • 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.
And Finally...
Fred in ohio
I am speaking this morning at the PA-DE-NJ Minority Supplier Development Council Expo in Atlantic City.  I like to use these opportunities to share with the audience my thoughts on current issues germane to the host.  Since my speech is to a sister council, and we share a common mission with common stakeholders, I will use this opportunity to talk on the subject of where we are and what we need to do improve our performance in the area of minority business development.  This message is actually three messages; one for our corporate stakeholders; one for our MBEs and one for our regional councils.  We have much to be proud of in our network, but we also have far to go on our journey towards a more perfect America.  I believe we are on that path.  I hope that my thoughts, observations and suggestions will help us move forward.  Let me share with you my opening quote from Leonardo DaVinci.

"It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them.  They went out and happened to things."

In your service,

Dr. Fred
Dr Fred QR