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.
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| Community Conversation with Mohegan Sun |
 Thursday January 17th, 2013 at the Gerena School - 200 Birnie Ave Springfield, MA 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Mohegan Sun is one of New England's leading employers and supports of $500 Million in annual spending with vendors throughout the region. Come join a Mohegan Sun Community Conversation and learn how their proposed Palmer casino can provide opportunities for Springfield residents and small businesses. MBEs are invited to attend this event.
There will also be another program on January 23. We will keep you posted.
Food and refreshments will be served.
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Boston MBDA Business Center CEO Roundtable
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Tuesday, January 29 from 8 am -10:30 - 4 Copley Place, Suite 100, Boston, MA 02116
Featuring:
Richard Manson, President of SourceMark & Nana Poku, President of KANY Corporation
Boston Scientific is one of the leading health care technology companies in the country. "Our products and technologies are used to diagnose or treat a wide range of medical conditions, including heart, digestive, pulmonary, vascular, urological, women's health and chronic pain conditions."
SourceMark is one of the leading MBEs in health care that has successfully tied exporting and importing of health related products and technologies.
The CEO Roundtable is designed to provide support for MBEs, by:
- providing topical information and insights
- promoting mutual business relationships
- providing a forum for sharing business intelligence and contacts
- facilitating mutual support and sharing best practices
Please RSVP to Sarah James at sjames@gnemsdc.org or (617) 578-8900 by Friday, January 18
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Mark Your Calendar for the 1st 2013 GNEMSDC Quarterly Meeting
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The first Quarterly Meeting of the year is on Tuesday, February 19, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at City Hall Annex, 999 State Street, Bridgeport, CT
We are inviting buyers and leaders from some of Fairfield County's largest public and private sector buying organizations. We will also conduct a tour of our brand new offices at 333 State Street, right across the street from City Hall.
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| 2013 MBE and Corporate Member Sponsorship Packages |
 On behalf of the GNEMSDC Board of Directors we are appealing to GNEMSDC corporate members and MBEs to consider becoming 2013 Annual Sponsors. Annual sponsorship provides companies with a cost effective way to participate in the major events of 2013. Annual sponsorships also are the most important source of financial support for the GNEMSDC and allows us to better plan all of our events. Please take the time to review the packages below. You can charge your sponsorship to all major credit cards. Also we have a package for MBEs that will allow you to pay semi-annually or quarterly. Thank you for your consideration and support. Call 202-288-9744 for more information or to make your pledge.
2013 MBE Annual Sponsorship Packages
2013 Corporate Sponsorship Packages |
Attend a
US Small Business Administration & Boston MBDA Business Center Training Session
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Date: February 14, Time: 10:00 am - 11:15 pm
Place: SBA, 10 Causeway Street, Room 265, Boston, MA 02222
Federal Contract Certifications:
Small business certifications are like professional certifications; they document a special capability or status that will help you compete in the marketplace. Unlike permits and licenses, you do not need to obtain certifications to legally operate. However, in order to take advantage of business opportunities, such as government contracts, you may need to obtain some certifications. Learn about these certifications: Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Women Owned Small Business, Veteran and Service Disabled, 8(a) Business Development Program, and HUBZone Program.
For reservations, contact Sarah James at 617-578-8900 or sjames@gnemsdc.org by February 8th.
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| Attend a US Small Business Administration & Boston MBDA Business Center Training Session |
Date: February 28, Time: 10:00 am - 11:15 pm
Place: SBA, 10 Causeway Street, Room 265, Boston, MA 02222
8(a) Workshop The 8(a) Program is intended for business development purposes to help socially and economically disadvantaged business owners grow their businesses, gain a preference for federal contracts, and access sole source contracts
Join us and learn:
- Certification requirements
- Program benefits
- Application procedures
For reservations, contact Sarah James at 617-578-8900 or sjames@gnemsdc.org by February 22nd.
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Upcoming Events
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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:
- January 29, 2013- MBDA Business Center Boston- CEO Roundtable
- January 30, 2013 - MBE Orientation MA - Open to any MBE but specifically designed for any MBE certified in the last 12 months. Please rsvp to jlittle-greer@gnemsdc.org
- February 11, 2012 - MBE Orientation CT - Open to any MBE but specifically designed for any MBE certified in the last 12 months. Please rsvp to jlittle-greer@gnemsdc.org
- February 14, 2013 SBA & Boston MBDA Business Center Federal Contract Certifications Workshop
- February 19, 2013 - 1st GNEMSDC Quarterly Meeting - City Hall Annex 999 State Street, Bridgeport, CT 1:00 - 4:00 PM
- February 21,2013 - How to Do Business with Stop & Shop (MA)
- February 28, 2012 - SBA & Boston MBDA Business Center 8(a) Workshop
- March 11-14, 2013- National RES Expo (Las Vegas)
- April 11, 2013- MBDA Business Center Boston- CEO Round-table
- April 25, 2013 - Annual Awards Gala - Sheraton Framingham Hotel and Conference Center, MA
- June 10, 2013- MA Golf Outing- Ferncroft Golf Club, Middleton MA
- June 27, 2013- Virtual MED Day
- July 12, 2013- CT Golf Outing- Lyman Orchards Golf Club, Middlefield CT
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Upcoming Mass Small Business Development Center Network Workshops
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 You may know that MSBDC provides one-on-one business advising to entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also provide business workshops, some of which you may be interested in attending in the upcoming months:
- Getting Started in Business- 1/29 at the Central Library in Copley Square, 6-8pm, co-sponsored by the Kirstein Business Library
- Business Finance and Accounting Basics- 3/19 at the Central Library in Copley Square, 6-8pm, co-sponsored by the Kirstein Business Library
- Getting Started in Business- 3/21 in Quincy (location is to be determined) 6-8pm, co-sponsored by the Quincy Chamber of Commerce
If you're interested in attending, please register online at www.sbdc.umb.edu/training or you can call 617-287-7750 for more information.
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| Small Business Innovation Research Program |
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SBIR is a highly competitive federal program that encourages small businesses to explore their technological potential. It provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization by funding qualified small businesses in the nation's R&D arena. When high-tech innovation is stimulated, the United States gains a competitive edge as it meets its specific research and development needs. However, the risk and expense of conducting serious R&D efforts are often beyond the means of many small businesses. By reserving a specific percentage of federal R&D funds for small business, SBIR enables companies to compete with larger businesses.
If your firm is developing emerging technology, it may be eligible for a research and development grant through the Small Business Innovation Research Program.
The SBIR Program is structured in three phases:
- Phase I is a feasibility, proof of concept study, typically up to $150,000
- Phase II is usually a prototype and testing development award, typically up to $1M
- Phase III is for commercialization. Several agencies will contract with SBIR winners.
As part of Connecticut's outreach to its disadvantaged small businesses we offer individualized attention, free proposal reviews, some funding for grant writing, and technology assessment reports.
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| MBE Focus: Access Communications |
 Access Communications recently won an international Gold MarCom Award in the Writing/Brochure category. The MarCom Awards is an international creative competition that honors companies and individuals whose talents exceed a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry. Find out more by clicking here.
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| Genesys Diagnostics |
Genesys Diagnostics, Inc. (GDI) is a CLIA licensed and CAP registered diagnostics lab certified by the state of Connecticut. GDI is a new laboratory located near you which can take care of all your Cytogenetics & FISH diagnostics needs. You can find out more about Genesys (GDI) Diagnostics, Inc. at www.gdilabs.com
GDI is a very unique company, doing diagnostics testing Cytogenetics & Molecular for all your diagnostics needs, throughout the healthcare system. GDI is 100% woman and minority owned and a client of the Boston MBDA Business Center. Genesys Diagnostics is an MBE seeking support from our corporate partners.
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Take Advantage of NMSDC's 2013 Program Offerings!
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Leave your desktop behind and build in-person professional connections at the NMSDC Regional Minority Business Programs' Seminar. This program is designed to provide sourcing and supplier diversity professionals with access to the most current and effective concepts in supplier diversity process management. If Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American suppliers are going to prosper in this global marketplace, sourcing and supplier diversity professionals will have to be effective champions. Learn the tools and strategies required to implement a robust process in your organization. Register today!
Date: April 4 - 5, 2013 Atlanta, Georgia
Date:June 20-21, 2013 San Francisco, California
Created by NMSDC in partnership with the J.L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, AMEP is a four-day executive education program designed to provide certified, established, expansion-oriented MBEs with the tools and skills needed to achieve and sustain accelerated growth. NMSDC corporate members recommend high-potential MBEs for participation. To nominate your MBE candidate, complete the 2013 AMEP Application. Nominations are due by April 22, 2013.
To attend the program, MBE candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Company must be currently certified by one of NMSDC's 36 affiliate Regional Councils.
- Only the CEO/owner of the minority business is eligible to participate.
- Business should be at least three years old with sales of over $5 million
for manufacturing and distribution firms, and $3 million for service firms.
- Candidate must be committed to accelerating the growth of their business.
- Candidate must attend and participate fully in the entire program.
Date: June 2-6, 2013
Location: Evanston, Illionois
Hosted by: J.L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University To learn more about NMSDC's program offerings, visit our Web site at www.nmsdc.org |
The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport
Request for Proposal (RFP)
Financial Advisor
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Solicitation No: 001-PD-13-S 
Solicitation Date: January 13, 2013
The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport (HACB) seeks the services of a qualified entity that will provide financial advisory services for a one-year term, with an option for renewal for an additional one-year term, related to the issuance of conduit bonds by the HACB. All proposals are to be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m., Friday, January 25, 2013 to the attention of Mr. Eugene Sumter, Chief Procurement Officer, 150 Highland Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Late proposals will not be accepted. The HACB reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any minor informality in the proposal process.
A complete copy of the solicitation documents including the form of contract will be available after 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at the Purchasing Department, 301 Bostwick Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605 or by calling 203-337-8820, Attn: Ms. Caroline Sanchez
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And Finally...
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We are moving our CT office this week from Hamden to Bridgeport. Hamden has been a wonderful home for the Council since the year 2000. I will miss the Farmington Canal running path across the street and the beautiful views of Sleeping Giant Park from my office. However, Bridgeport offers an opportunity for the GNEMSDC to increase its profile in the most populous city in the State and in the one of the wealthiest counties in the country and home to dozens of large companies who currently are not members, or are not interacting with the Council. Bridgeport is also home to the largest minority population in the State. It is a majority-minority city with Hispanics representing 38 percent of the population and Blacks 35 percent of the population. Bridgeport is also in great need of economic development. On most measures of economic and social health, Bridgeport is one of the most distressed communities in the region and the country. Median household income in Bridgeport is $41,000 compared to $69,000 for the State and $83,000 for the county. And despite the problems, Bridgeport is poised for an economic revival. Bridgeport is one hour away from NYC. It is on the Amtrak - Metro North corridor. Housing is affordable. The city leadership understands that importance of business development. And there are thousands of talented residents in the greater Bridgeport community. All of these factors make us excited about our prospects for further developing the GNEMSDC and spreading the word to MBEs and corporations in the region that minority business development is part of the solution. We are planning an open house for all of our network. Our new home is 333 State Street Bridgeport, CT 06604. We will have the date for our open house confirmed next week. Today and tomorrow we will physically be moving,, so please be patient if we are little slower to respond, but I promise we will respond. I look forward to seeing you soon in Bridgeport. And in the words of Bridgeport native PT Barnum, "nine out of ten of the rich men (and women) in our country today, started out in life as poor boys (and girls), with determined wills, industry, perseverance, economy and good habits." We look forward to the challenge and the opportunity to create wealth in Bridgeport and throughout the region for minority communities through entrepreneurship and the support of our corporate members.
Dr. Fred
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