| Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy to Speak at GNEMSDC Expo |
 On behalf of the GNEMSDC Board I am pleased to announce that the Honorable Governor Dannel P. Malloy of the State of Connecticut will be our Keynote Breakfast Speaker on Wednesday, September 25 at the GNEMSDC Business Expo and Conference at the Connecticut Convention Center.
"Elected in November 2010, Governor Malloy's top agenda items have included reinventing our economy by growing jobs, improving public education and stabilizing the state's finances.
Governor Malloy has pursued a comprehensive economic development strategy, one that invests in growth industries and creates jobs while at the same time defends the core sectors of our economy and protects the jobs we already have. His three tiered approach makes sure that Connecticut can compete at any level - from large corporations, to small businesses and start-ups. The First Five program has leveraged $1.7 billion in private sector investments across our state's economy; that program and others have brought numerous corporate headquarters to Connecticut from out of state, including NBC Sports, Charter Communications, and Jackson Laboratories. The Small Business Express Programs has invested in more than 700 small businesses across Connecticut, creating and maintaining thousands of jobs. And the four new "Innovation Ecosystems" located throughout the state are connecting entrepreneurs with capitol investors, cultivating the grassroots of our state's ideas economy.
The Governor is also making investments in education at every level. In 2012, he signed into law a school reform bill that has been called a national model. The legislation has provided hundreds of millions of addition money to school districts, in exchange for holistic changes that will prepare students to compete in the 21st century economy. In 2013, Governor Malloy was proud to push for what some have called a transformational investment in the University of Connecticut. Next Generation Connecticut will make sure that Connecticut residents are in position to compete for jobs in emerging fields like bioscience and digital media. Finally, the Governor has also called for and funded the creation of a new Office of Early Childhood to ensure that all our kids have access to a quality early childhood learning experience."
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| GNEMSDC Advanced Leadership Program (GALP) |
We are pleased to announce the start of an exciting new program, the GNEMSDC Advanced Leadership Program (GALP). The program consists of 5 full-day sessions led by outstanding business professors and writers. The professors in this program represent the best executive educators in the world, and are from the top business schools in the world. The GALP faculty includes, Steven Rogers of the Harvard Business School, Len Greenhalgh of the Tuck School of Management, Olav Sorensen of Yale School of Management, and Jeffrey Fox, best-selling author of "
How to Become a Rainmaker" and other top selling business books.
At lunch during each day of the program, we will have corporate CEOs and other C-Level executives speak to the program participants. The CEO faculty include Anne Noble, President and CEO of the CT Lottery, Kevin Kelleher, President and CEO of Cartus, William Jennings, President and CEO of Bridgeport Hospital, Rodney Powell, President and COO of Yankee Gas, Carlton Highsmith, Retired Chairman of Specialized Packaging Group and Joseph Black, Chief Procurement Officer of Aetna. The program begins on Friday October 4, 2013 and ending on Friday, November 8. (There will be no class on November 1 because of the NMSDC conference.)
The program is geared to the owner/entrepreneurs of firms with $10 million in annual sales or more who are looking to significantly grow their business's top and bottom lines. Participants will not only experience the wisdom of the assembled professors, participants will benefit greatly by learning from the other high powered MBE owners in attendance. Space is limited to 25 MBEs. Think of the value of simply making the connections that being part of this program can do for your business; that alone is worth the investment of your time and resources.
Participants will receive a certificate signed by all professors in the program. This will be a valuable reminder of the time invested in this innovative program. Program Details CALL TODAY!
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GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Trade Expo: September 24-25
On Line Registration NOW OPEN!
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Business Opportunity Trade Expo is on September 24-25 , Hartford Convention Center, 100 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, Connecticut 06103.
Click to REGISTER ON-LINE TODAY! |
| Exciting Changes in GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Trade Expo |
 The GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Trade Expo has been a tremendous success for a long time. So why change? Because change can be good. We are looking to make a major change in the Trade Expo this year. For so long we have told anyone who will listen, that the business case for supplier diversity is determined by connecting corporate supplier diversity efforts to top-line sales and business development efforts. So for the first time in our Expo's history, we are inviting corporations to bring their small business development teams to exhibit on our trade show floor, under certain conditions.
The conditions are these:
1) A corporate sales group can exhibit if they are corporate members of the NMSDC/GNEMSDC; and
2) A corporate sales group can exhibit if they also have a booth for their buying/supplier diversity group. The corporate members must have two booths one for buying and one for selling.
I believe that our corporate members have goods and services that can help our MBEs become more profitable and efficient. But more than this, I believe that having corporate business development teams at the Expo will open up opportunities for MBEs with this important part of the house. Additionally, having corporate business development teams solidifies the relationship between the corporate buy side of the house to the sell side of the house. I believe strengthening these relationships helps MBEs by strengthening the position of supplier diversity teams within the corporation.
So this is an invitation to our corporate members to encourage their business development teams to exhibit at the show. I recommend - I strongly recommend - that corporations considering bringing their business development teams use this as an opportunity to highlight how existing MBEs are part of their sales efforts. Highlighting MBE participation in their supply chain would be my recommendation to any corporate member who takes up on this new aspect of our show. This is going to be exciting!
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| One on One Session September 24 at the Expo Technology and New Buying Organizations bring New Excitement! |
This year we are attempting to improve on our very successful One-on-One meetings between MBEs and corporate buyers. Last year we arranged over 1,000 meetings between buyers and MBEs. This year are attempting to significantly increase the number of meetings between MBEs and the buying community. We are introducing a web based appointment application that both our buyers and sellers can use to more efficiently plan and schedule their time at the event. The program will go live after Labor Day.
Here are some of the basics to expect from this technology solution:
1) Registered Buyers will be able to manage their own appointments. This is a demand driven system. Buyers can state in the program the types of goods and services they are interested in and want to see.
2) Registered Buyers will be able to see which MBEs want to see them and approve meeting times for the MBEs they want to see and put others on a waiting list.
3) Registered MBEs will be able to see what buyers are participating in the One-on-One sessions and what they are looking for.
4) Registered MBEs can request meetings with specific buyers/companies.
5) In order for MBEs and Buyers to participate in this One-on-One program they must be registered
for the Expo.
6) In order for MBEs and Buyers to see who is participating in the program they must be registered
in the Expo.
Over 50 GNEMSDC/NMSDC corporate members participated in One-on-One program last year. This year we will exceed this number significantly because we are partnering with the U.S. Department of Defense. The DOD's One-on-One program that has been very successful over the past few years, but did not occur this year. So we have invited their primes to participate in our event this year. We are looking forward to bringing these buying organizations to our event to meet with our MBEs during the One-on-One program, Tuesday, September 24 at the Connecticut Convention Center. This public-private partnership to increase MBE opportunities is unique and exciting.
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| Congratulations to GNEMSDC 2013 Shining Stars | ||||||
We are very happy to announce that our 2013 Shining Stars are John Brady, CFO of the Connecticut Hospital Association and Dr. Ramesh Wadhwani of SAI Systems. And that this year we are making a special Shining Star award, posthumously to James Daley formerly of the Hartford. Rosemary Daley and members of the Daley family have graciously agreed to accept the Shining Star Award on behalf of Jim. It promises to be a very special night.
The Shining Star Awards Reception welcomes all of our previous Shining Stars to also join the newest members of this illustrious group of GNEMSDC supporters. The reception is Tuesday, September 24 at the Connecticut Convention Center. Register on-line.
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Upcoming Events
2013 GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Expo
September 24-25 at Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT
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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:
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Connecticut Celebrates Women Entrepreneurs
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 September 20, 8:30 am to 2 pm. at UCONN Stamford Campus, Stamford, Connecticut.
This conference brings together women entrepreneurs throughout Connecticut and provides an opportunity to network with each other, showcase their ventures and participate in a variety of educational workshops to help take their businesses to the next level. Workshop topics include: funding and planning for your business, marketing and social media as well as attaining life/work balance. In addition, participants can learn about the resources offered by the State of Connecticut to support women entrepreneurs and how to leverage the advantages that women and minority-owned businesses have in today's marketplace. The conference also features lunch with keynote speaker Cindi Bigelow, President and CEO of Bigelow Tea, for an additional cost. Event Details.
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Celebrating Diversity in the Greater Bridgeport Business Community
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Save the Date Invitation for the "Celebrating Diversity in the Greater Bridgeport Business Community"October 23, 2013, 5:30-7:30 pm at People's United Bank Lobby. (850 Main St. Bridgeport, CT
Join us for great networking opportunity showcasing Minority-Owned Businesses hosted by People's United Bank and Pullman and Comley, LLC.
A detailed information will follow, but space is limited so be sure to RSVP now at 203-330-2059 orevent@pullcom.com. Cocktails & Hors d'oeuvres will be served.
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| Corporate Member of the Week: Pitney Bowes |
 Pitney Bowes is a leading provider of customer communication technologies. Our software,equipment and services help businesses communicate more effectively in today's multi-channel environment, so they can build long-term customer relationships and drive profitable growth.Through our unique combination of smarter analytical tools and expertise in physical, digital and hybrid communications, we're helping businesses meet the many challenges of connecting with individual customers today. We also provide strategic outsourcing services to help organizations streamline their mail and print operations and manage critical documents. Delivering more than 90 years of innovation, Pitney Bowes provides business communications software, mailing systems and services that integrate physical and digital communications channels. Long known for making its customers more productive, Pitney Bowes is increasingly helping other companies grow their business through advanced customer communications management. Pitney Bowes is a $5 billion company with about 27,000 employees worldwide. |
| MBE of the Week: Interpreters and Translators (iTi) |
 Interpreters and Translators (iTi) is a woman and minority owned small business established in 1986. iTiis a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) through the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), and a certified woman-owned business (WBE) through the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).Interpreters and Translators, Inc. is a full service language company that specializes in solutions for organizations that face language challenges in the medical, government, legal and corporate sectors. This focus is enhanced by providing the best customer service; primarily through our staff's expertise, commitment and dedication. |
Opportunities
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| Solicitation for Small and Minority Business Enterprises |
Associated Construction Company seeks bids from qualified City of Hartford and State of Connecticut small and minority business enterprises for the renovation of 777 Main St., Hartford CT.
The project consists of the renovation of an existing 27 story building into a 285 unit apartment complex which will occupy approximately 315,000 SF. The work will take place in a 14 month time frame beginning early in the Fall of 2013.
Interested minority contractors may inquire by sending a Letter of Interest, Company Profile and DAS or City of Hartford Certification via email to kaw@accgc.com. Associated Construction Co. is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.
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| Looking for Volunteers to Speak with BHA Resident Entrepreneurs |
 The GNEMSDC is working with several Bridgeport Housing Authority residents who are entering the world of entrepreneurship.
We have taken these residents through a great program of starting and operating a business. Each of the participating residents brought an idea to the program. We are helping them turn that idea into a real business. As part of the program we are introducing these early stage business owners to some of our outstanding MBEs.
We are looking for a few more volunteers from our MBE and corporate community to come and meet these aspiring entrepreneurs. We are also looking for some MBEs to be judges for a business plan competition featuring these entrepreneurs. If you are interested in assisting us and these entrepreneurs, please give me a call, 203-288-9744.
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| FYI |
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And Finally...
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Fifty years ago this week marked the March on Washington. It was one of the signature events of the 20th Century. Over a quarter of million people attended the event that hot day on the Washington Monument Mall. I was a week away from my 9th birthday. I did not attend the event. My parents and their friends did attend and I remember that memorable day.
My parents were both active in the NAACP during the 1960s in Washington. They and their friends were looking forward to attending the March for some time. But they had an understandable fear that the planned peaceful demonstration could turn violent. It was for this reason that they did not take me or my siblings. So they dropped the four of us off at their friends who had also moved to Washington from Arkansas in the late 1950s to work in the Federal government. At that time there were fewer organizations better than the Federal government where African Americans could find decent jobs and benefits. Our Arkansan friends bought a home in Northeast DC that had been part of a farm. They owned the farm house and the 3 acres of vineyards on the property. I really enjoyed visiting them because during grape season we could eat all that we picked, usually resulting in a wicket stomach ache. This hot day for us was no different. We spent that afternoon picking grapes for the jam we were told to make while our parents were at the March.
Eventually, the March was over and I had never seen my parents and their friends so excited and so hopeful. They understood that they had witnessed something special that day in our new home town. They believed that this day was somehow different from all previous days and all future days would be forever changed. They talked throughout the night about the next steps that would be necessary from a legal point of view to make the promises and the vision of that day a reality. So while I did not witness first hand the March, I saw the results in the eyes of my parents.
We in minority business development are also part of changing this country and the world. Our work is far from done. But I believe that we are making differences in the lives of all Americans through our actions and our decisions to be inclusive and respectful of all Americans. There is no better time than now to reflect on how far we have come and the journey ahead of us. The theme of our Conference this year is "Corporate America + Minority Business = Hope + Jobs. It is no different today than it was 50 years ago. We must find a way to work with each other. There is no alternative.
In your service,
Dr. Fred  |
