October 21, 2013

FCCF's Immigration Forum - Today!

You're invited to FCCF's attend the Immigration Forum Supported by CT Humanities.  Registration closing is this Monday October 21th!  Event date: Nov. 1, 2013, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm at Housatonic Community College.  900 Lafayette Boulevard, Bridgeport, CT 06604 Walk-ins are not accepted, please register in advance. Who Should Attend  Business leaders Nonprofit leaders Private funders Civic leaders Healthcare officials Educators Anyone who cares about this important issue The Immigration Forum includes breakfast, lunch and networking. View agenda and workshop schedule here. Register here to attend.

Celebrating Diversity in the Greater Bridgeport Business Community

On behalf of our partners, Peoples Bank and Pullman and Comley, I invite all of our MBEs and corporate representatives to a community reception that celebrates diversity.  The event this this Wednesday, October 23, 2013 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.  Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served 850 Main Street, Bridgeport, People's United Bank Lobby    R.S.V.P. at event@pullcom.com or 203.330.2059 We look forward to seeing you!

Corporate Member of the Week: The Metropolitan District Commission

The Metropolitan District (MDC) is a municipal corporation chartered by the State of Connecticut in 1929. The MDC provides water and sewer services to approximately 400,000 people in the municipalities of Hartford, Bloomfield, East Hartford, Newington, Rocky Hill, West Hartford, Wethersfield and Windsor. In addition, under a series of special agreements, the MDC provides treated water to portions of Glastonbury, South Windsor, Farmington, East Granby, Unionville and   Portland.  The MDC is governed by a board of 29 commissioners. Seventeen are appointed by the legislative bodies of the eight member municipalities, eight by the Governor of the State of Connecticut, and four by the leadership of the Connecticut General Assembly. The MDC employs approximately 550 full time personnel. The MDC recently completed a comprehensive organizational re-engineering process. Under the present structure there are two functional divisions: Operations & Engineering and Business Services.                                                                               The funding of sewer services is through taxation on member municipalities and a sewer user charge. The funding of water services and related operations is principally through a direct use charge to customers. Major capital improvements in excess of $5 million for a single project must be approved by the electorate of the member municipalities and are financed through bonding. The 2012 operating combined budgets for all MDC operations total approximately $140 million   Learn more about the Metropolitan District Commission at their website.

MBE of the Week:  Winston Strategic Partners, LLC

Winston Strategic Partners, LLC offers great strategies for Change Management Communications, Training and Organization Development, Diversity and Inclusion Services and much more. Change Management Communications Winston Strategic Partners, LLC will work directly with you to identify these stakeholders and the extent to which they would be impacted.  As a result, strategies messages will be developed which will cater to the informational needs of all of your stakeholder groups. This approach promotes readiness across the organization. Training and Organization Development The Company offers coaching and several professional development workshops for employees at every level of your organization. Executive Coaching One-on-One Presentation Skills Coaching Communications and Presentations Skills Professional Business & Technical Writing Team Building Strategies Diversity and Inclusion Services A variety of services are also offered to support your objectives: Onsite Training Workshops for Employees Program Design & Implementation Program Branding and Content Development Learn more here.

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: October 23-  5:30-7:30 Celebrating Diversity in the Greater Bridgeport Business Community at People's United Bank Lobby. (850 Main St. Bridgeport)  October 27-30, -  NMSDC Business Opportunity Fair and Conference, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX  Registration Brochure  October 30 - St. Francis Hospital in Hartford is holding an Open House to discuss the Impact of the Affordable Care Act on "Real People".  The event is taking place at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts from 7PM to 9PM. Thursday, November 21, 2013 - GNEMSDC/MBDA Supplier Diversity Forum at Fenway Park, Boston MA Thursday, December 5 - GNEMSDC Quarterly Meeting, SAI Systems is the host, 3 Corporate Drive, Shelton, CT. This Quarterly is the MBE Quarterly and as such, the format will be reversed.  There will be three corporate showcases at this event.  Please sign up by contacting Jerilynn Clarke atjclarke@gnemsdc.org. May 6, 2014 - GNEMSDC Annual Awards Gala, Aqua Turf, Southington CT June 9, 2014- GNEMSDC MA Golf Outing, Ferncroft Country Club, Danvers MA July 11, 2014- GNEMSDC CT Golf Outing, Lyman Orchards, Middleton, CT September 30-October 1, 2014- GNEMSDC Expo and Conference, Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort, Uncasville, CT

If You Are Attending the NMSDC Conference in San Antonio - You're Invited!

If you are attending the NMSDC National Conference next week in San Antonio, the GNEMSDC will not be exhibiting, but we will be there in full force.  We will also have folks in our Boston offices, so feel free to call if you need any assistance, whether you are an MBE or a corporate member.   But if you are attending, the Boston MBDA Business Center is co-sponsoring a breakfast on Tuesday morning at the Hyatt. to talk about a new tool that can help large corporations contract with pre-vetted MBDA clients.   And on Wednesday morning, the GNEMSDC is hosting a breakfast for corporate members interested in a brand new on-line supplier diversity course.  I am certain you will enjoy the presentation, the networking and the meal.    If you are interested in attending either or both of these sessions, feel free to contact the office.  Space is limited and the meals are free.  And it is great way to start your day at the conference.

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Forum:

You are cordially invited to attend the Harvard Pilgrim Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Forum on Thursday, November 14th from 5:00-7:00 PM in WellesleMA. Harvard Pilgrim Health Care recognizes the importance of diverse suppliers to the region's economic vitality. Event Goals Create opportunities for business partnerships with minority and women owned suppliers Promote awareness of how to do business with Harvard Pilgrim Strengthen awareness of Harvard Pilgrim's Supplier Diversity & Inclusion program and mission Learning and development opportunity Agenda 5:00-5:05 Registration & Reception 5:05-5:15 Welcome Remarks by David Westervelt, V.P, Finance, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Dr. Fred McKinney, GNEMSDC 5:15-5:30 Introduction to Supplier Diversity @ HPHC: Harvard Pilgrim's inclusive approach to doing business - David Westervelt, VP Finance, Harvard Pilgrim 5:30-6:50 Networking - Harvard Pilgrim Purchasers and Suppliers/Vendors 6:50-7:00 Closing Remarks - David Westervelt, V.P. Finance, Harvard Pilgrim   How can I get involved? Please RSVP to sjames@GNEMSDC.org and include attendee(s) name(s), company, and title. Learn more here.

Best Practices Forum - At Fenway Park Home of the 2013 American League Champions!

You are invited to attend the 5th Annual Supplier Diversity Best Practices Forum.   Dates are: November 21st, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Location:  State Street Pavilion at Fenway Park, 40 Yawkey Way, Boston, MA. The event will be featuring a discussion of winning Supplier Diversity practices by Corporate and MBE Business Leaders.    RSVP by Nov 5 at: https://www.eventbrite.com/event/8573857639 Learn more here.

FYI

Dr Fred's editorial published in the Hartford Courant: Shutdown Fight Had Roots in Old South, October 11, 2013 Dr. Fred editorial published in the Hartford Business Journal Friday October 4 The Bigger Discussion - Supplier Diversity 2.0   Minority contracting doesn't match populations numbers by Washington Post August 8  Governor Malloy Makes a $2 million grant to Hartford Economic Development Corporation. Dr. Fred interview with Gwen Edwards on News12 Please enjoy this video message from Dr. Fred on Supplier Diversity.

Economic Impact of Shutdown Survey

Please feel free to complete this survey about your opinion on the impact of the Federal Government Shutdown.   Complete the survey here.

Connecticut Treasurer Denise Nappier at the GNEMSDC Luncheon

We had a wonderful time at the Denise Nappier Luncheon.  Special thanks to all those who attended.  Treasurer Nappier and Dr. McKinney explored the role of her office in the promotion of corporate diversity in all of its forms; board diversity, HR diversity, supplier diversity, and in her special situation, the diversity of fund managers.   One lesson from the session that was very clear; when you control over $26 billion in assets your phone calls and concerns are addressed!     Treasurer Nappier offered some very helpful tips for the GNEMSDC in its efforts to move the needle on supplier diversity towards more opportunity, growth and success. Thank you Treasurer Nappier.

Refreshed GNEMSDC Website

Please check out the refreshed GNEMSDC website, www.gnemsdc.org.

Opportunities

Employment opportunities with the Treasury -Treasury job descriptions. Braintree Field Service Technician and TREASURY job posting summary There is a large category 3 MBE that is looking for a business development sales person that will be responsible for CT corporate sales.  Interested persons should contact fmckinney@gnemsdc.org. Providence and Worcester Railroad Company have an opening for an Office Engineer  Job Opportunity for Construction Project Superintendent at Lupachino/Salvatore Corp.  Invitation to Bid Town of Ledyard Mayor's Office Turner Construction has an Invitation to Bid for the Temple Street Garage - Overhead Concrete Repairs   CT Lottery has an RFP for drawing services.

Advertisement for MBE Subcontractors

Solicitation for Minority Business Enterprises (MBE and WBE)  Associated Construction Company seeks letters of interest from qualified and certified minority business enterprises (MBE and WBE) for the following bid packages relating to a high end corporate dining facility located in the greater Hartford Area.  The project consists of a first class corporate kitchen, servery and dining seating space.  The total facility will occupy 36,500sf., of which 21,000sf. will be new construction and 15,500sf. will be renovation of existing space.  Upon prequalification, bids from subcontractors will be received during the months of November and December.  The work will take place from March 2014 through June 2015:  1.    Temporary Fencing 2.     Dumpster 3.     Portable Toilet 4.     Sitework 5.     Piles 6.     Demolition 7.     Concrete 8.     Masonry 9.     Steel 10.  Carpentry 11.  Millwork 12.  Fireproofing 13.  Roofing 14.  Waterproofing 15.  Metal Siding 16.  Doors, Frames and Hardware 17.  Windows 18.  Overhead Doors 19.  Gypsum Drywall 20.  Flooring 21.  Painting 22.  Ceilings 23.  Toilet Partitions 24.  Toilet Accessories 25.  Fire Extinguishers 26.  Elevator 27.  Fire Sprinkler 28.  Plumbing 29.  HVAC 30.  Electrical Interested contractors may inquire by sending a Letter of Interest, Company Profile, List of Similar Projects and Certification via email to Joseph Jankowski at jdj@accgc.com on or before November 1, 2013.    The Associated Construction Company is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Jobs and Contracting Opportunities Community Forum:

You are invited to attend The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport's Jobs and Contracting Opportunities Community Forum.  Who should attend: General Contractors, Subcontractors, Municipal, State, and Public, Housing Agencies, Small Business and Local Business Enterprises, Minority, Women, and Section 3 Business Enterprises.  The event will be hosted on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Testo's Restaurant at 1775 Madison Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut.  Learn more here.

And Finally...

I attended game 6 of the American League Championship series last Saturday night in Boston.  What a game!  When you go to the games, you see and hear things live that you often do not get to see or fully appreciate when you watch the games on TV.  For instance, the music at games is loud and fun.  Each home player has their own song that is played each time they come to bat.  There is plenty of Jay Z, Drake, Kayne and other current stars.  But Shane Victorino, Saturday night's hero, comes to the plate to Bob Marley's "Don't Worry About a Thing.  Cause Every Little Thing is Going to be Alright".  And last Saturday night with one swing of his bat, Shane Victorino made everything alright in Red Sox Nation. But there is one song that is played that really caught my attention, and this song has become a sort of theme song for the entire team,  The song is Drake's "Started from the Bottom", edited of course for a family friendly crowd.  And like this song, the Red Sox ended last season with a record of 69 wins and 93 losses, the worst record in the American League East.  The Red Sox started at the bottom and now they are at the top of the American League East and are American League champions.   The Red Sox demonstrated that starting at the bottom does not mean you have to stay there.  The same is true for MBEs who might start at the bottom of their industry.  But you don't have to stay there either.  But if you want to get to the top, you need a strategy and you need a team that believes in that strategy and you must be able to execute.  As Drake says, "now the whole team is here".  Not part of the team, the whole team.  So MBEs, get your team together and shoot for the top.  It does not matter where you started. In your service Dr. Fred