| MBDA Bridgeport Center Grand Opening - Friday, November 8 | ||
This Friday from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, the GNEMSDC will host an open house that is open to all GNEMSDC corporate members, certified MBEs and others to come by and officially open the Center. MBDA National Director, David Hinson will be on hand to help us celebrate this important event. Invitations have been sent to Governor Malloy, Senators Blumenthal and Murphy, Congressman Himes, Mayor Finch and other elected and appointed political leaders. We also expect the local and regional media to be on hand to document and report on this important event.
If you are interested in joining in the celebration, please call Jerilynn Clarke at 203-288-9744. We will have light refreshments from Cast Iron Soul Catering. It promises to be a great way to start your weekend.
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| GNEMSDC 2014 Upcoming Events | ||
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Corporate Member of the Week: Pfizer
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Pfizer is a member of the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council (NMSDC), Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), WeConnect International, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), and US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAAC). Pfizer encourages all suppliers to obtain the proper certifications based on the diversity status they are classified as. Please contact us via email at the following address for further information. PfizerSupplierDiversityManager@pfizer.com
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MBE of the Week: Envisage
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Envisage is the nation's first niche-focused full-service-spectrum life-cycle embedded Product Engineering Solutions (ePES) company.
Envisage is an embedded solutions company focusing on delivering engineering development and deployment innovation. Their capabilities cover all aspect of embedded product engineering as well as: Hardware, Firmware, Middleware, Application, Design, Process, Production and Tools. Learn more here.
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2013 GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Expo Survey:
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 Please let us know about your experience and suggestions for this past Business Opportunity Expo by completing this survey. |
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:
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| GNEMSDC MBE Pre-Certification Webinar |
November 5, 2013 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm This FREE Education seminar is open to applicants interested in becoming a certified Minority Business Enterprise via the NMSDC/GNEMSDC Certification Process. This session is held via an online webinar call. Please email Jennifer Little-Greer jlittle-greer@gnemsdc.org to register and receive the call meeting details. The registration for the call will close at 1:00 pm on the day of the call. |
| LUPA Event In Bridgeport - November 7 |
Latinos United for Professional Advancement Hosts "¡Hola Bridgeport!" This is the second series of networking events for Latino professionals. Latinos United for Professional Advancement (LUPA) is excited to host, "¡Hola Bridgeport!" sponsored by State Farm® on Thursday, November 7, 2013. The three- hour networking event will be held at Tiago's Bar & Grill on 211 State Street in Bridgeport, CT from 6:00pm - 9:00pm.
The evening of socializing will be open to all professionals free of charge. This is the third professional networking event hosted by LUPA this year. The event is free and open to all interested in an evening of professional networking, inspiration and fun. To register, visit www.lupabridgeport.eventbrite.com.Following the event, guests are welcome to stay for Latin Night at Tiago's from 10:00pm-1:00am where there will be a variety of salsa, bachata, merengue music for dancing.
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Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Forum:
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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.
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Jobs and Contracting Opportunities Community Forum:
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 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. |
Best Practices Forum - At Fenway Park Home of the 2013 American League Champions!
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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, 2013
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Opportunities
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The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport RFP
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 The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport (HACB) seeks proposals from attorneys/law firms for the provision of a full cadre of legal services. Respondent(s) must have graduated from an accredited law school and be a member of the Connecticut Bar. Proposals shall be mailed or hand delivered by December 2, 2013 @ 3:00 PM to 150 Highland Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Late proposals will not be accepted.A pre-Proposal Conference will be held at 150 Highland Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 on November 13, 2013, @ 9:00 a.m. Although attendance is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended, as the conference will offer candidates an opportunity to discuss the needed services with HACB staff. A complete copy of the RFP documents can be obtained from the Contracting Office at 150 Highland Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605 on November 4, 2013 @ 1:00 p.m. Additional questions should be emailed only to Caroline Sanchez at, bids@bridgeporthousing.org no later than November 25, 2013 @ 3:00 p.m. All answers to the questions will be posted on BHA's Website: www.bridgeporthousing.org please visit our website for Opportunities and then Vendors. |
| Advertisement for MBE Subcontractors |
 Integrated Design & Construction, LLC is seeking prospective employee for the following positions; construction management and administration staff as follows:- Assistant Project Manager: 3-5 yrs. experience (similar to above) For inquiries and submissions please contact Thaddeus M. Stewart at: 203.909.6559  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. 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. Learn more here. The Associated Construction Company is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. |
| FYI |
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Frank Young Recognized As Top 100 MBE® Award Winner
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 RICHMOND, Va. - October 31, 2013- Frank Young, president of Young Moving & Storage,has been selected to receive the distinguished 2013 Top 100 Minority Business Enterprise Award. The Top 100 MBE® ceremony is designed to acknowledge and pay tribute to outstanding women and minority business owners in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware and the District of Columbia. The Top 100 MBE® Award is given to enterprising women and minority entrepreneurs that fuel the region's economy through their innovation, sacrifices, and dedication. He will Receive Award at October 30th Ceremony. The awards ceremony is scheduled during Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's Supplier Diversity and Inclusion Week, on Wednesday, October 30th at 5:30 p.m. at the War Memorial located 101 Gay Street in downtown Baltimore. For more information about Young Moving & Storage, please visitwww.youngmoving.com or call 877-764-9329. Learn more here. |
| Congratulations NMSDC |
 Congratulations to the NMSDC on a well attended and well run national conference and expo. It was great to meet up with colleagues, corporate members and others from around the world. Special congratulations to Bank of America, IBM and Johnson Controls for being recognized for the great work that they do. Also congratulations to all of the MBEs who were recognized in all four categories and in all regions for their commitment to excellence. And a heart felt congratulations to the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council for being selected once again for Council of the Year. I am beginning to feel like the Boston Red Sox before 2000. Although we have no curse of the Bambino that I can think of, the Houston Council has the look and feel of the 1937 Yankees. Great job and congratulations to all. For more information on the winners and the program click here
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| Refreshed GNEMSDC Website |
| Please check out the refreshed GNEMSDC website, www.gnemsdc.org. |
And Finally...
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This Thursday morning, I will be the keynote speaker at the Fairchester branch of the National Federation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Breakfast. The event will take place in at the Sheraton Hotel in Stamford, CT. This past Friday, I moderated a seminar organized the by the Fairfield County Community Foundation on immigrant entrepreneurship. Senator Blumenthal and Lt. Governor Wyman were on hand at the Immigration event. I bring these two events up because immigrant entrepreneurship and youth entrepreneurship education are related and more importantly, critically important for the future of the state, the region and the country.
The program on Friday kicked off with a presentation by the nationally renowned journalist Alan Murray, President and CEO of the Pew Research Center. Mr. Murray presented the demographic reality of a changing America that is being driven by immigration. This weekend, my curiosity led me to take a closer look at the data. The U.S. population is currently about 323 million. By 2050 it is expected to increase by over 100,000,000 people. The White non-Hispanic population will remain constant over the next forty years at about 200,000,000. The Black population will increase from 34 million to 55 million of the period. The Asian population will increase from 13 million to over 31 million. And the Hispanic population will increase from 46 million today to over 120 million by 2050!
The issue of immigrant businesses is very important to our organization and the future of minority supplier diversity. Today, 32.6 percent of our certified minority businesses are either immigrants or the children of immigrants. It is likely that this number will grow based on the demographic projections above. The children of today's certified MBEs benefit from growing up in the home of entrepreneurs, but they too need the solid entrepreneurship education that will allow them to build on the successes of their parents.
Many years ago when I was working at the Carter White House at the Council of Economic Advisers, we discussed the impact of demographics on the future of the economy and society. Back then, we were asking the question where were 50 million new jobs going to come from between 1975 and 2000? We did not have a specific answer to that question, but we knew, or at least we believed, that job creation of that magnitude would require strong entrepreneurship, open markets, an educated workforce, low-cost capital, sound fiscal policy, and a supportive regulatory environment. The same is true today if we are to create over 80 million new jobs before 2050.
Which brings me back to the issue of youth entrepreneurship and immigration.
At no time in our history has teaching entrepreneurship and business been more important than it is today. The business environment with its concentration of global companies with hundreds of thousands of employees is not big enough today, nor will they be tomorrow, to employ the growing population in this country or the populations around the globe. I know it is a scary thought, particularly for young parents, but it will be their 10 and 11 year-old sons and daughters who will have the tremendous burden of creating a future that improves lives and creates jobs. It may be that the economic evolution that transformed the world through the industrial revolution will run its course as technology leads to the elimination of manual and mindless labor of all forms. Yet we still will need to figure out how to productively spend our time and our lives so that they have meaning, individually and collectively. This in my view is the challenge our young entrepreneurs face.
Many of these young entrepreneurs will also be immigrants and the children of immigrants. Our nation's business history is full of successful stories of immigrants who faced with poor employment prospects, employ themselves initially, and then others as their enterprises grow. We as a society must embrace these two streams of youth entrepreneurship and immigration as key the future vitality of this country and the world. It is in our enlightened self interest to teach our children today the tools of business and the ability to understand risk. It is in our enlightened self interest to integrate today's immigrants into the economy in ways that allow them to bring their best to our economic foundation.
I don't know what the 80 million new jobs will look like in 2050, but I know that today's youth and today's immigrant will play the critical role in the answer to this important question.
In your service
Dr. Fred
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