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 condition 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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| You're Invited to GNEMSDC Quarterly Meeting hosted by CVS Caremark |
August 13th 12:30pm - 4:00pm
200 Highland Corporate Drive Cumberland, RI 02864
CVS Caremark will be hosting the upcoming Quarterly Meeting on August 13th. Please be sure to attend this meeting to get updates about GNEMSDC, learn more about the CVS Caremark Supplier Diversity Program, meet the CVS Caremark Supplier Diversity Team, and see two exciting MBE Showcase presentations. Meeting Agenda. To RSVP to this event please contact Sarah James.
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Meet & Greet: Rhode Island Minority/Woman Owned Small Businesses
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August 14 5:00pm - 7:00pm,
Fete Lounge 103 Dike Street, Providence, RI
Hosted by GNEMSDC and the Boston MBDA Business Center.
Meet other Organizations that can help you grow your business. Refreshments will be provided.
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| For questions call Sarah or Andie at 617-578-8900 or RSVP Partnered with: CVS Caremark, RBS Citizens, Center for Women & Enterprise, Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, and RIBBA |
DAS Community Outreach - New Contracting Opportunities for both Small & Minority Business Enterprises (SBEs & MBEs)
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Below are the dates, times and directions to DAS' Community Outreach meetings:
Tuesday August, 20 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the DOT complex in Newington. Conference rooms A & B. Directions.
Thursday, August, 29 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the Adanti Student Center (Theater), Southern Connecticut State University, in New Haven. Directions.
Thursday, September, 5 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Bullard-Havens Technical High School in Bridgeport. Directions.
DAS encourages any qualified firm that is not yet certified with DAS as an Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) to apply as soon as possible for certification. You may do so by contacting the DAS Supplier Diversity Office at 860-713-5236, or by visiting the DAS. More details.
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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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| Corporate Member of the Week: Aetna |
 Congratulations to Aetna, our current Corporate Member of the Week!
The mission of Aetna's Supplier Diversity Program is to increase purchasing and business relationships with certified diverse suppliers.
At Aetna, diversity is a core business value and an important part of our culture. We have taken specific actions to ensure diversity is integrated into all aspects of how we do business - including diversifying our supply base.
Each year senior management signs off on annual Supplier Diversity goals that are directly tied to compensation funding. In addition, we hold our prime suppliers accountable to 2nd tier targets that are monitored through our Enterprise Vendor Management Program.
Aetna is a proud supporter of the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council among a number of other national industry organizations focused on expanding opportunities for diverse suppliers in corporate America.
To learn more about Aetna's Supplier Diversity Program and how to do business with Aetna, please see our Supplier Diversity Website.
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| MBE of the Week: Computer Decisions |
Computer Decisions was established in 1996 with the "P.C. as a tool" philosophy in mind. The company's original focus was on single p.c. upgrades and installation in which we developed a strong reputation for being detailed focused and delivering solid products. Shortly thereafter the P.C. world requirements started to evolve to focus on the ability for P.C.'s to communicate with each other via networks. Although the technology had been in existence for quite some time, its use was limited to large companies that could afford the equipment and the skill set to implement. Computer Decisions quickly and aggressively engaged this market. We went from small businesses, to non-profits, educational institutions and then into the Fortune 500 and 100 space. From our humble beginning as a home based business, we have evolved over the years to now being afforded the opportunity to provide global solutions across 4 continents, 16 countries and over 225,000 users worldwide. We leverage technology in a way that's conducive to productivity.
Computer Decisions has developed a model based on Enterprise IT Governance that delivers 1st class solutions to SBE's, MBE'S and Mid to Large size charitable organizations at a budget that's scaled to their organization. As a recent 2012 E-10 award winner, Computer Decisions was recognized in Houston as one of the top 10 Emerging MBE's within the region. In addition to our Enterprise offerings, we currently supply IT consulting and services to NMSDC, GNEMSDC, CarolinasMSDC and HMSDC.
Company's products and services:
IT Project Management. IT LAN/WAN & Infrastructure Implementation (Design & Engineering).
Data & Voice Services Implementation, Network Security & Risk Assessment, BCP & DR Planning & Implementation, IT Asset Lifecycle Management, IT Vendor Management, Public & Private Cloud Service, Strategy Development, Custom Virtualization Implementation and IT Procurement and Sourcing Services.
Clifton E. Clark III
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Opportunities
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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
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You want to Get Your Message Out?
We Can Help You Reach Over 5,000 Subscribers a Week!
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One of the great things about this newsletter technology is that we can track readership, clicks on links and forwards. I am pleased to report that this newsletter is reaching over 5,000 readers a week. If you are an MBE or a corporate member, this is an excellent vehicle to get your message out.
If you are interested in becoming a GNEMSDC e-newsletter sponsor, send an email to Sarah James at sjames@gnemsdc.org. We would like to hear from you. This ad space will be limited to no more than five MBEs and five corporate members.
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| The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport Invitation for Bid |
 Fireside Ventilation Improvements 2013, Solicitation Number: 031-FS-13-S
The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport (HACB) is currently seeking proposals for Fireside Ventilation Improvements 2013. Bids will be received until September 9 @ 3:00 PM Local Time. A pre-proposal conference will be held at 301 BOSTWICK AVE, BRIDGEPORT, CT 06605 AUGUST 20, 2013, @ 11:00 a.m. A site tour to follow. Although attendance is not mandatory, submitting a bid for the project without attending conference is not in the best interest of HACB.
A complete copy of the Solicitation may be obtained from the Legal Department at 301 Bostwick Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605 beginning on August 12, 2013 @ 1:00 p.m. Additional questions should be emailed only to Caroline Sanchez at, bids@bridgeporthousing.org no later than August 22, 2013 @ 2:00 p.m. All answers to the questions will be posted on HACB's Website: www.bridgeporthousing.org.
Please click on the link for Opportunities.
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And Finally III... Musing on Minority Business Development
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 The book "And Finally III... Musing on Minority Business Development" by Dr. Fred is available to purchase today!
Book covers the period from January 1, 2011 though December 31 2012. This two year period was an exciting time for the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council (GNEMSDC), the economy, the country, and the world.
All of the proceeds for the book will be donated to the GNEMSDC. So this is a great way to have your own personal record of this historic time and support the Council
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And Finally...
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When I was a little boy growing up in Washington DC it was not uncommon for boys with glasses to occasionally break those glasses. I did not start wearing glasses until after I turned 40, so I do not speak from personal childhood experience on this. In my neighborhood, those boys with broken glasses came from families where resources were scarce, and as a result these little boys' mothers would tape the rims of those glasses together so that they would stay together and stay on their heads, until they could afford a new pair. This undoubtedly improved their vision even though it may not have been the fashion statement they desired and often brought the cold ridicule of their "friends".
I bring this up because I found myself last weekend fixing a pair of glasses that my adorable 10 month old Springer Spaniel puppy decided to destroy. I remind her how fortunate she is to be in a home where we budgeted these random acts of destruction. The local lens company advised that I just throw them away. But the Fred Sanford in me and memories of my childhood classmates and their broken glasses convinced me that I could fix them. So fix them I did, bite marks and all. It took a trip to the sunglass stall in the local mall to purchase the necessary parts. But I have to tell you, I have been banned from wearing them in public by my fashion conscious daughter who told me in no uncertain terms that she would be embarrassed for me, but I really think that her real concern is that it would be embarrassing for her to be seen with me with those broken - yet fixed glasses. So I have relegated these broken but serviceable glasses to my Sunday morning reading of the New York Times.
The connection between this experience and MBE development and corporate supplier development is tenuous, at best. However, there is a thread here that I can draw from this - I think! Fred Sanford was a comedic genius. Who can forget him holding his failing heart and calling up to his deceased wife, Elizabeth announcing his imminent reunion with her? But he was also a consummate entrepreneur. I believe having the ability to laugh, particularly at oneself is critical in the ability to connect with both buyers and sellers. We have all experienced meeting with people, many of them great and talented people, but people so dry Death Valley seems like an oasis. So MBEs and corporate members should take a deep breath and see the humor in your imperfections. We all have them. I know I do.
In your service, Dr. Fred  |
