WE WON!!!
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 I am happy to report that it was just announce that the GNEMSDC won the competition to open a MBDA Business Center here in Bridgeport, CT. The contract is a $1,020,000 for the next four years. The Bridgeport MBDA Business Center will be a great complement to the Boston MBDA Business Center. While the Bridgeport MBDA Business Center will focus on Native American and Alaskan Indian business development, we will be able to assist all minority businesses in the area. MBDA Press Release
An article in today's CT Post on our MBDA Bridgeport grant. Please feel free to share with your colleagues.
We are now in the market for a Project Director for the Bridgeport MBDA Business Center. The qualifications and responsibilities are:
Requirements of Applicants:
Interested applicants should contact Fred McKinney at 203-288-9744.
Now we have to get to work!!! More to come. |
GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Trade Expo: September 24-25
Register Online Today!
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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
or On-site Registration Opens at 7:30 am
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GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Trade Expo Honorary Chair
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 Greg Almieda is CEO & Founder of Global View Communications a Pawtucket, RI based inclusion business strategy firm. GVC works in five areas: enterprise, consumer marketing, workforce diversity, supplier diversity and community relations. They help clients create and implement communications strategies that engage the key audiences that are transforming American culture-and that foster their clients' growth and competitiveness Greg has over 20 years of consulting, marketing, business development and business development management experience, which has included major media outlets in Boston. Currently, Greg is an active member of several professional and civic organizations. He is a board member of the Asian American Civic Association, ALPFA, The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, the Greater Boston Employer Advisory Board to the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and a member of the steering committee for the Commonwealth Compact. |
Hartford Connecticut Mayor Pedro E. Segarra - Mayor Pedro E. Segarra will be our Keynote Luncheon Speaker on Tuesday, September 24.
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 Hartford Connecticut Mayor Pedro E. Segarra - Mayor Pedro E. Segarra will be our Keynote Luncheon Speaker on Tuesday, September 24. Pedro E. Segarra is the 66th Mayor of the City of Hartford. He was first sworn in on June 25, 2010 and then in November of 2011, he won a sweeping victory with 81% of the vote. Elected with a clear mandate of bringing stability to Hartford, Mayor Segarra created a sense of urgency to revitalize Connecticut's Capital City. His signature program "Opportunities Hartford" focuses on improvement in three pillars; income, education and employment. During his tenure, Mayor Segarra has stabilized the mill rate, maintained the City's bond rate, and increased the Rainy Day fund to the highest among Connecticut's major cities. The Segarra administration has added a record number of market, moderate and affordable housing units in the City. And we just learned this week that Mayor Segarra has been selected by the U.S Conference of Mayors as the Mayor of the Year for Small Businesses. We are working with the Mayor's office and the U.S. Conference of Mayors so that the award can be presented on Tuesday (9/24) after his address. Congratulations Mayor Segarra. |
Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy to be Keynote Breakfast Speaker, Wednesday, September 25 at the Trade Expo
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 We are very pleased to have the Honorable Dannel P. Malloy, Governor of the State of Connecticut as our Keynote Breakfast speaker on Wednesday, September 25.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. |
President of NMSDC Joset B. Wright-Lacy - Mrs. Wright-Lacy will be
our Keynote Luncheon Speaker on Wednesday, September 25. |
 President of NMSDC Joset B. Wright-Lacy - Mrs. Wright-Lacy will be our Keynote Luncheon Speaker on Wednesday, September 25. Joset B. Wright-Lacy is the president of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), a private non-profit organization that advances business opportunities for Asian, Black Hispanic and Native American-owned companies of all sizes. NMSDC encourages mutually beneficial economic links between minority suppliers and the public and private sectors, and helps build a stronger, more equitable society by supporting and promoting minority business development. Read more... |
| 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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| 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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Fred McKinney - GALP Professor - Strategy and Positioning
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 Fred McKinney, GNEMSDC President and CEO and Yale Economics Ph.D.Fred McKinney is the President and CEO of the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council. The GNEMSDC's mission is to advance business opportunities for certified MBEs and connect them to corporate members. Prior to coming to the GNEMSDC, Dr. McKinney was a professor of business at the University of Connecticut School of Business where he taught economics, forecasting and entrepreneurship. Dr. McKinney has published three books on minority business development and has over 25 articles published on the subject of minority business development. Dr. McKinney served on the White House Council of Economic Advisors in 1978-79. Dr. McKinney has extensive board experience in the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Dr. McKinney received his Ph.D. in economics from Yale University. Also speaking at lunch that day is Joseph Black, Chief Procurement Officer, Aetna  Joseph Black is Chief Procurement Officer for Aetna, Inc., one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies. In this position, he leads the company's procure-to-pay activities enterprise-wide, impacting over $4 billion in company expense. His responsibilities include Supply Management, Supplier Diversity, Accounts Payable, Meeting Management, and Travel, and Expense Policy. During his 20-year tenure at Aetna, Mr. Black held various leadership roles within Procurement and Real Estate, including Director of Strategic Sourcing where he led Aetna's enterprise-wide sourcing initiatives. Other assignments have included those with Expense Management Solutions, Inc., as Head of Corporate Administrative Services where he was responsible for delivering sourcing strategies for Fortune 500 companies, and with TBI Construction, where he was accountable for numerous multimillion dollar real estate projects. Mr. Black holds a Bachelors of Science degree from Cornell University and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. He sits on the board of advisors for Institute for Supply Management; the board of Church Homes, Inc: a not-for-profit, nonsectarian corporation, which owns or manages retirement communities; the board of Meadows Real Estate: a not-for-profit community revitalization organization focused on low-income, subsidized housing; and the board of advisors for Connecticut Association of Purchasing Management. He is also a deacon and trustee for the Apostolic Fellowship Church. |
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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| Vase Construction and GNEMSDC Partner on Resident Owned Business Program |
The following training and meetings are free with VASE Construction subscription. Additionally, GNEMSDC members are not subject to fees for training or meetings. RSVP is still required.
Section 3, MBE, & WBE Training
Date: Friday, September 27, 2:30pm - 4:45pm (RSVP is required)
Location: GNEMSDC Office at 333 State Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604
Cost: $85.00 per person
Contractor Network Meeting
Date: Friday, September 27, 5pm - 6:30pm (RSVP is required)
Location: GNEMSDC Office at 333 State Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604
Cost: $15.00 per person
Hosted and Sponsored by The Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. (GNEMSDC)
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Dr. Fred to be Honored by Gateway Community College - September 28
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| Dr. Fred McKinney will be inducted into the Gateway Community College Hall of Fame along with Willam Curran of Halsey Associates, Richard Borer, President and CEO of Easter Seals, Roberta Hoskie, President and CEO of The Outreach School of Real Estate, and Debborah Mele, Senior Sales Manager at at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale. The Hall of Fame Reception takes place on September 28 at 20 Church Street in downtown New Haven at the brand new campus of Gateway Community College.
Dr. McKinney served as chairman of the board for Gateway Community College during the early stages of the planning of the beautiful new facility and continues to be an annual supporter of a scholarship for a Gateway student majoring in business, entrepreneurship or economics. Your support by attending the event would be appreciated and goes to a great cause - urban community college education.
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| MBEIC Meeting |
 Tuesday October 8th 9:00am - 12:00pm at the GNEMSDC Office 333 State Street Bridgeport, CT
Please plan to join us on the 8th. If you have not visited the new GNEMSDC offices this will be a great time to do so and if you have not been there since the second building renovations were completed this will be your opportunity to do so.
We will plan to cover recent NMSDC announcements, preview the NMSDC trade fair in San Antonio and cover other major topics as we head into the 4th quarter of another year. Please rsvp to Gstiffler@thematletgroup.com to confirm your attendance. A reserved count is important to make sure we have properly allotted for the size room for our meetings. |
| Denise Nappier, Treasurer State of Connecticut to Speak at GNEMSDC Luncheon at The Hartford Club - October 16 |
Connecticut Treasurer Denise Nappier will be the lead panelist at a luncheon at The Hartford Club on Wednesday, October 16, Treasurer Nappier is a four-term Treasurer of the State of Connecticut and a leading proponent of public sector investors for corporate diversity. Treasurer Nappier will talk about her efforts to nudge corporations towards greater diversity by using the leverage and influence of the State's billion investment fund.
This luncheon is open to
Corporate Members of the GNEMSDC and certified MBEs in financial services. The luncheon is free, but space is limited. We are asking our corporate members to see if there is interest by their
CFOs and Treasurers to attend this informative and interesting luncheon. Please contactjclarke@gnemsdc.org if you are interested in attending. Space is limited.
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Opportunities
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2013 St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center launches Supplier Diversity Website
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 St. Francis encourages diverse businesses to register online by visiting: http://www.stfranciscare.org/supplierdiversity
Read the introductory letter from St. Francis here.
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| FYI |
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| The Community' |
Who said bad things don't happen on Friday the 13th? Unfortunately, on Friday, September 13, 2013, the State Banking Commission and the FDIC closed the only minority owned bank in Connecticut. This is a real tragedy that did not have to happen and should not have happened. Please read the article below written by Peter Hurst, the CEO of the closed The Community's Bank of Bridgeport. The Community's Bank was a certified MBE with the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council. I served on the bank's board of directors for 7 years.
Please see link to CT Post below:
http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/The-Community-s-Bank-Too-small-to-survive-4830670.php
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And Finally...
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I am looking forward to seeing hundreds of MBEs and corporate representatives this week at the GNEMSDC Business Expo and Conference at the Connecticut Convention Center. We have an outstanding program planned for all. I also hope that the senior most leaders in our corporate membership would take the time to come and visit the show and hear from our dynamic speakers; Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra, Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy and NMSDC President and CEO, Mrs. Joset Wright-Lacy. We will have a special treat on Tuesday with the U.S. Conference of Mayors coming to Mayor's Segarra's luncheon to present the Mayor with the U.S. Mayor of the Year. This is quite an honor, and we are proud to be associated with the U.S. Conference on Mayors for this special award.
I have talked to several of our corporate CEOs who will be attending the meal events. I would suggest to our corporate members and representatives to send a note to their CEO's, CFO and CPO's to invite them to hear our speakers and see first-hand what they and their organizations are supporting, and the good work that results that follow. (They have to eat breakfast and lunch anyway, they might as well make it special!)
I often quote Woody Allen who says that "90 percent of success is just being there." Success is not a surprise. Yes it takes fortitude, resilience, tenacity, creativity, generosity, humility and thankfulness, but it comes to those who are there. I ask our corporate representatives and certified MBEs- What better place can they be than where their customers and future customers will be gathered together? Great things can happen. Great things will happen. But you have to be there.
In your service,
Dr. Fred |
