December 16, 2013

MBE Input Committee Elections Information
Greetings GNEMSDC MBEs:  

As some of you might know, Gary Stiffler's 2 year term as the GNEMSDC Chair ends on December 31, 2013.  He will not be running for the next term. Thanks to Gary for all his commitment, hard work, and the contributions.

As the MBEIC Chair Election Committee Chair, I am reaching out to you to advise you that we have just initiated the process to elect the MBEIC Chair for the 2014-2015 term!  The election will include five key steps:
Step 1. Solicit nominations and self-nominations from those interested in this position (This process starts with this email and nominations & self nominations are due by 5:00 PM EST, Wednesday, December  11.  ACT NOW!
 
Step 2. Confirmation of Nominees' intent to run for this position and the completed  "Candidate Platform Documents" due before 5 PM EST, December 16.
 
Step 3. The ballot for voting, along with each candidate's Platform Documents are emailed to MBEs on December 16 evening.
 
Step 4.  All completed ballots from MBEs are due back by 5:00 PM EST on December 20.
 
As you can see, the timing is VERY tight and your help and high level of participation is key to our success with this.

If you have any question, please email to me or to other members of GNEMSDC MBEIC Chair - Election Committee:  
1. Arvin Chaudhary, Nadicent Technologies, Election Committee Chair (arvin.chaudhary@nadicent.com)
2. Carlton L. Oneal, Lightspeed, Election Committee Member (carltononeal@lightspeededu.com)
3. Ronald Williams, RCI, Election Committee Member (rwilliamsrci2@sbcglobal.net) 
4. Jennifer Little-Greer , GNEMSDC, Election Committee Member / Observer (non voting)  ( jlittle-greer@gnemsdc.org)

Here is an overview of the nomination, voting and election process as set forth by the National MBE Input Committee:
Who can run?
 
·      Any certified MBE in our council or a certified reciprocal MBE in good standing with their home Council
·      MBE must have a minimum of two (2) year as an "Active" member of the council/MBEIC that he/she is representing
 
Who can vote?
 
·      Any certified MBE in good standing with the council can vote for the MBEIC Chair
·      The elections process is open to all qualified MBEs 
 
What's the process?
 
·      An Elections Committee has formed 
·      Any Certified MBE can nominate him/herself.
·      Any Certified MBE can nominate another MBE from the same council.
·      Each candidate submits his/her platform (All candidates' platforms must be attached to their Nomination form).
·      Voting ballots will be created and made available
·      Election will take place, votes will be tallied and the winner will be announced.

Regards,
Arvin Chaudhary 
Nadicent Technologies LLC  
 
PLEASE EMAIL THE NOMINATIONS & PLATFORMS TO :        ARVIN.CHAUDHARY@NADICENT.COM
  
If you are interested in a sample platform, please call the office and we would be happy to send you one.
GNEMSDC 2014 Upcoming Events
GNEMSDC 2014 Upcoming Events
GNEMSDC 2014 Upcoming Events
Growing to Scale Development Workshop
The Growing to Scale Workshop is a program for small business owners to expand and improve their businesses exponentially.  The workshop will deliver powerful strategies for increasing sales by joint ventures, strategic alliances; results based marketing and other proven strategies.  The Growing to Scale Development Workshop is the blueprint to grow your business quickly and safely. Gain knowledge from a faculty that has actually grown successful businesses and can help you grow yours.  
 
The Growing to Scale program will run for two and half days from Tuesday, February 18 through Thursday February 20.  The program will take place at our MBE Training Room at 333 State Street in Bridgeport, CT.  Please mark your calendars.  Learn more here.   
 NMSDC SAVE THE DATEs for 2014
  
RADIO BROADCAST 
Dr. Fred McKinney was featured on the "Radio Entrepreneurs" Show. The show provides advice, information and connections for entrepreneurs, service providers and established companies. The interview was broadcasted in the following Local Stations:
WBNW 1120 AM - Needham, MA
    WPLM 1390 AM - Plymouth, MA
              WESO 970 AM - Southbridge
    Listen to the Interview here.
SBA'S 8(a) Business Development Program
SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program is designed to help small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the federal marketplace. The 8(a) Program offers executive level business training that helps to keep your small business competitive. Read on to learn about the benefits, the requirements and how to apply. 
Corporate Member of the Week
Corporate Member of the Week
MBE of the Week
The Signature Breads story begins with a passion for excellence in bread making that has carried throughout our history. Home of the original Rudi Roll-the classic, European-styled dinner roll-Signature Breads today bakes over 125 varieties of handcrafted artisan-style breads and rolls, all with the same attention to taste, quality and authenticity that made the original famous.We bake with the finest-quality ingredients, using recipes that reflect both old-world traditions and new-world trends. For example, we offer more than 20 all-natural varieties that contain no trans-fat, preservatives or high-fructose corn syrup. We create many light bread and roll varieties for lower-calorie options. And, our extensive line of mini breads represents one of today's hottest menu trends.
Known as the "Passionate Bakers," Signature Breads brought the technique of par baking to America from France. Our breads come to you 85% baked, but with 100% of the flavor, texture and consistent quality. From our two Signature Breads locations, we are able to serve customers from coast to coast, helping to provide "signature solutions" for every menu and occasion.  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: 
  • December 17, 2013 - Small Business Seminar with Catherine Smith, Commissioner of the CT Department of Community and Economic Development,  Hartford City Council President Shawn Wooten, and the GNEMSDC invite you to join us and other Hartford elected officials at Costa Del Sol Restaurant, 901 Wethersfield Avenue, Hartford CT from 8:15-9:15 AM for a conversation on business development in urban communities and public resources that will help your business attain its goals.  The GNEMSDC is one of the participating organizations for this event.  Please email Jerilynn Clarke if you plan on joining us, jclarke@gnemsdc.org , or call email Janice Flemming at janice.flemming@hartford.gov (860-757-9570 for more information.
  • February 12, 2014 - Kickoff for the Diverse Supplier Development Academy
    (DSDA) program in Hartford.  This is a collaborative effort between the DSDA and the GNEMSDC.  The programs's purpose is to assist Category 1 MBEs achieve more rapid growth with the help of corporate and academic mentors.  
  • February 18-20 - "Growing to Scale" MBE Education program to take place at the MBE Training Center at 333 State Street Bridgeport CT.  The Growing to Scale Workshop is a two and half day program that will help MBEs become more profitable.  In addition the second day will focus on the important topic of strategic alliances and acquisitions.  Save the Dates!  More to follow.
  • 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
Hosted Events 
Green Line Extension Team to Host Outreach Event

MassDOT/MBTA and White Skanska Kiewit, JV, are pleased to announce our first outreach event for the GLX Project.  DBE's and Small Businesses are encouraged 
to attend and this event will focus on the following topics:
  • Introduction to the Green Line Extension (GLX) Project
  • CM/GC Delivery Method 
  • GMP Package Breakdown with anticipated bid dates 
  • Potential DBE Opportunities within each GMP Package 
  • Introduction/Review of DBE Certification Process with SDO Representative in
    attendance 
The event is scheduled for: Wednesday, December 11, 2013
3:30 - 5:30 p.m. at the Massachusetts State Transportation Building
10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116
2nd floor Conference Rooms 1 - 3
Interested subcontractors and vendors must register by emailing Mark Smith at WSKdbe@jfwhite.com.
Invitation for Bid  
  • Invitation to bid Project Name:  Sasco Creek/Hidden Brook Housing
    Location:1655 Post Road East, Westport, CT                                                
    New Construction:  
    13 New Multi- Unit wood framed Residential Buildings and Community Building.  Construction will be in two phases.  Base bid no wage rates, provide add alternate for residential wage rates.  Bid Packages:  Sitework, Asphalt Paving, Sidewalks, Fencing, Landscaping, Concrete, Masonry, Rough Carpentry, Finish Carpentry, Insulation, Roofing, Siding, Gutters, Doors & Hardware, Windows, Drywall, Flooring, Paint, Cabinets, Window Blinds, Plumbing, Fire Protection, HVAC, and Electrical.  Bids can be faxed to 203-881-8372 or emailed to the following            Contact:    
    Dawn Lang, Bid Coordinator,    dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com   203-888-8124  
                          
  • Invitation to bid for the University of Connecticut is accepting sealed bids from SBE/MBE General Contractors Only for:  UCHC Main Building Renovations , Cadaver Lab Relocation-    Phase 2
  • Non-Mandatory jobsite walkthrough  - Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at 10:00 a.m., UCHC Main Lobby
    Request for Information (RFI) deadline - Thursday, December 5, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. (See Project Manual for RFI Form).  Bid due date - Thursday, December 12, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.

  • Invitation to bid for Deconstruction Training for Residents of the Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport, and Request for Proposal (RFP)
  • CT Lottery Bid -Submission Requirements
  • CT Lottery has an RFP for drawing services
Opportunities
  • Department of Transportation has a job opportunity for Transportation Public Assistant Administrator.  The position salary range is: $106,646 to $145,407 annual.  The closing date is December 20, 2013.  Interested candidates must apply for the position by sending a cover letter, resume, CT State application (CT-HR-12), and CT State employees must include their last two performance evaluations to:  Doreen Rossi, Principal Human Resources Specialist, Department of Transportation by email at doreen.rossi@ct.gov, or by fax at 860-594-3369.  Learn more here.
  • Haynes Construction is and AA/EEO Employer and is seeking candidates for the following open positions: 
    • Project Manager
    • Project Superintendent
    • Construction Estimator 
              Full benefits including medical/vision/dental/life and 401(k).  Learn more here. 
              Send resume to mroy@haynes-group.com.  For any questions, please contact this office.
  • Xpedx International Paper is an Equal Opportunity Employer and currently has 2 openings in their Wilmington, MA facility.  Those interested in job opportunity should apply online at:www.xpedx.com
    • Warehouse Worker 2nd Shift
    • Truck Driver
  • CT Lottery Corporation has openings for the following positions:
    • Lottery Sales Representative 1 
      Location: Various statewide
      Salary: $48,487.00 starting annual salary                                                                                             Only those CLC applications received by Friday, December 20, 2013, close of business will be considered.  Learn more here. 
    • Administrative Assistant (Office Management)
      Salary: $50,838.00 starting annual salary.                                                                                      Only those CLC applications received by Friday, December 20, 2013, close of business will be considered.  Learn more here.   
  • Interested candidates for each position must submit a CLC application, available at www.ctlottery.org, along with a cover letter and resume to: Connecticut Lottery Corporation, Human Resources, 777 Brook Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067; faxed to (860) 713-2670; or e-mail to HR@ctlottery.org. 
FYI
Small Business Innovation Research 
Small Business Innovation Research ( SBIR) is a highly competitive federal program that encourages small businesses to explore their technological potential.  It provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization by funding qualified small businesses in the nation's R&D arena.   
The permanent site, located on River Street in Bridgeport, is scheduled to open in late 2013.  The Bridgeport factory has approximately 8,000 square feet and will be used for both Phase II research and the beginning of commercialization.  Learn more here. 
4th Quarterly Meeting & Holiday Business Card Exchange

GNEMSDC would like to thank all our guests for attend the 4th Quarterly Meeting &
Holiday Business Card Exchange.
And Finally...
 At the beginning of this year, the GNEMSDC had 11employees including myself.  As we close out the year, we have grown to  17 employees.  This growth allows us to concentrate resources on MBE and corporate services in ways that help them reach their goals.  As a service organization, we only exist to help our MBEs grow and our corporate members reach their goals.  I am fortunate to have a wonderful team of professional colleagues who take their jobs and responsibilities with the greatest attention to detail and quality.  For this I am extremely thankful. 

I am also thankful for a caring and thoughtful board of directors who have provided me with the opportunity to lead.  Leadership does not mean that you get everything right the first time.  But leadership combined with the direction provided by the GNEMSDC board has made it possible for the GNEMSDC to once again experience top-line growth at over 35 percent. 

And finally, I am thankful for each of our MBEs and corporate members who look to the GNEMSDC, our staff and our board to support their efforts.  We hope to continue serving you in 2014.  This being the last newsletter of the year, I must offer my sincere thanks and best wishes to all this holiday season. 
Let 2014 be your best year ever. 

In your service

Dr. Fred
Fred 
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