| GNEMSDC Introduces New Logo |
 The GNEMSDC is proud to share our new logo with the corporate members, MBEs and other community stakeholders. The new logo is part of a NMSDC branding strategy that brings consistency to the regional councils across the network. All regional councils and the NMSDC share the common image and one common color. These are exciting times in the NMSDC network, and this refreshing of the brand is a welcome change. |
| GNEMSDC Trade Expo and Conference REGISTRATION IS OPEN! |
 The GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Expo and Conference is coming. This year the event will take place on Tuesday, September 30 and Wednesday, October 1 at the Mohegan Sun Casino and resort. Please mark your calendar. It is time for MBEs and corporate members to start preparing for the event. One of the biggest attractions is the very successful One-on-One sessions. These allow corporate members to schedule 15 minute appointments with specific MBEs for specific commodity/service opportunities. This year we will once again employ some great technology that will allow us to efficiently make these matches between corporate members and MBEs. We encourage all of our corporate members to participate in the Expo and the One-on-One program. This year we have some very important editions to the program. Stay tuned. (Photo is of CT Governor Dannel Malloy with Dr. Fred at last year's Expo.)
Here is the preliminary program:
Monday, September 29
6:30 PM GNEMSDC Board of Directors and Senior Advisory Dinner
Tuesday, September 30
7:00 AM Registration Opens
7:15 AM Breakfast
8:45 AM Industry Opportunity Sessions - Part 1
10:30 AM Industry Opportunity Sessions - Part 2
12:00 Noon MBE Sponsors Lunch
2:00 PM - MBE "Shark Tank" ($5,000 in total prizes for the top 3 sales performances by an MBE)
4:30 PM Break
5:30 PM Shining Star Reception
9:00 Expo Booth Set Up
Wednesday, October 1
7:15 AM Breakfast
8:55 AM Expo Ribbon Cutting
9:00 AM Morning Expo Session
12:45 PM Corporate Sponsors Lunch
2:00 PM Expo Afternoon Session
2:00 PM One-on-One Meetings between MBEs and Corporate Members
4:00 PM Expo Closes
5:00 PM One-on-One Meetings End
Here is the link for the Expo Registration. From this site you can also sign up to participate in the One-on-One program. You will need to register for the event before you register for the One-on-Ones.
Hotel Reservations
Single & Double Occupancy Rooms are available for $159/night
For online reservations: https://resweb.passkey.com/go/GNEMS14
To make a reservation by phone please call 1-866-708 1340 and reference the group code: GNEMS14
Reservations must be made by Tuesday September 9 any reservations made after this date will be based on room availability and regular hotel rates |
| One on One Business Match Makers on Wednesday, October 1 |
 One of the most popular activities at the GNEMSDC Trade Expo is the One-on-One sessions. These are "demand" driven meetings between corporate and public sector buying organizations and certified MBEs. We have automated this process with the assistance of Global Nest (dba Boorthleads).We are now using Globalnest's matchmaking software for registration. This software will allow small businesses to sign up for their prime contractor appointments during small business registration. This means that you will have a detailed list of your small business meeting schedule ahead of time. We expect this to make the day more efficient and productive for all. To assist small businesses in determining the best fits for their prime contractor meetings, please make sure that you have completed your registration with a company description and a succinct, yet comprehensive list of procurement opportunities available. If you need to return to your registration page and review/update these items:
So far the following companies have signed up for One-on-One meetings:
1. Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
2. Connecticut Department of Transportation
3. Iron Mountain
4. The University of Connecticut
5. Sanofi
6. Takeda Pharmaceutical International
7. Kelly Services
8. New England Office Supply
9. EMC Corporation
We are expecting this list grow dramatically over the next few weeks.
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| Trade EXPO Important Information and Dates | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hotel Registration Deadline Date August 31st
Sponsorship Attendees Names Due August 31st
Advertisements and Logo due August 31st
Booth Registration due September 17th (Booth Exhibitor Kit Link)
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| GNEMSDC "Shark Tank" at the Trade Expo September 30 |
 Before there was a "Shark Tank" program, the GNEMSDC had a "Speed Presentation" program as part of our Trade Expo. This was one of the most popular and fun parts of the Expo, and for some inexplicable reason, we dropped it. Well it is back for the 2014 GNEMSDC Trade Expo with a revised focus and structure.
This year on Tuesday, September 30 after the MBE Sponsors' Luncheon, we will feature a program that gives MBEs a chance to compete for $5,000 in cash that will be awarded to the best presentations on your "Value Proposition". That's right; $5,000 in cash. Here are the rules. You must be a certified MBE or DBE or MBDA client. You will have 5 minutes to state you value proposition. A panel of senior procurement officers from the GNEMSDC corporate membership will make the call on who made the best value proposition presentations.
All interested MBEs, DBEs and MBDA clients, must be registered or the entire Expo and must contact Jennifer Little-Greer by email at jlittle-greer@gnemsdc.org to indicating your interest to participate in the program. Space and time are limited. So get your emails in early.
The goal here is not simply to have a good time. The goal is to have MBEs work on presenting their value proposition concisely and effectively. There will be no power point presentations or props allowed. It is just you, your brain and your mouth. If we are over subscribed we may contact all of the interested parties and hold a preliminary qualifying competition. Get ready!
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| MBE Breakfast Speaker - Kelvin Bernard of Panther Global Group |
 Kelvin Bernard, President and CEO of Panther Global Group will be the Tuesday morning breakfast speaker at the GNEMSDC Expo on September 30 at the Mohegan Sun. Mr. Bernard has started and managed several large MBE firms, including NMSDC Corporate Plus firm, Total Technical Services. Total Technical Services was recognized by the GNEMSDC as the Category 4 Supplier of the Year in 1994 and 2004.
After graduating from Central Connecticut State University , Mr. Bernard began his career as a temporary employee for one of the largest local and national temporary agencies in the Boston area. An enthusiastic and hard working employee, he was hired directly as a recruiter and later promoted to account executive for the same agency. He worked in the temporary placement industry for five years, gaining knowledge and experience in the administrative, medical and technical temporary industries in both local and national markets.
Mr. Bernard will share some of the things he has learned that has helped him and his companies reach the pinnacle of minority business development in the country.
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| MBE Luncheon Speaker - Beverly Kuykendall |
 We are pleased to announce that Beverly Kuykendall has accepted our invitation to speak on September 30 at the GNEMSDC MBE Sponsors' Luncheon at the Mohegan Sun. Ms. Kuykendall is the President of Government Business for American Medical Depot out of Miramar, Florida. American Medical Depot is one of the largest MBE firms serving the health care and hospital industry. I have had the pleasure of knowing Ms. Kuykendall for many years and have seen her make inspiring, informative and stimulating presentations at events acres the country on the topic of contracting with the public sector and with health care. Please see her bio. For MBEs interested in public sector contacting, particularly with the Federal government, you will not hear a more knowledgeable business leader.
American Medical Depot was founded in 1993 by Sukrit Agrawal. Headquartered in Miramar, Florida, the company boasts of over 350,000 product, 2,000 suppliers, 180 employees, multiple distribution centers and a comprehensive line of products, equipment and services.
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| Peter Van Loon - COO of Access Health CT to Speak at Expo |
Peter Van Loon, COO of Access Health CT will be our Wednesday, October 1 Trade Expo breakfast speaker. Access Health CT is Connecticut's official health insurance marketplace, established to satisfy the requirements of the federal Affordable Care Act. Our mission is to increase the number of Connecticut residents who are insured, lower their costs, promote health, and eliminate obstacles to getting health care. Access Health CT will operate at no cost to the state or its taxpayers.
Peter Van Loon has a diverse background, including Fortune 500 and startup experience in healthcare services and technology companies. Mr. Van Loon most recently worked at Cigna, and in general has a strong background in operations, IT, and finance. He also worked at Aetna, as a consultant in the IT sector, and spent a year recently in Afghanistan and in Africa with the Reserves. Mr. Van Loon has performed duties as an overseas combat and logistics leader while a Captain in the United States Navy. Mr. Van Loon has a Bachelor's of Science degree from Trinity College, and an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
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| Dr. Fred McKinney - Wednesday Lunch Presenter |
 Dr. Fred McKinney will be the luncheon Keynote Speaker on Wednesday, October 1 at the GNEMSDC Expo at the Mohegan Sun. The title of Dr. McKinney's remarks is "Lessons Learned from 30 years of MBE and Corporate Minority Supplier Development: Things that You Can Do Now". This is a multi-media presentation you will not want to miss. |
| GNEMSDC 2014 Shining Stars |
Ms. Davis Kone has 20 years experience as a marketing professional working in a variety of industries at companies such as 1-800-Flowers, World Color, Columbia Business School, and most recently, The MATLET Group, a certified minority business enterprise.
During her time with The MATLET Group, she has been active with the Greater New England MSDC, serving as chair of the MBEIC Education sub-committee and assisting at New MBE orientations.
In June of this year, Jill joined the team at The New York and New Jersey MSDC as Director of Corporate Services. In this role, Ms. Davis Kone will be expanding the Council's outreach to develop relationships with corporations and agencies in New York and New Jersey that are looking to hire and work with certified minority-owned businesses. Jill lives with her husband, Jack in New York City.
Lawrence is past chairman of the GNEMSDC Board of Directors and manager of supplier diversity for corporate member Pitney Bowes Inc. Lawrence is now the President of the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council (WRMSDC) based in Oakland, CA. He is responsible for the growth and sustainability of supplier diversity development across Northern California, Hawaii, and Nevada. Lawrence brings many years of supplier diversity and supplier development experience to his role as president. He has managed and directed supplier diversity programs for a number of well-known Fortune 500 companies across the country. As the president of the WRMSDC Lawrence hopes to continue to build on the success of the organization and highlight the value of minority business development to both corporations and minority business enterprises.
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| Volunteers Needed for the GNEMSDC Trade Expo |
If you are interested in volunteering to work at the GNEMSDC EXPO this year. Please email Jerilynn Clarke for Additional Information.
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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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Boston MBDA Business Center CEO Roundtable, 9/10/14
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GSA SCHEDULES BASICS
September 10, 2014 * 9:00am -11:00am
The Palladium Room * 2 Copley Place, 4th Floor * Boston, MA 02116
Featuring:
Len Green, Procurement Advisor,
Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Learn about the following services offered by PTAC: GSA Schedule benefits, process for application, pitfalls,Marketing & competition
Space is limited!
Please RSVP to Joanne Wang by 9/3: jwang@bostonmbdacenter.com
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Minority Business Development Agency Business Center News
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 BOSTON MBDA BUSINESS CENTER FEATURED MBE
Congratulations to Resource Management, Inc. (RMI) for being ranked the #47th largest Hispanic-owned business in the United States by Hispanic Business magazine & The Worcester Business Journal's #1 MBE in Central Massachusetts based on the number of local employees. RMI has 48 Internal employees and 8000 managed employees.
RMI is a private company founded in 1995 and privately operated by the Lopez family. RMIspecializes in outsourced HR and Payroll management services for small and medium sized businesses across the US. Licensed in 38 states, they are the offsite full service HR department to many of their clients needing experts with a concentration in Risk Management and Workers' Compensation. Through its headquarters and branch offices network, RMI can provide all HR, Payroll, Benefits and Compliance services, thus allowing clients to simplify their business model, save time and focus on activities that boost their bottom line. RMI offers a unique breadth and depth of expertise, featuring certified experts in accounting, risk management, I/T, benefits.
For the past few years, The Boston Business Center has been working with RMI to help them expand and grow in strategic markets. We have made significant introductions to many of our clients (MBEs and corporations) in support of their Partner Management and other business expansion strategies. In fact, our business consulting, networking and advisory services have helped them in penetrating the growing Gaming, Transportation, Healthcare and Financial Services sectors throughout the Northeast.
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Legal Series for MBEs Starts September 12 at GNEMSDC Bridgeport
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 Choosing a Corporate Structure and Understanding the Tax Implications - The choice of business entity is often a confusing decision. This presentation will explain the differences among the various entity types. Specifically, the presentation will cover the types, formation and management requirements, differences in liability protection and tax consequences of each business entity. At the end of the program you should have a good understanding of which entity is best suited for your business. |
BondSure Funding
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Congratulations to Select Fence
We are proud to announce that GNEMSDC, in collaboration with Community Capital, facilitated the collateral needed by Select Fence to obtain its first performance bond. BondSure was funded and created by The CT Department of Economic and Community Development to provide the collateral for M/WBEs that are declined by surety companies through the traditional underwriting and qualification process of the surety companies. For more information please contact Andres Lopez at alopez@gnemsdc.org.
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The GNEMSDC Advanced Leadership Program (GALP)
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We are pleased to announce the second year of 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, David Hinson, former National Director of the MBDA. 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. Last year the CEO faculty included 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 17, 2014 and ending on Friday, November 14.
The program is geared to the owner/entrepreneurs of firms with $1 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. Here is what Ron Williams, a participant last year had to say about his experience:
"As a participant of the Inaugural Session of GNEMSDC Advanced Leadership Program (GALP), who also attended (AMEP/Kellogg in 2005), I was most impressed with the program content, as well as, the presentations of several quality Speakers, such as Steven Rogers, who was a Professor instructing at my Kellogg session.
I would encourage any MBE Supplier who is able to attend this years' GALP to do so. Please let me know your impression of the program as well."
This year we are proud to have the generous support of the Fairfield County Community Foundation. Call the office if you are interested in being participant in this MBE educational program.
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Corporate Member of the Week: United States Postal Service
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 The Postal ServiceTM is the world's most efficient post. Its universal service obligation ensures that every citizen can send and receive mail at affordable prices. This entails maintaining a delivery network that reaches all addressees and providing customers with ready access to postal services, a range of products, uniform prices, and mail. To do this, we must maintain an optimal supply chain that consists of engaging suppliers who offer value-added solutions to keep our business on the path to long-term sustainability.How we help our partners.
The United States Postal Service® is committed to providing contracting opportunities to small, minority- and woman-owned businesses (SMWOBs). Through continuous improvement, we work to improve our processes and procedures to ensure opportunities for all suppliers that provide the value-added products and services we need to increase customer satisfaction and decrease overall cost.
Supplier Diversity
Supplier diversity is a business process that proactively seeks to provide suppliers with access to purchasing and business opportunities. In the USPS Supplier diversity is defined by...
For more information on the USPS Supplier Diversity Program and the USPS Supplier Diversity Corporate Plan, link to Supplier Diversity Program
For information on what USPS procure: 'What We Buy & Who Buys What' link tohttp://about.usps.com/suppliers/buying.htm
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MBE of the Week: Asaman Inc.
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Asaman, Inc. is a fully-licensed specialty pharmaceutical distributor headquartered in Massachusetts. Asaman is committed to meeting the needs of the clinical trial community with the expedient, accurate, and cost-efficient delivery of quality comparator drugs.
As the leading specialist in the field of pharmaceutical procurement, Asaman upholds itself to the highest of industry standards. We guarantee that our clients receive the customized solutions they desire, along with the customer service they deserve. Pharmaceutical Companies:
For more information, on Asaman visit their website athttp://www.asaman.com/.
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| FYI |
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Invitations for Bid and Opportunities
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Prequalification forms icon can be found on the left corner of the page.
Invitation for Subcontractors can be found in the Prequal Library which provides a good summary of the bidding process and bidding packages (ranging $20,000 to $15,900.00) More information will be provided for the next outreach program in West Hartford in the next newsletter.
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| And Finally... |
Growing up in Washington, DC in the late 1950s and early 1960s (yes - I am that old), it was hard not being a fan of the Washington Senators -"first in war, first in peace and last in the American League East), and the Washington on Redskins. I grew up idolizing Bobby Mitchell, Charley Taylor and Norman Snead. At that time, the Washington football team was the only NFL team south of the Mason-Dixon line and was unofficially the team of the deep South. In fact, before fans sang the current team song, "Hail to the Redskins", the band played "Dixie" when the team scored a touchdown. The Washington team was also the last NFL team to integrate.
That was a different era, but the team still uses the controversial name "Redskins" against the overwhelming objection of Native Americans and others who seek the banning of hurtful, racists words from public speech. The team owner Daniel Snyder insist that he will keep using the word despite this objection.
Just last week, the Washington Post has taken the position that it will no longer use the word Redskins in its reporting on the team. This is a significant and monumental turn of events that I predict will force the team, its owner and the NFL to change it's tune on this issue.
Some fans, I am not one of them, will insist that using the term means no harm, and does no harm to Native American groups. But how long would a team called the Kansas City Kikes or the Washington Wops be allowed to sell their wares in the NFL? Of course this would never happen, and should never happen. And neither should the Washington Redskins continue to use such hurtful language. It is time for Mr. Snyder to face the facts, he needs to change the name of this team, or he will lose the financial support of millions of fans and be the object of scorn and shame. But he should change it not because of the calculus of profit and loss. He should change it because it is the right thing to do.
In your service,
Dr. Fred |
