| 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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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. |
Access Health CT's CEO Appointed by President Obama
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GOV. MALLOY, LT. GOV. WYMAN APPLAUD APPOINTMENT OF ACCESS HEALTH CT CEO KEVIN COUNIHAN TO FEDERAL MARKETPLACE
U.S. Dept. Of Health and Human Services Announces New Federal Marketplace CEO
(HARTFORD, CT) - Today, Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman
announced that Access Health CT CEO Kevin Counihan has accepted a position as Marketplace CEO overseeing the federal and state Marketplace in Washington. As the new CEO, Counihan will be responsible and accountable for leading the federal Marketplace, managing relationships with state marketplaces, and running the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO), which regulates health insurance at the federal level.
"Kevin and his team have done a tremendous job ensuring Connecticut residents have access to high-quality healthcare. We are proud of what we've accomplished here-we're a national leader with more than 280,000 people enrolled in affordable health insurance," said Lt Governor Wyman, Chair of the Access Health CT Board. "Kevin's move to Washington is a loss for the state, but I know he'll bring his strong commitment and considerable skill to his new role, and that is good for the nation. The Access Health Board wishes Kevin all the best in his new role, and we thank the dedicated team at Access Health CT for their continued focus on bringing affordable healthcare to Connecticut residents."
"Kevin's appointment is a ringing endorsement of the success we've had implementing the Affordable Care Act in Connecticut," said Governor Malloy. "Since we launched Access Health CT, we've cut Connecticut's uninsured rate in half in this state and nearly 140,000 previously uninsured people now have coverage. We're very proud of Kevin and sad to see him go, but know that the team in place will continue working hard to provide quality, affordable health care coverage to even more Connecticut residents."
"It is an honor to be selected for this position and I look forward to the challenge ahead," said CEO Counihan "For the past two years, I've been fortunate to work with incredible people at Access Health CT. The success we've had here is due to the team we've put together and the guidance and direction we received from Lieutenant Governor Wyman, Governor Malloy and the Access Health Board. My sincere thanks to the entire team for their hard work and dedication. It has been an absolute pleasure to serve the people of Connecticut in this role."
Connecticut is recognized as a leader in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and nine states are working with Access Health on the exchange technology. Connecticut was also the first state to surpass the goal for Affordable Care Act enrollees. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services projected that Connecticut would enroll 33,000 consumers in private insurance plans, a target that was exceed in December 2013 and more than doubled in the final tally. During the 2014 open enrollment period, Access Health CT has enrolled 256,666 Connecticut residents in health care coverage.
Counihan will step down from Access Health CT effective Friday, September 5th. The Access Health Board will announce an interim CEO for Access Health within a few days.
More information is available at www.AccessHealthCT.com
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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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  On Aug 21, Boston Business Center Director, Warren Bacon, was a guest speaker at the National League of Cities
Hispanic Elected Local Officials (HELO) Leadership Retreat in Boston. Warren presented to about 20 elected local officials from around the United States about the merits of the MBDA, the achievements of the Boston Center and how their cities could benefit by utilizing the services of the MBDA Centers.
HELO was established in 1976 as a forum for communication and information exchange among Hispanic local government elected officials and National League of Cities colleagues. The focus of the annual retreat is to provide training and networking through sessions offering creative solutions for local leaders about topics such as financial literacy, minority small business development, and more.
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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: Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
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The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, often referred to as the MBTA, or The Authority, or simply The "T", is the public operator of most bus, subway, commuter rail, and ferry routes in the greater Boston, Massachusetts area.
The MBTA/MassDOT remains the nation's 5th largest mass transit system and serves a population of over five million across 176 cities and towns. To carry out its mission, the MBTA maintains bus rapid transit lines, light rail, commuter rail and heavy rail vehicles plus paratransit services referred to as "The Ride". The average weekday ridership for the entire system is approximately 1.3 million passenger trips.
The MBTA is committed to providing business opportunities, whenever possible to qualified vendors. These opportunities are provided in accordance with applicable State and Federal Guidelines.
Each year the MBTA awards over two billion dollars in contracts. These procurements are primarily performed by two departments; Materials Management and Design & Construction. For additional information on doing business with the MBTA and to register to receive bid information, please click the link below.
For more information on the bidding and Solicitations:http://www.mbta.com/business_center/bidding_solicitations/company_profile/Default.asp
The Supplier Diversity and Development Office was formed in 2011 to increase the diversity of the vendor pool to meet the procurement needs of the MBTA. For additional information about access to business opportunities please contact SDDO at SDDOINFO@mbta.com
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MBE of the Week: Taino Consulting Group
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 Taino Consulting Group is an MBE & DBE certified Security Risk Management firm headquartered in Boston MA. We focus on cyber security and physical security in the private and public sectors. Our services include risk assessment, incident response, training, and compliance. We utilize over a century of combined world class security experience to systematically reduce your organizational risk while also helping you leverage technology as a competitive advantage. We remain trusted advisors to our clients both current and prior; and we look forward to being there for
you.
Cyber Security: Risk Assessment, Incident Response, Training and Compliance
Physical Security: Risk Assessment, Emergency Management, Training and Hardware Installation
Additional Services: Cloud & Mobile Security, System Integration, and Staff Augmentation
Taino Consulting Group also provides Cyber Training on ISO 27001 Implementer Courses. Click here to access their training application. For further details on the programs and services offered by Taino visit their website at www.tainoconsultinggroup.com or call (800) 270-6420.
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| FYI |
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| Jay Wesley New GNEMSDC Director Representing Pitney Bowes |
 Jay Sheldon Wesley has 20 years of experience in the field of supplier diversity, procurement and supply chain management working in five different industries. These industries include defense (DOD), biotechnology, industrial, commercial aerospace and high tech industries. In his recent past, up to the present, Jay serves on GNEMSDC Board of Directors. He has managed and directed supplier diversity programs for a number of well-known Fortune 500 companies across the country over the span of his career. In August, of this year, Jay joined Pitney Bowes as Manager of Supplier Diversity and Performance. In this role, Mr. Wesley will lead the company's efforts to identify, expand and accelerate the use of Minority-owned, Women-owned, Small disadvantaged, Veteran-owned, and HUB Zone business enterprises for a $1.2 Billion spend. Jay resides in Monroe, CT. with his wife Lori Anne and his three children, Spencer, Taylor and Adam. |
Invitations for Bid and Opportunities
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| And Finally... |
For reasons too difficult to explain, I found myself doing a quick study on "Social Contract "theory. SC theory goes back to the late 16th century. Thomas Hobbes, the English philosopher stated that the natural state of humanity is "solitary, brutish, violent and short". To the political philosophers who followed, an elaborate analysis was conducted that concluded that all societies need rules in order to thrive and keep us from killing one another; or what the called "a war of all against all". It was from these philosophers including Rousseau, Hobbes, Locke and Hume that moral basis for the American revolution was built upon. Without these thinkers, there would possibly would have not been a Jefferson, an Adams, a Lincoln or a Martin Luther King.
The 20th century American political philosopher and Social Contract theorist, John Rawls, created an interesting thought experiment. What if you were stripped of your gender, your race, your age (but assume you are an adult), your religion, your regionalist, your political party, your status as an owner or a worker. Now further assume that you will be assigned a status randomly after you answer the question -What rules (social contract) would you establish for society? Only after you establish the rules would you randomly be given a status, a race, a gender, a political party, and a religion, etc, What would you set as the rules?
I thought about this as I read the report that Michael Sims, the first openly gay player, was cut by the Los Angeles Rams football team. Would the rules that you would establish look much like a professional football tryout - where you sink or swim based on your performance? Are there principles that are higher than performance and meritocracy? Does history matter? In the words of Churchill, is capitalism a terrible system, but better than any of the alternatives? These are questions that we must address implicitly or explicitly in the work that we do in minority business development.
As we celebrate Labor Day, we should acknowledge the work of people who gave their lives for a better life for us and our children. It was part of their understanding of an American Social Contract. Our work in minority business development is also a part of multi-generational Social Contract that seeks to improve the lives of many by helping a few minority entrepreneurs. This at least is my understanding of what we do, and why we do it. What is yours?
In your service,
Dr. Fred
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