December 1, 2014

 
GNEMSDC 4th Quarterly Meeting 
We are very excited that our  4th Quarterly Meeting 
will be hosted by Roxbury Technology. The host will be sharing their inspiring success stories on how they developed their company. Additionally we have invited Wynn Resorts, Penn National Gaming and MGM Springfield to present upcoming opportunities for MBEs.  
Dr. Fred McKinney, GNEMSDC Board Chair and MBEIC Chair will update you about the council's service for the last quarter of the year and share next year's initiative. There will be a Holiday Business CardExchange following right after the meeting. 
The 4th Quarterly Meeting & Holiday Business Card Exchange will be held on December 5th at 1:00 PM at the Endicott Estate in Dedham, MA. Please click here to RSVP. 
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 1, 2014 - MBE Innovation Meeting, GNEMSDC Bridgeport Office 333 State Street Bridgeport CT from 12:00 pm -2:00 pm. All MBEs are welcome to come. Lunch will be served.Click here to RSVP. 
  • December 2, 2014 - MBE Pre-Certification Webinar at 2:00 pm. Click here to RSVP.
  • December 2, 2014 - University of Connecticut, Skansl 
  • December 5, 2014 - GNEMSDC Quarterly Meeting to be held at the Endicott Estate, Dedham MA. To RSVP click here.
  • December 6, 2014 - Wharton School of Business, Whitney M Young Conference - Dr. Fred is a panelist at the 41st Annual Conference - Stop by if you are in the Philadelphia area!
  • December 9, 2014 - GNEMSDC Business Holiday Cheer, accompanied by business card exchange and more exciting news from Prince Lobel, 6:00 pm, Prince Lobel Tye, Boston, MA.  For more information and to RSVP click here
  • December 10, 2014 -GNEMSDC Business Holiday Card Exchange -5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 333 State Street, Bridgeport, CT
  • December 18, 2014 - MBE Orientation, GNEMSDC Boston Office at 9:00 am RSVP.
Introducing New Corporate Member:   BAE Systems
 
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, a global defense, security and aerospace company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. 
BAE Systems, Inc. provides support and service solutions for current and future defense, intelligence, and civilian systems; designs, develops and manufactures a wide range of electronic systems and subsystems for both military and commercial applications.
For more information visit  www.baesystems.com 
Corporate Member of the Week:  Yale New Haven Health System 

 
Yale New Haven Health System (YNHHS) is comprised of four corporate member Delivery Networks: Yale-New Haven Hospital(YNHH); Bridgeport Hospital (BH); Greenwich Hospital (GH); and theNortheast Medical Group (NEMG), with nearly 19,000 employees.
Yale New Haven Health's vision is to enhance the lives of those we serve by providing access to integrated, high value, patient-centered care in collaboration with others who share our values.

Supplier Diversity Program
Yale New Haven Health System strives to provide opportunity to qualified businesses, including those that are small and/or local businesses and businesses that are owned by minorities, women, veterans and/or disabled veterans ("Minority Business Enterprises" ("MBEs")).
YNHHS maintains and reports quarterly on all spend with small and/or local business as well as on all spend with certified MBEs.  Click here to find out about MBE YNHHS qualification requirements.

For more information about Supplier Diversity at Yale New Haven Health Systemplease contact Supply Chain Lead for Supplier Diversity
MBE of the Week: Desai Communications
Desai offers the latest in printing technology with an in-house facility capable of digital output and on-demand printing services. In addition, strategic alliances with production facilities in Florida and Massachusetts have allowed them to expand their capabilities. Desai has the equipment and the experience to deliver the highest quality and service that clients have come to expect for over 35 years.
Printing Services Include:
  • Large Format Printing
  • On-Demand and Variable Data Printing
  • Custom Printing, Laminating, and Mounting
  • Event Graphics and Signage
  • Window Graphics, Floor Graphics, Vinyl Lettering
  • Vinyl & Fabric Banners
Desai Communications headquarter is located at: 25 Van Zant Street, Suite 7B, Norwalk, CT 06855. To learn more information visit their website at www.desaicomm.com or call (203)324.6000. 
Can your business survive a disaster?
According to the Red Cross 40% of businesses do not reopen after a disaster. A Disaster Recovery Plan can increase your chances of survival. Please go to www.PrepareCT.com for more information or email Andres Lopez alopez@gnemsdc.org for one on one consultation. Get ready today to develop a Disaster Recovery Plan.
Invitations for Bid and Opportunities
FYI
 And Finally...
Today at noon, we are hosting a meeting in our Bridgeport office (333 State Street)  for MBEs who need help.  Perhaps one person will show up.  Perhaps ten people might show up.  Perhaps no one will show up.  MBEs like everyone else is up to their necks in alligators.  So taking time away to attend anything during the day is difficult.  And just a casual perusal of all of the activities included in this newsletter, it is clear that we have plenty of other activities and events for MBEs to attend and participate.  So what is this event today?

One of the things I have preached consistently over the years is the need for MBEs to have boards of directors, or in the very least a board of advisors.  How do you think today's big businesses got big?  It was not all by the brilliance of the founding entrepreneur.  Today at noon, we are looking to put your business on the path to greatness. Today, we will demonstrate immediate value to MBEs who attend.  

It might be curiosity, or perhaps it is the great pizza we will serve, or it might be for the real purpose of this meeting; you should choose to spend some time with us in our Bridgeport office to start having strategic discussions with others who are able and willing to help you.  Here are some of the questions entrepreneurs must ask that might get addressed in today's session:

1. Are we selling the right products and services given market conditions today and projections of market conditions tomorrow?
2. Are we using the best  technology?
3. Is our website helping or hurting?
4.  Are there strategic alliances, or  joint ventures out there that make sense for me?
5.  Are our prices in-line with current market conditions?
6.  What are our growth prospects in our current geographical market, and are there other markets we should be considering?
7.  Are we managing our human resources effectively?
8.  Are we organized for significant market growth?
9.  How much capital do we need to accomplish our goals, and where do we plan to get that capital?
10.  What is our exit strategy, or will death do?

These and other questions you can bring to the table in an environment that is non-threatening and supportive.   And this exercise goes both ways.  Not only will you and your business be receiving valuable insight, you will be giving your expertise to others as well and expanding your business network.   

So I hope that some of you will be curious enough to come and spend some time with us today for lunch. Let us know if you can make it.  And also let us know - do you want peppers or pepperoni on your pizza? 


In your service,

Dr. Fred