GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Trade Expo Special Edition

WE WON!!!
MBDA logoI 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.

Now we have to get to work!!!  More to come.
Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy to be Keynote Breakfast Speaker, Wednesday, September 25 at the Trade Expo
malloy
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.
Hartford Connecticut Mayor Pedro E. Segarra - Mayor Pedro E. Segarra will be our Keynote Luncheon Speaker on Tuesday, September 24. 
MayorHartford 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.  Read More... 
President of NMSDC Joset B. Wright-Lacy - Mrs. Wright-Lacy will be  
our Keynote Luncheon Speaker on Wednesday, September 25.
Joset B 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...
GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Trade Expo Honorary Chair
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.   
2013 GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Trade Expo Program
Tuesday, September 24

Registration Opens: 7:30 am Level 3

Breakfast Session: 8:00 am - 9:00 am Ballroom A Level 6
Keynote Speaker- Dr. Maysa Akbar, Integrated Wellness Group
"Emotional Intelligence: Navigating Supplier Relationships"

MBE Session: 9:15 am - 10:30 am Meeting Room 24 Level 6
"Financing Your Business - Traditional and Untraditional Sources"
Moderator: Jill Davis, VP of Marketing & Business Development, The MATLET
Group, LLC.

Panelists:
. Bernard Sweeney, Connecticut District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration
. Patrick Lorent, Vice President Government Lending, Peoples United Bank
. Sam Hamilton, President, Hartford Economic Development Corporatiom
  
MBE Session: 9:15 am - 10:30 am Meeting Room 25 Level 6  
"U.S. Small Business Administration - 8(a) SYMPOSIUM"
Moderator: Ron Williams, Managing Partner, RCI/W&R, LLC

Panelists:
. Darryl Hairston, Associate Administrator for Business Development, U.S. Small Business Administration
. Dr. Ramesh Wadhwani, Founder and CEO, SAI Systems International, Inc.
. Fernando Tavares, President, Tavares, LLC.

Corporate Member Session: 9:15 am - 10:30 am pm Meeting Room 23 Level 6
" Big Changes in NMSDC" & " Economic Impact Report"
Moderator: Tom Davis, Vice President External Supplier Diversity, Cartus

Presenter:
. Marquis Miller, Vice President, National Minority Supplier Development Council
. Dr. Fred McKinney, President and CEO, GNEMSDC

Joint MBE & Corporate Member Session: 10:45 am - 12:15 pm, Meeting Room 26/27, Level 6
" View of What Success Looks Like From MBE and Corporate Member Prospective"
 Moderator: Lawrence Wooten, Supplier Diversity Manager, Pitney Bowes

Panelists:  
. Alton Moss, Manager Supplier Diversity, Pratt & Whitney, United technologies Corporation
. Carlton Oneal, Managing Partner, Light Speed, LLC.
. Romance Watson, Diversity Business Development, SHI International Corporation

Luncheon: 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm Ballroom A, Level 6  
Keynote Speaker - Honorable Mayor of Hartford CT, Pedro E. Segarra

 One on One Matchmaking Program: 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Meeting Room 21/22/23. Level 6

Shining Star Reception: 6:15 pm - 9:00 pm, Ballroom B
Corporate Shining Star - John Brady, Connecticut Hospital Association
Corporate Shining Star - James Daley, The Hartford
MBE Shining Star - Dr. Ramesh Wadhwani, SAI Systems International

 Booth Set Up: 1:00 pm - 10:30 pm, Exhibit Hall B, Level 3

 Wednesday, September 25

Booth Set-up Continues: 6:00 am - 9:00 am, Exhibit Hall, Level 3

Registration Opens: 7:30 am, Level 3

Breakfast and Plenary Session: 8:00 am - 9:30 am Ballroom A,  Level 6
Keynote Speaker - Honorable Governor of the State of Connecticut, Dannel P. Mally
  
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: 9:45 am Exhibit Hall B, Level 3

Expo Begins: 9:45 am - 12:45 pm, Exhibit Hall B, Level 3

Luncheon: 12:45 pm - 2:00 pm, Ballroom B, Level 6
Keynote Speaker - Ms. Joset Wright-Lacy, President of the National
Minority Supplier Development Council

Expo Continues: 2:00 pm - 3:45 pm, Exhibit Hall B, Level 3

Post Expo Reception: 3:45 pm - 5:30 pm, Level 3

Booth Breakdown: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm, Exhibit Hall B, Level 3

GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Trade Expo One on One - Register Now
network
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.  
  
It is very important for MBEs and Corporate Members to log into the One-On-One portal and fully describe their company and the goods and services they are looking to procure.  MBEs that do not provide this information make it difficult for corporate members to fill their "dance cards".  Corporate members that do not complete the information on what they are looking to buy make it difficult for MBEs to allocate their time. 
  
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 IS LIVE NOW!  MBEs and corporate members can sign up in the One-on-One portal today by first registering for the program and then completing the information requests. 
  
Please view this short You Tube video on the registration process.
2013 GNEMSDC Matchmaking Registration Signup Video
For Corporations
Register and enter your profile information.  Each registered buyer from your company should manage their own calendar for the One-on-One meetings.

For MBEs
You will need to check in periodically to check on the corporations that have registered and identified the types of goods and services they are looking for.  MBEs need to clearly state the goods and services they offer.  Do not get discouraged if there are not a lot of corporate buyers on the site right now. These will come in over the next 20 days.  So check in periodically for corporate updates.

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.
Who's Coming?
We are over 700 unique attendees for the show.  Here is a list of the exhibitors.  It is going to be a full house.   We will be closing on-line registration at 2:00 PM today.  You are welcome to register at the site starting Tuesday, September 24 at 8:00 am.
  
And Finally...
Fred
I was asked recently by an MBE how they should prepare for the Trade Expo.  My answer was not so brief, but it boiled down to - be prepared.  It helps to have a perfect elevator speech that is informative, focused and short.  It is even more important to do a little research on the corporations who will be in attendance at the event.  I think we all get into the habit when we are selling or marketing to focus on our offerings, when the focus really should be on the customer.  What is it that you do that will make the customer more profitable and their lives easier?  Successful businesses solve specific customer problems.  As you are meeting with potential customers be on high alert to issues that every company has, no matter how successful.  So be prepared to listen, learn and be successful.  See you next week.

In your service,

Dr. Fred

September 16, 2013

GNEMSDC Advanced Leadership Program (GALP)
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!
Steven Rogers - GALP Professor - Strategy and Positioning
Professor Steven Rogers, Harvard Business School

Steven Rogers is a Senior Lecturer in General Management and teaches the Entrepreneurial Finance Immersion Experiences for Leadership Development (FIELD and Entrepreneurial Finance) course in the MBA program.  A 1985 graduate of the school, Professor Rogers holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Williams College.  Prior to teaching at HBS, Professor Rogers  taught in the MBA program at the Kellogg School of Management in addition to Kellogg executive programs in the U.S., Toronto and Hong Kong, including the Northwestern University PhD program.  He received the Outstanding Professor Award for the Executive Program 26 times.

Before joining the Kellogg Faculty, he owned and operated two manufacturing firms and one retail operation.  Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Professor Rogers worked at Bain and Company Consulting firm, Cummins Engine Company and UNC Ventures, a venture capital firm.

In 2000, he received the 'Bicentennial Medal for Distinguished Achievement' by an alum from Williams College.  In 2005, he received the 'Bert King Award for Service' from the African American Student Union at Harvard Business School.  In 2006, he was selected as one of the "100 Men Impacting Supplier Diversity."  In 2009, Ebony Magazine named him one of the top 150 influential people in America. In 2011, he joined Chicago Mayor Emmanuel's Supplier Diversity Task Force.
 
Also speaking at lunch that day is William Jennings, President and CEO, Bridgeport Hospital. 

William M. Jennings was appointed President & Chief Executive Officer of Bridgeport Hospital and Executive Vice President of Yale New Haven Health System, effective October 1, 2010.  Prior to joining YNHHS, Bill served as the President & Chief Executive Officer of SSM St. Mary's Health Center, a 582-bed urban teaching hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, and President of the SSM St. Louis Heart Institute, both of which are part of the $2.6 billion SSM Health Care System.  During his tenure there, the hospital markedly improved patient and physician satisfaction, increased community engagement and enhanced financial performance.  In 2008, St. Mary's was the recipient of the Premier National Quality Leader award.

Prior to St. Mary's, Bill served for seven years as the Administrator and Chief Operating Officer at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, part of the $1.5 billion BayCare Health System on Florida's west coast. There he enhanced patient care quality, improved patient satisfaction, reduced length of stay and achieved positive financial performance in an extremely competitive market.

Bill serves on the Board of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, the Diversified Network Services Board of the Connecticut Hospital Association and the Board of Central Connecticut Coast YMCA .    

Bill earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Miami University in Ohio and a Master of Health Administration degree from Ohio State University.  He is the elected Regent for Connecticut with the American College of Healthcare Executives.  He and his wife, Kristin, have two children, Sarah and Mason. 
GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Trade Expo: September 24-25 
On Line Registration NOW OPEN!
expo
Business Opportunity Trade Expo is on September 24-25 , Hartford Convention Center, 100 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, Connecticut 06103.    
Click to REGISTER ON-LINE TODAY!    
 
GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Trade Expo Honorary Chair
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.   
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.
Upcoming Events
 
2013 GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Expo  
September 24-25 at Connecticut Convention Center,  Hartford, CT
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:
  • September 24-25, GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Expo, Hartford Convention Center, 100 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, Connecticut 06103
  • September 26 6:00-11:00pm Ritmos de Salud - a cultural performance to benefit Joslin's Latino diabetes initiative Additional Information 
  • October 2 12:00pm - 1:30pm Diversity and Inclusion Professionals Second Annual Awards Luncheon at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, RI  Register Here
  • October 4 - Promising Scholars Golf Classic Laurel View Country Club, Hamden, CT (to benefit inner city New Haven high school graduates matriculating into 4-year colleges and universities.)
  • October 4 - RIBBA Annual Awards Gala with keynote speaker Dr. Randal Pinkett for additional information contact Liz Oliveira at events@ri-bba.com or 508-989-7434 
  • October 8  9:00am - 12:00pm MBEIC Meeing at the GNEMSDC Bridgeport Office 333 State Street Bridgeport, CT.  rsvp to gstiffler@thematletgroup.com
  • October 23 -  5:30-7:30 Celebrating Diversity in the Greater Bridgeport Business Community at People's United Bank Lobby. (850 Main St. Bridgeport) October 27-30, -  NMSDC Business Opportunity Fair and Conference, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX  Registration Brochure
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)
Dr. Fred to be Honored by Gateway Community College - September 28
FredDr. 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.
MBEIC Meeting
MBEISCTuesday 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.
Opportunities
Bridgeport Housing Authority Request for Proposals
2013 St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center launches Supplier Diversity Website
St. Francis encourages diverse businesses to register online by visiting:  http://www.stfranciscare.org/supplierdiversity

Read the introductory letter from St. Francis here.
FYI
And Finally...
Fred
In 1964 Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart in the  Jacobellis v. Ohio case on pornography made the often quoted remark "I will know it when I see it".  I could say the same thing when it comes to knowing what success looks like at the upcoming 2013 GNEMSDC Business Opportunity Expo and Conference.  I will know it when I see it, and I certainly expect to see it.  I was asked the question recently by the Chairman of our board of directors, Lawrence Wooten of Pitney Bowes.  My answer was three fold.  For the Council, success will look like a full house of MBEs and Corporate members.  It will look like a financial success.  For corporate members, success will look like corporate members meeting with outstanding MBEs, many for the first time , who can meet their supply chain needs.  For MBEs, success will look like meeting with corporate representatives and learning of real opportunities in the foreseeable future.  And over time success for all parties will look like jobs created for workers throughout the region, profits for MBEs and corporations growing and growing dynamic minority communities.  Let's make this a success. Together, we can!

In your service,

Dr. Fred
 
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)