Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council
e-Newsletter
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Dear Thomas,
The mission of the Greater New England Minority Supplier
Development Council is to significantly increase business relationships
between our corporate members and our certified MBEs. We believe that
minority business development is a key component of reducing poverty,
unemployment, increasing wealth, and integrating American society. You
are receiving this email in order to keep you abreast of developments
with the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council,
Supplier Diversity Issues and Minority Business Development. If you
like what you read please share internally and externally.
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GNEMSDC 2nd Quarterly Meeting hosted by RBS Citizens - April 17
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April 17th, 2014 12:45pm - 4:30pm, 
One Citizens Plaza, Providence, RI 02903
RBS
Citizens will be hosting the upcoming Quarterly Meeting on April 17th.
Please be sure to attend this meeting to get the latest updates on
GNEMSDC and hear exciting MBE showcases.
MBEs will
have the opportunity to hear showcases from members of the RBS Citizens
Procurement Department and RBS Citizens Primes. There will also be networking opportunities with RBS Citizens primes in the following departments:
-Staffing
-Supplies
-Technology
-Marketing
**Please
be sure to register by Thursday, April 14th noon. Due to security
restrictions there will not be on-site registration.** To RSVP please contact Sarah James.
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Ahold USA Vendor Fair on Sept 17 & 18
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Ahold USA will be hosting a vendor fair for W/MBE's that are not
currently doing business with Ahold USA (which includes Stop & Shop,
Giant/Pennsylvania, Giant/Maryland, Martin's and Peapod). The vendor
fair is only for vendors that have retail product that they want to sell
on our stores' shelves.
The event is
planned for September 17 and 18 and will be held in Carlisle, PA.
Depending on the turnout, the event may be either a one-day or two-day
event. At this event, prospective vendors will have face-to-face time
with the buyers of the category and will be able to educate the buyers
on their product line.
Any interested vendor, should contact Nhgiep Dang @ nghiep.dang@ahold.com. Nghiep will ensure that the vendor receives further information on our vendor fair as it gets closer to the event.
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| GNEMSDC and SBA to Hold Session in Bridgeport, April 29 |
The GNEMSDC is proud to be partnering with the SBA Connecticut office
to host a session on how MBEs can and should apply for 8a certification
on Tuesday, April 29. The 8a program is the U.S.
Government's development program that has resulted in billions of
dollars of contracts for MBEs, and was the launching pad for some of
today's largest MBEs.
SBA 8(a) Requirements Overview
Generally, to be
approved into the 8(a) Business Development program and become certified
the business must meet these eligibility requirements:
- The business must be majority-owned (51 percent or more) by an individual(s).
- The individual(s) must be an American citizen, by birth or naturalization.
- The
business must be majority-owned (51 percent or more) and
controlled/managed by socially and economically disadvantaged
individual(s).
- The individual(s) controlling and
managing the firm on a full-time basis must meet the SBA
requirement for disadvantage, by proving both social disadvantage
and economic disadvantage.
- The business must be a small business.
- The business must demonstrate potential for success.
- The principals must show good character.
- Separate eligibility requirements
exist for a business that is owned by American Indians, Native
Alaskans, Native Hawaiians or Certified Development Companies.
Attending the meeting will be CT Director Bernard Sweeney and SBA New England Regional Administrator Seth
Goodall. You will learn everything you need to know about how to
become 8a certified. Most GNEMSDC corporate members report to the
Federal government on their utilization of 8a firms. This is a very
helpful certification to have.
The meeting will
take place from 10:00 AM to 12 noon at the 333 State Street GNEMSDC
offices. Please reserve you seats. We are limiting this program to 25
GNEMSDC Certified MBEs who are interested in growing their business with
the Federal government. click here to RSVP.
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Please Support Your Council by Attending the 2014
GNEMSDC Annual Gala: May 6
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The Award will be presented at the Black-Tie 2014 GNEMSDC Annual Awards Gala at the Aqua Turf in Southington, CT on Tuesday, May 6.
You will be receiving your invitation to the Annual Awards Gala soon.
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| David Hinson to Receive 2014 GNEMSDC President's Award |
We are extremely happy to announce that David Hinson as accepted the
2014 GNEMSDC Presidents Award. Mr. Hinson's last day as National
Director for the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business
Development Agency was last week. During his tenure he oversaw a
significant increase in the amount of contracts won by minority business
clients of the 44 MBDA Centers across the county. We at the GNEMSDC
are particularly fortunate to be a beneficiary of his leadership. In
2011, the GNEMSDC won a five-year contract to operate the Boston MBDA
Business Center. And in 2013, the GNEMSDC won a four-year contract to
operate the Bridgeport MBDA Business Center. Director Hinson is one of
the global leaders in minority business development. He has traveled
the world to promote business relationships between domestic minority
businesses and minority businesses in Brazil, Africa, Australia and
Europe. We are honored to have Director Hinson as the GNEMSDC 2014
President's Award recipient.
The Award will be presented at the Black-Tie 2014 GNEMSDC Annual Awards Gala at the Aqua Turf in Southington, CT on Tuesday, May 6. It is not too early to reserve your tickets. Call Jerilynn Clarke at203-288-9744 for ticket information.
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| 2014 Annual Gala MC - Jonathan Coachman |
We are very pleased to announce Jonathan Coachman is a Sports TV
Personality for ESPN and ESPN Radio will be joining us at the Gala this
year as our MC. Jonathan Coachman began his career in
19997 in Wichita, KS at KAKE-TV. He continued on to Kansas City in 1999
where he worked in the same sports department with NFL legend and Super
Bowl MVP Len Dawson. In the fall of 1999 his career took an abrupt turn as Coachman took a hob as a TV personality in WWE.
He
spent the next 9 years traveling the world working for Vince McMahon.
In 2006 he began also doing sports again at CSTV and MSG network in New
York City. In 2008 Jonathan left the road and the WWE for the friendly
confines of Bristol, CT and ESPN. In His almost 4 years
with the company Jonathan has done just about every sport but he has
found a niche as a main host on the flagship show SportsCenter. You may
have heard Coachman as you are driving around in your car on ESPN
Radio.
In 2011 Jonathan joined forces with Freddie Coleman for "The Coach and Coleman Show" on ESPN Radio. Jonathan is married to Amy and has 2 beautiful kids, Kayana (3) and JJ (1).
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| 2014 GNEMSDC Nominees for MBE Awards Are In! |
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On behalf of the GNEMSDC board of directors, I am proud to announce the 2014 MBE Nominees.
Category 1 (Under $1,000,000 in Annual Sales)
1. Light Speed
2. Picture That
3. PrintabiliTees
Category 2 (Over $1,000,000 but less than $10,000,000)
1. Environmental Integrity
2. Horizon Services
3. Roxbury Technology
Category 3 (Over $10,000,000 but less than $50,000,000)
1. Essex Newbury North Contracting
2. Lancaster Packaging
3. Minute Man Trucks
5. PCNet
5. SAI Systems
Category 4 (Over $50,000,000)
1. The Matlet Group
Reciprocal (Companies Located Outside of Greater New England)
1. Deluxe Delivery Systems
2. The Berrnd Group
3. World Wide Technologies
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| 2014 GNEMSDC Award Nominees - Congratulations |
On behalf of the GNEMSDC MBE Input Committee I am proud to list the 2014 Nominees for Corporate Awards.
Corporation of the Year - National Category
1. Aetna
2. Cartus
3. Chevron
4. Comcast Cable
5. CVS Caremark
6. Dominion
7. Liberty Mutual Insurance Company
8. National Grid
9. TJX Corporation
10. United Technologies Corporation
Corporation of the Year - Local Category
1.. Pratt & Whitney
2. Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center
3. Yale New Haven Health System
4. Yale University
5. The Metropolitan District Commission
Buyer of the Year
1. Ed Frey, Yale University
2. Ron Swatt, Sikorsky Aircraft
3. Michael Jovovich, Yale New Haven Health Systems
4. Janice Beckner, Connecticut Lottery
5. Erik Collins, Dominion
Advocate of the Year
1. Bob Pilney, The Hartford Insurance Company
2. Joyce C. Eriksen Eggers, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Inc.
3. Alton Moss, Pratt and Whitney4. Erik Collins, Dominion
5.Carla Hunter-Ramsey, National Grid
6. Al Tawrel, Northeast Utilities
7. Thomas Ray, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company
8. Joan Davidson, UTC Areospace Systems
MBE Empowerment Award
1. Eileen Hasson, The Computer Company
2. Arvin Chaudhary, Nadicent Technologies, LLC
Congratulations
to all the nominees on jobs well done. Once again we have a very
competitive field of nominees. THe MBE Input Committee will have a
difficult time selecting one winner in each of these categories. All of
these nominees are deserving of recognition for the great work that
they do to support our mission of minority business development. It
will be an exciting evening on Tuesday, May 6th when the winners are
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| Photo Memories from the GNEMSDC Gala 2010-2013 |
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| Gala MC Johnathan Coachman and others 2013 GMEMSDC Annual Awards Gala |
One thing to inspire you to sign up for the 2014 is to take a look at
these photos from the 2010 - 2013. Hundreds of BEAUTIFUL MBEs and
Corporate members. Also see Governors, Senators, Mayors, other elected
officials, CEOs and other business leaders who attend our Gala. Take a
look and share!
The 2014 GNEMSDC Annual Awards Gala is Tuesday, May 6 at the Aqua Turf in Southington, CT.
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Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council Opens Community Business School in Bridgeport
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The
Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council opens the
GNEMSDC Community Business School at its 333 State Street offices in
Bridgeport. The school is designed to develop minority entrepreneurs in
the area by providing them access to the tools they need to thrive.
This
Saturday we will have Jay Wesley of the Metropolitan District
Commission and Ted Hsu from Horizon Services as our guest speakers.
They will talk about how to access opportunities and what it takes to be
successful with companies like MDC. We meet every Saturday from 9:00
to 11:30 am. There is no cost to attend.
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| Google and GNEMSDC Web Marketing Program |
The GNEMSDC and Google are proud to announce this exciting new program
designed to help certified MBEs increase their effectiveness on the web.
The Accelerate with Google Academy is a 12-week program designed to
help businesses like yours start marketing online--and then be great at
it. As a participant, you'll get all the tools and training you need to
advertise on the web, including live help and private consultations with
dedicated experts. Plus, the program is customized, so by the end
you'll be ready to start meeting your business's unique goals and making
the most of the web. |
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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:
- April 14-15 - Diversity Business Summit The premier employment conference and Procurement Trade Fair in Sports!
- April 16, 2014 GNEMSDC MBE Orientation at GNEMSDC Copley Office
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April 17, 2014 GNEMSDC 2nd Quarterly Meeting hosted by RBS Citizens, Providence, RI
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April 24, 2014 MassHousing's 24th Annual Greater Boston M/WBE Trade Fair More Information
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April 30, 2014 Sam's Club Food &Beverage Merchandising Division Diversity Supplier Summit, Bentonville, AK more information
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April 30, 2014 TD BANK First Time Home Buyer Seminar at GNEMSDC Community Business Conference Center 333 State Street Bridgeport CT more information
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April 30, 2014 Pulman & Comley hold a Strengthing Yur Business With LGBT Diversity at the Hartford Club 46 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT more information
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May 1, 204 - Connecticut Housing Finance Agency and LUPA are
holding an event at Hartford Public Library 5:30 - 8:30, Dr. Fred is
the Keynote Speaker. The purpose of the event is to bring together
Latino leaders CHFA and first time homebuyers.
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May 5, 2014 - Register for the MBE Pre-Certification Webinar at 2:00 pm click here to RSVP
- May 6, 2014 - GNEMSDC Annual Awards Gala, Aqua Turf, Southington CT
- May 8, 2014 -W.E.B. DuBois Public Policy Series Dinner, 127 State Street Springfield MA. Dr. Fred is the Keynote Speaker. For more information contact Vincent Jackson at vince@mktgmoves.com.
- May 13, 2014
- Anti Defamation League Torch of Liberty Award Ceremony Honoring Carl
Highsmith (Dr. Fred will present Carl the Award.) Program is at
Congregation B'nai Jacob Woodbridge, CT. For more information contact jmagid@adl.org.
- May 14, 2014 GNEMSDC & Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce Networking Session at the GNEMSDC Boston Office Additional Information
- May 15, 2014 - SBA - GNEMSDC Matchmaker at Microsoft Corporation, Cambridge, MA
- June 2, 2014- GNEMSDC MA Golf Outing, Ferncroft Country Club, Danvers MA
- July 11, 2014- GNEMSDC CT Golf Outing, Lyman Orchards, Middleton, CT
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September 30-October 1, 2014 - GNEMSDC Expo and Conference, Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort, Uncasville, CT
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October 10 - GNEMSDC Advanced Leadership Program, Bridgeport, CT (First Weekly Session)
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November 20 - GNEMSDC/MBDA Best Practice Forum, Fenway Park, Boston, MA
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Corporation of the Week: United Technologies Corporation
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United
Technologies Corporation seeks the most innovative and competitive
suppliers in order to maintain our competitive advantage. We spent the
1990s working on internal efficiencies and cost with great success. In
the last several years we have worked aggressively with our supply base
as real partners to eliminate inefficiencies, enable lower cost and
deliver the highest quality to our customers. Diverse suppliers have
been essential to our performance and will be for decades to come.
We
also require of our top suppliers and integrators the same supplier
diversity commitments we expect from ourselves. Please browse our supplier diversity website where you'll learn how diverse suppliers are a priority for UTC and what your opportunities with our company may be."Louis R. Chênevert, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
United
Technologies Corporation seeks to maximize opportunities for small,
small disadvantaged, minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned,
LGBT-owned, and historically underutilized businesses to serve as
suppliers and subcontractors to the Corporation.
How do we do this?
UTC
has goals for both MBE and WBE spend that are included in the
performance evaluation metrics of the Supplier Diversity Managers,
SBLOs, VPs of Supply Management and VPs of Operations at all business
units and are flowed down accordingly.
Supplier
diversity is integrated throughout all UTC companies and led through
the deployment of the UTC Supplier Diversity Council. Our
mission is to capitalize on the innovation and productivity from diverse
suppliers while supporting the communities where we live and work.
This will be done through increased spend and companywide implementation
of strategic programs.
As
an example, UTC deployed a mandatory Supplier Diversity training course
with a GNEMSDC-certified MBE for all supply management professionals,
with a 3-year recurrence. This training ensures that diversity
inclusion at UTC is understood, not just as a metric, but as a core
value to our business.
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| MBE of the Week: Level Nine Group LLC |
Level Nine was started in 2008 as a small business that provided IT
support service and quickly grew into a full-service Managed IT service
provider. As Level Nine expanded its client base, different types of
needs emerged and clients turned to us as trusted advisors to help them
address their challenges. To better respond to our client's needs and
expand our portfolio of services, Level Nine added members to its team
creating a strong platform of talent to support our clients. Level Nine
is now a full-service IT consultancy offering clients comprehensive
expertise and leadership. Our client-centric service delivery model is
designed around our core values as an organization: our customers always come first, we never compromise on quality, and integrity defines who are and how we serve. We approach all engagements from that foundational direction, themes that are resident in every aspect of our work.
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Manafort fined $2.4M for Minority-Contractor Breach
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Plainville
contractor Manafort Brothers Inc. will pay a $2.4 million federal fine
and undergo independent monitoring for lying about its use of minority
contractors on a state highway project, authorities say.
The Connecticut U.S. Attorney's office and other state and federal
investigators announced Monday Manafort's agreement to settle its role
in a criminal and civil probe into the corporation's misconduct
surrounding the relocation of Route 72 in Bristol, work that dated to
April 2007.
According to investigators, Manafort admitted lying
to the state Transportation Department about its use of socially and
economically disadvantaged contractors for its $39.7 million roadwork
contract.
Manafort
claimed that it met federal requirements on the use of minority
contractors for 4.2 miles of highway- and secondary-road work, when it
fact it did not, prosecutors said. Use of such disadvantaged contractors
is a condition of federal taxpayer-funded bids.
In
addition to the fine, Manafort must hire an ethics/compliance officer;
set up a compliance committee that meets regularly to review and address
"disadvantaged business enterprise" (DBE) issues; and install software
to track qualified DBE firms, authorities said.
The
firm also agreed to "remove the Manafort personnel directly involved in
the misconduct" and continue to aid authorities in their ongoing probe.
Those personnel weren't identified.
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Invitations for Bid and Opportunities
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- MBE looking for an experienced sales rep to cover the CT market, selling into the Biotech and Manufacturing industries. Highest commissions paid in the industry, and working for a company with over 23 years in business.
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Experience required, the right person could exceed 100,000 in total compensation. Needs to grow the region, but will also be given accounts to expand on in the CT area. All interested applicants can either email you and you can forward their info to me or they can email me directly atfrankq@qaisupply.com .
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The Boston Public School Department is seeking bid proposals "T0 provide hot and cold vended meals for the Boston Public Schools - Mu;ti Year contract (3 years) - RFP# 866" and for the "Purchase of fall sports equipment and supplies for Boston Public Schools - BID# BPS 867" If interested please contact Andie Kim for a complete bid proposal packet.
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One Source Mechanical Solutions is looking for Licensed HVAC Piping Refrigeration Installer for more information contact jlittle-greer@gnemsdc.org.
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 United
Rentals Inc. is seeking to partner with potential providers for
Electrical Maintenance Services at all United Rentals' locations in both
US & Canada. It
is the intent of URI to secure service level agreements with such
suppliers to provide electrical maintenance and related services such as
periodic electrical repairs and routine maintenance of the electrical
systems at URI branch locations, emergency electrical services, service
ticket reporting, replacement of parts and other necessary repairs to
maintain our branch Electrical Systems at maximum operational
efficiency. There
will be multiple agreements put into place so it is not required that
suppliers service all or even a majority of the URI locations. Supplier's must adhere to URI requirements including:
* Only self-performing companies will be considered
* Valid and up-to-date electrical licensure requirement
* Proper certifications
* Liability/Workman's Compensation Insurance
* Work performance guarantees and warranties
* Bonding requirements
If interested, please contact Kevin O'Toole, Strategic Sourcing Manager at kotoole@ur.com. Supplier qualification submissions close Tuesday, April 15th, 2014.
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| Health Care and Hospital Opportunities |
If you are an MBE and have not spent some time thinking about
providing goods and services to the health care and hospital industry,
you are missing out on one of the largest industries in the U.S.
economy. As a director of Bridgeport Hospital, part of the Yale New
Haven Health System, I know that there are significant opportunities for
businesses that can improve patient satisfaction, increase operational
efficiency and improve financial performance. In 2010 US national
health care expenditures totaled $2.6 trillion or 17.5 percent of total
GDP. And while expenditure growth has slowed to about 4 percent a year,
this is an industry that will continue to grow.
Why are you not participating in this industry?
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| Tuck School of Business - Minority Business Program |
which is held at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth from May 18-23, 2014, provides
an opportunity to evaluate your organization's health and diagnose its
strengths and areas for improvement. Over the course of this intensive
five-day program, you will develop the skills needed to help your
business thrive. The week covers business strategy, finance, marketing
strategy, operations, and leadership. By participating in Building a
High-Performing Minority Business, you will increase your chances of
long-term success and greater profitability. Visit our program pages to read a few success stories and learn more about the program. Watch a video of
Faculty Director Len Greenhalgh sharing why it's worth your valuable
time to attend this program. For even more information, I invite you to
review the program brochure. (See website address below.)
The Tuck School was the first U.S. institution of higher education to
offer executive programs dedicated to advancing the capabilities of
underserved entrepreneurs and executives. Since setting the standard in
1980, Tuck continuously has honed its program, expanding and refining
what is covered to create the maximum impact on your business. Tuck is a
place rich in opportunities for personal, as well as professional,
growth, thanks to its people, facilities, and setting in beautiful
northern New England. It is a learning environment rooted in
collaboration, respect, and intellectual stimulation. It is a school
where interaction with faculty and peers, both inside and outside the
classroom, creates relationships that last a lifetime.
You may confirm your attendance by completing the online application form found
on our website. (Once we receive your application, the admissions
committee will review it and then send you an email regarding your
acceptance. From there, our program coordination team will contact you
with all pertinent program information.) For questions about the
program, its curriculum, or the application process, please contact
Michelle Loveys Dozier at tuck.diversity.programs@tuck.dartmouth.edu or 603.646.9287
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| MBDA Client Develops Corporate HR Tool |
One of the Boston MBDA Business Center's clients, VoiceGlance, has developed a powerful tool that brings the hiring process into the 21 st Century. A recent offshoot of Mystic, CT's MResult, http://www.mresult.com/Home/default.aspx
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VoiceGlance
is a cloud-based candidate screening platform used by forward thinking
employers to streamline the early stages of their hiring process.
Ultimately helping Hiring Managers gain better insight and spend more
time with the right candidates. The end result is significantly lower
costs and more comprehensive coverage of candidates. For more
information, contact Bill Palifka, bpalifka@voiceglance.com." |
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Become a GNEMSDC MBE Subscriber
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GNEMSDC provides additional services to out of network MBEs certified with the NMSDC. Below is the cost to obtain Subscription Services with the GNEMSDC.
Out of Network MBEs are MBEs certified by other affiliated councils of the NMSDC.
List of Services Provided
- Registration of your business as a MBDA client with the Boston and Bridgeport Business Centers.
- A business development plan for your business.
- Registration on the on-line MBDA Boston and Bridgeport Center Smart Track Opportunity Portal.
- Registration on the portal advertising Federal opportunities.
- Access to free business consulting where specific contract and financing opportunities exist.
- Review of existing capability statement, or the help with the creation of a capability statement.
- Participation in the MBE CEO Roundtable Program - a Forum for MBE CEOs to discuss business.
- Support with our U.S. Department of Commerce and MBDA partners to assist your company to go global.
- Full participation in the GNEMSDC/Google marketing program.
- Ability to attend GNEMSDC MBE development programs at lower cost.
- Discounted fees to attend all events.
- Ability to exhibit at GNEMSDC Trade Expo.
- Eligibility for GNEMSDC Awards for Supplier of the Year.
- Ability to attend NMSDC events at the preferred MBE pricing.
- Listing in the database accessible by corporate members.
Contact the MBE Services Group for more information at (203)288-9744 or sent email to Jennifer Little-Greer.
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GNEMSDC Classroom and Conference Room is Available!
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Reserve the GNEMSDC Community Business School for your next business or
training event. The contract rate is $100.00 per hour or $500.00/per
day (9:00 am - 5:00 pm).
The
GNEMSDC Comunity Business School is free to all GNEMSDC Corporate
Members and GNEMSDC certifed MBEs. For more details and to check
availability call (203)288-9744
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And Finally
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Vindictiveness
is not a characteristic that is appealing to most, nor is kicking
someone while they are down. But at the risk of sullying perceptions of
my character, there was an important decision announced by the U.S.
Attorney's office last week that deserves additional exposure, not for
the sake of further embarrassing the company that suffered this public
and financial humiliation, but because it should provide a strong
teaching lesson to other companies who have also committed or
contemplated similar crimes. The incident I am speaking about is the
$2.4 million fine and agreement imposed on the Plainville, CT based
construction company Manafort Brothers.
The
DBE program is a program that certifies businesses based on economic
disadvantage for contracts funded by the United States Department of
Transportation and managed by State Departments of Transportation like
Connecticut DOT, MassDOT and RIDOT and other DOTs across the country.
The purpose of the DBE program is to increase economic opportunity and
participation by disadvantaged businesses on federal contracts. (http://www.dot.gov/osdbu/disadvantaged-business-enterprise)
In 2007, Manafort Brothers was the lowest responsible bidder on a $40 million
contract
to improve some roads in Connecticut. Part of their contract submission
included the use of a specific DBE. This DBE was a subcontractor on the
job. However, the investigation by the FBI, the DOT and several other
agencies indicated that the DBE was simply a "pass-through" that allowed
Manafort Brothers to continue using subcontractors other than the DBE
of record. This is one of the oldest games in town, and one of the most
common abuses of DBE and MBE programs inside and outside of federal
contracting. A pass-through occurs when a subcontractor usually a DBE, a
MBE or a WBE is used by a prime contractor whereby the prime agrees to
pay the pass-through firm as a subcontractor, but the subcontractor
agrees to subcontract the work to non-diverse firms. The "benefit" to
the prime is that they get to continue working with the companies they
want to work with while appearing to be in compliance with the goals of
the diverse program, in this case the DBE program of the U.S. Department
of Transportation. But make no mistake this is an abuse that takes
place in the private and public sector, and not just in the DBE program.
In pass-through contracts, very little employment or wealth is created
in minority firms or minority communities.
Here
is where at the risk of sounding vindictive, I must congratulate the
FBI, the U.S. Attorney's office and the other investigative agencies for
their work on imposing this significant fine on Manafort Brothers. The
purpose of these fines and other resolutions is to send a strong and
unequivocal message to the offending company, but also to send a shot
across the bow of other companies contemplating similar abuses of the
law. One aspect of the settlement that Manafort Brothers agreed to was
to implement changes in their procurement practices and to bring in
independent outside experts to educate senior management on DBE
compliance.
For
other federal contractors, this fine and settlement should serve as an
important reminder that laws intended to promote economic inclusion of
DBEs, MBEs WBEs and others are there for a reason and attempts to avoid,
skirt, ignore and abuse such laws occasionally have significant
financial and criminal consequences. As the president and CEO of the
Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council, I think this
is the most important legal action taken in support of minority business
in the history of our organization here in Connecticut. Laws and
policies without consequences and enforcement are soon ignored. It is
about time and long overdue, that the legitimate diverse business
community has had the support of the federal government in this regard.
For the abusers of the law who have not been caught, now is the time to
review your own actions. The authorities are watching.
At
the end of the day, the DBE and diverse business programs are in place
to spread the wealth to people, businesses and communities who for
reasons of history have not been included in the creation of wealth,
particularly when it comes to public dollars. These programs are needed
today at least as much as when they were first created. And part of the
reason why they are needed today is that there has not been the
enforcement behind the intent of these laws, until last week's decision.
There is now an optimism and an opportunity for us to reach the goals
of this program so that at some point in the future we can wind down
these programs. But now is not even close to the time when we can
contemplate this eventuality. However, because of the actions last week
of the Federal government we are closer to that day.
In your service
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Comments
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supply diversity services