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 Trade Expo and Conference
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
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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
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
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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 10 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, 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 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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| GNEMSDC 2014 Shining Stars |
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Jill Davis Kone
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 Wooten
is now the President and CEO of the Western Regional Minority Supplier
Development Council. Earlier this year and for the previous three
years, Mr. Wooten served as the Chairman of the Board for the GNEMSDC
while working as the Supplier Diversity Leader at Pitney Bowes. I have
known and worked with Lawrence for over 12 years, and over that time I
came to respect his passion and dedication to Supplier Diversity.
Lawrence is being recognized as a Shining Star because of long service
to the GNEMSDC. Mr. and Mrs. Wooten will come back to Connecticut for
the Expo. Lawrence and Janice now live in Oakland, California.
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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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Aug 21, 2014 9:00am -11:00am GNEMSDC MBE Orientation to be held at the GNEMSDC Boston Office click here to rsvp.
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August 21, 2014 10:00am - 2:00pm Northeastern University Networking Event for local Boston area Businesses Additional Information.
- September 19, 2014 - Promising
Scholars Golf Classic at Tradition Golf Club at Oak Lane in Woodbridge,
CT. This golf outing is one of the top events in the region for
bringing together C-level executives. For more information contact
Reggie Mayo (Former Superintendent of Schools City of New Haven)
203-415-9375.
- September 23, 2014 8:00am
Commonwealth Compact Diversity & Inclusion Strategies Conference:
GNEMSDC will host one of many workshops. The topic of discussion will be
"Taking Supplier Diversity To The Next Level". For those members who
are interested to learn about supplier diversity or have questions on
the best practices of supplier diversity, please attend the conference. Additional Info
- September 26, 2014
6pm-10pm ritmos de salud to benefit Joslin's Latino Diabetes
Initiative. For more information contact Caitlin Enright at 617-309-2531
of Caitlin.enright@joslin.harvard.edu.
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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, 2014 - GNEMSDC Advanced Leadership Program, Bridgeport, CT (First Weekly Session)
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October 10, 2014 9:00am - 3:00pm United Way
of Western Connecticut BoardServe Western CT Training at the Nestle
Waters, 900 Long Ridge Road, Stamford CT. For more information click here
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October 28, 2014 6:00pm - 8:00pm
"Celebrating Diversity in the Greater Bridgeport Business Community" to
be held at People's United Bank Lobby, 850 Main St. Bridgeport click here to rsvp.
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November 20, 2014 - GNEMSDC/MBDA Best Practice Forum, Fenway Park, Boston, MA
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Boston MBDA Business Center CEO Roundtable
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 GSA SCHEDULES BASICS
August 27, 2014 * 8:00am -10:00am
The Palladium Room * 2 Copley Place, 4th Floor * Boston, MA 02116
Featuring:
Len Green, Procurement Advisor with
Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Learn about the following services offered by PTAC:
GSA Schedules:
Benefits
Process for application
Pitfalls
Marketing
Competition
Space is limited!
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The GNEMSDC Advanced Leadership Program (GALP)
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We
are pleased to announce the second year of the GNEMSDC Advanced
Leadership Program (GALP). The program consists of 5 full-day sessions
led by outstanding business professors and writers. The professors in
this program represent the best executive educators in the world, and
are from the top business schools in the world. The GALP faculty
includes, Steven Rogers of the Harvard Business School, David
Hinson, former National Director of the MBDA. Olav Sorensen of Yale
School of Management, and Jeffrey Fox, best-selling author of "How to
Become a Rainmaker" and other top selling business books.
At
lunch during each day of the program, we will have corporate CEOs and
other C-Level executives speak to the program participants. Last year
the CEO faculty included Anne Noble, President and CEO of the CT
Lottery, Kevin Kelleher, President and CEO of Cartus, William Jennings,
President and CEO of Bridgeport Hospital, Rodney Powell, President and
COO of Yankee Gas, Carlton Highsmith, Retired Chairman of Specialized
Packaging Group and Joseph Black, Chief Procurement Officer of Aetna.
The program begins on Friday October 17, 2014 and ending on Friday,
November 14.
The
program is geared to the owner/entrepreneurs of firms with $1 million
in annual sales or more who are looking to significantly grow their
business's top and bottom lines. Participants will not only experience
the wisdom of the assembled professors, participants will benefit
greatly by learning from the other high powered MBE owners in
attendance. Space is limited to 25 MBEs. Think of the value of simply
making the connections that being part of this program can do for your
business; that alone is worth the investment of your time and resources.
Participants
will receive a certificate signed by all professors in the program.
This will be a valuable reminder of the time invested in this innovative
program. Here is what Ron Williams, a participant last year had to say
about his experience:
"As
a participant of the Inaugural Session of GNEMSDC Advanced Leadership
Program (GALP), who also attended (AMEP/Kellogg in 2005), I was most
impressed with the program content, as well as, the presentations of
several quality Speakers, such as Steven Rogers, who was a Professor
instructing at my Kellogg session.
I
would encourage any MBE Supplier who is able to attend this years' GALP
to do so. Please let me know your impression of the program as well."
This
year we are proud to have the generous support of the Fairfield County
Community Foundation. Call the office if you are interested in being
participant in this MBE educational program.
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Corporate Member of the Week: United Rentals
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United Rentals, Inc. (URI) is the world's largest equipment rental
company. At United Rentals, Inc., we proactively seek diverse suppliers.
We believe that companies that actively embrace diversity and
consistently demonstrate their commitment to the many communities they
serve, establish a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace.
United Rentals' Supplier Diversity program plays an important role in
our company's overall commitment to enhance the growth and development
of the communities we serve. The ever-changing nature of the economy
requires us to remain competitive. All companies must proactively reach
out and include the broadest range of people, ideas, products and
services possible. United Rentals' Supplier Diversity program does just
that.
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| Supplier Diversity Online Course |
 BENEFITS:
* With self-study online course, participants can purchase/view online course at any time (24/7).
* Participants earn 18 Continuing Education Units (ISM) and gain valuable new skills at their own pace.
* Self-paced
* Participants
who complete and pass a final assessment earn a completion certificate
of 18 credits in Supplier Diversity from NMSDC/Rutgers University.
The course is open to NMSDC Affiliate Council Presidents.
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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.
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Penn National Gaming Opportunities
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Penn National Gaming (PNG) is a new corporate member of the GNEMSDC. I
am working very closely with PNG on their development and expansion of
their Plainville, MA race track to include slot machines. As a member
of their diversity committee, I have been provided insight into their
plans and their opportunities. There will be over $75 million in new
construction opportunities on this project and many millions of dollars
of on-going product and service needs once the doors to the new facility
are open. We know that things like furniture, signage, audio visual,
IT equipment, landscaping, and janitorial will be open for bidding.
PNGG has set an internal goal of 16 percent minority spend on the
project.
I encourage MBEs interested in these opportunities to register on PNG's website, |
Invitations for Bid and Opportunities
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- Town of Ledyard is looking for contractor to bid on the projects below
- U Conn Innovation Partnership Building - For information on available contracts and bidding procedures please Click here.
Prequalification forms icon can be found on the left corner of the page.
Invitation for Subcontractors
can be found in the Prequal Library which provides a good summary of
the bidding process and bidding packages (ranging $20,000 to
$15,900.00) More information will be provided for the next outreach program in West Hartford in the next newsletter.
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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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Harvard
University is committed to increasing their efforts in hiring a more
diverse population at Harvard Medical School. Please visit their career website for employment opportunities.
- A progressive publicly owned regional railroad has an immediate need for a train dispatcher/clerk. See detailed ad at www.pwrr.com.
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And Finally...
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Diversity is a fact, not a strategy.
This
has truly been a summer of discontent. From the brutal and savage wars
between Israel and the Palestinians, the Ukrainians and the Russians,
Sunnis and the Shias, the Syrians and the Syrians, the Ebola virus and
the West Africans, the police force of Ferguson Missouri and the
community of Ferguson and the Americans and the children of Honduras,
the world appears to be on fire. If there are lessons from the turmoil
impacting every corner of the world, one such lesson is that diversity
is not a strategy - diversity is a fact.
Because
of improved communication, technology, and transportation the world is
considerably smaller than it was even twenty years ago. We are now
literally and figuratively, on top of one another. This proximity to one
another combined with the fact that our technology of destruction has
advanced beyond our technology of tolerance, has resulted in much of
what is wrong today.
The
diversity that we praise is evident in every part of the world.
Diversity is a reality that no one can deny. Yet, we have demonstrated
that diversity in and of itself can be as divisive a force as it can be
basis of a more just and humane society. It is clear to me that
religious diversity, ethnic diversity, racial diversity , political
diversity continue to the source of what Bob Marley sang about in the
song, "So Much Trouble in the World."
We
need to go beyond diversity to embrace strategies that turn this
unchanging reality into a better world. We do not need a strategy to
become more diverse. We are more diverse. We need a strategy to take
advantage of that diversity. This must start with three things that are
the basis of a strategy; tolerance, empathy, and compassion.
Diversity
without tolerance can motivate exploitation, death and destruction.
Tolerance requires something that goes beyond religion, ethnicity,
gender and race. Tolerance requires humility and acceptance. We must be
humble enough to accept the fact that we are all special, and that we
are no more special than anyone else. This is hard in a world where
people are taught to believe that they are chosen or superior to others.
This tolerance must in fact trump our religious tendencies to believe
that our God is better than your God. If given the philosophical choice
of religious intolerance or the belief in no-God with human tolerance; I
would say the latter is a superior belief system from the perspective
of peace. We are all chosen, or we are all infidels any other
combination is deadly.
In
addition to tolerance, we must also exhibit empathy. As business
leaders, we are in a position to help those who need our help. We know
that in business we make choices every day and that we cannot assist
everyone that needs our help. Yet, in this diverse world, empathy
towards the needs of others allows us to appreciate the diversity in our
world. Walking a mile in someone else's shoes makes possible the
conversion of a purely intellectual understanding of diversity to a
visceral and behavioral understanding of diversity. We are familiar with
the right words on corporate statements supporting diversity, but how
many corporate CEOs have visited with an early stage minority
entrepreneur that dreams of business success against great odds? The
fact of the matter is, an individual or a corporation cannot pay for
empathy with money. The only currency empathy accepts is time.
And
finally, without compassion diversity is only a shell without a soul.
Action to correct discrimination, past and present, is required. Action
is the life force that coverts the goal of diversity into a reality. In
our world of corporate supplier diversity, it is a passive act to
provide MBEs and WBES with opportunity information. This is good and
necessary. But compassion in supplier diversity requires us to go beyond
being a disseminator of information. We must become active advocates
for diverse businesses that include converting information into
contracts, employment and growth. Professionals in positions that
include diversity as a responsibility cannot be successful without this
compassion. I wish I knew how to teach compassion, but we clearly need
more of it.
We
have great problems around the world that are related to the fact of
diversity. Unfortunately, there are "leaders" who are exploiting that
diversity in ways that divide us instead of uniting us. We need leaders
that show tolerance, empathy and compassion. If you are in a position
to make a decision, you are potentially one of those leaders. While you
may not bring peace to the world, your tolerance, empathy and compassion
can improve your small corner of it.
In your service,
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