Diverse Business: Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council

Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council: 28th Annual Stars of Diversity Awards
October marks National Minority Business Month across the nation. In Detroit, the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) gathers more than700 minority business owners and the nation's top corporate brass.



This annual event which is held every year during Minority Business Month, "celebrates the stars of diversity. " The honorees are acknowledged for their work that made $12 billion in contract opportunities possible for the members of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC).

This Grammy-Style Awards Show and Strolling Dinner had Rhonda Walker, morning anchor on local NBC Affiliate (WDIV Detroit) as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

"We were glad to highlight companies like SET Enterprise, who was recently featured in Black Enterprise, and won the Diamond Award because he goes out of his way to help other minority businesses," said Louis Green, President/CEO of MMSDC.

Hear the podcast of Sid Taylor, the President of SET Enterprise, on the Diverse Business show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/diversebusiness/2011/09/19/ ...#

This sold-out event celebrated the extraordinary achievements of those in the supplier diversity industry.

Special Guests this year included: City of Detroit Mayor, Dave Bing and Tony Brown, MMSDC Chairman of the Board and Group Vice President, Global Purchasing, Ford Motor Company, and Reverend Jesse Jackson, Rainbow PUSH.

2011 Award Winners

Corporation of the Year - OEM
Ford Motor Company
Corporation of the Year - Professional
Kelly Services Inc.

Corporation of the Year - Commercial Products
Herman Miller Inc.

Corporation of the Year - Manufacturing I
Johnson Controls, Inc.

Corporation of the Year - Finance & Insurance
The Auto Club Group (AAA Michigan)

Corporation of the Year - Construction
Walbridge

Corporation of the Year - Consumer Products
DTE Energy
Corporation of the Year - Health Care
Henry Ford Health System

Corporation of the Year -Education and Govt Entities
Wayne State University

Corporation of the Year - Information Technology
IBM Corporation

Corporate Buyer of the Year - National
Jonathan Pratt - Jonhson Controls, Inc.

Corporate Buyer of the Year - Local
Eric Newton - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan


Minority Business Advocate of the Year - National
Kevin Bell - Chrysler Group LLC

Minority Business Advocate of the Year - Local
Donna Strickland - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan


Diamond Award
Sid E. Taylor - SET Enterprises

Class I (Sales less than $1M)
Unique Expressions LLC

Class II (Sales bet. $1M - $10M)
Powerlink Facilities Management Services

Class III (Sales bet. $10M - $50M)
The Epitec Group, Inc.

Class IV (Sales over $50M)
Vision Information Technologies, Inc. (VisionIT)

President's Award
Burt Jordan, Ford Motor Company
Chris Genteel, Google, Inc.

About MMSDC
MMSDC is a non-profit, 501c 3 organization. Founded in 1977, the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) has more than 1,200 certified minority businesses and over 300 corporate members working to further its mission to certify minority businesses; provide access to procurement opportunities; and develop capacity for minority business development. The MMSDC was recognized by the National Minority Supplier Development Council as "Council of the Year" for its work with major corporations to promote minority business development and growth.. For more information visit the MMSDC's website at http://www.minoritysupplier.org.

Minority Supplier Development Week: Focusing on Economic Growth and Job Creation

Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) one of the winners of the $37 million Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge

To spur Economic Growth and Job Creation in 20 Regions across the Country

 “This cluster concept is so important… When you get a group of people together, and industries together, and institutions like universities together around particular industries, then the synergies that develop from all those different facets coming together can make the whole the greater than the sum of its parts.”  -President Barack Obama

MichiganMinority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) is part of the Southeast Michigan cluster which has been awarded $2.1 million dollars through the federal Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge to create new jobs and technologies related to the rapidly emerging advanced energy storage system (AESS) industry cluster. 

 Advanced energy systems are critical to the future of the automotive industry, which is innovating rapidly around vehicle electrification and hybridization.  The alternative energy economy also relies heavily on energy storage systems, like batteries and powertrains, to prolong the life of energy generated by solar and wind systems.

 

 “Our role here at the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council will be to focus on diversifying existing firms that are affected by the rapidly shifting automotive industry so they can create jobs now and long into the future, said Louis Green, President/CEO of MMSDC, which is located in Detroit.

 “We are excited to be assist the emerging majority create new jobs and technologies related to the rapidly emerging advanced energy storage system,” said Green.

The multi-agency grant comes from the Employment and Training Administration, the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration. The SBA’s grant of $150,000 will directly support the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council’s efforts to build diverse business opportunities for minority suppliers. 

“We are making steady progress towards putting America back to work," said U.S. Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis in a conference call with reporters. "The accelerator program uses federal dollars in a smarter way to build up regional economies."

The announcement of the award was made in Washington DC from: Acting U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Rebecca Blank; U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce, John Fernandez; and Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator, Karen Mills. 

“SBA has a long history of support for regional clusters and the Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge is an important next step, said Karen Mills.

 “I am pleased that SBA is contributing funding to bring underserved small businesses into regional clusters across the country.  By working with other federal agencies, we can link, leverage, and align our resources to give small businesses the tools they need to work together, grow and create jobs.”

The SBA is an organization that the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council works with to move the economy forward.

 “It’s no secret that Michigan’s economy has been hit the hardest. So this two million dollar investment in jobs for the southeast Michigan region is just what is needed to ignite new industries and create new jobs, said Green, “and we are the ready to get to work.”

For more information on the Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge, visit: www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/jobsandinnovationchallenge.

About the MMSDC:

Founded in 1977, the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMBSC) has more than 1,300 certified minority businesses and over 300 corporate members working to further its mission to certify minority businesses; provide access to procurement opportunities; and develop capacity for minority business development.

The MMBDC was recognized by the National Minority Supplier Development Council as “Council of the Year” for its work with major corporations to promote minority business development and growth. MMSDC is a non-profit, 501c 3 organization. For more information visit the MMSDC’s website at (www.minoritysupplier.org)

Listen to internet radio with Diverse Business on Blog Talk Radio

Supplier Diversity Best Practices & Summit: Grand Rapids

Supplier Diversity best practices

Many companies have Supplier Diversity programs. These programs, also referred to as minority owned business enterprise or MBE programs are intended to help large corporations do business with small companies owned by African, Hispanic, and Asian Americans. The effectiveness of Supplier Diversity programs varies widely, depending on whether the company wants to use theirs as a strategic means to lower their bottom line costs and improve profitability, or only as a public relations vehicle.


Here are some of the characteristics of the best practices for Supplier Diversity programs:

• Clearly documented commitment from the company's CEO


• Specific annual goals for purchasing from minority owned businesses


• Attainment of the goals tied to the compensation and performance plans of senior management


• Inclusion of Supplier Diversity in a strategic plan for diversity


• Head of the Supplier Diversity program is at the senior management level or above, and has control over corporate purchasing


• Consideration of minority owned businesses included as a formal part of the contracting procurement process


• Second-tier subcontracting to minority owned businesses also included as part of that process and written into the prime supplier's contract


• A comprehensive database of minority owned businesses that is actively maintained and integrated into the purchasing process


• Purchasing system that tracks supplier diversity performance and can target specific contracts for additional focus, outreach, or consideration


• Visibility on the company's Internet website, including program details, contacts, and list of products and services purchased


• Strategic partnerships with ethnic chambers, publishers, and other organizations that can assist in outreach

source: http://www.diversestrategies.com/Supplier_diversity_best_practices.htm

Ticket Information:

http://supplierdiversitysummit.eventbrite.com/

Event Details

The Supplier Diversity Summit is West Michigan's premier business development and networking event for minority business enterprises (MBEs); and is the place for large and small businesses, federal, state, and local governments, and other buying entities to meet, connect, and build relationships among certified minority-owned firms. Our 2011 theme, "Diversity's Global Reach," highlights the need for businesses to be globally savvy and able to offer global solutions to customers.

The Summit features dynamic presentations including a minority business panel showcasing their international success stories, and is open to people with an interest in, and concern for building our economy and society through inclusion. We invite you to register and attend this important conference.

Join us August 10-11, 2011 in Grand Rapids, Michigan

http://supplierdiversitysummit.eventbrite.com/

30th Annual Michigan Minority Procurement Conference and Trade Fair

Listen to the internet radio show with Diverse Business on Blog Talk Radio with MMSDC's Lillian Lowery and Ken Harris

Value, Sustainability, and Growth

30th Annual Michigan Minority Procurement Conference and Trade Fair

  Where many businesses see obstacles, there is a special group of 1,300 companies that see opportunity in “Value, Sustainability, and Growth.”  This is the message of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC), Wayne County and the City of Detroit’s 30^th Annual MichiganMinority Procurement Conference (MMPC) and Tradeshow May 10-12, at the Cobo Conference Center. 

This is the largest minority business enterprise (MBE) business opportunity fair of its type in the nation, bringing together diverse suppliers and major corporations from several industries and several states.

            The content of this two day event is consistent with the theme.  “Value Sustainability and Growth.” Value is represented by the companies that will bring over $15.56 billion in opportunity for diverse businesses.  The Value is also represented by a powerful day of professional development training featuring Google, and Harvard Business School Professor and Detroit native, Lynda Applegate on May 11, 2011.

Further demonstrating the value minority businesses bring to our nation’s economy; the Chief Purchasing Officers of Chrysler, General Motors, Ford, Honda and Toyota will make a rare joint appearance to kickoff the Tradeshow on Thursday, May 12, 2011. 

Sustainability is represented by the MMSDC minority businesses that are mentoring and developing others in the business community to strengthen Michigan’s Economy. 

Growth is represented by the 80 Metropolitan Detroit high school students who will interview for summer jobs with local minority owned companies in our first Metro Detroit High School Diversity Intern Program slated for May 12 in conjunction with the conference.  These you will see firsthand the strength of networking and what a vision and determination can provide.  They will meet the over 240 companies participating in the MMPC business opportunity fair.

Tony Brown, MMSDC Chair and Group VP, Global Purchasing, FORD

On Wednesday evening, a special VIP exhibitor’s reception will highlight and celebrate successful entrepreneurs. Tony Brown, MMSDC Chairman of the Board and Group Vice President, Global Purchasing, Ford Motor Company; Dave Bing, Mayor of Detroit; and Robert Ficano, Wayne County are among those participating.

Thursday’s schedule begins with an 8:45 a.m. ribbon-cutting to open the business opportunity exchange.  There will be inspirational examples of businesses helping smaller companies grow. From noon-1:30 p.m.  is a Power Lunch with Willie Jolley,  a noted speaker, author and XM Radio Host.  He will speak on “Helping Setbacks, Into Comebacks with an Attitude of Excellence.” The Power Lunch is sponsored by Johnson Controls, and WillieJolley is sponsored by Honda.

Willie Jolley, Power Luncheon Speaker on Thursday, May 12

This conference is the platform for minority businesses and corporations to create “Value, Sustainability and Growth.” The professional development sessions and business opportunity fair will help create new prospects for minority businesses and corporations trying to navigate the rapid changes. 

Louis Green, President/CEO of MMSDC

“The conference will serve as the voice for our minority business owners, the billions of dollars they contribute to our communities and the 200,000 employees that depend on them.  “Not only are these businesses important to Michigan’s economy, but they represent the hope of thousands of families,” according to Louis Green, President and CEO of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council.

Takata is the official conference and trade fair sponsor.  Complete two-day registration is $300 and includes admission for one to the opening session, participation in the professional development sessions, power lunch, trade fair and afterglow.

                       

About MMSDC

Founded in Detroit in 1977, the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (formerly known as the Michigan Minority Business Development Council) has more than 1,200 certified minority businesses and over 300 corporate members working to further its mission to certify minority businesses; provide access to procurement opportunities; and develop capacity for minority business development.  MMSDC is a 501(c)(3) organization.  Proceeds from this event support MMSDC programs and services and are tax deductible.

The MMSDC is nationally recognized for its work with major corporations to promote minority business development and growth.  MMSDC also operates one of the Minority Business Centers (MBC) funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce.  MBC provides rapid growth-potential minority businesses the "keys to entrepreneurial success" through access to markets, capital and strategic consulting. Visit the MMSDC’s web site to learn more about these programs and services at www.minoritysupplier.org.

To schedule interviews contact:: Lillian Lowery via llowery@mmbdc.com

Minority Business, Max Fisher Theatre, Rhonda Walker, Corporate and Minority Award Winners

The Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) will host over 700 minority business owners and the nation’s top corporate executives will be present to celebrate the stars that made $12 billion in contract opportunities possible for the members of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC). This Awards Show and Strolling Dinner will take place at the Max Fisher Music Center in Detroit, Michigan starting at 5PM.

The mistress of ceremonies for the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Awards Event is Rhonda Walker, morning anchor on local NBC Affiliate (WDIV Detroit - pictured above)

Career Fair: Revving Up the Motor City ….. Ready. Set. Go! Putting Detroit Back to WORK

Career Fair 2010

Revving Up the Motor City…Ready, Set, Go

Whether you are a job seeker, employer, or potential sponsor—we invite you to participate in the inaugural Revving Up the Motor City…Ready, Set, Go Career Fair—an event sure to help get Detroit back on its feet!

WHO:

CareerBuilder, Focus: HOPE, Fox 2 News, Kelly Services, and the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council are teaming up to host this event, featuring potential job opportunities with employers throughout the Metro Detroit area, as well as key employment tips for attendees.

WHEN: Thursday, October 7, 2010 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. WHERE: The Masonic Temple Detroit, MI (directions)

HOW:

The career fair will be divided into three sections:

• Ready – Detroit-area organizations will help job seekers become job-ready; covering topics from preparing a resume to dressing for interview success.
• Set – Job seekers will have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with a recruiter, job counselor, or coach to review qualifications for strengths and learn about job opportunities with participating employers on-site.
• Go – Employers will be talking to job seekers about available jobs—including seasonal, part-time, temporary, or full-time openings.

WHY:

To help put Detroit back to work!

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Job Seekers – no need to pre-register. Come to the Career Fair ready to make a connection to Detroit’s job opportunities. Employers – Reserve your booth space in the Go section of the career fair and connect to Detroit’s workforce. Sponsors – Let us know how you would like to participate. Various sponsorship levels are available for your convenience.

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We look forward to Revving Up the Motor City and getting Detroit back to work—see you there!

If you have any questions, please contact us at readysetgo@focushope.edu

or Ken Harris at 313.873.2141 (www.mmbdc.com)

Visit ReadySetCareerGo.com for more information on the event.

October is Minority Business Month - MMSDC Celebrates Supplier Diversity at Max Fisher Theatre

An Overview of Minority Business Certifications

And Celebrating the Stars of Supplier Diversity at 27th Annual Awards Program

There are minority business certifications available to assist small businesses in getting more work. Some are from the federal government, others local governments, and even some that are third-party certifiers for the corporate world. Following is a quick overview of some certifications that a minority small business can pursue.

8(a). The 8(a) certification is a designation given by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA). The program is for socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses. The economic disadvantage is easily determined measuring business revenues and the owner's net worth. The socially disadvantaged part may be harder to determine as a narrative must be submitted with anecdotal evidence that the business is disadvantaged because of the ownership. There is a predetermined list of ethnic minorities that may have an easier time getting certified than others. Once certified a business and owner has a once in a lifetime span of nine years to leverage the 8(a) certification for government business.

The SBA 8(a) is probably the premier minority certification and can assist in getting other certifications.

[Optimizing resources is key to continued success in today’s diverse marketplace. Now, you can tap into a network of resources to save you time and money. 2010 Recertification]

HUBZone. The SBA HUBZone stands for Historically Underutilized Business Zone. It is a geographic designation and a business is allowed to moved its business primary offices into a designated zone to qualify. A HUBZone is determined by the previous census to find areas with high unemployment and/or high levels of poverty. Then businesses that have their principal office and a certain quota of employees who live in these zones qualify for the certification. This certification can help get federal contracts.

Local. Many states, municipalities, counties, etc. and their agencies have their own certification for their projects and contracts. Many times they accept other certifications in lieu of going through their own certifying process.

Minority Supplier Development Council. The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) has a number of regional councils that certify businesses as being minority owned. This is a private certification that is used by Fortune 500 type companies diversify their vendor base. The regional councils typically have strong relationships with corporations that have a presence in their area, allowing certified minority owned small businesses a chance to get more work.

More information is available for minority business certifications. There is also more information available for specific certifications like the SBA HUBZone certification.

Optimizing resources is key to continued success in today’s diverse marketplace. Now, you can tap into a network of resources to save you time and money. 2010 Recertification