LETTER FROM THE MBEIC CHAIR
JOYCE JOHNSON
T
he championing of a cause can be difficult because it can stir emotion, create unrest and be met with opposition. One can only imagine the challenges that were met decades ago in the midst of racial tensions and national unrest. But in spite of what frustrations are associated with advocating for a cause, it can create long lasting ripple effects.
PHOTOGRAPH BY POWELL PHOTOGRAPHY, INC.
Fifty years ago, a group of business leaders and forward thinking corporations stood for what they felt was a worthy cause: to increase opportunities for minority business owners to prosper with Fortune 500 companies. They had a vision to create an annual business event that would foster relationships between public and private sector buying organizations and the minority business community. It would also enhance job creation and drive minority business growth. This event, the Chicago Business Opportunity Fair (CBOF) was part of a movement that we know today as “supplier diversity� and the formation of organizations such as ChicagoMSDC. As chair of the Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee (MBEIC), I can trace my own business success to what took place decades ago. Additionally, I can appreciate and collaborate with other outstanding minority-owned businesses. This could not have been possible without a small group of individuals who took a vision and made it an institution. The doors for minority-owned businesses may have been opened Fifty years ago, but they are still not open wide enough. The work to push for opportunities and engagement from corporate America and the government is ongoing. Recently, Illinois House Bill 2393 was introduced by Representative Mary E. Flowers. The bill amends the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities Act. It provides that all state agencies shall increase their award of state contracts to minority owned businesses by 15%. This bill, and others like it, must be supported at all levels of government and especially by the minority business community. Like those before us, we can be advocates for minority business by reaching out to our local officials and gaining their support for these types of bills. The next generation of leaders need us to continue their advancement and support. But for now, it is time to honor the past, present and future of the supplier diversity movement. The celebration of CBOF 50 is not only for minority owned-businesses and corporations but also a way to honor the communities we hire from, serve and conduct business in. Joyce Johnson President & CEO, Anchor Staffing Chairman, Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee ChicagoMSDC | 9
