Vol. 1 Issue 3 2020
CERTIFY CNY
BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY COVER PHOTO BY KENNY COUSINS
PHOTOGRAPHY
The Official MWBE Directory of Central New York
CERTIFY CNY FAST TRACK EFFORTS
PAGE 01
An Overview
CERTIFY CNY In Syracuse and Onondaga
More than $9B have been
County there is an
dedicated exclusively to
unprecedented
MWBE firms through state
opportunity to unlock
contracting opportunities
Economic Growth by
since 2011 alone.
investing in minority and women-owned businesses.
The impact on major
Few other regions in the
development and
state have the same
infrastructure projects such
combination of factors
as the eminent I-81 rebuild,
that represent such
could result in
potential.
exceptionally low participation and utilization
New York State has built
rates of MWBE firms if we
the most robust MWBE
do not increase MWBE
registry in the nation with
certified businesses.
more than 9000 MWBE's and more than 6,600
Waivers are often granted in
having been certified as
the absence of identifiable
MWBE since 2011. Despite
companies to participate.
those figures, CNY
Outreach to minority-
minority and women-
owned businesses in
owned certified business
particular, is ineffective and
rates DRASTICALLY trail
lacks a proper mechanism
other regions of the state,
for building capacity such
disparately impacting the
as a dedicated incubator
regional economy.
PAGE 4
CERTIFY CNY FAST TRACK EFFORTS
PAGE 01
An Overview
CERTIFY CNY EXCLUSIVELY focused on
Diversify-NY, LLC has been
growing MWBE certified
awarded more than $400k
businesses.
in awards to address barriers to New York State
To that end, Diversify-NY
MWBE certification, most
maintains our approach to
notably $336k from the
economic empowerment
Alliance for Economic
through a three-pronged
Inclusion(AEI).
approach including, economic and financial
We believe soundly that
capabilities training, real
any discussion of
estate and professional
economic revitalization in
development and most critically, New York State certification. Like many businesses across the globe, DiversifyNY, LLC has been impacted by Covid. Faced with numerous funding delays and rapidly evaporating resources, we, like many others, have been forced to adjust to an ever shifting business climate. However, our mission continues.
PAGE 5
Central New York must consider the historic and present day impact minority owned businesses and people of color. Equity includes economic justice for the many disenfranchised businesses and business owners that represent a vital link to the Central New York regional economy. Here are three core areas of focus for our work at Diversify-NY, LLC.
FEB. 2020 • ISSUE NO. 1
BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HOW DID DIVERSIFY-NY, LLC IDENTIFY MORE THAN $25M IN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN CENTRAL NEW YORK?
DID YOU KNOW DIVERSIFYNY, LLC IS THE ONLY NYS CERTIFIFED HUB ZONE (OPPORTUNITY ZONE) CONSULTANT IN THE AREA?
$25 million With over a decade of experience tied directly to building the capacity of minority and women-owned businesses, Diversify-NY, is unique in its mission in the region to identify, create, and promote economic development and growth strategies directly to MWBE'S that include real estate and economic development as a means of growth and capacity building. Barriers to capital permeate the path to success for most MWBE's and even programs such as the Paychex Protection Program, have largely failed minority owned businesses when it comes to gaining access to resources. For that reason, part of our mission remains centered on nontraditional means of growth within economic terms. To date we have consulted on capital projects with NYS certified companies valued at more than $25 Million dollars, primarily on the South Side in the City of
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Syracuse.
FEB. 2020 • ISSUE NO. 1
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT DIVERSIFY-NY PARTNERS WITH ONCARE TRANSITIONAL AGED YOUTH PROJECT TO TEACH FINANCIAL CAPABILITIES TO YOUNG ADULTS
"The black-white income gap in the U.S. has persisted over time. The difference in median household incomes between white and black Americans has grown from about $23,800 in 1970 to roughly $33,000 in 2018 (as measured in 2018 dollars). Median black household income was 61% of median white household income in 2018, up modestly from 56% in 1970 – but down slightly from 63% in 2007, before the Great Recession, according to Current Population Survey data." BY KATHERINE SCHAEFFER
Join us ONLINE!! MEETING ID: 4747941723 SEPT. 27TH, 2020 5:30 PM
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/02/07/6facts-about-economic-inequality-in-the-u-s/
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NYS MWBE CERTIFICATION ASSISTANCE NYS WBE & MWBE Certification Assistance
NYS MWBE Certification Assistance Training Diversify-NY, LLC's Monthly Schedule of Classes BY RICKEY T. BROWN
Certify-CNY, our effort to fast track NYS MWBE certification in Central New York and increase MWBE capacity by 30% over the next 4 years, has attracted support from two major foundations; from this generous support, we have maintained monthly New York State certification assistance workshops free for Onondaga County residents. Diversify-NY, LLC has been awarded more than $400k in awards to address barriers to New York State MWBE certification, most notably $336k from Onondaga County and the Alliance for Economic Inclusion(AEI).
Virtual Class Dates: September 24th, 2020 353 S. WARREN ST, SYRACUSE, NY 13210 PHONE: (315) 724-2599 October 22nd, 2020 N.Y.S. CERTIFIED MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE N.Y.S. CERTIFIED WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
November 19, 2020 N.Y.S. CERTIFIED MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE N.Y.S. CERTIFIED WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
Find us on Eventbrite @ Qualify.Certify.Compete
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Ta'tiana Lee Intern, Diversify-NY LLC
How to reach me: Email: tvlee88@gmail.com
I have strong relationship and interpersonal skills and because of this, it is easier for me to help clients pursue and meet their goals. I’ve participated in a internships at Genesee Community College and Diversify NY and through this, I've developed managerial, programming and editorial skills.
Personal Profile
We are pleased to introduce Ta’tiana Lee. Ta’tiana was born and raised in Syracuse. She graduated from Henninger and later Genesee Community College (GCC). She has a passion for business, acting, and for being a part of a movement for real change. In college, Ta’tiana majored in Business Administration. “I’ve always known that I loved business. In the Black community when we get money, we just spend it on frivolous things. I wanted something different. I wanted to know what it would be like to learn as much about money as possible. I’ve gone through a lot in my life and I want to make sure I have things lined up.” As an intern at Diversify-NY, Ta’tiana has been working on the Social Media presence for DiversifyNY and Certify CNY. “I think that this work is very important. I think that the work you’re doing is powerful. Now that I know about it, now that I’m informed, I see the difference it’s making. I think that it will motivate other business owners. Also, I see the power of this as something that can be there specifically for us when the odds are against us. I’m just getting started on things, but I’m really learning the importance of networking." ...cont'd.
Ta'tiana Lee
PHOTOGRAPH BY TA'TIANA
LEE
"It can be through event planning or linking with a potential client, It just goes so far and broad.”
PROFILES IN INTERNS BY Diana Clark
Ta’tiana was also involved in the local protests after the murder of George Floyd. “I’ve been a part of the protests. I wanted to be out there to show that we are not animals, we are out here to be peaceful and protest. But the question is, are you going to listen to us? Before this in college, I had a lot of racist things happen to me because the school is in Batavia and they’re very isolated. I got together with some other minority students and decided we weren’t going to stand for that. We had no fear. We felt like if we lost our dignity that’s bigger than life. So, we formed a diversity club. We made a lot of changes at GCC. And now that I’m here I feel like our paths aligned. Diversify-NY definitely touched me because I am Black and a woman. Being both you have the odds set against you twice. I’ve had to face so many things. But to finally know that someone is out there for the people. It’s so amazing and I want to be a part of the experience.”
P A GP EA G3 E0 2 2
We are pleased to introduce Abraham Haley. Abraham is originally from Adas Ababa, Ethiopia. He lived in an orphanage for a time and was later adopted by a family in Syracuse. He graduated from Liverpool High School in 2018 and began attending LeMoyne College. He is now transferring to SUNY Brockport and is majoring in Business Administration.
ABRAHAM HALEY
Intern, Diversify-NY, LLC
As an intern for Certify CNY, Abraham has been working on compiling a list of MWBE businesses in a five-county area. “I like learning about the type of businesses that are around this area that I didn’t know of. I know the same ones that everyone else knows, but there are many more I never knew about until I started doing my research." "It depends on the county, too. There have been a lot more than I thought in the Syracuse area. but, I’m also seeing that in other counties, there are some that I can tell are not getting the right exposure. so, they’re at a disadvantage. It’s been an eye opener for me about how Black businesses are run and how disadvantaged they are in certain areas compared to others.” It hasn’t been easy finding businesses, especially since the Covid-19 global pandemic caused many businesses to close. “It’s challenging not being able to find Black businesses in the area because they’re not on social media or they don’t have a platform and they’re missing out on the exposure that could help their business succeed.”
CONTACT DETAILS: haleyas@lemoyne.edu
While he’s not sure exactly what field he’ll end up in for his future career, Abraham wants to do something to help the community and that would help him grow too. “For me, hopefully this leads to something in the future. I think this is something I would enjoy doing later on. I’m not really sure what is going to happen but I’m hopeful.”
MARIAM BILE INTERN, DIVERSIFY-NY, LLC
We are pleased to introduce Mariam Bile. Mariam was born in Kenya, but her family is originally from Somalia, where they fled due to civil war. She has lived in the United States since she was ten years old. She is currently entering her Senior year at SUNY Potsdam majoring in Business Administration. She hopes to pursue a Masters program in Finance and Marketing upon graduation. As an intern for Diversify – NY, Mariam has been working on research and development for our upcoming Podcast. “It’s definitely inspiring work. It is challenging doing things remotely, but I think it is a good learning experience. I know what a podcast is, but I never really thought about developing one myself. I did build a website for a marketing class but using a different platform. I feel like having a platform for people to use would be great.” Due to Covid-19, our interns have been working remotely but keeping it positive. “I’m currently far away and taking summer classes and doing that work so I have a lot of work that I’m trying to do. The challenge is to make sure I’m getting everything done and I’m responding to everyone." "I’m hoping to get better knowledge of the company itself [from this internship] and maybe even come back and work face-to-face instead of remotely. I’m excited for that. I hope that I can be part of it at some time in the future. It would be inspiring to come back.” Although this is Mariam’s first internship, she’s already put her skills to good use. “I’m using my marketing skills to build up the podcast to see what website would bring a bigger audience and reach around the world through the topics that will be brought up." "This is relevant to my major and the work that I’m interested in doing in the future. This is a big opportunity. I personally am being educated while working. I never knew that there have been businesses that were certified black and brown, but having these laws helps make sure that they are qualified, not just saying it on paper.”
SOLAR POWERED WHY ONE COMPANY WANTS TO OPEN $2.8 MILLION PROJECT IN SYRACUSE, NY
PROPOS INSTALL CENTER AVE? Q&A WITH TODD REID,
LANCE LLEWELLYN Sometimes people start a business out of necessity, other times they see a problem they can fix, a need they can fill. And sometimes, it’s more personal. Lance Llewellyn moved to the Syracuse area from Massachusetts seven years ago at the urging of his uncle who told him that there were affordable properties here that he could purchase, rehab, and rent. Although he is trained as a Respiratory Therapist, Lance took the opportunity to do something new and be close to his family. Together with Lance’s father, they pooled their money and purchased several properties. Little did Lance know, however, that his time with his uncle would be short lived. Initially, they put their plan to work, created Top Shelf Property Management & Repair, rehabbed houses, and filled them with tenants. “The toughest part with that was where to go to get permits...
What inspired you to
LANCE LLEWELLY N WOULD LI KE TO BRI NG
Dental Laboratories?
SOLAR TO SY RACUSE RI GHT I N THE HEART OF
The feeling not THE SOUTH SI DE. HE' S UNSURE HOW of COVI D
MAY HAVE I MPACTED THOSE to a CHANCES. check. I didn't
lik
of my job security bei
away if that ever happ
ten years ago, I began an exit plan.
Your wife is also your partner-tell me abou
chemistry and how yo
so successful as a tea
My wife and I have com
talents. Administrativ
Godsend. She was abl me
PAGE 20
bein
SMARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND HOW COVID IMPACTED IT'S CHANCES
Photo courtesy L. LLewellyn
understanding the right people to talk to, and all the technical assistance pieces of starting a business.� Unfortunately, shortly after, Lance’s uncle was diagnosed with Cancer. Lance cared for him until his death. After he passed away, Lance briefly thought about leaving the area and selling everything. Still, there were signs he should stay: he kept meeting good people, there were new businesses opening up, and the mall was expanding. He eventually decided to stay and tried his hand at a couple of other businesses including a medical transportation company and work with a different uncle at BB Construction company. There, he was able to get OSHA/LEAD certified to do construction.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY GOOGLE MAPS
Proposed solar training facility, South Ave and Colvin St, Syracuse, NY.
PAGE 21
PAGE 21
FOR SOUTH AVENUE IN SYRACUSE?
PROPOS INSTALL CENTER AVE? SOLAR POWERED Q&A WITH TODD REID, "Masks, PPE, a lot has changed in terms of how I go in; lots has changed in terms of business; I won’t go in if someone has said they’ve been sick. Being able to meet and see people is harder; it’s been harder to get grants for solar business.” Still, Lance has a vision for his project over the next few years. “Dealing with solar, I would love to have multiple megawatt solar farms under my belt, saving the city millions of dollars over the years in electricity, and providing multiple jobs out there. We could do training programs in smart grid technologies, issue certificates, etc. We could get people coming through to get trained to create/work at the solar farms. Perhaps students would choose a path like I did in my medical career. That would help the city out and expand opportunities.” At the end of the day, what matters most for Lance is the personal connection. It was there with his uncle and it continues today. “It’s all in who you know. It’s been a struggle but when you find the right people to push you through, it always helps.” PAGE 23
PROJ ECT DEVELOPER LANCE LLEWELLY N
What inspired you to
Dental Laboratories?
The feeling of not bein to a check. I didn't lik of my job security bei
away if that ever happ
ten years ago, I began an exit plan.
Your wife is also your partner-tell me abou
chemistry and how yo
so successful as a tea
My wife and I have com
talents. Administrativ
Godsend. She was abl me
SMARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
PROPOSED SOLAR INSTALLATION TRAINING FACILITY SOUTH AVENUE, CITY OF SYRACUSE
COST OF RACISM: U.S. ECONOMY LOST $16 BECAUSE OF DISCRIMINATION, BANK SAYS
TRILLION
$13 TRILLION LOST IN POTENTIAL BUSINESS REVENUE BECAUSE OF DISCRIMINATORY LENDING TO AFRICAN AMERICAN ENTREPRENEURS, WITH AN ESTIMATED 6.1 MILLION JOBS NOT GENERATED AS A RESULT
$2.7 trillion in income lost because of disparities in wages suffered by African Americans $218 billion lost over the past two decades because of discrimination in providing housing credit And $90 billion to $113 billion in lifetime income lost from discrimination in accessing higher education Specifically, the study came up with $16 trillion in lost GDP by noting four key racial gaps between African Americans and whites.
STORY BY : ADEDAYO AKALA
HTTPS://N.PR/2HUPJTA
PAYCHEX PROTECTION PROGRAM DATA WHITE APPLICANTS BY POPULATION PERCENTAGE Although white Americans account for 76% of the population, they received 83% of the paychex protection loan approvals.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION REPORT Based on the data released by the Small Business Administration, PPP is exacerbating the wealth gap. https://bit.ly/3cGsPwf
THE DATA: OF THE 14% OF APPLICANTS WHO CHOSE TO IDENTIFY RACE The demographic information was voluntarily supplied by the loan recipients and was absent for most. Here is a link to the original source: https://home.treasury.gov/policyissues/cares-act/assistance-for-small-businesses/sba-paycheckprotection-program-loan-level-data Here is a link to the census data: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045219
PAYCHEX PROTECTION PROGRAM DATA BLACK APPLICANTS CONVERSELY Black Americans make up 13% of the total US population, yet received less than 2% (1.9) of the approved PPP loans.
$13 TRILLION LOST IN POTENTIAL BUSINESS REVENUE •$13 trillion lost in potential business revenue because of discriminatory lending to African American entrepreneurs, with an estimated 6.1 million jobs not generated as a result. This study was conducted by Citibank. https://n.pr/2HupjtA
200
150
50
W hi te
Bl ac k
0 H is pa ni c
The only other race f of applicants to receive loans equal to or HIGHER than their population percentage, were Asian Americans who received some 8% of the approved loans covering this period. (Asians are 6% of the total population).
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As N ia at n iv e/ Al as ka n
ASIAN AMERICANS RECEIVE FAIR SHARE
BECAUSE NUMBERS DON'T ALWAYS TELL THE STORY. This summer Diversify-NY in partnership with the South Side TNT in Syracuse, organized a series of pop up neighborhood cleanups in an effort to galvanize the community and promote solidarity. This effort, while highly engaging, allowed our volunteers to gain critical insight into the motivation behind the national protest against police brutality, at the same time exercising empathy for the conditions that caused the riots in the first place. Thank you to the hundreds of volunteers around the community who supported and continue to support this movement. Special thanks to the Patrona Rowser of the South Side TNT and to the Marrone Action Fund for being a leader and helping to attract outside sponsors to this effort. #pullup
VOLUNTEER WITH CERTIFY CNY NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION POP UPS
GET INVOLVED Your neighborhood needs you!
FOLLOW US ON FACEBBOOK @diversifynewyork
Profiles In Excellence BY DIANA CLARK “You really must know God!” Faith, honesty, integrity In times of crisis like the one we’re experiencing now it is often the little things that bring us comfort. Perhaps they are the things we find we miss the most; the routine of sending our children off to school each day, the consistency of work. It is as if tough times focus us in an intense way on what really matters. Entrepreneurs Faye and Reggie Brown have known for a while what matters most in their business: honest work done with integrity and faith. As they look toward retirement in the next few years, their business has given them a strong foundation and positioned them well to be able to enjoy life on their terms.
Meet CNY's only MinorityOwned Busing Company THE BROWN'S OPERATE A BUS COMPANY IN SYRACUSE, NY
Like many small businesses, Browns Double XX Express began with a family legacy. Reggie’s parents were the first to purchase a bus and he began his career driving with them while maintaining a full-time job of his own at Jamesville Correctional Facility. In 2003, his father passed away and three years later in 2006, the company that Faye worked for moved out of the area. Not wanting to start over at a new company after so many years, Faye suggested they start their own bus company. And that’s when it got interesting! Reggie was still working at the correctional facility so Faye jumped on the internet and started calling around to try to get financing to purchase a bus. As she spoke to a representative of one finance company she realized, they didn’t have a tax ID number or even a business name yet. In that moment they created the company: Browns (their family name), Double XX (both of their sons’ names begin with an X), and Express (so you know they get you there quickly!) They hung up the phone and put it the rest in God’s hands.
PHOTOS COURTESY FAYE BROWN PAGE 30
BROWN'S DOUBLE XX EXPRESS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPH BY RICKEY BROWN
PHOTOGRAPH BY FAYE BROWN
A few days passed and they didn’t hear from the finance company. Then, a call came. The person on the other line was himself surprised by the bank’s decision, but they had gotten approved without the usual requirements. “You really must know God!” he said. The Brown’s got right to work after that creating their LLC and getting everything they needed to form their business, thanks in part to Jubilee Homes. More divine intervention, as the Browns put it, came soon after when they went to get their newly-purchased bus inspected. While waiting at the garage, the owner of Caz Limo approached them and started talking. He gave them his card, told them to stay in touch, and assured them he had enough business to refer to them every weekend. “We didn’t know what we were doing we just stepped out there on faith. This was a faith walk business that we started 14 years ago.” The Brown’s have a lot to be proud of. Faye does the books and runs the administrative side of the business and Reggie drives. He did that, even during his last ten years of full-time work at the correctional facility. “We have faithful customers, they recommend us, they love the way I drive, my demeanor, my spirit, the way I talk to the people on the bus, and the way we run the business.”
PAGE 31
MEET THE BROWN'S
Eventually, the Browns were able to buy another bus. They have worked extensively in Central New York, including with all the colleges and universities, as well as around the country. “Our name was so big that we would get jobs in Texas and California, and they would always give our name out across the country.” The Browns have even gotten offers to purchase other bus companies. “Most companies that we started out with fourteen years ago are no longer in business. I’m glad that we were able to fight the good fight in spite of the economy.” Their hard work and focus on multiple streams of income has helped them put their two sons through college, both of whom graduated with full honors. Their secret? God. “We don’t do anything without the Lord on our side. And our integrity, that matters a lot to us. We treat people the way we want to be treated. Being a minority it can be hard, but we never had any problems because people always felt comfortable with us. Once they meet Reg, they love him. Being real, being humble, speaking with respect, that brought us longevity in this business.” There’s also the fact that Faye is a great negotiator! “She is a wizard when it comes to wheelin’ and dealin’ when purchasing buses. Our pastor mentioned something about a bus for sale in Pennsylvania so we checked it out online and drove all the way there.
When we got there this beautiful bus online wasn’t so beautiful in person. But they had another one. They showed it to us and then gave us this outrageous price. We started to walk away but then my wife said, “Well we’ve got the check right here for the other bus.” They next thing they knew, the owner took the check and they had their bus. That’s not to say they haven’t had challenges in business. One of the biggest challenges in owning a bus company is getting good, reliable drivers. “You’ve got to make sure you get good drivers. A bad driver can ruin your business because the customers will never want to ride with you again. You’ve got to know where you going, how to drive, be a people person and be patient with the riders. When you’re a people person they love you. People want to feel safe.” Another is making sure your paperwork in in order and on time because they do audits of buses. “You’ve gotta make sure you’re up on your game. You can’t slip. The challenging part is making sure that everything you do is up to date and on time. In-state or out-of-state everything in and outside of bus has to be in order. They have roadside stops where they make you pull the bus over to inspect it. If they find anything wrong, they make you call another bus to get your passengers to their destination while you get your bus fixed.”
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BROWN'S DOUBLE XX EXPRESS OPERATER'S REGGIE AND FAYE BROWN ARE THE SOLE MINORITY-OWNED BUSING COMPANY IN CNY
PHOTOGRAPHS BY DIANA CLARK
"You just have to know that with integrity and faith you can do anything."
Their advice for MWBE’s? “You have to love what you’re doing. And if you truly love it and you believe in yourself, anything is possible. You have to trust and believe that everything is gonna be ok. We have gotten awards and we could have gotten bigger, but we have gotten to do amazing things." "We have taken people to the Million Man March and to President Obama’s inauguration. You just have to know that with integrity and faith you can do anything. Without our family and bishop and pastor pushing us and praying for us, we wouldn’t be where were at today.” PAGE 33
ONE DONOR WILL WIN A HAND PAINTED CUSTOM HOODIE BY 9TH AND NORTH ARTIST @DAKOROART.COM Text certifycny to 24365 Donation Must be received by October 1st, 2020. The winner will be invited to join artist Dakaro Edwards for the filming of his commercial to promote his fashion line. in addition, the winner will receive the custom hand painted and autographed hoodie from the video shoot. for more info email us @certifycny@gmail.com
TEXT TO DONATE. Text certifycny to 24365 If you support our mission to identify, create, and promote opportunities that advance minority and women-owned businesses, or our community engagement efforts, text certifycny to donate to our cause.