WBENC Pres Report Sept 2013 by WBENC

REPORT september 2013

Sandra James

President and Founder Private Eyes, Inc. and 4506-Transcripts.com

FEATURES Corporate spotlight: Pepsico Office Depot reCogniTion AP42

PRESIDENT’S REPORT Calendar of Events

This calendar includes events hosted by WBENC's Regional Partner Organizations and strategic partners. Visit WBENC's online calendar for more events. WBEC-West 10th Annual Strategic Procurement Opportunity Conference & Awards Gala September 18-20, 2013 Pasadena, Calif. Click here for details. Go for the Greens Business Development Conference for Women Entrepreneurs September 19-21, 2013 Disney Boardwalk Resort Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Click here for details. WPEO NY Breakthrough Breakfast September 20, 2013 New York, N.Y. Click here for details. 2013 NAMWOLF Annual Meeting September 21-25, 2013 Minneapolis, Minn. Click here for details. WBEC-GL 13th Annual Great Lakes Women’s Business Conference September 24 & 25, 2013 Novi, Mich. Click here for details. WBDC 27th Annual Entrepreneurial Woman’s Conference September 26, 2013 Chicago, Ill. Click here for details. WBEC South 11th Annual Silent Auction: Party at Gatsby’s September 26, 2013 New Orleans, La. Click here for details. U.S. DOT – Women in Transportation (WITI) Event September 26, 2013 Philadelphia, PA Click here for details. 2013 USBLN 16th Annual Conference & Expo September 30 – October 3, 2013 Los Angeles, Calif. Click here for details. NAWBO Women’s Business Conference October 2-5, 2013 Miami, Fla. Click here for details.

GE Healthcare - Emerging Business Opportunities Conference (EBOC) October 3, 2013 Florence, S.C. Click here for details.

2013 WBDC Florida Annual Awards Luncheon & Business Conference October 18, 2013 Miami, Fla. Click here for details.

CWE Women Business Leaders Conference 2013 October 3, 2013 Dedham, Mass. Click here for details.

ChallengeHER New York October 22, 2013 New York, N.Y. Click here for details.

WPEO DC Brown Bag Lunch with Aetna October 8, 2013 Click here for details. WIPP 2013 Annual Leadership Meeting October 9-10, 2013 Washington, District of Columbia Click here for details. WBC-Southwest Architecture, Construction & Engineering (ACE) Luncheon October 10, 2013 Dallas, Texas Click here for details. WBEC-PA-DE-sNJ Conference, Awards Luncheon & Marketplace Expo October 11, 2013 Click here for details. Astra WBA Game Changers Seattle: Construction & Manufacturing Industries October 15, 2013 Redmond, Wash. Click here for details. Astra WBA Reception, Workshops, Matchmaker and Expo October 15, 2013 Redmond, Wash. Click here for details. WBEA 17th Annual Golf Classic & Silent Auction October 17, 2013 Spring, Texas Click here for details. Latina Style Business Series Utah October 17, 2013 Salt Lake City, Utah Click here for details.

2013 NMSDC Conference & Business Opportunity Fair October 30, 2013 San Antonio, Texas Click here for details.

Editorial Team Editor-in-Chief Pat Birmingham

Editorial Assistant Allison Gibson

Production and Design Limb Design

Photography

Linda Johnson Life Touch Portrait Studios Visionista

Writers

Paige Adams Senior Director, Development and Corporate Relations Kim Jones Manager, Corporate Member Services Brenda Loube Principal/Founder of Corporate Fitness Works Jean Poling Contributing Writer Pamela Prince-Eason President and CEO Lynthia Romney RomneyCom, LLC Candace Waterman Chief of Staff LaKesha White Senior Compliance Manager

PRESIDENTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S REPORT

Table of Contents: september Edition of the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Report

Released at the 2013 National Conference: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Breaking Through Creating Opportunities for Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Women and MinorityOwned Businessesâ&#x20AC;? Third edition

By Susan Phillips Bari

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message

Features Government Spotlight: October Hill Visit

Corporate Spotlight: Office Depot Pepsico

6 8

Certification Advanced Workforce Solutions

Focus on the Forum Sandra James

Opportunities Supplier Connections Accel/Cinsay

14 16

Recognition AP42

Resources Women on Wellness: Summer Fun and Safety

Sponsored by Dell

For a sneak preview about the book click here! Available for purchase at: www.createspace.com/4238623 THIRD EDITION

BREAKING THROUGH Creating opportunities for Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s women and minority-owned businesses

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SUSAN PHILLIPS BARI

WWW.WBENC.ORG Âť SEPTEMBER EDITION 2013 Âť

President’s

Message Join Forces and Support Those that Support WBEs At the beginning of 2013, I shared WBENC’s new theme “Join Forces. Succeed Together.” I explained that our collective growth and success is dependent on the contributions of so many in our community. “Join Forces. Succeed Together.” represents the need for all of our constituents to engage and be active in creating our future. During the past month I have had the opportunity to see our network “living” our new theme. Debbie Hurst, President, Women’s Business Council-Southwest and Chair of the WBENC Leadership Council, held her annual Harvesting Partners event in Dallas on Sept. 5, 2013. Debbie invited me to join her at this amazing event. We began the day by jointly leading a meeting with a group of WBE business leaders. These ladies shared great feedback about what certification has meant to them and their businesses, how the application process worked for them, interactions with corporate buyers and many other topics. The good news was that the feedback allowed Debbie and me to validate that WBENC is advancing in the direction needed and that a strong collaboration between our national and regional presence is critical to providing the opportunities, resources and methods for engagement that benefit our WBE businesses in growing their businesses.

Each month we will include lists of Corporations and WBEs at both the National and Regional levels who support WBE inclusion in their supply chains and will share more about their competition and their brands. It is my hope that we will further the case for doing business with women by actively “Supporting Those Who Support Us”!

During Debbie’s luncheon I spoke to all in attendance about the direction of WBENC from a national perspective. After the keynote message and the tremendous program that followed was complete, many Corporate Members and WBEs shared thoughts about their excitement for the progress they believe we can make in channeling the voice of our members and WBEs so that we begin to “live” the business case for doing business with WBE businesses. Women are the key decision-makers at home. Recent studies have shown 51% of U.S. private wealth is controlled by women; in addition, women make nearly 85% of all purchasing decisions, equating to an estimated $15 trillion. The number of wealthy women investors in the U.S. is growing at a faster rate than that of men; in a two-year period, the number of wealthy women in the U.S. grew 68%, double that of their male counterparts. Simply put, women are the drivers of the modern economy. Through the WBENC network we can channel our impact by ensuring we are supporting the businesses that support doing business with women’s business enterprises (or that support inclusion of WBE businesses in their supply chains). This month I start encouraging the support of these businesses by sharing with you the logos of the WBENC National Board Members.

I challenge you to join me as we Join Forces to Succeed Together. Best, Pamela Prince-Eason WBENC President and CEO

“Influence: How Women’s Soaring Economic Power Will Transform Our World for the Better,” Maddy Dychtwald; The Futures Company “Women 2020: How Women’s Actions and Expectations Are Changing the Future” (2013) available at (http://marketing.thefuturescompany.com/acton/attachment/4161/f-0061/1/-/-/-/-/file.pdf, Fleishman Hillard, Hearst Magazines “Game Changers: Women Defining the New American Marketplace” (2012) available at http://fleishmanhillard.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Women-Power-Money-White-Paper-Jan-2012.pdf 2 Michael J. Silverstein and Kate Sayre “Women Want More”(2009)

Features

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

JOIN US FOR OCTOBER HILL VISITS: YOUR HELP OPENS MORE CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES As the federal fiscal year wraps up, hundreds of WBEs are closing business they’ve been pursuing for months. Earlier this year, the federal government changed the rules to permit contracting officers to set aside contracts for women-owned small businesses (WOSB) with no limits on contract value! A driver for the change was the tireless and talented advocacy led by Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) with the support of WBENC, as a WIPP strategic partner. But WIPP doesn’t do it alone: change like this happens when smart women business owners make the trip to be heard on Capitol Hill. The next opportunity to participate and be a part of the change is October 9th and 10th at the WIPP Annual Leadership Meeting which will be held in Washington, DC. WIPP makes it easy for you to be savvy, be seen, and build great connections. The program starts on Wednesday, October 9th, at the White House, with a briefing presented by key staffers on a wide range of policy issues that affect small business. Bring your questions on finance, health care, energy, and of course procurement to the table. You will then have an opportunity to build Capital Connections at a special reception as you network with federal agency representatives as well as other women business owners who can be potential teaming partners. Thursday the 10th begins with a legislative update, where you’ll learn more about proposals to expand contract opportunities for women. Next on the agenda is a congressional roundtable with the Senate Committee On Small Business. Legislators and their staff ask and answer thoughtful questions and pay rapt attention to the WIPP delegation’s comments and concerns. Thursday afternoon concludes with Hill visits. WIPP organizes the meeting so everyone meets with at least one of their congressional representatives. WIPP turns what can be an intimidating experience into an opportunity for easy conversation with staffers who are eager to meet you. Here’s why that matters: as a contractor, your elected officials’ top staff needs to know you, your company, the jobs and growth your business contributes to their region, so that they can support changes on the issues that matter to you as a business owner. The WIPP Annual Leadership Meeting, especially the congressional visits, is part of how the WOSB program expanded…and how we hope it will again. Partners, buyers, policy makers and your members of congress are waiting for you. WBENC’s leadership will be there; we hope to see you there, too. Register today at www.wipp.org/event/2013annualmeeting WWW.WBENC.ORG » SEPTEMBER EDITION 2013 »

Features

Office Depot: Sharing the Success Stories of WBEs For Office Depot, doing business with WBENC-certified Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs) is a crucial part of the strategy for advancing its brand with its customers and the community. To support that effort, the company – a WBENC Top Corporation for WBEs for 11 years – is communicating the successful results that WBEs can deliver to its internal stakeholders and external business customers.

”Women want to buy from companies that engage with their community. When we are able to communicate our story, women want to do business with us,” said Shari Francis, Manager for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) Merchandising. “Our partnerships with WBENC and with our WBE suppliers have helped us raise the visibility of our brand.” One of Office Depot’s longest WBE relationships is with Smead Manufacturing, headed by President and CEO Sharon Avent, who served as the Chair of the Host Committee for the 2013 WBENC National Conference & Business Fair. Smead provides office filing products and records management solutions, and serves Office Depot both as a direct supplier and as a provider of private label products. “We have entrusted our brand to Smead,” Francis said. “They have stayed steps ahead of our customers by anticipating their needs and creating office filing and storage solutions to meet them.” “Smead understands that we are never talking just about products,” she added. “We are offering ways to make their offices more efficient so that they can spend more time on their businesses and their lives.” Other WBENC-certified WBEs who have worked with Office Depot over the years are KleenSlate, run by founder and CEO Julia Rhodes, whose dry-erase slates, paddles and markers encourage interaction in the classroom and business meetings; and Neutral Posture, the ergonomic office chair and workspace manufacturer headed by CEO Rebecca Boenigk. To help advance WBEs through the merchandise procurement process, Office Depot actively guides WBEs through the organization and works to ensure that the first contract will lead to a successful engagement. Sometimes this means building the WBE’s presence by servicing one product line or a smaller number of stores before broadening the scale or lines of business included in the opportunity.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Francis also knows that sharing the business case for supplier diversity and WBE success stories can help propel women’s business development at Office Depot. To accomplish this, she designed two educational and business building programs, an internal supplier diversity training program and an Office Depot Vendor Expo. Last year Office Depot conducted a major internal training program on the value of diversity for buyers and vice presidents of merchandising. The business case for diversity and why Office Depot is committed to hiring women and diverse suppliers were presented. For some merchandisers it was a refresher course; and for others it was an opportunity to acquire a deeper understanding of the value that women and diverse suppliers bring to their business. “We had a tremendous response to that meeting,” Francis said. Many of the merchants began asking prospective suppliers if they were certified or verified that they were. Three Shari Francis Manager for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) Merchandising Office Depot

to four diverse and women businesses were brought on as new vendors within only a few months of that training. To date, those new vendors have generated millions of dollars in revenues. This month, Office Depot is holding its second Vendor Expo designed to introduce key WBEs and other HUB suppliers to merchandise procurement executives and anyone in the sales organization who is involved with the vendor selection process. This event starts off with a one-hour welcome and panel presentation addressing how to do business with Office Depot, and moves to an all-day exhibit enabling the HUB vendors to introduce their companies to merchandisers. This year’s event is focused on innovation and the products that can make a great difference for the merchants. It also includes prospective vendors. Office Depot’s unique HUB Catalogs effectively highlight certified women-, minority-, disabled-, and veteran-owned suppliers to Office Depot business customers. Launched in 2009 and the only catalog of its kind in the industry, the HUB Catalog features an assortment of nearly 1,800 items ranging from writing instruments and binders to picture frames and eco-friendly cleaning products. The HUB Catalog enables Office Depot customers to access these suppliers and fulfill their Tier Two goals. Office Depot also hopes to inspire future HUB suppliers to participate in its sourcing process so that they can be identified, and their products can be included in future catalogs. Customers can order the 2013 Office Depot HUB Catalog from officedepot.com or business.officedepot.com using SKU#145-298 in the search box. For more information on Office Depot’s diversity initiatives, please visit www.officedepot.com/diversity.

WWW.WBENC.ORG » SEPTEMBER EDITION 2013 »

Features

PepsiCo: Multidimensional Approach to Women’s Business Development PepsiCo’s work in women’s business development is rooted in a supplier diversity program that was founded 31 years ago. Today PepsiCo is the second largest food and beverage company in the world, and the company considers its support of women’s businesses to be a competitive advantage. Since WBENC was founded, PepsiCo has been a Corporate Member and for the past 12 years has been honored to be part of the WBENC America’s Top Corporation for Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs).

PepsiCo’s Supplier Diversity program is part of a holistic approach to Responsible and Sustainable Sourcing, which drives business value and provides PepsiCo with strong commercial, social, and environmental supplier capabilities. PepsiCo’s women-owned suppliers add value to its supply chain and strengthen ties with its customers and business partners. PepsiCo is able to leverage its scale and scope across its manufacturing network to encourage the development of a minority supplier base. To achieve the company’s goals, it takes a multidimensional approach to women’s business development: buying directly from WBEs, engaging its non-diverse primes in WBE development, and forging new ventures among primes and WBES. PepsiCo aims to develop sustainable relationships. For example, the company has nurtured collaboration between a prime supplier and a WBE to create a new womenowned company in a non-traditional category. This supplier is now WBENC-certified. By putting these parties together, PepsiCo helped them to explore potential synergies, which led to the creation of a joint venture that was beneficial to all, and added new supply options in the marketplace. What made the venture even more distinctive is that it took place in a Direct business category. A mature, well-respected non-diverse supplier was able to help a WBE supplier to build its business, not just with PepsiCo, but with other customers as well. Additionally, the company engages the support of executive champions across the company through its Supplier Diversity Governance Council, which includes key executives from the food and beverage divisions, representing supply chain/ operations, finance, and global procurement functions. The Council helps to identify and enable opportunities for WBEs and MBEs.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

The company also takes a more customized approach to develop WBEs through one-onone mentoring. For example, this has included inviting a WBE to participate in PepsiCo’s lean Six Sigma program and training. To graduate from that program, the WBE had to develop and implement a productivity initiative that utilized the Six Sigma tools and processes. PepsiCo’s Global Procurement organization supports Supplier Diversity and is accountable for its success in reaching annual targets and for participating in advocacy groups. PepsiCo’s Global Procurement executives have a longstanding history of serving such groups, with executives currently sitting on the WBENC Board of Directors, and on the Board of the Women Presidents’ Educational Organization (WPEO-NY). To develop WBE relationships and a supplier pipeline, the company holds matchmaking events regionally at its own facilities, such as one recently hosted with the WPEO-NY with 78 WBEs attending, 25 PepsiCo buying groups represented and more than 10 prime suppliers participating. This comprehensive approach helps PepsiCo honor its commitment to women’s and diverse business development and enables it to meet the increasing interest of its customers. For more information, please see http://www.pepsico.com/Purpose/EnvironmentalSustainability/Responsible-Sourcing.

WWW.WBENC.ORG » SEPTEMBER EDITION 2013 »

Certification

Advance Group/ Advance Workforce Solutions Founded in 1998 by entrepreneur Joel Adelman, the sole purpose of Advance Group is to serve the staffing supplier industry by offering structured financial options to staffing firms of all sizes, including working capital, outsourced technology, and strategic growth support. Now the largest provider of funding and services to the staffing industry in the U.S., Advance expanded its specialized services by creating Advance Workforce Solutions (AWS) in 2012. This expanded service line is evidence of its mission ‘to help clients grow’ and helps staffing suppliers compete, win, and service large contracts while developing new relationships for sustainable growth. Adelman received the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® award in 2013. Advance Group is a new WBEC-West Corporate Member that strongly believes in the power of WBENC-certification and knows the unparalleled values and resources that WBENC provides to women-owned companies. Helen Richter–the Executive Vice President of AWS, has been an enthusiastic supporter of WBENC for over 10 years, and whose attendance and involvement representing AWS at both WBENC National and RPO events is customary. She makes time to facilitate important introductions and connections for AWS clients at WBENC related events and encourages their involvement, bringing them closer to the forefront to win new business. “Along with offering abundant resources, WBENC’s culture represents a sisterhood that lets entrepreneurs know they are not alone. Fellowship and support are huge at WBENC, where new and aspiring women business owners are greeted by Certified Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) as well as Corporate members, with: ‘Here’s who I am and what I do. How can I help you?,’” said Jeanne Michaelides, Director of Marketing for Advance. Among Advance Group’s 300+ nationwide clients are numerous woman-owned and WBENC-certified businesses. AWS does not simply send their clients out to find their way, but partners with them and goes the extra mile to help them succeed to expanded and sustainable levels. AWS actively encourages clients that are qualified, but not yet WBENC-certified, to understand the benefits and business opportunities presented to WBEC-certified companies. Coupled with the Advance Group’s full suite of services, AWS fosters relationships with its clients and WBENC, both nationally and through the WBENC RPO network. This AWS initiative also benefits WBENC Corporate Members by helping them to achieve their Supplier Diversity initiative goals by introducing them to qualified, diverse-owned and certified staffing suppliers. Adam Stern, President of Advance Group and AWS, is a recurring Speaker at various WBENC National and RPO Corporate Events and regularly receives glowing reviews

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

for his insightful presentations on the topic of finance. Stern’s Speaking Engagements have included: WBEC West Forum Address: “Financial Sustainability”, WBENC National Panelist: “Infusion and Management of Capital”, and he is currently scheduled to participate on the panel, ”Growing Your Capacity through Strategic Alliances and Joint Ventures,” at the WBEC-WEST 10th Annual Strategic Procurement Opportunity Conference and Awards Gala. AWS works with Corporate Procurement and Human Resource Departments, Diversity Officers, and Managed Service Providers to identify and present the most qualified supplier for every contingent staffing opportunity and endorses WBENC to Corporations that are not yet affiliated with the organization. At the same time, AWS partners with their clients and helps them to develop their businesses by providing opportunities and resources that add value to their service offerings and guides them to be the best that they can be. Advance Group’s program: ‘Diversity Advantage,’ offers two levels of learning for its clients. The first, ‘Supplier Diversity Spend 101 – Fundamentals,’ provides assistance in obtaining the basic tools that are necessary to expand and grow their business through diversity certification. AWS refers to WBENC-Certification as the “Gold Standard” and is the only woman-owned certification they recommend. The second, ‘Graduate Program

— The Advance Advantage,’ includes one-on-one assistance from subject matter expert Heather Cox, CEO and Founder of Certify My Company (a WBENC-Certified business herself), to assist clients throughout the certification process, and, once certified, assist with registration on corporate and government portals. This program also offers strategies to maximize marketing efforts utilizing certified WBE status. For more information about Advance Group, visit their website: http://www.advancegroup.us or contact: J.Michaelides@advancegroup.us

WWW.WBENC.ORG » SEPTEMBER EDITION 2013 »

Focus on the Forum

Sandra James, President and Founder of Private Eyes, Inc. and 4506-Transcripts.com is Proof That Involvement Pays Off Sandra James is steadfast to her word and 100% accountable in her commitments to provide her clients with services and products that are second to none. James pays attention to all that presents itself to her, always considering why she can achieve something rather than making excuses for why she can’t. Inspirations continue to morph into additional business opportunities for Sandra that ‘make a difference’ by making her clients’ jobs easier. Sandra James has been an entrepreneur for over 20 years whose businesses have evolved from expressed needs that she heard and addressed. Sandra’s first inspiration to create her own business came to her while working as a sales representative and office manager at a mortgage credit reporting agency thinking: “Why not perform the same job working for myself?” And so she did, founding Residential Mortgage Credit Reporting (RMCR) in 1989. Devotion, perseverance and faith advanced the inspiration and one employee office into a multi-million dollar business. In 1996, James received a request for assistance from an agency that was a client referral to conduct background checks for potential employees that were being considered for hire by a Fortune 500 company. Open to new ideas and certain of her ability to fulfill the request, Sandra accepted the business, adding a client to her roster while expanding RMCR’s capabilities. During that time, technology was the driving business. Sandra sensed a growing demand for assisting human resource departments with pre-employment related processes and established Private Eyes, Inc. in 1999. Private Eyes celebrated their 14th anniversary in business on September 2nd: Happy Anniversary, Private Eyes! Amongst its many services, Private Eyes, Inc. assists clients with completing and filing IRS 4506-T forms that are used to verify income which are on file with the IRS, supporting banks, mortgage bankers, and legal firms in their efforts to ensuring financial stability. Again, listening to a need, James recognized that this service should be a primary offering with technology dedicated to the process, and established 4506-Transcripts.com in 2010 as a division of Private Eyes. James became aware of WBENC in 2002 through a client’s recommendation and immediately sought out certification. Soon thereafter, Private Eyes became a WBENCCertified Woman-Business Enterprise (WBE). 4506-Transcripts.com also became a WBENC-Certified WBE in 2011. WBENC-certification offers immeasurable value that cannot otherwise be found under a single roof.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT “WBENC is a great organization with countless values and resources, where you gain friendships and become inspired by other women business owners like you that help your business grow. It is MORE than I imagined it could be,” said James. “It is a place where you receive feedback, support, expand your contacts and regain confidence from others when you don’t see it in yourself ‘that’ moment.”

Sandra James President and Founder Private Eyes, Inc. and 4506-Transcripts.com

An effective member of ASTRA Women’s Business Alliance, Sandra resides on their Board of Directors as the Secretary & Vice-Chair of the Leadership Forum. James was instrumental in recruiting Forum Leadership representation from all states affiliated with ASTRA. Collectively, their voices inform WBENC of WBE’s needs and challenges so they can be addressed through future national events and programs. Selected by ASTRA in 2010, James is also a member of the WBENC Women’s Enterprise Forum that works closely with other WBENC constituents to promote the benefits of certification and to facilitate corporate business opportunities for WBEs. Representing both Forums, James is a dynamic force who strongly influences positive changes which benefit certified-women owned businesses. Sandra was also selected by ASTRA to receive the 2009 WBENC Women’s Business Enterprise Star Award, representing her strategic vision, business acumen and devotion to meeting her corporate clients’ needs. She is a graduate of the 2012 Tuck-WBENC Executive Program, sponsored by one of her clients who is a WBENC Corporate Member, the D.W. Morgan Company. Enhancing the relevance of the experience, the course used the Private Eyes, Inc. business plan as a case study in the curriculum. The momentum of her immersion with WBENC grew with each additional role and recognition that Sandra achieved: “I became more involved after receiving the 2009 Star Award and even more after being selected as a member of The Leadership Forum. These honors were followed by the greatest growth spurt in my business,” James said. It’s a well-known fact: You only get out of it what you put into it. “Being involved on the national level helps build leadership skills. Make it your business to actively participate; there is so much opportunity to grow resulting from WBENC affiliation. Having 11,000+ fellow certified-WBEs supporting you not only helps you to build your brand and reputation but also your business. In addition to the exposure to the corporate members who support WBENC, imagine having a customer list 10,000 strong. By spending within the WBENC circle we help each other to grow,” said James. “You don’t make money when you work on a job; you make it by working on yourself. As you develop so will your world. If you feel that you are not getting anything out of certification, you need to look at what you aren’t doing,” stated Sandra. For more information about Private Eyes, Inc., visit www.privateeyesinc.com. For more information about 4506-Transcripts.com, visit www.4506-Transcripts.com. WWW.WBENC.ORG » SEPTEMBER EDITION 2013 »

OpportunitieS

Supplier Connection – Helping Small Businesses Grow A corporate contract can be the tipping point to small business growth, but many business owners struggle to overcome supply chain roadblocks or simply don’t know where to start.

Recognizing the importance of small businesses in the U.S. economy, including an estimated 8.6 million women-owned businesses, Supplier Connection launched two years ago to provide small businesses access to the supply chains of its buying member companies. The free, web-based community streamlines the search for suppliers – making it easier and more efficient for buying members to identify and engage with new suppliers. Since its inception, more than 12 corporate WBENC members have joined Supplier Connection as buying members, including AT&T, Citi, IBM, Kelloggs, ManpowerGroup, Pfizer and UPS. There are now more than 9,000 registered small businesses, specializing in a wide range of commodities. Wondering if your business is qualified? Small businesses are eligible to join if they have less than 500 employees or less than $50 million in annual revenue. While the goal remains the same today, Supplier-Connection.net was recently refreshed to reflect its collaborative nature. Supplier Connection is more than just an online directory of small businesses; it’s a resource for business development and a place for peers to communicate and learn from one another. The site now makes it easier than ever to learn more about Supplier Connection and how to take the next step. Last year, buying members awarded $750 million of business to Supplier Connection’s small business members. With women-owned businesses growing at a faster rate than most businesses, there’s never been a better time to join Supplier Connection and stand out from the crowd! But don’t just take our word for it, here’s what two of our small business members have to say about Supplier Connection:

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

“As a participant of Supplier Connection since 2011, we have been exposed to many opportunities and we have had success with several of the Supplier Connection members. We’re proud to be part of an initiative that is so dedicated to small business success in the U.S.” - DEVLINHAIR Productions, Inc. “As a small, woman-owned business with a limited marketing budget, we’re always on the lookout for ways to enhance our marketing without spending a bundle. Supplier Connection allows us to do that: we can connect with “big players” in industries that need our services. It’s exciting to be able to market to some of the largest companies in the world with just the click of a mouse, and be able to find other businesses that complement what we do. Supplier Connection is a great tool, and I highly recommend its use.” - Hurley Write, Inc Visit Supplier Connection today at https://www.supplier-connection.net. If you have questions or want to stay up to date on Supplier Connection news, follow on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.

WWW.WBENC.ORG » SEPTEMBER EDITION 2013 »

OPPORTUNITIES

Accel Business Solutions, LLC – Innovation in Video Commerce Tara Abraham, Chairman of Accel Inc, a Contract Packaging Company, that specializes in hand and automated assembly for the Health & Beauty, Retail, Medical, and Consumer Package Goods Industries has recently signed an agreement to establish a new venture as President of Accel Business Solutions, LLC. Accel Business Solutions LLC is one of only a few resellers of the patented online Smart Store, Cinsay, and the only woman-owned reseller. This is a natural extension of Abraham’s core business as her background has always been in Retailing and this online technology will revolutionize the way people transact on ecommerce. It is the only patented video online platform where you can watch a video, transact on the same screen and then share (go viral) with your network via facebook, Google, twitter, youtube, etc. and those who you have shared it with can transact as well. The conversion rate is over 7% compared to the traditional 2% online transactions.

Technology is constantly evolving and right now, the fastest growing opportunities lie in online video, ecommerce and mobile. In fact, views of videos on mobile devices jumped 300% in 2012 alone and for 2013; eCommerce will increase over 17% to just over $1.2 trillion dollars. Keeping up with all the new advancements in those areas can be time-consuming and expensive for business owners seeking to leverage the incredible power and reach of these tools for innovative business growth There is one company however that is combining all three technologies into one compelling, yet simple solution - Cinsay. Cinsay’s Smart Store™ is a patented tool that uniquely blends viral video, social media, mobile distribution and ecommerce all into one single business tool. Audiences are able to watch a video in the Smart Store on Facebook, on a mobile device, embedded into a website or hosted on mycinsay.com. Viewers can then complete a transaction inside the video without leaving or linking out. As others share the video, the embedded store goes with it. Cinsay’s Smart Store is creating an entirely new category of online business called Video Commerce. The remarkable business impact of Cinsay’s Smart Store™ lies in its ability to move a user through the sales funnel process in one step without clicking out. From the initial first impression, to engaging and product presentation to facilitating a transaction— it’s all there in one single experience. In a world that’s over-stimulated by technology, we have shorter attention spans. By removing steps and shortening the process, we can see significantly higher conversion rates currently around 7% and climbing.

Compare that to twitter, which considers a 1-3% conversion rate on promoted tweets an online success. The art of leading a user to click-through your sales process online is measured in part as click-through rates (CTR). A study posted on the popular crowd sourced Q&A site, Quora, suggests we lose up to 30% of users after just 2-3 clicks, and up to 80% after 4-5 clicks. With a Smart Store™, the entire experience start to finish requires one click—there is no click-through to any other site. Cinsay today is still in its infancy. But the horizon for Cinsay is an exciting one as the technology continues to improve and ramp up users. New features and improvements are being made daily. For many businesses with any sort of online presence, they’ll likely be either an early adopter of Cinsay Smart Stores™, or a user of the technology in the future. Either way, this is a business tool that’ll be as important to have as a website and email.

Tara Abraham Chairman Accel Inc

Cinsay is not focused solely on transactions and analytics; it also is a great lead generation tool, a non-profit or political campaign donation site and a promotional campaign tool. The possibilities are endless! Accel Business Solutions, LLC is changing the way WBE’s will interact on the internet in the future with Cinsay. Remember to watch, shop, and share! Please visit www.accelbusinesssolutionsllc.com - Accel Business Solutions is running a special program at a rate of up to 50% off the regular rate for WBENCcertified WBEs, please just hit the WBENC link on the website. Sources: US Digital Video Benchmark, Video Mind & ComScore

WWW.WBENC.ORG » SEPTEMBER EDITION 2013 »

WHAT IS SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY? Small Business Saturday SM was created in 2010 in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: more customers. Falling between Cyber Monday and Black Friday, it’s a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. It has since become a nation-wide, wellknown celebrated event cemented on the national calendar with support from major corporations, elected officials, public and private organizations and millions of Facebook users. Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS TO SHOP SMALL ON NOVEMBER 30th!

APPLY NOW FOR 2013 AMERICA’S TOP CORPORATIONS RECOGNITION 2013 Top Corporation Application is due by October 4th, 2013 If you are a Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Corporate Member committed to fueling our economy by partnering with Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs) and have achieved excellence in this area, or if you have an up-andcoming supplier diversity program, WBENC wants to hear from you! Submit your application before October 4, 2013 and your organization may be chosen to be one of the 2013 America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises. This is the only national award honoring corporations for world-class programs that level the playing field for WBEs to compete for corporate business. Each year at the Summit & Salute, WBENC recognizes those companies that do an outstanding job of breaking down the barriers that impede WBEs from gaining fair access to procurement opportunities and demonstrate their commitment through actual contracts.

All National Corporate Members are eligible to apply. If you are interested in learning more about the application process or have any questions, please email Lindsay Olzerowicz, Senior Program Manager at topcorporations@wbenc.org or call 202-872-5515 x18102.

NEW ORLEANS! Don’t Miss Out — Save The Date

MARCH 18-20, 2014 MARRIOTT NEW ORLEANS 555 CANAL STREET presenting sponsorS

JOIN FORCES. SUCCEED TOGETHER. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT

WWW.WBENC.ORG

RECOGNITION

WBE Success Story: Imelda Alejandrino, Partner, CEO and Creative Director of AP42, Inc. actualizes “AH-HA Moments” into creative client’s solutions that have influenced new and inspiring ways to expand business opportunities.

Imelda Alejandrino is a Partner, CEO and Creative Director of AP42, Inc. Similar to the response-driven marketing solutions that AP42 attains for their clients, the Marketing & Digital Agency company continues to transform in keeping with business and marketing trends where they remain on the cutting edge of their profession. Beginning her role as an entrepreneur in 2003, Imelda’s business has evolved three times, advancing from Alejandrino Designs which focused on “Brand + Advertising” to her last expansion, AP42, Inc., which integrated digital marketing into her service offerings. AP42, Inc. is an award-winning firm that spans disciplines and channels to create meaningful, state-of-the-art marketing needs for their clients. Each of the three organizations has been a WBENC-Certified Women Owned Business.

Imelda Alejandrino Partner, CEO and Creative Director AP42, Inc.

Alejandrino has been an active member of her Regional Partner Organization (RPO), ASTRA, and of the Northern California Minority Supplier Diversity Council (NCMSDC) for several years. Each has cultivated deep relationships and offered amazing exposure that has helped her businesses flourish. Imelda became acquaintance with Chevron’s Supplier Diversity Manager as a result of her NCMSCD involvement where Chevron is a corporate member. The manager offered to coach her on how to work with Chevron and later introduced her to their Procurement Manager. Chevron is also a WBENC National Corporate member. The coaching coupled with AP42’s WBENCcertification strengthened Imelda’s ability to build upon the relationship with Chevron which segued into new business for AP42 by redesigning their website to be mobilefriendly. Chevron selected and sponsored Alejandrino in attending the 2012 TuckWBENC Executive Program, for which she was deeply honored. From that point forward, Alejandrino’s enthusiasm to participate in various ways and programs associated with these organizations, grew. After hearing many positive comments about WBENC National Events from ASTRA, she decided to participate in the experience.“I attended the 2013 Summit and Salute in Baltimore, my first national WBENC event, and went early to attend the orientation program. This was followed by a panel discussion which included corporate supplier diversity managers from Dupont, Bristol Meyer and Comcast. Ron Tutundji, a Small-Business and Supplier Diversity Manager for Dupont, offered key advice on how to acquire business: ‘You have to be prepared to offer a company an AH-HA Experience.’ I immediately attempted to access the panelists’ websites to learn more about each organization and found that 2 of the 3 were not mobile friendly – an AH-HA Moment surfaced which led to my proposal of an AH-HA Experience,” Alejandrino said.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT Imelda approached Tutundji following the session and shared her AH-HA discovery with him. This prompted Tutundji’s interest to discuss the solution further and also led to additional introductions to his colleagues which developed into more opportunities for AP42, Inc. “Your contacts will be happy to introduce you to their colleagues if you have something worthwhile to say,” said Imelda. One of the introductions was to Kirby Watson, a Supplier Diversity Manager at Volvo Trunks North America, a WBENC Corporate member. The meeting led to Imelda’s AH-HA solution to develop an automated system using technology which would allow suppliers to contact Volvo Trucks Supplier Diversity professionals directly by means of a microsite. This prompted AP42’s solution: “Gatekeeper”. It allows the vendor to inquire about current opportunities specific to their NAICS code which is required information when registering on the client’s dedicated URL landing page. Once submitted, the inquiry is acknowledged with a standard response advising the vendor that further instructions will be provided. All vendors receive a reply from the SD group either indicating that they qualify for existing opportunities or advising that they do not and include further guidance to maintain updated profiles for potential future opportunities. The solution creates substantial time and cost efficiencies which benefit both the SD professional and the company that is interest in gaining face time with the client. Alejandrino also attended the 2013 WBENC National Conference and Business Fair (NCBF) in Minneapolis. The business fair provided opportunities for her to visit Volvo Truck North America’s exhibit and show “Gatekeeper” to other companies, first hand. Having so many opportunities under one roof to demonstrate this solution was extraordinary. Imelda’s guiding words: “Certification opens doors; once the door is open it’s up to YOU to create the opportunities. Possibilities will continue to unfold as you learn from your clients and fellow Certified-WBE. Then it’s about building and expanding your relationships with SD Managers that cross your path.” “There is something special about being involved with organizations that are focused on women-owned businesses, evidenced through ASTRA as well as WBENC. Both include women helping women who truly want to help you succeed.” “Being involved is effective; 99% of success is showing up. I do lots of volunteer work with ASTRA, emulating what I have been shown by doing the same for new members. I learned that by genuinely paying it forward to people who you meet, rewards are returned 10 fold.” For more information about AP42, Inc., visit their website: http://www.AP42.com. WWW.WBENC.ORG » SEPTEMBER EDITION 2013 »

WOMEN ON WELLNESS

Are You Ready to Reclaim Your Body? If your answer is: “Yes!” this information could change your life, perhaps in ways that you could not even imagine.

Are you are tired of feeling bloated and frustrated with your new, unwanted mid-section? Are you carrying too much weight and feeling out of sorts? “Yes!” again? Good news; there is a healthy solution to reclaiming the body that you once knew. Studies tell us that diets do not work for many reasons. One of the most important reasons is that diets do not help a person change her behaviors or develop a mindset that supports her commitment to being healthy permanently. Diets equate to food plan changes, not deprivation, with no quick weight loss. In most cases, a person regains the weight they have lost and then some. Reclaiming your body takes commitment. It means that you have made up your mind that nothing will get in your way until you reach the goal of achieving good health. If, for some reason, you are not ready to commit to this change in mindset, please be kind to yourself and say, “No…not at this time. I am not ready.” If deep down you are just not ready to make the commitment, being honest with yourself is the best solution – for now. It really is ok. When your time does come to take charge of your health and regroup, you will be open and ready to do anything, whatever it takes. Work on preparing yourself to make the change when it is right for you.

Brenda’s Story During the past seven to ten years, it had been a struggle for Brenda Loube, our Wellness expert, to figure out how she could

lose the extra ten pounds that seemed to simply appear due to menopause and aging. Brenda continued to be dedicated to daily exercise which included strength training and other cardiovascular programs on a daily basis, six to seven days per week. Her dietary habits were not perfect but they were essentially healthy. Yet, the extra weight would not come off. Reflecting back to her twenties, Brenda would wonder why middle aged women seemed to have a pot belly. When “that” time came for Brenda, she began to understand the meaning of ‘hormonal imbalance’. But it was more than just the hormones playing havoc with her body. Dr. Karen Wolfe, a longtime friend of Brenda’s, was also looking for a solution when she found a program through her friend and colleague, Dr. Deborah Kern. Dr. Kern was affiliated with Dr. Christine Northrup, a visionary pioneer and the world’s leading authority in the field of women’s health. Endorsement of this program by two amazing health professionals supports the safety, validity, reliability and credibility of this program. As a health professional, it was important for Brenda to follow a protocol of due diligence and research the program. She found the concepts of the program to make perfect sense. Dr. Wolfe promised Brenda that certain healthy things would happen and they did: her body let her know what it needed; carb cravings were reduced; and she was more energetic. Brenda regained a feeling of being healthy. The results are about so much more than losing weight; they are about feeling well and being as healthy as possible in this phase of life.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Get the Facts About Blood Sugar:

Lifestyle Assessment:

One of the triggers to being overweight is a concept called Insulin Resistance, which is the body resisting the actions of insulin. This causes insulin to not work properly in doing its job. Instead, the pancreas responds by producing more insulin. Our body responds to insulin from the following changes: • Hormonal disruption • Appetite deregulation • Body is pushed into fat storage • Uncontrollable cravings • Muscle loss • Fat gain • Increased stress hormone • Increased inflammation

1. Do you smoke? 2. Are you satisfied with the quality and quantity of your sleep? 3. Does your breakfast include protein? 4. Do you know your fasting blood sugar? 5. Do you drink 2 or more glasses of sugary drinks a day? 6. How much time do you spend each week on physical activity that makes you sweat? 7. Do you do strength training? 8. How would you describe the level of stress in your life? 9. How much time do you spend watching TV? 10. How often do you eat every day? 11. What type of cooking oil do you use to sauté vegetable? 12. Have you ever detoxified your home? 13. Do you get constipated? 14. Do you spend time with friends that you care about?

Do you know that these foods spike your blood sugar? • • • •

Processed Foods White Flour, White Rice, White Pasta Foods high in white sugar Soda

• • • • • •

Brown Rice Sugar Cane Sugar Maltose Sucrose Mannitol Corn Syrup

•

Remove crackers, chips, pastries and sweetened drinks from your house Eliminate foods that increase inflammation in the body Increase foods that decrease inflammation in the body Avoid fast foods and products made with high fructose corn syrup Do not eat processed cereal Eat breakfast every morning Eat less bread and fewer white potatoes Eat less refined and processed foods Eat whole grains, beans, sweet potatoes, winter squashes, and other vegetables Eat fruits such as berries, cherries, apples and pears that are lower in sugar Move your body daily Check your blood pressure regularly Know your numbers such as blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, HDL & LDL

Do you know where some of the hidden sugars are found?

Immediate action steps you can Take Now which help to control insulin!

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Below are some questions to ask yourself which will help you determine if you are living the life you want to live. Decide if your lifestyle is putting your health at risk and therefore the risk of your company.

Based on your responses, are you ready to take charge of your health and regain your body? Brenda highly recommends Dr. Karen Wolfe’s book entitled: “Is Your Lifestyle Killing You, The 8 Simple Steps for Lasting Weight Loss and Optimal Health” which promotes a cellular nutrition program for women who want to reclaim their bodies. Look forward to feeling good; probably better than you have felt in years. You will find the results to the health assessment questionnaire on Page 3A-3 of Dr. Wolfe’s book. For more information about the program visit the website: http://drkarenwolfe.org/the-sugar-busters/. Understanding what your blood lipid numbers mean will be featured in next month’s Women on Wellness article. If you are scheduled for your next doctor’s appointment which includes a fasting blood lipid assessment, request a copy of the result report. If not, ask your doctor’s office for a copy of your last blood test which shows your lipid values. Brenda will share some ideas next month on actions you can take to maintain healthy cholesterol or increase your good cholesterol (HDL) and or lower your bad cholesterol (LDL). For more information about Corporate Fitness Works please visit their website: http://www.corporatefitnessworks.com/.

WWW.WBENC.ORG » SEPTEMBER EDITION 2013 »

build your own

The Bracelet as individual as you are. WBENC has created the Legacy Bracelet as a statement of your participation and ongoing support of our organization. Each beautiful hand-crafted sterling silver bead represents different aspects of WBENC that have made it the progressive and respected organization that it is today. Whether you are new to certification, membership or supplier diversity and women’s entrepreneurship, you can build your own beautiful piece of jewelry that will tell the story of how you’re engaged with WBENC.

Isn’t it time to start your Legacy®?

Order Your WBENC Legacy® Online www.thedwgroup.com/wbenclegacy 1-800-704-0546

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

We are excited to launch our premier line of WBENC products to engage our community and bring awareness to the WBENC brand. We invite you to shop on our newly designed website and feel free to contact our exclusive provider for even more creative ideas on how to brand your business!

WWW.WBENC.ORG » SEPTEMBER EDITION 2013 »

Bringing the Most Interesting Women in Wine to WBENC A Woman’s Palate, started in 2012 by two women, wants to introduce you to our women vintners and their stories; share their wines with you; and educate women about fine wine. For more information, visit us online. find us on facebook www.facebook.com/AWomansPalate follow us on twitter @AWomansPalate follow us on pinterest pinterest.com/awomanspalate

A Woman’s Palate Wine Club, exclusive to WBENC, is the first wine club developed for women by women. Typically limited production and hard to find, AWP wines are the very finest quality and handcrafted. Go to www.AWomansPalate.com/WBENC for more information.

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Meet women vintners, experience their lifestyle, and connect with other accomplished women through the AWP Boot Camp.

This educational seminar considers the true value of fine wine and shares helpful strategies for successfully and confidently ordering fine wines in a business setting.

AWP

An online magazine featuring women vintners, food professionals, and business executives, all offering practical and useful advice on wine and food for business and pleasure.

Visit AWomansPalate.com or awpmag.com for more information