Chicago Minority Business News - Spring 2012 by MBEConnect

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CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

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ChicagoMSDC Staff

ionships with suppliers as Building relat r consumers and products diverse as ou

Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. 105 W. Adams Street, Suite 2300 Chicago, IL 60603

Shelia Hill Morgan President & CEO Phillip Barreda Executive Vice President Cynthia L. Jordan Director of Events Shondra E. Watson-Wilson Certification Manager Gloria A. Blake Executive Assistant Julia Guan Certification / IT Specialist Sylene Peterson Administrative Assistant Hans Bonner Executive Director MBDA Business Center Chicago David Thomas Senior Manager, Bus. Development MBDA Business Center Chicago Joshua Gutstein Senior Financial Consultant MBDA Business Center Chicago Megan Nakano Business Consultant MBDA Business Center Chicago

At Kraft Foods, we seek suppliers as diverse as the variety of products we provide and the consumers who purchase them. Our supplier diversity initiative aims to develop strong business relationships with a talented group of minority and women-owned suppliers that offer quality products and services, excellent customer service and innovative business solutions.

Gwen Jones Procurement Consultant MBDA Business Center Chicago

Consultants Milana L. Walter, J.D. Communications / Writer Tricia Wynn Project Director Northwest Indiana MSDC

For more information and to register in our diverse supplier database, please visit: www.kraftsupplierdiversity.com

www.chicagomsdc.org DiverseProdu_FullColor_8_5X11_Bleed rv1.indd 1

CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL2012

9/26/11 1:40 PM

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ACCESS MATTERS...

feature articles allstate

from mayhem to mentoring Page 10

MichAEL gaines

45 YEARS AND COUNTING! The Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (ChicagoMSDC) has been a thought leader and minority business advocate for four and a half decades.

Gaining Profits with Integrity Page 12

shahid kahn a conversation with shaHid kahn Page 15

sue gin & ezequiel flores a dynamic duo Page 19

What’s inside where have our leaders gone

funding by “crowdsourcing”

daring to dream big

how can chicago msdc help me?

Gleatha Glispie: a walgreens innovator

the south african Consulate - chicago

MBEIC 2012 Awardees

MBEIC’s New chair

go big or go home

Ujamaa, Powers & Sons and Walmart

mbe highlights: beaman & mbeconnect

future leaders

the sntial, inc. innovation with kraft

mccain foods: more than skin deep

take advantage of your connections

the way we were

hicagoMSDC is the founding and oldest affiliate council of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) 37 affiliates across the country. ChicagoMSDC has a been a trailblazer, a supporter and a strong voice for business diversity and inclusion throughout corporate America and the government; and still today, the council speaks up and speaks out to certify, develop, connect and advocate on behalf it’s body of constituents and members. Many of you might think or ask the question, “What does that matter to me and does the council matter?” My response to you is a resounding, YES! The council and the work it does, matters and the voice of the council is even more relevant today than in years gone by. Today as the “world” continues to change, it is business critical that diverse businesses are included in all supply chains and procurement arenas and that minority businesses have an equitable opportunity to become prime contractors and 1st tier suppliers. As you know small business is the fastest growing sector in our economy and minority businesses are the fastest growing small business sector. This small bit of information is important to each of as we all want to see our economy continue to recover! ALL businesses need access. The council matters and ChicagoMSDC impacts this entire process. In 2011, ChicagoMSDC certified minority businesses added approximately 3500 jobs, more than 200 new businesses were certified through the council and one

council program alone generated more the 300 million dollars in contract and financial opportunities. ChicagoMSDC corporate members reported more than $3.5 billion in procurement. Aggregately, ChicagoMSDC certified minority businesses employ approximately 90,000 people. Yes, the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council matters.

ChicagoMSDC:

SHELIA HILL MORGAN PRESIDENT & CEO

“Access provides the opportunity to contribute to the economy through job creation and of course as jobs are created, revenue is generated to support the overall economy.”

CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

1) Certifies business ownership, operation and control to validate minority business status; 2) Develops and prepares businesses through education, training and capacity building; 3) Connects buyers and sellers; and 4) Advocates on behalf of both constituent groups. The Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council belongs to its constituents; ChicagoMSDC is their organization! So again, I say to you forty five (45) years, four and one half decades (4 ½) and still more work to be done. Job creation, access to capital, procurement opportunities, capacity building, mergers and acquisitions, education & training, advocacy, strategic alliances, globalization, legal and financial literacy training & support are but a few of the areas the council continues to impact. Join us! Work with us! Engage us! Help us, as we continue to challenge ourselves and you to build this economy.

SHELIA HILL-MORGAN president & ceo

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chicago minority business report

editor’s

publishing team

President & CEO ChicagoMSDC Shelia Hill Morgan

note

MBEIC Chair Joyce Johnson President & CEO Anchor Staffing, Inc. Past MBEIC Chair Jackie Dyess President Inter-City Supply Company

Welcome to the inaugural

CBOF 45 edition of CMBR-Chicago Minority Business Report

hrough feature stories and profiles we were charged to tell the stories of what it takes to own a business and lead a Fortune 500-1000 supplier diversity program. Business is about people, hardly about the things of circuits and brick. Thus, our focus was on the tenacity, challenges and dreams of the people who lead in this highly competitive arena after surviving the tumultuous economic storms of the last 3-4 years. The cover story features Allstate and their minority mentoring program. MBEs Michael Gaines speaks candidly of the economy’s impact on his business and MBE Shadid Khan talks about the rocky road to NFL ownership. This issue includes articles from the dynamic leaders and staffs of ChicagoMSDC and MBDA Business Center – Chicago on recent trends and how they can help corporate members and MBE’s gain access to revenue growth and opportunity. Lastly, we would like to applaud our design team from MBEConnect/Evolv led by Eric Harland and assisted by Caress Gonzales for working with us to succinctly translate the vision sought for CMBR. This is just the beginning. In order to be in the next issue contact Cynthia at 312-755-2553. Are you in?

CMBR Editor-In-Chief Milana L. Walter, J.D. Director of Events Cynthia L. Jordan

Art & Design Director Eric Harland MBEConnect, LLC. Contributors Laphate Cunningham Josh Gutstein Dave Thomas Photographers Jared Kelly Dwight Phillips Victor Powell Cover Photo Victor Powell

www.chicagomsdc.org

Milana L. Walter, J.D. Editor –In-Chief

One community. Cynthia L. Jordan Director of Events Chicago Minority Business Report (CMBR) is a publication

7,500+ stores to help share what makes it special. A product like yours should be shared — with every other Walgreens community across the country. Walgreens wants to help make that happen, with programs dedicated to growing minority businesses. Like our Community Corner initiative which showcases diverse companies’ products in our stores. Plus, our Power of Alignment program encourages our top vendors to do business with diverse service suppliers. To learn how your community can become part of ours, visit vendor.walgreens.com today.

of the Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee of ChicagoMSDC. CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

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CBOF

he Chicago Business Opportunity Fair (CBOF) has a distinguished history as a catalyst for developing partnerships between minority and majority-owned corporations and government Agencies. CBOF is the oldest and largest procurement tradeshow in the nation with a targeted niche of multi-ethnic businesses and was the impetus to the development of the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. (NMSDC) through its founding Council, Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (ChicagoMSDC). Today the NMSDC network consists of 37 regional councils throughout the U.S. NMSDC Global Link Partners are located in Australia, Canada, China, South Africa and the United Kingdom. CBOF 45 launches on April 11 with dynamic workshops conducted by leading business experts and the MBEIC Welcome Awards Reception at the Hyatt Regency Chicago to pay tribute to honorees and advocates who have supported supplier diversity on the local and national levels. The reception will congratulate the recipients of the Impact Award, Pathfinder Award, Minority Supplier of the Year Award and many others. On Thursday, April 12, the day begins with the Sponsors Breakfast at Navy Pier featuring Jeff Taylor, Founder of Monster.com as the featured speaker. This year the inaugural ChicagoMSDC Media Champion Award goes to long-time

W. Anthony Vernon

media sponsors NBC5 Chicago and Clear Channel. The ribbon-cutting will officially open CBOF 45 in Festival Hall A. The end of the day will conclude with the Topping Out Reception in the tradeshow lobby. CBOF 45 concludes, Friday, April 13 with an all-day Business Speed Dating workshop featuring corporate buyers. The day concludes with the Black Tie Gala at the Hyatt Regency with the Corporation of the Year Award, a C-Suite Power Meal Auction and entertainment by Motown legend Mary Wilson.

Executive Vice President & President Kraft Foods North America Honorary Chairman, CBOF 45 Planning Committee

Juventino Cano

Jeff Taylor

Founder, Monster.com CBOF 45 Sponsor Breakfast Keynote SpeakER & Featured Guest

Brinda Bradley

Director, Supplier Diversity Nielsen Chairperson, CBOF 45 Planning Committee

kitty pon

President & CEO - Cano Container Corp. Co-Chairperson, CBOF45 Planning Committee

President & CEO- Pactrans Air & Sea, Inc. Chairperson, CBOF 45 MBEIC Awards Luncheon

mellodyhobson hobson melody

MARY Wilson

president Ariel Investments, LLC Featured Interviewer

CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

Motown Legend of “The Supremes”

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where have all the leaders gone? N

ational and locally, there is a long difference is its own reward. Those history of great leadership in who are earning more than their the minority business community. market value tend to stay long after It is our recent history that leaves they stop making an impact. Aside something to be desired. Not too long from salary, there are leaders that are ago, minority business experienced so fixated on their own stature and a series of outstanding leaders with acknowledgement that they have stop vision, character and fortitude. seeking accomplishment and now Leaders like Perrin Mitchell fought primarily spend their time searching for affirmative action legislation. for recognition. The work that we As Chairman of the Small Business do is often thankless in nature. That Committee, Mitchell attached an should be understood. Leaders should amendment to a $4 billion public be on the frontline, taking bullets so works bill that compelled state and that those we support can succeed. It local governments, seeking federal is human nature to desire affirmation grants, to set aside but once that desire BP is dedicated to connect with the most innovative 10% of the funds to exceeds desire for and performance-driven Minority and Women retain minority firms accomplishment, Business Enterprises that reflect the diversity of BP as contractors and it becomes communities. That’s why we are working with M/WBE subcontractors. Maye counterproductive. to create powerful opportunities for diverse suppliers Foster-Thompson’s The second that are of scale, competitive and operate safely and historic leadership issue that plagues efficiently. Find out more at bp.com/supplierdiversity forged CMBDC and today’s leaders is NMSDC on a path a lack of personal directed towards and professional greatness. This kind of courage. There are leadership and courage too many cowards in a has been much more leadership position in difficult to find in the minority business current days. community. Too The problems with many people need today’s leaders fall into their job more than three broad categories. they need to make a The first is the inability Chicago Regional Director difference. We have © 2010 BP Products North America Inc. to put the needs of U.S. Department ofCommerce, MBDA the most difficult jobs you have to be “of the people.” the community before in the U.S. economy. business owners fight, battle and Somehow an elitist attitude has individual needs. I am not above We are charged with getting the struggle every day, they deserve emerged among minority business individual enrichment and would majority of the population to include leadership that does the same. leaders. Too many of those who not begrudge anyone of making a the minority of the population in our Those leaders who are falling in line lead us, think that they are somehow lucrative living. However, if you are economy, seemingly at the expense with pressure from management or than us. 100% Leaders who think making more serving the minority of the majority. Much like the civil other Client: BPgeneral consensus should seek Safety: 7.5” x 10.5” better Mechanical Scale: that Format: Full they have some business community than you could rights struggle this battle is often Campaign:employment. ofx 11” BP Energy Security There are plenty Trim: 8” Page 4/C superior Ad #: BP-10-102 Bleed: 8.5” x 11.5” standing Printer: because of an Ivy League anywhere else, you are most likely in difficult and contentious. Too many jobs that require limited courage and Ad Title: AA Male Lead - Supplier Diversity Media Vendor / Publication: education, a Wall Street resume, or the wrong line of business. Minority leaders compromise themselves and fortitude. Do the minority business Version/Revision #: V2 CBFOsome Expo Program upper class background. You cannot Business should be a passion. The refuse to fight for what is right. Let’s community a favor and fill out Date Modified: February 11, 2010 lead any group if you don’t respect work is too hard and tasks too be clear, we cannot fight every battle applications. Operator: AC/RT Schawk Docket #:892397A02 their culture and accomplishments. formidable to be performed by those every day but there are leaders who Lastly, there is a lack of humility Those who are fortunate enough to that lack the passion and desire don’t fight for anything. This is not in our business leaders today. If have had the opportunity to attend to make a difference. Making a a profession for the weak. Minority you are going be “for the people,” continued on page 17 CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

Creating relationships that energize business.

eric dobyne

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Funding by “Crowdsourcing”... Raising early-stage money from an on-line crowd of friends and others is a viable alternative funding source and available to the most creative amongst us.

he web offers opportunities for you miss your goal). “crowdsourcing,” in this case Each site features three basic elements raising small payments from numerous to a fundraising campaign: a profile people, or the “crowd,” rather than page, a video to introduce the project relying on finding the full desired and perks for fundraising goals. You amount from one source Companies create these elements, so the more do not sell equity or take on debt and creative you are the better chance you those paying will not ask for financials. have in meeting your goal amidst the Instead people pledge to support you numerous other campaigns out there. in exchange for perks in your business. And there are an incredible amount of If this sounds great to campaigns. Kickstarter, you, you are not alone, for example, posts over and that is the main 2000 new projects every drawback. day. There are as many There are so many as 10,000 projects on entrepreneurs turning IndieGoGo. Shining to these sites, it is no through the crush of wonder that you will campaigns requires need to rely on your certain keys to success. innovative business Assuming your project sense to stand out in can appeal to a broad this non-conventional market, the profile financing world. The page, video, and perks Josh Gutstein leading websites that combine for the first key help fund a new project generally to success. These elements are the share two basic rules: (1) Offer some face of your project. The profile page product or service (“perks”) in return is the website of your project, with all for contribution pledges; and (2) if you the required attention to descriptive fail to raise the full amount of your engaging text. The video establishes goal, the pledges do not get funded. credibility, often featuring the inventor For examples of typical ventures, you and, the successful ones at least, can start by visiting these leading capturing interest. Shoot the video not websites: only for the audience you will invite, but also, with hope, to secondary Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com viewers and beyond. Finally, the perks For artists, designers and inventors. must be attractive and enhance the campaign. Perks vary widely including RocketHub www.rockethub.com a preorder of the funded product, For artists, entrepreneurs, musicians, tickets to the proposed show, or filmmakers, theatre producers, coupon on consulting work. Viewers designers, and others. may decide to pledge more if they see a better perk as the funding levels IndieGoGo (www.indiegogo.com) increase. In other words, many people Open to all ventures (note on this site will pledge to support your project just you get to keep what you raise even if to purchase the perk.

Marketing your campaign beyond your friends and family is the second key to success. The first people to pledge to your campaign will be your friends and family, most likely to click through to your site and support your vision. I supported my friend’s new iPad holder with a $25 pledge because he’s my friend and in spite of the fact that I do not have an iPad. (In full disclosure, though, my friend did not reach his goal, so I never actually paid the $25.) But with pledges as little as $10- $25 per person, you will need your campaign to catch fire beyond your initial crowd. To meet your goal

CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

and even surpass it, you can also reach out to your networks, promote your campaign on related blogs, and even invite your current customers to get in on the new offering. As in your business, the more people see your project, the more likely you will get funding. Note that these websites do not help you sell equity in your business. There are other sites such as Profounder (www.profounder.com) and MicroVentures (www.microventures. com) that bring investor money to the crowdsourcing world. While these sites have varying degrees of continued on page 11

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Ramon Travieso

the unforeseen economic pitfalls had all of his paperwork together. of late. ShoreBank, Ramon’s lender Bonner & Gutstein introduced RTB closed its doors. Chicago-based to Ridgestone Bank, the largest SBA ShoreBank – once referred to as lender by total dollars lent in Illinois. “the bank with a heart” - for more “Ridgestone Bank CEO Bruce W. than three decades made loans to Lammers, states on the bank website, underserved South and West-siders “We help business owners build their who might not have gotten financing dreams.” elsewhere to buy homes, apartment Mike Adams, Assistant Vice President buildings and start businesses. It of Ridgestone, recognized real had struggled for months to raise success in RT Beverage and was sufficient funds to stay afloat. impressed by Ramon and his son, “The closing of Shore Bank really Patrick. “What was impressive about hurt us,” notes Ramon, “our loans Ramon was how he built up the were called in.” business always watching sales,” He knew he had to do something and says Mike, “while Patrick watched the it had to be right. He was determined profits.” to save his business. He relied on Mike recognized that RT Beverage relationships and referrals and saved their company by taking a hard presented his case. look at even their largest customers He had been active in the minority to assess the true cost of doing supplier organizations for several amon Travieso came to the U.S. fell short on customer service. For business. So they reworked some years, but had become disillusioned. from Cuba through Operacion RTB, their service component was deals and walked away from others to But this was a unique time, like none Pedro Pan (Operation Peter Pan), their gold standard which provided focus on their more profitable jobs. other. America’s entrepreneurs when panicked Cuban parents fearing the competitive edge needed in an The bank was also impressed by their – the backbone of job creation & the Communist takeover by Fidel industry controlled by Fortune 500 skillful use of resources. Such as the innovation - were being slammed Castro would send their children to multi-national corporations. negotiation to use the storage at sites against the wall like in a wrestling the safety of the United States via the In 1995, RTB opened its first thus saving on transportation costs, match while lending institutions sat Catholic Church. hospital account (Christ Hospital) shielding them from the worst of the He has little to say about those where they serviced all of the on their hands waiting to be bailedgas crunch. Ridgestone worked with years. However, there’s an intense beverage needs within its cafeteria. out by American tax dollars. One day, Ramon to refinance his term loan but resiliency and humility about him In 1996, Rush St. Luke’s and Lutheran Ramon found himself at the MBDA also bought some assets, stretched that seems to keep him focused General Hospital came aboard and Business Center – Chicago, where amortization for outstanding leases through the storms and the calms. by 2002, RTB was serving over 50 he met with Hans Bonner and Josh and wrapped in vendor payables. Ramon had been in the beer hospitals. Today, RT Beverage’s Gutstein. They Those moves business but wanted something more largest client is Advocate Healthcare. recognized made it for his life. He started RT Beverage Even in the age of technology that Ramon possible for (RTB) over 17 years ago out of the and remote connections, Ramon had a solid RTB to see an garage of his home as a two-man maintains the personal connection business immediate operation with his son, Patrick. in his business. He is involved with which was in significant His intentions were to develop a each account assuring that everything jeopardy only cash savings. nonalcoholic beverage distributor that they require is adhered to, because of With some that would exemplify the highest allowing him to guarantee that RTB’s the country’s of the freed standards of service, while offering prices are the most competitive economic cash, Ramon the widest range of quality products and their commission structure is downturn. has purchased at competitive prices. the best in the entire vending and “Hans and Josh much needed His first fleet consisted of a used coffee industry. RTB offers the widest were hands equipment mini-van without heat in the windy variety of cold beverages, juices, on in helping without winter of Chicago. Rolling out as an milk, snacks, coffee, fresh and frozen me stay in adding new independent beverage distributor food items. Because we are a handsbusiness leasing costs. presented an additional challenge on operation that is nimble and can (at a time In this time, ramon travieso to his dream. He had to face the customize a program to provide when lender RTB continues fact that large companies like Cocacustomers with the highest quality of ShoreBank had to have a Cola, Pepsi and more, gobbled up office and home coffee, cafeteria or folded)…they even tried to get me a strong foundation as a beverage the majority of the high-producing vending beverage operation. micro-loan until the main loan came distributor and also developed into a vendor machine locations. But they But RTB has not been immune to through.” Ramon was organized and full service vending operation, continued on page 15 CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

daring to dream big!

started over 13 years ago out of the garage of my home as a 2-man operation, my son and I

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How Can

chicagomsdc help me hans bonner

20 national accounting firm, several financial institutions and advisors on several industries, as well as some private equity groups. We had a seminar late last year that discussed some of the issues you need to know if you want to grow via acquisitions or want to sell your business or merge with another company, we have the second seminar that will take place during workshop day at CBOF on April 11th. Finally, we are pleased to introduce the Chicago Financial Investment Services Forum, a group organized by and for minority owned investment for your business. managers and broker dealers that The services I mentioned are the will bring in the mix consultants, basic services that we provide, but corporate financial officers and we have several new initiatives other professionals. This initiative we are working on that can really comes as a follow up to The Financial help your business. We are working Investment Forum that is organized with industry groups where our every year during organization can help MBDA’s MED Week. facilitate networking As you can see, there and contract is a lot more to being a opportunities with part of ChicagoMSDC groups in Healthcare, IT than Certification, so and Construction. we invite you to take In the Construction advantage of these Industry Group, and other resources with its purpose to we have in house. invite Corporations, The MBDA Business Government Center – Chicago is Agencies and Prime an integral part of Contractors to create ChicagoMSDC and an environment to the Illinois Hispanic talk about increasing hans bonner Chamber of Commerce MBE participation in executive Director mbda as a Strategic Partner. construction contracts, business center chicago If you would like we have had three to know more or would like some (3) meetings and we are working on assistance please do not hesitate developing the future of this group, to reach out to the MBDA Business based on the positive feedback we Center – Chicago and see how we can have received. Out of this initiative help you. We have a vast network we will have a “Hard Hat Construction of resources, we do not claim to be Row” at CBOF which will include able to do everything or work with several prime contractors, large everybody, but at the very least we MBEs and government agencies with can certainly point you in the right opportunities. direction. Please feel free to call We are also working on a Mergers Gwen, Megan, Dave, Josh, Raphael or & Acquisitions (M&A) initiative. The Hans with any questions, at 312-755purpose of this initiative is to help 8880. We look forward to hearing MBEs grow via acquisition, mergers from you!! We are hands on! and private equity. We have several highly qualified partners on this hans bonner industry, like Reznick Group, a top

e get asked this question every time we meet a newly certified MBE or an MBE who is considering getting certified, even MBEs who have been certified a long time but have not really taken advantage of the services provided by ChicagoMSDC. Of course everybody knows about CBOF, Procurement Power Luncheons, networking events, speed dating, etc., but those are certainly not the only benefits. There is a plethora of benefits for our MBEs. You, the MBE, have a resource dedicated to your growth called, The MBDA Business Center – Chicago, and we’re ready to assist. Since almost a year ago, ChicagoMSDC has operated the MBDA Business Center – Chicago through a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and in partnership with the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. If you have been associated with ChicagoMSDC for a long time, you may remember The Chicago MBOC and MBEC which were the names used before. Under this new and improved concept, ChicagoMSDC was able to add six positions to further enhance the services provided to the MBEs.

The Center is part of a network of over 30 MBDA Business Centers around the country, so no matter where you want to go, most likely we can provide some local resources in that area of the country. The MBDA Business Center – Chicago works with MBEs (certified or not, but we certainly encourage MBE Certification) in assisting them with procurement assistance, MBE/ DBE/8(a) Certification assistance, financial packaging, financial analysis, management consulting, strategic planning and advice. We have a very talented group of consultants with diverse backgrounds that can help your business with almost every need. Our B2B Specialists help connect businesses to contract opportunities, our financial team helps work through financial challenges, and we will work with you to put together an RFP or just review it. If we cannot help you directly, we will tap into our resource network so that we might be able to help you. We also provide discounted fee-based services in the fields of legal assistance (for contract and lease review) and graphic design (logos, brochures, presentations). In short, we are ready to be a great resource

“In the last year, we have helped MBEs with over $300 Million in procurement and financial transactions, and worked with over 100 Businesses, as well as helped in the creation and retention of over 200 jobs.”

CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

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From MAYHeM To mentoring

the allstate supplier diversity team

comeback the criteria was clear: if an news has reported on Allstate’s own area did not show profitable growth internal mayhem. A compelling then it had to be placed on the backlandscape change happened: repositioning Allstate from a business burner. That decision greatly affected suppliers, particularly in the IT area. model where customers rely on the Allstate had to stick to strategy and services of an agent to one where take a hard stance: if it didn’t produce customers purchase direct online revenue then, it had to be dropped. (direct channel). Allstate’s agents ut in the insurance business, risk is was realized with the advent of The paradigm has shifted had always held a high profile in assumed and change is a constant Allstate’s mentoring program for drastically and Allstate’s structured the company’s “hands-on” customer MBEs. and Allstate has earned its survivor but nimble approach has catapulted service advantage. Two dynamic executives will status that thrives on all fronts. them through “the scuffle” with “The providers of that direct oversee the process. Meet Cheryl Allstate Insurance Company is a competitors. Growing industries like channel (such as Progressive and Harris, Senior Vice President, Fortune 100 company with $133 energy were picked up. GEICO) are at our back door and are Sourcing and Procurement Solutions billion in total assets and sells 13 “Even on a dramatic affecting our market and Margaret Klinsport, Director of major lines of insurance including decrease of revenue, share (offering rate Allstate’s Supplier Diversity Program auto, property, life and commercial. our direct diverse reductions to customers Based in Northbrook, Illinois, it is the and First Vice Chair of ChicagoMSDC Allstate has 35,700 spend continued to pick who switch to them). 8th largest public company in Crain’s Board of Directors. Also the weather employees and has up,” said Klinsport. Harris and her team are Chicago Business List of Chicago’s patterns have changed, responsible for optimizing Allstate’s Largest Public Companies. Allstate been a member of Enter, the Allstate Diverse Supplier greatly increasing the has 35,700 employees. and has been spend portfolio of $14B through ChicagoMSDC for Mentoring Program will number of natural collaboration with internal business a member of ChicagoMSDC for over launch May 2012. catastrophes,” states over 30 years. partners and driving innovation with 30 years. The inaugural 12 Harris. Drawn into the inescapable external suppliers which includes However, Allstate has month program economic gymnastics of the Allstate’s Supplier Diversity Program. made a killer comeback partners Allstate times, Allstate has prevailed as the Klinsport leads the company’s with rapid-fire strategic adjustments with10 minority business owner consumer’s designated protector initiative to work with minority and creative solutions. But it can with mentees who met the following from mayhem and the company to suppliers and help them earn the a bevy of tough decisions to be made. criteria: trust because “you’re in good hands”. opportunity tocompete for Allstate’s Tough decisions are tough to carry • A certified diverse supplier; In their push back to thrive in future business. out. But that’s what leaders do, they • Had annual revenues trends, a program with great promise Over the last few months, business of over $150,000; lead through the fray. To make this CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

The business of protection is high risk. Navigation through the drama of unprecedented “Act of God” disasters such as hurricanes Katrina and Andrew, tornadoes, and earthquakes are nail-biters that require resiliency and skill beyond measure.

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needed. (Ex. A company met with them with a great idea but wanted Allstate to do all the work because they were too small to execute their idea.) Many MBEs tend to have a short The mentoring program will assist term versus a long-term approach, business owners to strengthen their businesses through a series of live and especially in this current economy. virtual sessions focused on leadership Both approaches has its benefits. A and employee development, financial company that can be nimble is an asset that maintains a competitive management, sales and marketing, edge for a small business. However, and technology improvement. “Our objective is to be a hometown building strategic relationships with leader…we are looking for businesses billion dollar companies takes time. It takes time to cultivate trust and that can go to the next level,” adds understanding, with few expectations. Klinsport. Harris would like to emphasize Who better to share notes on how that MBEs think long-term though, in to win through devastating odds? certain areas, “MBEs haven’t thought Harris and Klinsport both concur that about succession planning…the sometimes, MBEs do not understand business continuity plan has not been the scale of business expected by considered and I would like to see that Allstate. They have witnessed 11th aspect prioritized.” hour reality checks from companies In the high risk business of that had to drop out because of insurance, supplier diversity is simply their inability to meet the scale of smart business. deliverables which was outside of their scope of performance. milana L. walter Needless to say, research and resources are integral to a MBEs due diligent approach to doing business with Fortune 500 companies. Although ChicagoMSDC certification presents the gold standard in certification that links MBEs with corporate America and governmental agencies, it is a tool for access not a guarantee for contracts. Klinsport believes these ingredients with get MBEs an edge in doing business with Allstate: • Have been in business for at least 5 years and • can have at least one senior officer to attend all sessions.

• Articulation of what differentiates their company from the other suppliers out there. • Keeping up on trends • Politely persistent relationship building. (Ex. One company attended every exchange meeting and landed a lucrative contract after 4 years of perseverance.) • A professional website • Using all the resources that ChicagoMSDC has to offer. Know your breaking point and be open to partnering and collaboration when an additional expertise is

CROWDSOURCING --- from page 7 assistance, you will still need to there remain limits on the number of even small investments you can accept and the State of Illinois has its own rules on registration. An effort to liberalize securities rules to allow companies to sell shares like the perks discusses above is working its way through Congress. There is no question that websites such as Kickstarter are successful. There is also no question that success with them rests entirely with a creative approach to marketing your campaign. In the best scenario, the funding

Margaret Klinsport & Cheryl Harris “Our objective is to be a hometown leader…we are looking for businesses that can go to the next level,”

CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

campaign will not only add capital to your new venture, but will introduce your company to an audience outside your customer list. The financial crowdsourcing websites are worth a look, but remember that success will require a real investment of your own in time and effort.

milana l. walter

Website References

Kickstarter (www.kickstarter.com) RocketHub (www.rockethub.com) IndieGoGo (www.indiegogo.com)

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gaining profits with integrity CRS Group is a Chicago-based multi-million

accepted into Fordham. He failed his first semester due partly to the personal toll of being the only Black for the first time in his life. It took some getting use to. However, he knew he had to regroup if he was to achieve his college degree. When he graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Management and Business, he began his career working for Sears business. However, Roebuck & Co. as a programmer. given the insular In 1988, he married Yolanda, who environment of a still today he calls “his true partner”. world on the downside After working for Sears and Cap of advantage, was it Gemini, Gaines decided to strike out possible for him to on his own and self-financed his startimagine life as much up of Computer Resource Solutions more? (CRS) out of his basement Gaines grew up in the in 1994. The same year he projects of the Bronx, established his first and current New York. His Mom client, Allstate Insurance. worked hard and his As business grew, he Dad knew circuit boards took out a $50k loan to and repaired TV’s. In expand and establish fact, a gift of a toy more credit. A small cardboard candy store suburban lending from his Mom, sparked institution would the entrepreneurial require him to take out flame flickering a life insurance policy inside a nine year old and name the bank as Gaines. Transforming a sole beneficiary even a cardboard candy though the loan was store into a real macroalready guaranteed by enterprise was an organic the SBA. fit for him. The 9 year old CRS Inc. was yesterday. The CRS figured how to buy candy in bulk and Group is today. At its core, The CRS sell it for a profit to his peers. He even Group is a company of integrity. paid back his Mother’s initial “loan”. He seemed destined for upward We would never lie to a customer. mobility. He had heard about Upward I have let people go who have. Bound as he worked his newspaper We all make mistakes. We learn route and kept good grades. from them and move on. Just tell Upward Bound is a federal program the truth. When you tell a lie, the that prepares low-income children truth will eventually be known. So for college especially in science and why do it because it destroys your math. Gaines entered the program in integrity. 7th grade and stayed throughout his high school years. The economic downturn shook his For over 4 years, he would journey world. He kept operating with a to the campus of Fordham University half-full versus half-empty mentality with other Upward Bound students, even when some customers asked who were mostly Black, to participate them to reduce their rates and others in the demanding college preparatory simply cut them. In some cases, program. Gaines thought there were customers After high school, Gaines was who were taking advantage of the

dollar company founded in 1994.

michael gaines

t has satellite offices in Arizona and Texas. The Chicago headquarters has 30+ employees and retains upward of 400 consultants on an annual basis. The firm provides IT services with a battalion of consultants with crossfunctional expertise to deliver IT consulting, specialized niche services, professional staffing services and MSP services. The client roster reads like a Forbes List of Fortune 100 & 500 U.S. Corporations: Allstate, Discover, U.S. Cellular, Motorola and Sears. Michael Gaines is the founder of CRS Group as well as its’ President & CEO. Given his propensity for independence, in a perfect world it was not a stretch to imagine young Gaines as the owner of his own

economic situation. “It really hurt us. I don’t think we’re out of the woods yet,” said Gaines, “But during the good years we did not splurge.” Last year was a year of assessment and implementing change. Yolanda kept leading the accounts payable and human resources departments. Other key team members focused on their responsibilities and possibilities. But some employees were being challenged and the money was not flowing as before although the quality of their work was never compromised. His team had signed commitments to CRS Group’s Mission Statement and Values. Each person promised to function highly in their professional work with integrity, passion, accountability, agility, teamwork, relationships and health. The company strived through economic twists and turns due in part to his partner, Yolanda and long-term staffers, Scott (11 years) and Debbie (10 years) who provided passion, expertise and continuity. As Gaines puts it, “Are the right people on the bus? And if the right people are on the bus, are they sitting in the right seats?” Gaines is proud of the longevity of some client relationships such as: Allstate – 17 years; AT&T – 12 years and Sears – 15 years. “Many companies have metrics we have to meet every quarter to stay on their list. Allstate has 6 suppliers in their IT space and we’re ranked #2. At Discover we’re ranked #1 in last 2 years. We out-perform multi-million companies,” adds Gaines. According to Gaines, the CRS Group edge includes: hiring good people, understanding the business, common sense. Gaines stresses that ‘common sense isn’t so common anymore’… continued on page 14

“Upward Bound gave me an idea as to what to aspire to. When you come from the projects, you only know what’s around you.”

CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

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Gleatha Glispie

A Walgreens Innovator

algreens increased their diversity spend in FY 2011 by 29%, to more than $873 million up from $115 million in 2006. Driven by a newly expanded Supplier Diversity (SD) department led by Gleatha Glispie, Senior Director of Supplier Diversity, the team of three corporate managers and a coordinator has their eyes squarely planted on their $1 billion goal. Glispie’s credentials are undeniable, however; it is her passion that creates an incredible edge. Needless to say, a $1 billion diversity spend is a staggering goal. But given Glispie’s track-record and Walgreens selection of her to champion their supplier diversity initiative, it would indicate that Walgreens means business: diverse business. Before stepping into the role at Walgreens, she had more than 17 years experience of business diversity experience in the chemical, health sector and retail trade industries. At Monsanto Chemical, a top 10 U.S. chemical company based in St. Louis, Missouri, Glispie was given six months to benchmark

a business diversity program: a program which still stands firm today. She is also the founder and board chair of the supplier diversity committee of the Healthcare Group Purchasing Industry Initiative (HGPH). Under her leadership and direction, the first-ever Supplier Diversity White Paper in Healthcare was published. Glispie has gained an impressive reputation of building and leaving legacies in each position she has held. While at Premier, the nation’s largest healthcare group purchasing organization (GPO) comprising a base of over 1,500 health systems, Ms. Glispie developed the business diversity initiative for the $33 Billion operation. It was October 2007 when Glispie came to Walgreens as the key internal liaison and innovation-planning strategist. The onus was to develop programs and processes to directly sustain and increase spend with diverse suppliers for the entire Walgreen Company of over 8,000 stores. Answering the charge, she created two innovative brand strategy programs, “Power of Alignment” a B2B networking model and “Community Corner” as a B to C integrated marketing strategy both designed to demonstrate the value proposition and ROI for diversity in the retail industry.

“i am connected with the work (of supplier diversity) as a vehicle for positive change.”

“Diverse brands have to be able to compete with the broad spectrum.”

her reach with a “show your art” aspect displayed on popular tote bags: Guichard Gallery Bags from an African-American artist; Misericordia Bags from developmental & physically disabled artists and Brindy Bags from women artists which were sold in selected Walgreens stores. Power of Alignment focuses on contracting with diverse-owned businesses in the service area such as construction, facilities and professional services. One of the challenges faced by Glispie is that for some MBEs their business structure is undeveloped in a number of key areas - perhaps in distribution or quality control and they are not positioned to offer a full range of services or goods. If the MBE is open to performance suggestions, due diligence, flexibility and collaboration possibilities, the opportunities for growth are real through the Walgreens program. The value of economic development is not underestimated at Walgreens. Glispie and her team coach vendors to be the right fit, down to the registration portal and the right I.D. by NAICS Code. Glispie represents Walgreens on ChicagoMSDC’s board of directors. They have been a positive partner to engage with and provide resources for action and fulfillment of purpose. Walgreen has taken a leadership role and will encourage diverse vendors to become certified; advise vendors how to get their products on the shelf; help suppliers with R&D (research & development) and requirements for packaging. The Walgreens brand has been synonymous with health and wellness and now is on the verge of being synonymous with taking business diversity to a stratospheric level.

Community Corner rolled-out with a presence at several strategic vendor events, including Latino Fashion Week, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and Black Women’s Expo. Glispie reinforced CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

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CHICAGO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FAIR

Schedule of Celebrity Emcees April 11, 2012 MBEIC Awards Reception Art Norman NBC 5 Chicago April 12, 2012 Sponsor Breakfast Daniella Guzman, NBC 5 Chicago Tsi-tsi-ki Felix, Telemundo Chicago Featured guest Jeff Taylor, Founder, Monster.com - interviewed by Mellody Hobson, President, Ariel investments ChicagoMSDC Media Champion Awards to NBC 5 Chicago Larry Wert President & GM Frank Whittaker Vice President of News Deborah Brown Director of Station Relations Clear Channel Earl Jones President Angela Ingram Senior Vice President of Communication

milana L. walter April 13, 2012

CBOF 45 Black-Tie Gala Michelle Relerford, NBC 5 Chicago Featured entertainment: Motown Legend, Mary Wilson of The Supremes

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the south african consulate General-chicago

michael gaines at corporate headquaters One thing that makes good common sense is his relationship with ChicagoMSDC. He makes no secret of the role ChicagoMSDC has played in his business success. “I’ve gotten business from the Council”, he adds. He was introduced to ChicagoMSDC in 1999 from a contact at Cap Gemini who told him, “(ChicagoMSDC) was one of the biggest “best-kept secrets”. He was impressed by the history of the organization as a game-changing advocate for minority business. In his opinion, the Council operates on a phenomenal level providing the links to corporate America and government agencies to MBEs. In his case, he seeks companies that have $1B in revenue and understands those relationships that take years of patience to build. Gaines tells of the time he was waiting for a CBOF committee meeting to start. He introduced himself to a man who was also waiting. His name was Reuben Hamilton from Caremark. Coincidentally, CRS had just submitted a proposal to Caremark. Gaines had sought to make a faceto-face presentation to them about CRS. So upon meeting Hamilton, Gaines seized the moment and told Hamilton how great it would be if he would give him an opportunity to know more about CRS. Then, maybe he would feel comfortable enough to become an advocate for CRS inside Caremark. The strategy seemed to work. He eventually became their advocate. Another milestone was

reached when they were included on company’s secondary list. Again, CRS came out empty-handed. Hamilton continued to have Gaines “over-prepare…but in the process we covered many scenarios”. Then, CRS put a value proposition on the table. By the time they walked out of the meeting Gaines had landed a multi-million contract. “They are still a customer. That’s what the Council (ChicagoMSDC) can do for you,” states Michael Gaines. Gaines had gained access to a multi-million dollar client through being active with ChicagoMSDC. “Corporate needs to understand the supplier and what they have to offer and help them to navigate through their process. (The hands-on approach as was the experience with Caremark makes all the difference.) In some corporate Supplier Diversity executives, I have seen the hands-off type which is not at all helpful to a MBE,” said Gaines. Rather if the pace is for a sprint or a marathon, relationships in general take time. Especially relationships with multi-billion companies. Gaines chased McDonald’s for 3 years before becoming a supplier. Conversely, at Discover, it took only a few months because there was a prior relationship with the supplier diversity manager who knew their work well from before. Milana Walter

he US-South African Women’s Business Forum (USSAWBF) is a groundbreaking initiative to pool the entrepreneurial talent and energy of women business leaders in the Midwest and South Africa to stimulate job-creating trade and investment linkages between our two regions. The initiative is the result of the partnership of the South African Consulate General in Chicago, the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, the Chicago’s Women’s Business Development Centre, the National Association of Women Business Owners and WVON. The inaugural meeting of the USSAWBF, took place during the week of October 24-28, 2011 in Chicago. Leading women executives and entrepreneurs from South Africa met with US counterparts and discussed the exciting range of business opportunities generated by Africa’s economic take-off. The conference resulted in partnerships and cooperation agreements across various sectors. In 2012, the South African Consulate General and its partners will continue to work towards women’s economic empowerment in the US and South Africa. The year 2012 will also commemorate the Centennial of the African National Congress (ANC), the oldest liberation movement in South Africa. This is a historic achievement for the people of South Africa and is also a world celebration. The people of the Midwest demonstrated

CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

remarkable solidarity with the people of South Africa by mobilizing through academic institutions, legal bodies, civic organizations and through faith- based communities. The Consul General, Amb. Nomvume P. Magaqa, on 8th January 2012 on the occasion of the 100 year celebrations of the ANC stated: “We owe this milestone achievement to all progressive forces of the world that fought with us against apartheid. Defeating apartheid without international solidarity and generosity was indeed going to be a much more daunting task.” During the month of May a significant celebration of solidarity with the workers of South Africa will take place in Chicago. A range of local celebratory activities will cover the remainder of the year 2012. The Consulate is also preparing for various inward missions across various sectors including an Automotive Investment Mission, the South Africa Handmade Collection, Cape Wine 2012, and the Offshore Technology Conference.

Any company interested in these missions to South Africa or additional information... please contact ssweiss@thedti.gov.za vtomov@thedti.gov.za

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NFl’s New MBE Owner shahid khan

in the automotive industry. He built relationships. Through research and resources, he found out what their needs were. The auto industry is all about meeting the metrics of quality and delivery. Since he will be keeping the team in Jacksonville, Khan will continue to lead his company and his new NFL team.

milana L. walter

dream big --- from page 8

office coffee service and water cooler distributor. He and his son, Patrick, continue to bring their strengths to the business, although sometimes their opposite styles may seem like oil and water. But it works for them. Unlike other companies in the industry, the majority of their growth has been through referrals and word-of-mouth by directors of hospitals and corporate decision makers realizing what they do will benefit others in similar situations in desperate need of a positive change and forward progress. The only time they actively seek business is when they are confident RTB will be able to 1980 purchase date. $1 million and had 40 employees. successfully service it to their gold “As a MBE, I kept my head down “I was surprised to learn the NFL did standard of excellence. not have a supplier diversity program. and I listened more than I spoke. I Although, Ramon is a selfdeveloped a sense of humility and the proclaimed workaholic, he still finds The Jacksonville Jaguars will have realization that I could be disposable.” time to give-back to his community. diverse suppliers,” said Khan. Khan is certified through Over the years as Khan has built The complicated experience of being Flex-N-Gate into a $3 billion operation ChicagoMSDC and the Michigan one of over 15,000 children sent by Council. Through the Michigan Council their parents from Cuba to Miami in with 14,000 employees at 57 global sites, there have been lessons learned. he gained access to decision-makers the 1960’s – catapulted by the fear His key lesson learned? The value that those against the revolution of good people. He shares would be transported to Soviet that hiring family and friends work camps – the children were is fine if they are the best placed with group homes, friends qualified. However, in order & relatives. The experience has left to compete, a MBE needs Ramon with a deep sense of purpose. the best qualified people He admits that ‘he has been through for the job which means to a lot’ but does not speak of it. Instead sustain them, they have to be he uses his energies to aggressively compensated accordingly. help the homeless community Until early 1990’s, Flexthrough various churches, food banks N-Gate made less than and shelters. But he doesn’t want to $20 million annual. Still speak much about that either. It is just the company experienced what Ramon does: he continues to substantial growth from his dare to dream, big.

a chicagoMSDC MBE who has made NFL history. He is the first minority majority owner of an NFL Football team in the league’s 90 year history.

or decades he has been intrigued by the business of sports as well as being an avid NFL fan. The purchase price was $750 million. This was his second attempt. In 2010, his bid to buy the St. Louis Rams was complicated by the last minute kerfuffle triggered by a minority owner. Undaunted, Khan catapulted forward in his desire to accomplish his goal. His experience as a MBE has served him well. He came to the U.S. from Pakistan at age 16. Later, he studied engineering at University of Illinois at Urbana. In his 20s, Khan founded Bumper Works, a firm that developed one-piece bumper designs for trucks, making them more durable and less prone to rusting. He had worked at Flex-N-Gate, a manufacturer of automotive parts. When he bought the company in 1980 its annual revenue was less than

CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

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MBEIC 2012 Awardees

The minority business enterprise input committee of the chicago minority supplier development council announces and salutes the following outstanding honorees Sharing Success Award (CEO)

Anders C. Rasmussen Jr. Award

Minority Business Advocate Award

W. ANTHONY Vernon Karft Foods

Nancy Conner W.W. GRAINGER INC.

INTER-CITY SUPPLY CO INC.

Jackie Dyess

Impact Award

Public Sector Award

MBEIC Special Recognition Award

James Lowry

Malcolm Weems STATE OF ILLINOIS

Berlon Hamilton HOSPIRA, INC.

BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP

Outstanding Buyer/Contracting

Daphne Jones HOSPIRA, INC.

Kristen Svatos HSBC

William R. Jerpe navistar

Fernando Ronderos NAVISTAR

Judy Kolet AT&T

Sharla Roberts STATE OF ILLINOIS

Georgia Brust PNC

Minority Supplier of the Year

Klara Jelinkova univ. of chICAGO

class I

class Ii

Pamela A. McElvane DIVERSITY MBA

Sandeep Nain SNTIAL TECHNOLOGIES

class Iii

class iV

Michael J. Cabrera

Ezequiel Flores FLYING FOOD FARE, INC

Richard Reyes COM ED UBM Facility Services, Inc.

CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL2012

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MBEIC’s New chair

Partner with Grainger. We recognize the importance of meeting supplier diversity goals. As one of North America’s leading suppliers of facilities maintenance supplies, our supplier diversity program provides quality products in every category, from cleaning supplies and casters to tools and fasteners that help our customers get their jobs done.

ince 2002 Joyce Johnson founder of Anchor Staffing, Inc. has been the President/CEO of one of the largest minority woman owned staffing firms in the Chicago metropolitan area. Joyce has grown Anchor into a multimillion dollar corporation, opened additional offices in the far north and northwest suburbs, while championing diversity initiatives.

So whether you supply our company with the products and services we need, or supply the products that we distribute to our customers, we’ll partner with you to meet both our goals. To register for Grainger’s Supplier Diversity Program, visit https://app.suppliergateway.com/grainger Look for the Supplier Diversity symbol throughout our catalog. For the most current listings of Grainger diverse supplier products, click on the Supplier Diversity logo on the Grainger.com home page. ®

joyce johnson - MBEIC CHAIR Business” by Minority Enterprise Advocate Magazine and received the award during a luncheon in Washington, DC.

“In the role of MBEIC Chair, it is my goal to lead the MBEIC Committee in the direction that provides real economic/ business development opportunities for MBE’s within the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council. This can be achieved by both utilizing the assets within the Committee and the Council, strengthening the relationships with our existing Corporate Partners while developing new Corporate Partners.”

Today, more and more minority-owned and woman-owned businesses are working as suppliers for our daily operations.

Grainger is a proud, active member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and a Founding Member of the Diverse Manufacturing Supply Chain Alliance.

With over 30 years of staffing and recruiting experience and holding prominent positions with two of the largest global staffing providers, Joyce has served as Diversity Council Chairperson for the Midwest Region for one of those global organizations. For the last three years Ms. Johnson has served as the Vice Chair of the Chicago MBEIC Committee where she was actively involved in the push for innovative practices and opportunities for MBE’s in this market. She has attended quarterly meetings at the national level to gain insight on programs developed by committees outside of the Chicago Council. In 2010 Ms. Johnson was recognized as one of “50 Most Powerful Women in

where are the leaders from page 6

the finest schools, work at the top companies or associate with the affluent should realize that it has little to do with individual efforts and more with fortunate situating. I’m always amazed at how many leaders seek credit for being born into a prosperous family. We all need to understand that there cannot be equality of accomplishment if there is not equality of opportunity. Leaders have made a point of speaking out about the need for more minority

professional services companies. I agree with that sentiment but I also believe we need more of all types of minority businesses. A lack of humility has led those supporting professional services companies to try to marginalize other businesses. I can remember a business leader saying “They don’t build statues for owners of janitorial companies.” I was overwhelmed by the inherent arrogance of the statement. There is clearly a faction of the minority business community that is now more fixated on having a statue built than feeding families and changing communities.

CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

We don’t often get to choose those appointed to leadership positions but we do get to choose who we follow. Too many have been quiet too long. The tendency of business owners is to figure out how to do it on their own. But that should not be necessary all the time. It is important that the minority business community show their support for positive and determined leaders. It is equally important that we voice our distain for those weak marginal leaders that occupy positions that are designed to make a difference. ERIC DOBYNE

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BIG

DÉCOR is best described as vibrant! As reflected in ChicagoMSDC’s new logo, the colors are brighter and diverse representing shades of minority. I also chose cream, copper, and bronze to add bits of glitz. Navy Pier has been our venue of choice for over twenty years now. It is centrally located, in “the heart of the city,” there is ample parking, and it’s spacious enough to accommodate over 3,000 attendees as well as our larger exhibits such as the Construction trucks as seen in Hard Hat City. CONVENIENCE is extremely important when planning an event of this caliber. You

OR GO

home

he 45th Annual Chicago Business Opportunity Fair, April 11-13th, marks a milestone for ChicagoMSDC and I am honored and blessed to be a part of this wonderful organization and historic occasion! Each year, as Director of Events, it is my goal to make CBOF bigger and better. Just as the saying goes “go big or go home,” I prefer to provide that “WOW” factor! I’ve been eating, sleeping, and breathing CBOF since the closing of CBOF 44 and although it can get a bit overwhelming, my love and commitment to the mission of ChicagoMSDC and the livelihood of all MBE’s, was the driving force behind producing this fabulous occasion! Forty-five years ago, CBOF was a bona-fide game-changer in minority business tradeshows. This year, my strategy was to change the face of tradeshows. People want to see visuals and illusion. So by being innovative with the look and feel of the event, I believed it would leave guests with a lasting memory, encouraging them to want to come back. Since this is our 45th year, hello! INNOVATION is a must! I’ve included some innovative touches such as the exhibitor THEMES like Hard Hat City (Construction Companies) , featuring construction vehicles and equipment, Healthcare Row, featuring onsite screenings and testing, Food and Beverage Row featuring tasty food demos, and much much more! This year’s

cynthia jordan

absolutely want to minimize any room for complaints or inconveniencing! An incredible amount of preparation and hard work went into planning CBOF 45. The brochure, including a detailed schedule of events and sponsor packages, was designed and sent out in August of 2011. We secured a renown innovator, Monster.com founder, Jeff Taylor as the Keynote Speaker for the Sponsors Breakfast as well as hosts from NBC 5 & Telemundo for our featured events such as the MBEIC AWARDS Welcome Reception and the CBOF 45 Black Tie Gala Dinner. Speed Dating, featuring Corporate Buyers and Global Commissioners is always an awesome hit! Lastly, we were able to provide some fabulous live ENTERTAINMENT including a special performance from Motown Legend, Mary Wilson, and an original Supreme. The Resource Guide’s, Sponsors Breakfast and MBEIC Awards brochures were all created and printed, thanks to Powell Photography. Awards were beautifully designed and crafted, thank you Donna of Bridgeforth Wolf & Associates. We personally mailed invitations to secure the100 Dais guests for the Sponsors Breakfast. Our promotional concepts such as CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

the BE THERE videos and flyers were brought to life and distributed over the e-blast and can still be viewed on the Councils YouTube channel. The CBOF 45 commercials and radio spots ran successfully, special thanks to long-time sponsors NBC5 Chicago, Telemundo and Clear Channel. This year new media sponsors Crain’s Chicago Business, MBEConnect and Smooth Jazz 87.7 made significant additions to our advertising push There were meals to plan, floor plans to fill. (Sigh!) There are so many layers that go into producing a successful event like CBOF 45. It has definitely been a TEAM effort. The entire Chicago’s office has been very involved in the process. I would like to give a special thank you to our Presenting Sponsors Allstate for their continuous support over the years. We are ever so grateful to have you guys on board once again and we hope to have you for many years to come. Thank you to our Benefactor Sponsors Kraft Foods, Navistar, the Nielson Company, OfficeMax, United Airlines, and Walgreen Company. After tons of Planning Committee Meetings, in which some ideas were good and some were shaky, after thousand of emails, hundreds of phone calls, and countless evenings at the office, it is safe to say that planning CBOF 45 is no walk in the park! You have to be aggressive, loyal, possess a calmness but urgency, be flexible and understand that life gets busy and sometimes people forget to submit their registration forms *hint *hint. GET YOUR REGISTRATION FORMS ON TIME NEXT YEAR PLEEEASE! Try to remember and understand the importance of supporting Supplier Diversity and that is the essence of CBOF! Thank you to all of our participants for being a part of this 45th momentous occasion. Please accept the brand new leather taupe bag as a token of our appreciation. GIFTS are always a nice touch! Thank you for reading Cynthia’s Corner! I hope to see you at CBOF 46!

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Gin & Flores: A Dynamic Duo

Flying Food, LLC is ranked number two in Crain’s List of Largest Minority-Owned Firms ahead of Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo, Inc.

Flying Food Group is ranked number advisor and also mentored by her in two in Crain’s List of Largest Minority- airport concession development. Owned Firms ahead of Oprah Flores and Gin became principals in Winfrey’s Harpo, Inc. Flying Food Flying Food Concessions LLC (FFC) in Group is also ranked by Crain’s as one 2010, focusing on airport concession of the Chicago-area’s #00 development in accord with largest companies – private ACDBE* initiatives and FAA or public (2011). This regulations. listing includes Walgreens, A joint venture McDonald’s Corporation may represent the and Kraft Foods. best opportunity for Sue Ling Gin, the implementing a workable founder and CEO of Flying arrangement. We encourage Food Group (FFG), is a airports to promote joint living entrepreneur legend. venture opportunities… Founded in 1983, from a the former ACDBE might sue gin single kitchen in Chicago’s serve as a mentor to a less Midway Airport, Gin has built Flying experienced ACDBE – FAA Guidelines Food into a $360 million plus global for Joint Ventures empire with over 3300 employees Gin mentored and prepared worldwide and 490 in Chicago. FFG Flores to lead FFC. Since then, their provides from a network of 18 US collaboration Flores has overseen kitchens and one in Shanghai, China, the successful operations of Chicago over 270,000 meals and Treasures, Flying Food’s snacks daily to 70 + airlines top-grossing souvenir, and retail partners. Their apparel and gift concession retail division provides at Midway Airport, which private label meals and generated as much as snacks to key retail partners $2.5 million annually and including over 4200 U.S. grossing as much as $4000 Starbucks cafes. per square foot. Looking Ezequiel “Zeke” Flores ahead, Flores will lead has an impressive trackFFC’s national expansion of record that includes Big airport concessions and its Five accounting firms and launch of FFC’s food supply Sara Lee where he oversaw ezequiel flores services. projects in 14 countries and managed a $4.2 billion spin-off. Then We are proud of our diverse in 2006, Flores founded LeadRock, coalition: it represents the spirit of the ACDBE program. a real estate development and brokerage company: Sue Gin became * Acronym for Airport Concession Disadvantaged a client. LeadRock concentrated on Business Enterprise public-private partnerships. By 2010, Flores had joined Gin as a senior

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AN MBE COLLABORATION: UJAMAA, POWERS & SONS AND WALMART It took a village and the village finally prevailed. The collaboration that built a Wal-Mart in Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood was comprised of the sweat, skill and perseverance of three men: an alderman who made it happen after a long, complicated, politically charged battle and two MBE construction firm owners.

or 8 long years a battle ensued between Alderman Howard Brookins, Jr. of Chatham’s Sixth Ward and the City Council to gain approval for a Walmart in his southside ward, a ward suffocating from the restriction of viable commerce and resulting in high unemployment. However, some issues of Walmart’s union practices and living wages remain fodder for further debate.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) and an MBA from Purdue University. Claude E. Powers is Executive Vice President of Powers & Sons Construction Company Inc. His brother, Mamon Powers, Jr. is President and CEO. Their father, Mamon, Sr. created the company in 1967. Truly a family business, the

with strong track-records and complemented each other’s experience. Together, they built The Chatham Walmart Supercenter, an 150,000 square foot big box store, compared to some suburban Walmart’s of 100,000 square feet. Throughout the process, there were challenges to find qualified minority refrigeration contractors, structural steel and electrical contractors. In order to create more than 300

also witnessed was a first time for Walmart: two African-American prime contractors. “ChicagoMSDC certification has a reputation and therefore helped because it takes care of those preliminary questions of whether you can do the job and the firms did not have to rely on City of Chicago certification,” says Claude Powers. This collaboration resulted in a winwin situation that will ultimately

Akintonde and Powers experienced several first on this walmart project:

Claude powers Power & Sons

However, once approved by the City Council, Walmart for the first time ever, contracted two MBE construction companies as prime contractors. They were: Jimmy Akintonde of Ujamaa Construction Inc. and Claude E. Powers of Powers & Sons Construction Company Inc. Jimmy Akintonde is the President of Ujamaa Construction Inc. It is a general contracting firm specializing in renovations for residential and commercial projects since 2001.

• • • • •

2010 was one of the wettest years in Chicago history which frequently delayed and complicated their building schedule Wal-Mart contracted two MBE firms as prime contractors in the City of Chicago An African-American mechanical contractor was hired for the job The store opened in January ahead of the February target date Walmart changed employment policies and hired two ex-felons

Powers team consists of many 2 & 3rd generation family members including 2 sisters, 5 brothers, nephews and his sons. Claude has a Bachelor degree in Building Construction from Purdue University and numerous professional certificates on advanced programs. Among other projects, Powers had built or renovated over 50 McDonald’s Restaurants and two other Wal-Mart’s. Both firms came to the table

construction jobs was exhausting. The skills needed were very specific. They could only manage so many first-timers on this project. Out of their subcontractors, 35% were MBE’s and 5% were W/MBE. Simeon High School is right across the street from Chatham’s Super Walmart. Simeon has a construction program. Simeon’s construction program students witnessed the day-to-day building of the structure. They saw first hand what could be possible. What they

CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

jimmy Akintonde ujamaa create new 400 jobs. For Chatham, this store is a brick and mortar symbol of a positive reality. “I cannot tell you how good it really feels to finally see this store open and filled with customers,” said Alderman Brookins, “this is a story worth telling and a battle I would fight all over again.” It took a village… Milana Walter

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Beaman Incorporated: Eric Harland: A Faith Walk Connecting the Dots Robin E. Beaman opened Beaman Inc. in the heart of the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue in 1996.

MBEConnect is the premier platform for M/WBEs to come together and form longlasting relationships.

he award-winning communications show in the U.S. and beyond. Working and advertising agency has yielded with Oprah, further inspired Beaman tremendous dividends and successful to move ahead with her dreams. “Being in business is a faith walk. wins for major Fortune 500 clients Or as the Bible tells us, surround such as Nielsen, Coca-Cola, Allstate yourself with counselors who have and British Petroleum (BP). wisdom. Nobody Beaman Inc. knows everything. is a full-service Never be afraid to communications say that you don’t firm that specializes know. Always seek in media relations, knowledge.” corporate communications, I have been an advertising and entrepreneur since community outreach I was 8 years old. I on a local and national was inspired by my level. Experience, grandfather who tangible results ran his own dental and strong media practice as one of relationships makes two Black dentists in Beamon Inc. a stellar Baltimore for many front-runner in a very years, as well as, the crowded field. robin beaman late Professor Ofield Beaman is a veteran Dukes and Oprah. of entertainment and corporate public relations with 20 In addition to leading an awardyears of experience. In 1992, Oprah winning communications and beckoned Beaman and Chicago has advertising firm, Beaman is also an been home ever since. award winning theatrical actress and Beaman had become known as ‘a vocalist. dynamo’ in her own right when she She is a member of ChicagoMSDC. created the first-ever public relations division at BET (Black Entertainment Television). Beaman has had the unique experience of being in the day-to-day trenches with two dynamic media moguls: Oprah Winfrey and BET founder, John Johnson. At Harpo Productions, she managed www.beamaninc.com national and international publicity, community engagement and special events for “Oprah”, the No.1-rated talk

BEConnect is the premier platform members and received over 5 million for M/WBEs to come together hits in 2011 alone. Early in 2011, and form long-lasting relationships. the company expanded to include The Overland Park, Kansas based MBEConnect Profiles magazine, social network is the brainchild of Eric an interactive digital publication, Harland. to bring attention to the best and Eric has an MBA and brightest M/WBEs continuing executive in the country. education programs MBEConnect Profiles from University of magazine offers M/ Chicago and has served WBEs a digital profile as senior business which illustrates a analyst for Sprint firm’s capabilities PCS Technology. through text, audio, His background video and web links. includes experience “MBEConnect directing, developing gives MBEs and implementing unprecedented both custom made access to other MBEs a pre-packaged and corporations solutions for IFS, Stein across the country,” Roe Mutual Funds, says Eric. “The Funai Corporation, relationships made Eric w. Harland Gehl Industries and through MBEConnect Waterhouse Solutions. lead to long-term, mutually beneficial MBEConnect is a division of business relationships.” Evolv Solutions, LLC, a document MBEConnect have grown to offer management and equipment leasing media services such as video, event firm launched by Ron Harland Sr., photography, and podcast recordings and Ron Harland Jr., Eric’s father and to give M/WBEs even more exposure. brother, respectively. Providing these value-added services makes MBEConnect a vibrant hub Witnessing the problems and for the entire supplier diversity frustrations that many MBEs face community. “We’re very proud of our firsthand led Eric to take action and growth. It’s very rewarding to work apply his skills to the creation of with such talented M/WBEs and help MBEConnect. them get the attention they deserve.” Under Eric’s guidance, MBEConnect has flourished and evolved into much more than a social network. The site has added thousands of active

CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

www.mbeconnect.com

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OUR FUTURE!

The 2012 Dolores Saxton Walker Scholarship Recipients

The Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee of the Chicago Minoirty Supplier Development Council is honored to introduce the next generation of leaders who are the 2012 recipients of the Dolores Saxton Walker Scholarship. (Not Pictured: Yuwei Lei & Zobia Chunara.)

Kenwood Academy

LAKE VIEW HIGH SCHOOL

Donate to: THE DOLORES SAXTON & MBE SCHOLARSHIP FUND Text2Pledge Instructions

TEXT : 95495 in the message window TYPE: ChicagoMSDC SPACE TYPE: PLEDGE AMOUNT SPACE TYPE YOUR FIRST NAME SEND

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The Future Leaders of American Business Raven Johnson

Jianlin Feng

Gage Park High School

John F. Kennedy high school

Santa Torrijo

Xue Jun Feng

phillip barreda, executive vice president chicagomsdc Phillip Barreda, Executive Vice President of ChicagoMSDC oversees the partnership of The Academy for Future Leaders in Science and Technology/IIT Entrepreneurship Academy. The Academy endeavors to help students from under-served populations, including women and minorities, build a foundation to lifelong achievement through mentoring support, increased access to inspiring educational experiences and a developed awareness of “real

CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

world” opportunities in science and technology. At CBOF, students are provided with a booth, workshop tickets and event access for real world exposure to the global business world. The partnership works in tandem with ChicagoMSDC’s education and training initiatives as it prepares young business students with the tools needed to be effective and successful.

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The SNtial, Inc. Innovation with Kraft Foods

stakeholders across the entire Kraft organization. This portal will allow our team to search for certified diverse suppliers at any given time for RFI/RFQ’s (Request For Information/ Request For Quotes) and other projects.” “Sandeep Nain (President) and his dedicated team of consultants at SNtial, through their innovative solutions have created a dynamic system that will help deliver Kraft Foods’ objectives. I am very opportunities available in the United pleased with SNtials commitment to States. In 1992, he married his excellence and helping us achieve sweetheart, Reena. our strategic goal with this innovative In 1994, Nain relocated to Chicago system,” Hsi adds. as a consultant at BeggsHeidt, a The creation of a central portal for sandeep nain at nasdAQ global consulting company. It was in MBE data will increase efficiency in Chicago, where Nain began to further many ways: the key aspect is having see the light of opportunity and relate Innovation with Kraft Foods one registration for MBE’s. it to becoming a business owner in Last year, Kraft Foods was the “Ask any MBE about how it was the United States. Today, Nain is an recipient of ChicagoMSDC’s, done before and he/she will tell you American citizen. “Transformational Leader Award” that they had to put in sometimes up at CBOF. Kraft had exceeded to 2 hours to register per corporation SNtial is born expectations as a dynamic leader in site,” states Nain, “We want to make SNtial Technologies, Inc. was launched Supplier Diversity for over 25 years. a Chicago initiative and then take it in August 2001: only one month prior In Kraft Foods’ ongoing commitment national.We have not developed this to the tragedy of September 11th! to Supplier Diversity, Kraft has in a vacuum. We have reached out.” When many companies were partnered with SNtial Technologies, spiraling downward or caught a certified MBE systems integration Innovation with Technology and marching in place, Nain believed and custom application development Autism strongly in the core team he had built. company, to launch Kraft Foods’ new One of Nain’s son is a high functioning It was, however, his greatest challenge. Diverse Supplier Portal. autistic teen. He created, Special Ed Looking beyond required technical Teaching, a non-profit organization, on skills, he insisted on face-to-face “Once the Kraft model is up others will his son’s birthday. Special Ed Teaching meetings whenever possible. Making probably want to experience the same will launch later in 2012. SNtial’s the human touch a priority was not efficiency. It’s like the white pages for client roster of schools (three of the a concept typically embraced by the suppliers.” top ten institutions of higher learning) technology industry, especially since and his personal experience of being so much work is performed off-site. Vickie Hsi is the Supplier Diversity a parent of an autistic child, inspired But Nain believed in sitting in the Leader for Kraft Foods. In speaking Nain to bridge a gap. same room with someone before he about the Kraft/SNtial collaboration, The mission is to provide “tailored hired them. Hsi says, “Our primary goal was to and focused learning’ for autistic For Nain, the quality of create a transparent teens and young adults so they “We don’t have a trustworthiness was the portal that certified are better prepared for more deal-maker in a world were sales person per se… minority and women meaningful employment and lifestyle. We don’t compete micro-management was owned suppliers can Additionally, Special Ed Teaching will with other companies register their companies, work with corporations to train the not an option. instead we compete “I trust my gut feeling. upload certifications, children for employment. His vision is It’s not a technical criterion, with what the busiview, edit and update to have centers all over the globe. ness demands are and their profiles at any time. Sandeep Nain appears to be able just my personal one. However this is not in lieu become the best at What makes this portal “to see” beyond the obvious in many that.” of due diligence,” Nain unique is that not only ways. Maybe there is something to states. will the supplier’s profiles be said regarding the meaning of be visible by our supplier diversity Sandeep, which means “eternal light” team, but also to buyers and internal in Hindi.

Nain is President of SNtial Technologies, Inc. He is the first one in his family to own a business even though the notion of business ownership was not imagined in his early years.

owever, the lesson from his parents ‘that hard work will always pay off’ was a consistent concept in his life. Nain admits he was not always the A-student, but was always focused and curious. He learned the value of diversification early by having a balance of academics and sports in his daily repertoire. In sports, he played everything he could. He was the kid who could be counted on to play. In academics, he was the kid who always wanted to know why and why not. Soft-spoken, respectful and serious, Nain emits an air of quiet brilliant that is compatible with synergy. He is easy to be around. Undeterred by the 2012 predictions of the Mayan Calendar, political pundits and economic downturns, Nain has his own vision for 2012: innovation that is game-changing and positively impacts the greater good. Examples of Nain’s 2012 innovations include: • Kraft model for efficient MBE registration • a system to maximize order in the massive document flow of the foreclosure process • a non-profit organization to train autistic teens on a complete spectrum for jobs Coming to Chicago Eager and ready with an engineering degree in hand, Sandeep Nain landed a job as a programmer for Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in New Dehli in 1986. For 8 years, his work included several off-shore projects in the United Kingdom. It was while he was working in the U.K., that he began to take note of the enormous

CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

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McCain Foods Supplier Diversity Program: More than Skin Deep Potatoes have been a staple in the American diet for centuries.

ollowing the Spanish conquest of Peru’s Inca Empire, potatoes came to the U.S via traders, merchants and explorers from Europe. McCain Foods knows about potatoes. It was founded in Florenceville, New Brunswick, Canada in 1957 by Harrison and Wallace McCain, the company is the largest potato processor in the world, and a leader in frozen food production as well. With 50 factories around the world, it’s processing facilities are found on six continents and generates worldwide sales of $6 billion CDN. McCain has been a global supplier to McDonald’s restaurants for over 30 years. Today, the McCain/ McDonald’s relationship still runs deep: McCain Foods is the largest worldwide supplier of French fries to McDonald’s. In fact, one in every three French fries consumed around the world are from McCain. McCain has a history of working with minority growers. According to Calvin Eakins, McCain’s Supplier Diversity Manager, the company relies on its Potato Farmers Initiative to locate minority white and sweet potato growers. Calvin Eakins has a lot of experience in supplier diversity.

Before being hired by McCain to grow their diversity spend and increase their exposure to diverse suppliers, Calvin worked in supplier development and diversity at ConAgra Foods in Omaha NE and was board chairmen of the Great Plains MSDC. Currently, minority growers make-up 50% of the company’s its diversity spend. McCain’s goal is to increase its minority supplier spend to 5% over the next two to three years. Eakins has found that there is some resistance among minority growers to become certified, which is part of the criteria McCain uses to evaluate them as suppliers. The growers believe that companies that work with growers, like McCain, ConAgra, and Simplot, will contract the acreage to grow their products without their having to make the disclosures essential for certification. Eakins is hoping that assistance from the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) will help make the growers aware of the benefits and the value of certification. Outside of the grower population, there are many other minority suppliers who have become familiar with McCain Foods and are becoming more interested in doing business with the firm. Jackie

calvin eakins & jackie dyess Dyess, President of Inter-City Supply Co. wanted to know more about McCain Foods and was convinced there had to be an opportunity for an Inter-CityMcCain collaboration. “Afterall, toilet paper is an essential supply and Inter-City has the best toilet paper available” said, Jackie Dyess. ‘ I had to demonstrate to McCain how it could save money and gain efficiencies. Although our first approach to Calvin was unsuccessful, we did not get discouraged,” Inter-City went out to McCain’s plants and interviewed their people. When they felt that had enough information about McCain and its needs, they presented the company with a detailed budget. To make sure they fulfill their contract on time and on budget, Inter-City created three distribution centers that gave them valuable proximity to McCain plants. Persistence, coupled with research, knowledge gathering and infrastructure improvements allowed Inter-City to land a contract with McCain Foods and make it a success. “It’s crucial that a company does its homework and studies its potential

CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

customer to determine how best to provide what a company needs,” notes Bruce Fleisher of Inter-City Supply. “Calvin opened doors at McCain so we could talk to staff and get the information we needed to create an effective plan.” “That’s the kind of thinking I expect MBE’s to bring to the table,” says Eakins. “Bring ideas; be creative. Do more than just tell me what your goods and prices are. Jackie Dyess was the first MBE to approach me with ideas about working with McCain when I joined the Chicago MSDC Council.” Eakins compared Inter-City’s approach to that of the late-Steve Jobs in the respect that “Apple is not just about the core technology but all the components around it. That’s what the Inter-City approach reminded me of.” As Eakins will admit, timing is everything and he encourages MBE’s to be patient. But rest assured, supplier diversity at McCain Foods has the unequivocal support of senior management.

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TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR CONNECTIONS

Nielsen is committed to increasing our spend with minority and women owned business enterprises (MWBEs).

Did you know that Chicago MSDC certification is currently one of the closest validations to Universal certification?

id you know that ChicagoMSDC important to submit a complete certification is currently one of application” says Gwen Jones. If the closest validations to Universal you are a certified member of certification? Chicago ChicagoMSDC and MSDC currently would like to take has memorandum advantage of your of understandings connections you may with other certifying do so by logging agencies and is onto the following accepted and/or websites: recognized by City of Chicago Procurement, City of Chicago State of Illinois, You can link to the Business Enterprise City of Chicago’s Program (BEP), Metra; website by logging DBE and the 36 onto www. National Minority chicagomsdc.org and Supplier Development click on certification Council (NMSDC) shondra E. Watson-wilson tab. affiliates. State of Illinois CERTIFICATION manager When newly BEP For State certified MBE of Illinois, BEP Lee Franklin, President of Ameri certification log onto www.sell2. Environmental, found out about the illinois.gov (left side of page) Be sure agreements Chicago MSDC had with complete a recognition affidavit and other agencies he decided to take not a new application. advantage of his connections. Metra He worked closely with Gwen To complete an application for Jones, MBDA Business CenterMetra’s DBE certification log onto Chicago, Procurement Consultant, a http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/ seasoned professional at assembling metra_business/business_diversity. certification applications and bids. html With the help of Mrs. Jones, Ameri NMSDC Affiliated Councils Environmental was able to obtain Log onto www.nmsdc.org and click certification from both the City of on the locations link for a list and Chicago and Metra within 60 days. link into the websites of all 37 local “I am so thankful that I was able NMSDC affiliates to receive assistance from the council. They really helped to get my Prior to submitting the application certification completed quickly,” says be sure to contact the ChicagoMSDC Mr. Franklin. certification staff at (312) 755-8880. “The key to expediting your or via email at info@chicagomsdc. certification process is to make org. We will be more than happy to certain that all the requested assist you. documents are submitted. It’s

Nielsen recognizes the tremendous purchasing power of MWBEs. Our policy is to build collaborative, mutual alliances and to provide economic development opportunities in our procurement process with certified minority and women owned business enterprises. To register your company information, visit www.nielsen.com/supplierdiversity and complete an online profile.

www.nielsen.com

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y now, your 2012 best Chardonnay business plan vineyards is an is operating in full excellent way to force. First quarter refresh. results are coming Determining, in and you are where to go or either celebrating what to do can be a your genius or daunting task. And totally rethinking task is exactly what the not-so-good you’re trying to get ideas. Either way, away from. Not to you’re enjoying worry, I bring good the rewarding news! There is a new, experience of vacations service Lephate Cunningham, Jr. running your own offering that is business, helping to secure the futures being brought to you by an old friend of your employees and creating loyal that can help you create the perfect customers. vacation plan. If you’re like me, there is no such After two years of research thing as an eight hour day or five day and due diligence on how best to work week and your smart deliver a world class phone is a permanent vacations platform, body part. Suddenly you Sears Corporation look at the calendar one recently announced day and it says December, the creation of Sears again. We have to remind Vacations via a licensed ourselves to carve out business agreement with time to rejuvenate International Cruise & the mind and spirit. A Excursions, Inc. (ICE). vacation, whether a twoICE partnered with my day junket to New York company TravelBlox for a Broadway show or LLC, which specializes in an exotic trip to Hawkes Bay, New customized online vacation solutions, Zealand to explore some of the world’s to introduce Sears to the concept.

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CBOF45 The way

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CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

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CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012

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CBOF 45 SPONSORS:

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Kraft Foods Inc. Navistar The Nielsen Company OfficeMax United Airlines Walgreen Company

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Together, we can go places. United is committed to providing a world of opportunity to diverse suppliers.

If you are a certified minority or woman-owned business that has airline or Fortune 500 experience, email us at supplierdiversity@united.com.

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SAVE THE DATE ! The Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc.

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CHICAGO MINORITY BUSINESS REPORT • APRIL2012