MBEConnect Profiles Winter 2012 Issue by MBEConnect

WINTER 2012

PROFILES WWW.MBECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM

WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY AN MBE FOR MBES

TECHNOLOGY THE INNOVATION SIMPLIFICATION PLUGGING IN:

BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE THE NEW NORMAL

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eVolv Solutions IT/Telecomm Staff Augmentation and Direct Hire Services Evolv Solutions has the reach and resources to connect you to the most qualified IT/Telecomm talent. Our well connected technical recruiters, proprietary database, and job boards have the ability to find you exactly what you are looking for in an easy, seamless process. What’s more, our unconditional 90-day guarantee for permanent placements takes the risk associated with hiring new talent and gives you the confidence you need to move swiftly with ease.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

www.evolv8astarsteam.com e. sales@evolvsolutions.com p. 913.469.8900

GENERAL • Production Center Support • Call Center Support • Mail Room Operations • FM’s

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES • Candidate selection • SME Evaluation • Reference checks • Drug and Background • Personality Profile

TELECOMMUNICATIONS • Field Technicians • LAN/WAN Engineers • Network Engineers • RF Engineers • Telecomm Design Engineers • Network Security • Network Architechs • Network Operations • Site Acquisitions • Site Construction • Site Design • Installation and Maintenance • Microwave Engineers And more...

CLIENTS AND PARTNERS:

U.S Army Corps of Engineers

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY • Programers • Web Developers • Systems Analysts • QA/Software Testers • Configuration Managers • Database Administrators • Development and Support • Database Analysts • Help Desk • Desktop Support • Business Intelligence Analysts • Business Analysts • Network Administrators • Security Specialists • Storage Specialists And more...

Bring Your Own Device The New Normal

04 06

Welcome to The Winter Issue Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

MBEConnect Profiles 08 All America Transportation 10 Crescent Construction Services 12 Evolv Solutions 14 World Wide Technology: An MBE for MBEs

World Wide Technology

An MBE for MBEs 14

16 MAV12 18 PQC International 20 Promo Depot 22 Technology: The Innovation Simplification 24 Puente Marketing 26 X-10 Solutions 28 San Diego MSDC

MBEConnect Profiles is also available on: 3

What will you bring to our table?

e are committed to the development of a world-class supplier base that reflects the culture, ethnicity and gender of the consumers we serve by making supplier diversity an integral part of our Buyers’ strategies. Our first and second tier supplier diversity program improves company growth, profitability and product value by fostering a competitive sourcing environment. Please visit our e-learning site: http://SupplierDiversityeLearning.NestleUSA.com We also highly recommend that you visit http://www.nestleusa.com/About-Us/Suppliers.aspx and our various Nestlé websites to become familiar with our brands and products and to determine how your company can supply Nestlé’s needs.

If you are interested in becoming a Nestlé supplier, please visit http://suppliers.NestleUSA.com to register as a Diverse Supplier.

All trademarks are owned by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Vevey Switzerland. 32125

NBS

NESTLÉ BUSINESS SERVICES

Capturing Our Potential

EDITOR Eric W. Harland MAGAZINE PROJECT COORDINATOR Caress Gonzales STAFF WRITER & ONLINE CONTENT Caroline Knecht DESIGNERS Efrem Duran Abby Rufkahr SALES EXECUTIVES Ronald Harland DIGITAL PREPRESS Leo Morton NEW MEDIA PRODUCTION Efrem Duran Eric W. Harland EDITORIAL & BUSINESS OFFICE MBEConnect, LLC. 9401 Indian Creek Parkway, Suite 250 Overland Park, Kansas 66210

Copyright © 2012 MBEConnect Profiles is published by MBEConnect, LLC. 9401 Indian Creek Parkway, Suite 250 Overland Park, Kansas 66210. All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a database and retrieval system or transmitted in any form or any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the owner of copyright and the above publishers. If you have any questions about one of our publications, please contact us at 1.913.742.8166 or e-mail us at info@mbeconnect.com Original illustrations/ Photographs by MBEConnect, LLC. Printed by Evolv Solutions, LLC . ISBN # 978-0-615-61936-1

TO VIEW ONLINE VISIT: WWW.MBECONNECTMAGAZINE.COM

AND FIND US ON:

Welcome to the Winter 2012 Issue This is the final issue of our 2012 publication cycle, and what a year it has been. Our second year of publication has seen more Business Profiles, an increase in guest article contributions, and an overall leap in quality. In addition to our quarterly issues, our first nonprofit special edition was released; celebrating the MidAmerica Minority Supplier Development Council (MAMSDC) and it was our most successful single issue to date. Thank you for making the second year of MBEConnect Profiles such a triumph. Original content in this issue focuses on technology and its increasingly vital role in the world of small businesses. Each year sees the release of new and improved technology and devices, and it has become impossible to ignore these trends and new devices, especially for small business owners. MBEs are statistically less likely to be in the technology development or to use the latest technologies, a trend we hope changes in the near future. Technology has taken on an even more important role here at MBEConnect Profiles with the launch of our new and improved app for iPad tablet devices. MBEConnect Profiles has always been an interactive publication intended to be experienced rather than simply read. Our new app for the iPad uses the popular Newsstand platform to allow users to tap and click right to experience enhanced pictures, video, web links, audio and much more directly within the app. Look for all back issues to be included in the near future. Whether it’s online, print, or through our apps, thank you again for supporting MBEConnect Profiles. —The MBEConnect Team

Bring Your Own Device

The New Normal

As companies work to attract new and highly skilled employees each year, a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy is becoming a higher priority. A BYOD policy is a company’s written guideline to the rules employees must adhere to when using personal mobile devices, computers, and tablets. A good BYOD policy is straightforward and offers a clear explanation of potential security threats personal devices could cause. This policy should outline procedures taken by companies to prevent security threats and increase employee productivity by using personal devices in the workplace. While most companies explore the idea of adding a policy to their existing company guidelines, few have completed this initiative. Many companies are faced with the question of why BYOD is becoming increasingly important and why it is necessary to implement regulations to employees. The answer to this question is simple: the next generation workforce is skilled in the use of technology. College graduates hear it all from families, teachers, and mentors; “that phone is glued to your hand”. They eat, sleep, study, and socialize with smartphones and smart devices. The expectation of their future employers is to have an action plan in place on devices and to meet the needs of how to best incorporate their careers to meet their lifestyle needs. It isn’t unreasonable to say that in the near future BYOD policies could become a deciding factor in choosing an employer. Bring Your Own Device is a revolution in Corporate America that is inevitable, and college graduates are gearing up to jump on board.

Why is the BYOD revolution happening now? In 2009 and 2010, the mobile device market started booming with the mainstreaming of the iPhone, followed shortly there after by Google Android phones. Prior to this wave of mainstream software that businesses use to operate was very different from what individual consumers wanted out of the mobile device market. Now, the line between the technology businesses and individual consumers desire is blurred; thus on setting the BYOD trend. Bottom line is this: if all employees in the work force were stagnant to technology BYOD wouldn’t be happening. The future of business is ever changing and evolving as are the ideas employees bring to companies. What does this mean for companies seeking creative and innovative new talent? BYOD is pioneering, and in order for a company to attract unprecedented talent they have to take unprecedented steps in the future of business. BYOD will shortly become the “new normal”. BYOD presents a challenge to IT departments in every facet of the enterprise. Not only to keep up with technological advances, but to implement safeguards that address the security risks BYOD presents. Like any other facet of business within companies, a BYOD policy needs to be established to create a level of control or rules that employees are expected to adhere to. There is no “risk-free” solution, but companies who are forward-thinking in regards to BYOD are attracting young perspective employees who are more comfortable, more cost-efficient and more productive than ever. The significance of enterprise mobility management (EMM) is highly underrated, although there are many security risks and high costs involved for a company to transition to BYOD, the benefits of EMM to corporations and streamlining the productivity of employees far outweighs the investment. Young employees in the workforce are learning a great deal about how BYOD affects the bottom line of a company and increases productivity in all departments. There is concern that the transition to BYOD by corporations jeopardizes a healthy work-life balance for employees. Fortunately, Generation Y has an increased familiarity with communications, including various forms of media and digital technologies, which have already caused an adaptation to stay connected 24/7. Newly hired college graduates are constantly monitoring social media, email and website content outside of business hours from mobile devices, although these individuals do not view this as working overtime. Social media is such an integral part of daily life that it isn’t viewed as “work”. BYOD enhances productivity and allows for faster response, increased feedback and the ability to communicate directly with individuals that may

need immediate reaction. The technology being used is the same for work, school, and personal life, which makes employees more of an asset to any company due to a fluid and interactive transition between the three. Companies are consistently updating their approach to BYOD as policies are ever changing and new devices and applications are added. While companies work to establish a clearly defined approach they find that additions and revisions are necessary throughout expansion. Companies need to work to define their own BYOD internal policy by starting with filtering through network requirements, user needs and departmental guidelines. These guidelines must be established early in the process to meet the needs of all employees. As an example, a company may allow management to access files and presentations from their devices while sales may only be able to access email only. A solid company policy needs to be specific when indicating what is allowed and not allowed on your network and it must clearly state that all network devices will be consistently monitored.

Contributed by JMA Information Technology. Headquartered in Overland Park, KS, JMA is one of the fastest growing technology companies in Kansas City. With experience in network infrastructure and security, desktop to server virtualization, data information management, voice over IP and more, JMA works with companies to make the toughest IT challenges seem easy. Connect. Communicate. Collaborate.

MBEConnect Profiles WINTER EDITION 2012

contact 910 S. Kirkwood #120 Kirkwood, MO 63122 Tel: (314) 835.9499 | email: dispatch@aattrans.com

www.allamericatrans.com Lianne Reizer President

In Business Since 1991 Worry-free Logistics: Utilizing Qualified Carriers H istory

All America Transportation, Inc.’s roots began in 1991 as Mid-Continent Van Service, one of many businesses owned by entrepreneur, Frank Costello. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, the business grew larger than his own fleet of trucks could handle. Sandy Stickney, an employee at the time, developed a new freight brokerage company to fulfill the growing shipment demands. Lianne Reizer, Sandy’s daughter, was recruited to generate continued success through sales and marketing strategies. In 1996, Frank retired to devote time to his favorite charities and passed the reins of his trucking company to his sons. Based on Lianne’s expertise, she was persuaded to purchase the brokerage firm, which was renamed All America Transportation. At age 27, Lianne had no experience running a business so she relied on her mother, Sandy, for guidance and experience. In a short time, the two grew All America Transportation into an even larger, more successful business. After Sandy’s death in 2004, Lianne continued her mother’s commitment of honesty, integrity and outstanding customer service. The company continued to grow and in 2005, Scott Parkinson, an employee since 2001, became part owner and serves as Vice President.

LEADERSHIP

Lianne Reizer, President With over 20 years experience in the logistics industry, Lianne not only utilizes her industry expertise, but also her passion for new technology, to remain a top transportation service provider. Staying in touch with industry trends, she continually develops strategic processes to improve operational efficiencies that benefit her customers. Lianne also has the ability to exceed her clients’ needs by leveraging her long-term relationships with her many carrier-partners. “I like to think of us as problem-solvers. We understand that our clients are juggling tremendous workloads. So our focus is to relieve them of the worry and time-consuming responsibility of coordinating and tracking their truckload shipments, providing them the opportunity to invest their time in other capacities. Some of our clients have been with us for almost twenty years, which says something about the type of quality services we provide.” Scott Parkinson, Vice President With his background as the Transportation Manager for a large St. Louis-based plastics manufacturer, Scott Parkinson has a unique understanding when it comes to All America Transportation clients. Scott oversees the operations for the business and establishes critical policies, such as the company’s Carrier Qualification Requirements. Scott is a Certified Transportation Broker and has over 25 years experience in the trucking industry. Scott shares the same founding values and brings practical knowledge and experience to every interaction with clients, employees, and Carrier-Partners.

Today, All America Transportation, Inc. is a much larger business with locations in St. Louis, Missouri and South Bend, Indiana. As current clients attest, the company is driven by the mantra, “large enough to serve you, small enough to know you”.

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide worry-free logistics service for each client’s shipments, utilizing qualified carriers at a competitive price.

MBEConnect Profiles | WINTER EDITION 2012

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services

Full Truckload shipments throughout the US - In business since 1991, All America’s depth of carriers and purchasing power provides competitive pricing. Their large database of carriers and long-term carrier relationships affords them the ability and knowledge to match clients’ truckload shipments with the right carriers, the BEST carriers to provide superior service. Stringent qualification process to ensure safe, reliable freight carriers - All America Transportation utilizes a third party service to monitor all of their carrier-partners. Notification of authority revocation or insurance cancelation is immediate. What’s more, carrier-partners must maintain adequate safety ratings. All necessary licensing and insurance is kept on-site for immediate access and review. Carrier performances are documented and maintained at all times to ensure that only the best, most reliable carriers are utilized. 48’ and 53’ Air Ride Dry Vans, Logistics Vans, Flatbeds, and Refrigerated Trucks - All America Transportation, Inc. provides all types of equipment for their clients’ shipment needs. Whether a truckload shipment of steel coils requiring a flatbed trailer with tarps, a sensitive blanket-wrapped shipment necessitating an Air-Ride Logistics van with straps and pads, or perishable cargo requiring a temperature-controlled environment, All America Transportation can fulfill each clients’ specific needs. Local and Over the Road Motor Freight Service - Whether the freight is moving across town or across the country, they have the right carrier for each truckload shipment. Trade Show and Convention shipments - When on time delivery is imperative, clients trust All America Transportation, Inc.’s experienced professionals to handle their exhibit shipments. Their qualified professionals will ensure that their clients’ shipments not only deliver on time, but they can also arrange the return of that exhibit, no matter when the Force of Floor time may be. $100,000 Contingency cargo insurance coverage - All America Transportation, Inc. goes above and beyond Federal insurance requirements. To give their clients extra assurance, all of their freight shipments are protected by a $100,000 Contingency Cargo Insurance Policy. This ensures an extra layer of protection for clients and expert claims assistance in the rare event of cargo damage.

eXPERIENCE

DOD: 2007 to Present - Express Scripts- Manage truckload shipments from vendors WBENC: 2010 to Present - AT&T Tier 2 Supplier arranging truckload shipments for a large print vendor State of Missouri: 2010 to Present - Coordinate shipments for Missouri Visitor Guides to rest areas and warehouse locations CPUC: 2010 to Present - Manage truckload shipments of transformers to various public utilities located in California and Maryland

testimonials

”Having All America Transportation around is like having an extension of our company. They get the job done!” – David Curry, President Worldwide Supplier of Quality Learning Products “All America Transportation is honest and dependable and I don’t have to worry about a shipment once I give it to them.” – Bonita “Bo” Adams, Traffic Manager, Outdoor Furniture Manufacturer

Petro Logistics, LLC was formed by Lianne Reizer in 2012 in order to provide wholesale supply and distribution of petroleum products to clients in the St. Louis region. With both tankers as well as 53’ dry vans, Petro Logistics, LLC also provides dry van truckload services within a 200 mile radius of St. Louis, Missouri. Additional announcements regarding Petro Logistics’ growth and expansion are anticipated in 2013.

Direct contact with drivers - Dispatchers communicate directly with the drivers, providing all pick-up and delivery information. Direct communication with drivers allows the staff to track each and every truck, and to enter locations and updates into their sophisticated Transportation Management System.

shipment tracking

All America Transportation Inc., is in constant communication with their carriers and drivers to ensure their clients’ freight is shipped and delivered on time. Online shipment tracking is just one of many services provided for their clients. Dispatch is on call after business hours and on weekends and holidays.

CAPABILITIES

QUOTE

www.allamericatrans.com MBEConnect Profiles | WINTER EDITION 2012

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contact Tel: (704) 633-9697 email: traci@crescentconstructionservices.com

www.crescentconstructionservices.com

“Quality, Assured”

traci williams President

About Us

Crescent Construction Services, LLC is a minority (female) owned firm specializing in commercial/industrial commissioning and project management. We have utilized our 50 years of commercial construction experience to engage in more than $1 billion of construction projects over the last 5 years. The majority of this work has been completed in the grocery and retail industry with our involvement extending from engineering assistance well into the maintenance inspection needs of an operating site. The basis of our management team’s career experience matured in the same retail commercial environment we specialize in today. Our understanding of the problems arising from building defects is not limited to their relation to construction and engineering groups. This also encompasses the effects on operations and safety departments, loss prevention, and in the end a company’s ability to service its customers. By providing cost-effective solutions for keeping buildings within specifications we maintain a positive relationship with our customers’ preferred contractors. An intimate knowledge of the industry enables us to use our extensive resources to ensure our focus is always on the best interests of our customers.

lEADERSHIP

Traci is the founding President of Crescent Construction Services, LLC as well as the CEO of its development division, ToraLab, LLC. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, she has built a reputation as a highly successful entrepreneur. She sits on the board of directors for the GWBC, Waterworks Visual Arts Center, Families First, and is a member of the WBENC Forum Leadership. Traci was selected the 2012 North Carolina Women in Business Champion of the Year by the Small Business Administration.

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Our process

Our INVeRT program is the key to providing each Crescent customer with true third-party quality assurance. INVeRT is a set of clear guidelines based on customer specifications and years of experience utilized not just to diagnose issues, but also to offer cost-effective solutions and prevent these same issues in the future. We call our system INVeRT because when customers encounter problems our program is the catalyst that ensures the project changes direction to move away from the issues and towards the solution.

Service

Drain Commissioning Programs As part of the INVeRT system, Crescent has developed a modified PACP program to evaluate lateral drain systems more efficiently. Specific locations of issues noted during the inspection process are marked, then all problems are categorized and assigned severity codes. Repair recommendations are made based on Crescent research and customer specifications and any issues requiring repairs are tracked through completion and then re-inspected. By working closely with engineering groups Crescent can assist in eliminating costly onsite corrections caused by changes in code or site planning, as well as provide updated accurate as-built conditions for sites with consistent maintenance issues or those requiring renovation.

Energy Services Utility cost reductions, even modest ones, can have a tremendous effect on operating budgets. Crescent helps customers locate these reductions with our energy audit program. A recent program developed for an existing customer has provided the potential for a 500% return on the cost of our services in the first year for locations considered to be average energy consumers.

mbeconnectmagazine.com

Floor Flatness & Floor Levelness (FF/FL)

ToraLab

In today’s retail environment no single building component can have more effect on customer perception of cleanliness than a finished concrete floor. Tens of thousands of dollars spent on decor will seldom be appreciated when a customer’s first impression of a site is that of a dirty floor. When that unsightly tile is a result of a poorly finished floor, no amount of stripping and refinishing will correct the problem. Without a floor specification based specifically on your traffic conditions, customer perception and floor tile maintenance costs will never improve.

A full service developer offering custom solutions for all major mobile platforms including: iOS, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone 7, WebOS, & Kindle. In addition to mobile applications, custom web and Mac OS development services are also available. As a division of Crescent, we started our development careers by creating internal applications to provide more efficient service to our customers. After several of these applications garnered attention from the construction industry and development community we began to focus our attention on developing for public consumption.

Project Management Crescent operates under the basicc philosophy that all programs must be managed in a manner that maintains a consistent focus on the customer’s best interests. Customers only receive functional and financial benefit from inspection data when the issues are corrected. Commissioning programs must take into account that construction schedules are tight, delays are costly, and accountability is a must. It is extremely important that a commissioning firm retain a working knowledge of industry and customer specific procedures in order to ensure data is procured and conveyed in a timely manner, repairs are scheduled with responsible contractors and their completion is verified, and all issues are reported and tracked to maintain accountability and prevent future occurrences.

Toralab in the news

Business Article

Tablets in Construction

App-etite for Construction

App Builders in Construction

Clients • • • • •

Food Lion LLC Haris Teeter Inc. Southern Company Skanska USA Inc. Darling International Inc.

Thermography/EIFS Inspections Since the 1980’s EIFS has been a standard exterior finish for many US retail buildings. Numerous lawsuits forced building codes to include drainage systems in most wood stud construction, however there are still many areas where building codes do not require the use of flashing or sealants for EIFS installations on commercial metal stud or CMU wall construction. In order to function properly as a waterproof insulated exterior wall covering, EIFS must be architecturally designed and installed in a system. Arc Flash Hazard Study The 2012 NFPA 70E requires commercial facilities have an Arc Flash Hazard Study performed so equipment can be field labeled to warn of the potential electric arc flash hazard. Crescent’s Arc Flash program is one of the best in the industry. Customers are provided with updated one-line electrical drawings, an engineer sealed study, and labeled components to remain in full compliance with the latest regulations. Capital investments in existing or new facilities can benefit from cost reductions when these Arc Flash Studies are combined with our other electrical services.

tESTIMONIALs

“I am so glad to see that Crescent will continue to be one of my ‘go-to’ development groups for software.” – Paul Schottland, Manager, Software Development and Architecture Group, Skanska USA Inc. “For the past seven years, Crescent has provided Harris Teeter with innovative building survey and inspection solutions that assure the long term value in our capital investments.” – Glenn Thomson Vice President of Construction, Harris Teeter

www.CRESCENTCONSTRUCTIONSERVICES.COM

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MBEConnect Profiles WINTER EDITION 2012

contact 9401 Indian Creek pkwy ste 250, Overland park, ks 66210 Tel: 913.469.8900 | email: info@evolvsolutions.com

www.evolvsolutions.com

Document Management and Information Technology About Us

At Evolv Solutions, we help you improve your business by integrating best-in-class document technologies to streamline business processes and improve competitive advantage. How we put it all together is what sets us apart. We take skilled people who know your industry, arm them with cutting-edge technology, and let them do what they do best - help you work smarter.

Our team

Ronald Harland Sr. is the founder and President of Evolv Solutions. With the increasing demand of supplier diversity initiatives, he saw an opportunity to create a small firm capable of providing document management and information technology ideas across a wide-range of solutions for Fortune 500, start-up and government institutions. Ronald Harland Jr. is a Co-founder and Vice President at Evolv Solutions. Ron helped transition Evolv from idea to reality and oversees the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operational infrastructure. Ron has a technical background as a Systems Analyst and is highly focused on new business development, technical resources, process implementation and management of IT systems.

Ron II, Ron Sr, Eric Harland / owners

Managed print services

Evolv represents some of the most advanced office equipment systems available. We are experts when it comes to managing our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; document workflow and office equipment fleets. OFFICE SYSTEMS: Managed Print Solutions (MPS): Sales, Leasing, Maintenance, Supplies and Training Managed Services: Print & Mail Facilities Management, Document Workflow and Storage Solutions Print Supply Management Services: Web-based Forms Ordering System, Outsourced Digital Print Production, Wide-format & Engineering Output, Over-flow Digital Print Support, Physical Forms Management, Digital Forms Management, Desktop Publishing Evolv also operates an in-house Digital Print Production Center with a print production capacity of 250,000 pages per month.

Eric Harland is Vice President of technology and marketing at Evolv Solutions, LLC. He is also Co-founder of MBEConnect, the first Social Network for minority- and women-owned businesses. He brings more than 15 years of technical expertise in developing and designing enterprise level solutions in a variety of market segments.

SMALL BUSINESS... GETTING BIG BUSINESS DONE RIGHT

12 MBEConnect Profiles | WINTER EDITION 2012

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Scanning & imaging

Evolv operates a state-of-the-art scanning and imaging services bureau. Our center provides an end-to-end solution for processing nearly any volume and type of document in a secure environment. Imaging Service Bureau Capacity: 4.5 million images per month. Services Provided: Document Conversion, Records Management, Sensitive, Fragile or Aged Documents, Data Capturing, Over-flow Scanning Support, Invoice and Bill file Conversion, Indexing OCR Projects, Wide Format Scanning. SERVICE SCANNING & IMAGING We provide the workspace, use of equipment and software necessary to perform nearly any scanning and imaging work or document conversion project. We pick up your documents (A8 up to E size (engineering) documents). Our facility is secure and our trained customer support staff is available to assist you with scheduling, setup and system support issues while you’re on site.

IT staff augmentation

Our Technical Staffing Solutions are designed to provide contract staffing, workforce management, temporary staffing, project management, outsourcing and contract compliance services. Our Technical Staffing Solutions ensure your organization’s success, whether managing an entire program or providing contract staffing services. Staff Augmentation: Evolv provides Information Technology resources for short-term or long-term needs.

Federal IT services

www.evolv8astarsteam.com

CONSTELLATION I Functional Area 1 - NAICS 541511 Functional Area 2 - NAICS 541512 Functional Area 3 - NAICS 541513 Functional Area 4 - NAICS 541519 Professional Services - Candidate Selection, Online technical tests, SME Evaluation, Reference Checks, Drug & Background, Personality Profile, Unconditional 90-day guarantee for permanent placements. Information Technology - Programmers, Web Developers, Systems Analysts, QA Software Testers, Configuration Managers, Database Administrators, Development and Support, Database Analysts Help Desk and more.

Clients

Bureau of Reclamation Glaxo Smith Kline Internal Revenue Service Johnson & Johnson Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L) KCMO School District KeyBank Met Life Missouri Department of Conservation Sporting Kansas City Truman Medical Center White House Communication Agency

Contract-to-hire: Evolv allows you to determine if an employee is the right fit for the company by observing the employee on the job. Direct Placement: Evolv is responsible for IT staff recruiting and screening of candidates for your selection. Vendor Managed Staffing: Evolv assists you in managing your staffing suppliers, streamlining billing, reducing overall costs and providing better quality control. Facilities Management Support: Evolv can provide staffing services if you are seeking to outsource the day-to-day operation of your print production, mail room or call center operations.

SALES SHEET

LINE CARD

www.EVOLVSOLUTIONS.com

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World Wide Technology An MBE for MBEs Built from the ground-up, World Wide Technology has become one of the largest African American owned MBE’s in the country while thoroughly incorporating other small and diverse businesses in their global operations.

Like most business start-ups, World Wide Technology (WWT) began as a small operation with very few employees and a vision to offer a service that would add value to an industry. However, unlike most startups, WWT has made the leap from small business to international technology corporation and is now the largest African American-owned technology business in the country with over $4 billion in annual sales. Founded in 1990, WWT began in St. Louis, Missouri as a niche minority supplier catering to the technology and supply chain needs of commercial and federal customers. Over the past 22 years, WWT has become a leading Systems Integrator providing technology products, services, and supply chain solutions to the commercial, government and telecom sectors. Specialties include unified communications, security, data center, wireless mobility and eCommerce. Now WWT has expanded well beyond St. Louis, employing over 2,000 in facilities located in most major US cities and sales offices around the globe. Chairman and co-founder David Steward has guided the company to once unimagined levels of accomplishment over the past 22 years. Success for Steward and WWT have come through traditional hard work and dedication and also becoming an innovator in the industry. Distinguishing WWT from its competitors was the ability to have all of its inventory and information connected and managed electronically in real time before widespread use of the internet. Using this technology allowed WWT to conduct business in a more cost-efficient, quick, and effective manner all while using fewer workers. Major clients include many Fortune 500 companies, Telecom and Federal Government agencies. In addition, WWT has strategic partnerships with many OEM’s including Cisco, Dell, HP, EMC and VMware. The remarkable success of WWT serves as an inspiration to small, diverse businesses across the country. But despite the rapid growth, success has not turned WWT into a corporation with a standard supplier diversity program. Supplier diversity is one of three components of WWT’s Corporate Development Program (CDP), which also includes Small Business Enterprise and Corporate and Social Responsibility components. Being a certified MBE continues to shape the way that WWT does business, especially when it comes to including small and diverse companies in their supply chain. “We make a conscious effort every single day to explore opportunities to partner with diverse companies,” says Shay Gillespie, who is actively involved with the company’s supplier diversity endeavors as the Corporate-wide Supplier Diversity Manager at WWT. “We understand the challenge, having been a small MBE in the technology sector. Coming from that world, we are committed to ensuring value added diverse partnerships are realized,” she adds.

Rather than base supplier diversity goals solely on spend or percentages, WWT relies on tangible objectives that can better benefit diverse businesses and lead them to long-term success. Goals of the CDP include: to provide customers an opportunity to partner with a global, world-class minority organization; to create mutually beneficial partnerships with other minority organizations, to support continuing development through mentoring programs and supplier collaboration; to implement recruiting efforts directly aimed at attracting minority talent; and to enhance community and civic responsibility through local and national outreach programs. WWT continues to attain each of these goals and exceed expectations year after year. The more successful WWT becomes, the more they spend with diverse businesses and it is their goal to increase their spend with diverse businesses each year. In the first 3 quarters of 2012 alone, WWT has spent $73 million with 191 MBEs, WBEs and small businesses. This amount nearly doubles their total 2011 spend of $47.7 million with 78 suppliers. WWT understands what it takes to become a successful MBE and to take a small business to the upper echelon of success and offers resources for those looking to do the same. There are many opportunities for knowledge-sharing and support available to diverse suppliers through WWT. “Our door is always open. WWT offers informal mentoring and leadership to M/WBEs on a case by case basis,” says Gillespie. Hands-on, interactive events are just one type of mentoring opportunity provided by WWT. For example, “In August, we invited an MBE to WWT to spend the day with key decision makers as well as our Chairman. We discussed WWT’s capabilities and they learned about potential ways to partner,” explains Gillespie. “It was a successful event.” Long-term collaborative business ventures with diverse firms are another important component of supplier diversity at WWT. “We have been working with an MBE since 2006 providing them with business development, accounting resources and equipment procurement,” explains Gillespie. “They partner with us on some of our large projects including a large aviation company as well as a many other federal entities.” Relationships like this, and others that have been in place for over ten years, enables the diverse suppliers to

grow and develop alongside WWT as their needs evolve and expand. Involvement in diversity outside the supply chain is also critical to WWT’s supplier diversity formula. WWT is heavily involved with local supplier diversity organizations, especially the St. Louis Minority Supplier Development Council (SLMSDC). Gillespie is provided executive direction by Ann Marr who oversees strategic direction of the CDP program as the Executive Sponsor. Marr is also Vice President of Human Resources and an active member of the Board of Directors for the SLMSDC. WWT is also involved in the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative and a frequent volunteer with the SLMSDC. With all of these efforts, it’s obvious to see why WWT has won several awards as an MBE, supplier, and corporation. WWT was named as one of 12 Regional Suppliers of the Year at the 2012 NMSDC National Conference in Denver, in addition to similar honors from chapter organizations in Northern California, Houston and Atlanta earlier in the year. Corporate responsibility and a positive environment also landed the company on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2012. WWT has also been named the 2010 Supplier Award by AT&T for helping the telecom giant and Billion Dollar Roundtable member deliver outstanding service. These honors are just a small sample of the growing list of accolades bestowed upon WWT by organizations and companies from across the country. WWT understands that finding connections can be difficult for diverse businesses, and the company promotes its idea that passion and perseverance are keys to maintaining a healthy business. WWT belongs to 34 of the 36 councils and attends 23 business opportunity fairs and expos and more than 40 conferences, awards galas, diversity events annually in their quest to find the best value-added diverse suppliers in the country. WWT serves not just as an example of what a small, diverse business can become, but also what a corporate supplier diversity program should be.

WWT is always looking to expand its supplier base & reach out to other diverse businesses. Companies interested in becoming a part of the CDP at WWT are encouraged to read more about the program and register online at www2.wwt.com/company/corporate_development_program

MBEConnect Profiles WINTER EDITION 2012

contact 1317 5th Street 3rd Floor Santa Monica, CA 90401 Tel: (424) 244-1344 | email: gene@mav12.com

www.MAV12.COM Gene Lim CEO

The Business of Creativity History

We are a group of creative problem solvers bound by a passion for entrepreneurial excellence, creative accomplishment, and unwavering and principled integrity. Organizations come to us for the unique and different. We do what others think is too difficult. Our clients are always looking for ways to increase their brand and out-innovate their competition. They turn to MAV12 because regardless of the challenge, we find a way to get it done. And done right. We believe there is a place in the market for a creative agency that is the go to company for the impossible.

lEADERSHIP

Gene Lim, CEO Gene has over 20 years experience in marketing and advertising. Gene is a graduate of USC’s Marshall School of Business. He is a strategic leader with talents in concept development, design, branding, marketing, promotions, emergent technologies and a commitment to excellence that make him a unique asset. He was previously the founder and partner of Mozaik, a packaging and displays firm; and Tunis, a marketing promotions firm, still operating successfully and currently owned by a public company. Gene’s philanthropic endeavors include serving as global committee chair of strategic alliances for EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization), a member organization of 8,700 business leaders with chapters in 42 countries. As a volunteer member leader, he has created strategic alliances and partnerships with corporations, governments, media, business and youth organizations around the world. He has raised millions of dollars in contributions from Fortune 500 corporate partners. Gene also represents the United States on the G20 YEA (Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance). Jamie Douraghy, Vice COO Jamie is the key individual in keeping things running smoothly. He is the former president and founder of Artisan Creative, a staffing and recruiting firm for the creative industry, in existence for over 16 years. Jamie is also an accomplished fencing champion.

16 MBEConnect Profiles | WINTER EDITION 2012

pRODUCTS & SERVICES

MAV12 is an integrated agency offering advertising and marketing solutions across many industries, markets, media types and marketing channels. We are broad and deep in our ability to make tough challenges become golden opportunities, and problem solve our clients’ greatest and most pressing needs. We aim not only to please, but to challenge conventional wisdom and imagine new possibilities. Our teams are structured to meet and exceed each client’s need and budget. Every project follows our general process of strategy, planning, ideation, design, content creation and execution. OFFLINE ONLINE Branding Brand Integration Identity & Naming Viral Marketing Direct Mail Interactive Packaging Websites Collateral Kits Mobile Apps POP | POS Banners Display | Signage Video Production | Animation Front and Backend Development EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES SEO | SEM Media Planning | Buying | Management Analytics & Intelligence Influencer Outreach Augmented Reality Social Media Campaigns | Engagement Management (SmarterSocialMedia.com) CONSULTING Our services are not limited to marketing and advertising, but can be applied to deeper levels of your organization, your products and services or core business offerings. Our team’s extensive knowledge in building brands and running companies is also at your disposal to consult regarding your business at large or specific segments, such as operations or manufacturing.

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testimonials

SMARTER SOCIAL MEDIA Smarter Social Media is MAV12’s social media marketing division. Smarter Social Media is a passionate team of savvy marketers ready to help you engage with your customers, align with influencers and create measurable solutions.

– Allison Saltzer, Sr. Business Development Manager - Strategic Channels, Microsoft (business partner)

Facebook Marketing Twitter Marketing Blogging Influence Outreach New Media Strategy

PARTIAL cLIENT LIST

Acura Adobe Bacardi Best Western DirectTV DreamWorks Eastern Ban Epson Honda Infiniti

“Gene is a creative, tenacious, strategic partner and an individual of high integrity. We’ve worked through some challenging situations together, and I’ve appreciated his win-win approach, his creativity, his willingness to partner and his patient, solutionoriented approach. He’s terrific to work with and in our business relationship dealings, I’m fortunate enough now to call Gene a friend.”

Jaguar Lexus McCafe Mercedes-Benz Moet Hennessy USA Red Bull The Ritz Carlton Toyota SC Walt Disney

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Good Value “It has been my great pleasure to have known and worked with Gene. He is very bright, very creative, extremely well organized and a pleasure to work with. Not only does he find great, creative solutions to problems, but he clearly understands the practical and financial requirements of his work. I can recommend him without qualification.” – Jim Twerdahl (client) Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, High Integrity “Gene is the best service provider I have ever worked with, hands down. He exceeds expectations at every turn, while maintaining a perfect balance between professionalism and camaraderie. He dedicates himself to serving others and providing superior results. I have produced many projects with Gene where his partnership in the creative development of a project has been just as critical as his high quality execution of it. “Resourceful” is an understatement in describing Gene: He can always find a way to get something done in the best way possible and offers solutions that no one else can. He is a true pleasure to work with and I trust that any project I give him is in the most honorable and capable hands.” – Kristy Davis, RAPP(client)

SPONSORED BY

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Technology

The Innovative

SIMP L IF IC ATION

By: Darrius Wright & Milton Reagans

Technology is

the practical application of knowledge in a particular area; a manner of accomplishing tasks using particular processes, methods, or knowledge.

Technology is the largest factor today that affects the growth, development, and success of business. It is the one business tool that can simultaneously decrease costs, increase profits, and enable one to meet customer expectations while fulfilling customer needs. The challenge for businesses today is identifying which technologies are being utilized within an organization, which technologies are aiding business growth, and how to reimagine and restructure these technologies to maximize results. Most businesses correlate technology with machines and associate machines with only tangible products, neither of which is necessarily true. Understanding that technology is more than computers, televisions, smart phones, and their associated programming can help business owners better use technology to benefit their business. The complexity of technology is that it is less interactive than a human employee, who can generate feedback on how best to integrate them into their organization. Here is a guide to taking the aspects of technology that are difficult to comprehend and simplifying them - demonstrating how new approaches to technology can benefit a business.

How can technology processes decrease costs, increase profits, and fulfill customer needs? These are actions or continuous operations that can be targeted to produce specific results. Automation, for example, is a process and a form of intangible technology. This operation is created to fulfill a specific purpose - taking

things that are done manually and making them automatic, reducing the time, effort, and costs associated with manual processes. A business in government contracting spends hours manually researching solicitations. Replacing manual searching with automated notifications reduces the time taken to find relevant contract opportunities, maximizing time and labor dollars. After identifying other functions that could benefit from automation, they invested in automating various procurement operations such as capture management, pricing analysis, proposal development, and staff modeling. By scaling the automation technology, the company can collect and deploy data from specified sources into various process applications. This also enables the company to complete various internal operations automatically and simultaneously.

How can technology methods decrease cost, increase profits, and fulfill customer needs? A methodology to identify poorly developed products and services in a company while replicating the best quality products or services will reduce costs by exposing deficient and flawed execution of processes. This information is applied to corrective actions that mitigate undesirable outcomes. Corrections lead to increased efficiency, decreased deficiencies, development of better products and services, and a better customer experience and brand. Quality assurance and control methodologies can be scaled and reformatted to monitor, correct, and duplicate employee performance; identify and improve communication protocols

across multiple platforms; or used to manage customer service experiences. Companies can reimagine what they are manufacturing and apply the same methodologies of quality control and assurance to change the dynamics of business.

How can technology knowledge decrease cost, increase profits, and fulfill customer needs? Developing an understanding of machines and technology is a passion, and math is the technological tool of preference to develop that understanding. Formula-based solutions in the scientific context require both quantitative knowledge and expressions of Unknowns; numbers and variables. Take the example of a firm specializing in refurbishing electronics who wants to increase sales by 150% on average each month, for less than or equal to a 25% increase in annual operating cost. Refurbishing cellular phones represents 90% of sales, with 85% of labor time spent in the refurbishing process for this firm. The first important thing the company does is identify all quantitative knowledge to develop a sound formulaic approach to solving the problem, including time periods of measure, current monthly sales figures, desired sales figures, current monthly operating costs, and the percentage of operating costs associated with labor. To increase sales the company can clearly see an infusion of personnel in the cellular refurbishing process would help them to reduce the time of this process, increase the number of customers they are able to service, and grow sales. This is the unknown variable the company chooses to manipulate and begins to calculate how many personnel they must hire to help them reach the sales volume goal. Scaling knowledge throughout an organization would require manipulation of other pieces of the formula to create other outcomes. Instead of hiring more people, the company may decrease operating costs, or change the business model to reflect the core competency and market trend of increasing numbers of cellphone users in the market. Formulas

represent the applied knowledge of constants and changes that effect business. Formulas, when manipulated, begin to reveal answers to different questions, solutions to different problems, and applications to completely unrelated models. Once a company is able to identify the various technologies that support its business model, auditing these resources helps a company understand how profitable these investments can be over time. Companies who monitor the use of technology also discover how technologies can be redeployed to various parts of the company and scaled across its infrastructure. This data on which operational decisions can be based comes from the technology itself and provides additional practical information that can be further analyzed and audited. Once a company has laid the technological infrastructure that will benefit the organization, one would use that same infrastructure and the data it provides to inform how to better increase productivity and efficiency in the organization; taking what is currently in use, innovating and manipulating these resources to produce specific desired results. Technology at its core is like an employee: a tool meant to serve company needs, and every company has different needs. Just like employees, technology should be vetted, trained, monitored, measured, and deployed to a specific purpose. But it is when technology is reimagined through simplification, innovation, or necessity that technology becomes more.

Darrius Wright and Milton Reagans are the co-founders of HumaCom Labs, a technology research & development and process development firm. Specialists in federal government contracting, computer science, and engineering, they endeavor to change the world through the changed perceptions of technology. For more information contact data@humacomlabs.com

MBEConnect Profiles WINTER EDITION 2012

contact 1925 Central, Suite 201 Kansas City, MO 64108 Tel: 816-283-8300 | email: INFO@PUENTEMARKETING.COM

puentemarketing.com Norberto Ayala-Flores President

THREE PILLARS. ONE BRIDGE. About us

In Spanish, the word “puente” means “bridge”. At Puente, we build bridges between cultures, languages, and generations. We make connections with brands and the people they want to reach. In this case, we have a specialty with the Hispanic market, yet we understand the role of acculturation and have that firmly in mind when we devise plans and strategies. Just as many Latinos live in two worlds, so does Puente Marketing. Our experience is firmly rooted in both the general market and the Hispanic market. We are uniquely qualified to help brands pursue opportunities with one or both audiences. Puente Marketing was conceived on the proverbial napkin in a Brookside coffee shop, nestled in the heart of the Kansas City metro area. You might think that a very unlikely place to ponder the Hispanic opportunity. After all the Kansas City market only boasts a Hispanic population of about 10%. The national average is 16%. And sooner than you think, that average will be over 20%! (Ask us about The 2050 Rule). Yet, the growth in Kansas City market has been astounding. From 2000 to 2010 the Hispanic population grew 85% (from 92,894 to 172,332). And it’s projected to grow to 203,183 in 2016. If you’re a marketer or an organization that depends on growth from the public sector, you can’t ignore the Hispanic marketplace. Puente Marketing is about helping businesses and organizations identify and understand their opportunity with the growing Hispanic marketplace. Our approach is fairly simple and is broken down in three easy steps: Analyze. Act. Advance. We’ve been doing this since September 2003 with local, regional and national companies.

HISPANICS REPRESENT OPPORTUNITY

According to a recent census survey done on Hispanic population growth in the United States. Especially in the rural areas where the Hispanic population has even revived some of the small communities. In the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma, the Hispanic population grew by 75% while the overall population grew just 7% (based on comparing 2000 to 2010 census numbers). Opportunities for marketers are Kansas City, Omaha, Wichita, Oklahoma City, Springdale, Rogers, Des Moines, St. Louis, and many other markets less obvious than the coastal cities of Florida, California and Texas. So what better place to begin than in the heart of this new awareness?

LEADERSHIP

Norberto (Rob) Ayala-Flores, President Norberto (Rob) Ayala-Flores, President of Puente, is U.S.-born of Mexican parents and embraces his cultural roots. Rob is a 25-year advertising veteran in general market and Hispanic market arenas with experience in both B2B and B2C. He has deep experience in working with building and growing brands both nationally and locally and helping them grow and retain their customer base. Prior to starting his own marketing firm, Puente Marketing Communications in 2003, Rob worked primarily with advertising agencies and general market clients. He was instrumental in

24 MBEConnect Profiles | WINTER EDITION 2012

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developing education programs for both the agency and clients in helping them understand and explore the opportunities in the burgeoning Hispanic market, nationally and locally. He created the first LSM program addressing the Hispanic market store-bystore for the RentWay and HomeChoice brands.

SERVICES

Account Management Creative & Production Research Media Planning and Buying Database and Market Analysis Integrated Marketing Translations Cultural Education

cLIENT WORK

Avila University Bayer Animal Health Bozell Commerce Bank El Centro Inc. GPC Pet Products Jiffy Lube – Heartland Automotive Services Price Chopper Hallmark – Sinceramente Hallmark TracFone Tractor Supply Company UMB Walsworth Yearbooks Westlake ACE Hardware World’s Best Cat Litter YMCA of Greater Kansas City

tHE HISPANIC MARKET

Opportunity is a two-way street. Brands are seeking new audiences. And the Hispanic audience is seeking new brand experiences. Their community is ready and waiting to be engaged. The Hispanic community may very likely represent the ideal target audience for several reasons.

When communications are created out of an understanding of the culture, they accelerate relationship building. And the benefits to both brand and consumer multiply. Brands would be well rewarded to recognize this growing opportunity. It’s less the question, “Can you afford to market to this audience?” It’s more the question, “Can you afford not to?” This audience may very well see your brand as an opportunity for them, as much as you see them as an opportunity for you.

testimonials

“We worked with Puente Marketing to help us determine the best approach in helping our client Heartland Automotive Services, America’s largest Jiffy Lube franchisee, understand and identify the best markets out of more than 480 stores within the Heartland Automotive stores across the U.S. Their approach to educating the client internally first about the unique differences within the Hispanic marketplace throughout their retail footprint and then identifying their best opportunity for a successful pilot program made a lot of sense. The Hispanic advertising campaign test promotion drove an increase of new trial customers by 53%.” – Steve Kuegler, Partner in Charge, Data Analysis, Bozell

Hispanicity™ Acculturation Definitions

Americanizado (HA1) •  English Dominant (nearly no Spanish) •  Born in US; 3rd + generation •  Few Hispanic cultural practices

Bi-cultural (HA3)

(HA2) •  English Preferred (some Spanish) •  Born in U.S. 2nd generation •  Some Hispanic Cultural practices; often “retroacculturate”

English & Some Cultural

•  Bi-lingual (equal or nearly) •  Immigrant as child or young adult •  Many Hispanic cultural practices

Hispano (HA4) •  Spanish preferred (some English) •  Immigrant as adult, in U.S. 10+ years •  Pre-dominant Hispanic cultural practices

English or Español Cultural

Latinoamericano (HA5)

•  Spanish Dominant (no English) •  Recent Immigrant as adult (less than 10 years ago). •  Primarily Hispanic cultural practices. •  Identify with home country more so than U.S. Hispanic

Español Language and Culture

Source: Fresh Geoscape Data for 2011

They tend to invest in the things that are important to the group, their family. They tend to more enthusiastically refer family and friends than the general population. They are often more brand loyal. And they prefer to do business with brands that recognize and respect them from a cultural perspective. Brands who create messages for them, rather than merely translate general market communications will gain much better results and have a better chance at creating lasting relationships. Latinos recognize when a brand has made the attempt to understand them. Translation is a shortcut that rarely connects. In fact, it can undermine relationship building.

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MBEConnect Profiles WINTER EDITION 2012

contact 132 S. Northwest Highway, Suite 106, Barrington, IL 60010 Tel: 847.382.0400 | email: karen@X10solutionsinc.com

www.x10solutionsinc.com

“Marketing... Sales Development... Training” About Us

X10 Solutions focuses on innovative marketing strategies, sales development and training solutions to support your organization’s initiatives. Our versatile marketing team is experienced in developing, implementing and managing cutting-edge marketing strategies to drive brand awareness and business growth for clients across diverse industry sectors. The sales development team transforms sales goals into actionable plans to drive customer acquisition and increase revenue. Our ability to build deep-rooted customer relationships is at the foundation of any sales effort. Our crackerjack group of trainers combines their passion for education with an improvisational background to deliver a truly unique training experience. We are committed to delivering superior customer service that consistently surpasses client expectations. We have a history of transforming business goals and solutions into bottom line results with seamless execution.

Our team

With over 25 years of marketing and sales experience our leadership has assembled a collaborative team of cutting edge designers and developers. We excel at creating innovative solutions to drive your company’s business objectives. Each project is customized to maximize outcomes using proven marketing programs and sales strategies. We are client centric and function as an extension of your organization.

karen scarpulla President

services

Training Our innovative instructor led training workshops provide the tools that lead to creating marketable, profitable and sustainable organizations. We combine humor and improvisational exercises with key learning points to foster retention. Our training modules include: The Missing Piece Businesses leave with a self-assessment tool kit to understand how to fit into the corporate supply chain Build Your Brand Learn to build a SWOT analysis, create a clear value proposition and develop a dynamic “elevator pitch” Innovation Tool Kit Master the skills and techniques necessary to be a leading edge organization that creates value Control Your Business Dynamic, hands on simulations teach process improvement and lean activities demonstrate how to eliminate waste Sales Development X10 Solutions works together with our clients to integrate sales strategies into your organization increasing your market position.

New Business Acquisition Sales Channel Development Sales Messaging Relationship Development Sales Training

Marketing Services Corporate Marketing Brand Development Logo Design Strategic Brand Messaging Marketing Communication Plans Collateral Material Development Event Planning 26 MBEConnect Profiles | WINTER EDITION 2012

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Web 2.0 Technologies Website Design & Development Email Campaigns SEO Optimization Social Marketing Strategies Non-profit Marketing Event Identity Branding Sponsorship Strategies Event Marketing Materials & Design Event Planning & Coordination Strategic Partnership Development

pROJECTS

Clients

Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Kraft WBENC CMSDC MBDA MOTR Grafx Pactrans Air & Sea ACC (American Chrome Corporation) Stroh Die Casting Kris Dee Precision Machining Titan

PORTFOLIO

www.x10solutionsinc.com

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MBEConnect Profiles WINTER EDITION 2012

contact 10679 Westview Parkway, 2nd floor San Diego, CA 92126 Tel: (858) 537-2281 | email: info@supplierdiversitysd.org

supplierdiversitysd.org ROnald b. garnett President/ceo

About Us

sERvices

The San Diego Regional MSDC, established in 1999, is a nonprofit organization whose objective is to bring corporations and minority business enterprises (MBEs) together for the economic benefit of both. The San Diego Regional MSDC represents the regional corporate outreach to MBEs in the Greater San Diego region. It is our purpose to facilitate business opportunities and market share growth for minority business enterprises through the interaction of corporate members and certified suppliers.

Minority Entrepreneur Supplier Development Center The Minority Entrepreneur Supplier Development Center will provide valuable support and critical resources to help MBEs optimize the opportunities to continue building and expanding their business. Our goal is to use the collective resources of our MBEs to create synergy in the minority business community. The Center’s objective is to expand business opportunity for minority entrepreneurs. Building, growing and maintaining a successful business is filled with uncertainties and substantial challenges. The Center provides three key benefits: MBE Office Services, Effective Sourcing and Professional Training and Development.

LEADERSHIP

The Capabilities Review Forum The MBE Capability Review Forums provide certiﬁed MBEs the opportunity to showcase their company while educating the Council on the company’s business products and services, and it’s goals as it relates to potential corporate business. This Forum will also allow council management to provide valuable feedback to help you successfully capitalize on corporate purchasing opportunities. The three-hour capabilities review session will be attended by three non-competing MBEs. Each company will have 30-40 minutes to present their company as it would to a major corporation.

Ronald Garnett , President/CEO Ronald Garnett is President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Minority Supplier Development Council (a DBA of the Council for Supplier Diversity). The council is one of 35 offices affiliated with the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). The Council’s mission is to expand business opportunities for minority business enterprises and create mutually beneficial links between corporate members and minority business enterprises. The ultimate outcome is to add economic value to the supply chain while increasing economic opportunities for the minority business community. Over the past six years, the Council has continued to grow in size, capability and reputation under his innovative leadership.

Category Sourcing Exchange These sessions connect sourcing professionals from Council member corporations to MBEs based on product/service categories. This gives both the MBE and the member organization a more targeted approach to identifying mutually beneﬁcial supplier relationships. Each exchange will have a different category and be attended by buyers looking for new potential supplier relationships. Financial Services Assessments The Council, through its many partners and the Business Consortium Fund is available to assist MBEs in obtaining the

28 MBEConnect Profiles | WINTER EDITION 2012

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capital they need to effectively operate and grow their businesses. Financial professionals can help you assess your funding readiness and provide guidance and appropriate sources of capital to suit your business situation. Government Certifications In addition to the prestigious NMSDC MBE certification, the Council can assist you with the State of California CalTrans and City of San Diego Small Local Business Enterprise certification. Young Entrepreneurs Academy The Academy is designed to teach young men and women from underserved communities how to identify, plan and start their own businesses. We teach them key fundamental structures, business plan development, industry knowledge and systems models that will give them a jump start.

Mbe certification benefits

Your certification with the San Diego Regional MSDC provides you with valuable resources to help your business grow and succeed. The San Diego Regional MSDC offers your business an excellent opportunity to meet with corporate buyers who are interested in working with qualified MBEs. We offer many formal and informal venues to meet with corporate buyers, learn about state and local opportunities, and expand your professional network. MBEs greatly benefit from being certified with the largest national organization whose certification is recognized uniformly by corporate America. Becoming certified also opens up opportunities and speeds up the sales process in a very competitive global market place.

Become a corporate member

That is why we offer many programs for the certified MBEs, to assist in the development of professional relationships with corporate members.

testimonials

“The most beneficial aspect of the Council is the networking with corporate members and fellow MBEs.” – Ron Cortez, San Diego Printers “The Council has opened up opportunities for us which are very important since good relationships & referrals are really vital for a small business to survive.” – Jerry Hara, Diamond Production Group

San Diego Regional MSDC Corporate Members provide the necessary link to opportunities that MBEs need. Without the assistance of Corporate Members, expansion and growth would not be possible. At the same time, Corporate Members benefit in many ways.

“The Council provides a unique and advantageous platform for sustainable business development with its numerous local and national corporate members as well as fellow minority business enterprises.” – Jerome Toliver, RMJ Technologies

Minority suppliers are the country’s fastest growing business sector. According to the Bureau of the Census, by the year 2020, the minority population will represent 34.4% of the total U.S. population. As the minority population continues to grow, those corporations that are comfortable with cultural diversity and change, and are responsive to their customers will be the ones that thrive.

“Being an active MBE of the Council has connected me with people and large corporations & MBEs I would never have had the opportunity to meet. This has increased our bottom-line substantially over the years.” – Rebecca Aguilera- Gardiner, Diego & Son Printing

Supplier diversity brings knowledge and experience that aids in understanding the world and competing effectively. As the chief executives of many of the country’s biggest companies see it, a diverse supplier base is no longer an option – it’s a business necessity. We understand company’s goals to achieve supplier diversity while maintaining the level of quality you require of your vendors.

“What I find most beneficial about the Council is that a lot of MBEs are vendors we can use in our business and can partner with to offer a total package. The Council is a great place to join because we meet key decision makers right in front of us at the events and that brings us business.” – Sterling Barbour, Payne Pest Management “The most beneficial aspects of the Council are that it opens doors to business opportunities through networking, and the credibility that their certification brings.” – Ileana Koupal, Marias Fresh Foods “PRAVA Construction has benefited greatly from being certified with the San Diego Regional Minority Supplier Development Council by gaining access to their Member Corporations and the training seminars they host.” – Glenn Torrez, Prava Construction Services, Inc.

supplierdiversitysd.org

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AS AMERICAN AS DETROIT; AS DIVERSE AS AMERICA. At Chrysler, our suppliers, dealers and employees are as diverse as America. They represent a community of which people like you and me are proud to be a part. Each one of our vehicles embodies their ingenuity and quality promise to you. We thank you for allowing us to embrace diversity as one of our main drivers.

Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT and Mopar are registered trademarks of Chrysler Group LLC. ÂŠ 2012 Chrysler Group LLC. FIAT is a registered trademark of Fiat Group Marketing & Corporate Communication S.p.A., used under license by Chrysler Group LLC.

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Excellent Learning and Networking Opportunities in a Friendly, Unrushed Environment

2013 presenting sponsors

platinum

diamond

Network with over 1000 Corporate, certified WBEs, and Government attendees Pay tribute to America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises at this year’s Top Corporation Awards Ceremony and learn how to do business with them n Honor this year’s 14 Women’s Business Enterprise Stars at the Salute Gala Dinner on Thursday, March 14th n n

tribute to education patrons

Register by January 24, 2013 for early-bird registration pricing and to reserve your room at the host hotel. Only certified WBEs registered by January 24, 2013 will qualify for Meet and Greet and Multi-Tier One-on-One networking sessions with representatives from over 25 corporations including AT&T, Accenture, Ernst & Young and more! n Attend Summit educational tracks that will help WBEs grow their business and help Corporate attendees maximize the Return on Investment of their Supplier Diversity Programs n

gold

president’s circle

2013 Summit & Salute to Women’s Business Enterprises THE ENVOYS

RPO LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

March 13-14, 2013 at the Baltimore Hilton