2010 TSMSDC Newsletter by NIMBUS

TSMSDC N E W S L E T T E R Q2

NMSDC Leadership Change Following a storied career at the helm of NMSDC, Harriet Michel retired June 30.

2010 Business Opportunity Fair hosts over 150 Companies from 13 States The 2010 Business Opportunity Fair, “The Future is Now – Are You Ready?”

Making It Happen Sessions – Getting Your Foot in the The hardest part of getting a contract with a corporation is getting your foot in the door.

2010 BUSINESS

OPPORTUNITY

FAIR

Notes from the President

N E W S L E T T E R Q2

KENTUCKY • FLOYD, HARRISON, CLARK COUNTIES, IN • WEST VIRGINIA

NMSDC Leadership Change Following a storied career at the helm of NMSDC, Harriet Michel retired June 30. The network, major corporations and MBE suppliers across the nation were made better by Harriet’s unrelenting demand for equity in procurement opportunities. We thank Harriet for being our nation’s leading supplier diversity voice and conscience for over three decades. The baton now passes to Joset B. Wright, an attorney and former telecommunications executive. She rose through the executive ranks to serve as vice president of procurement and property services for Indiana Bell, a subsidiary of Ameritech Corporation. She later became President of Ameritech Illinois with responsibility for $4.5 billion in annual operating revenue. Ms. Wright earned her Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center. We welcome her to her new position as President and CEO of the National Minority Supplier Development Council. TSMSDC Centers of Excellence Tri-State MSDC is proud to announce the start of Centers of Excellence. The program, which is managed by the National Minority Supplier Development Council, has an 18-24 month curriculum. Each Corporate Module Member has chosen MBE Firms that match the member’s forecasted needs. In addition, COE members will offer technical and mentoring assistance in

Ty Gettis President & CEO Tri-State Minority Supplier Development Council

at least one developmental area and establish or improve their own supplier diversity process to include NMSDC best practices. Corporate members participating in COE are: Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing, BrownForman, Honda, Governor’s Office of Minority Empowerment, Jefferson County Public School System and Toyota Boshoku. Business Opportunity Fair The 2010 BOF was very successful for our sponsors, exhibitors, MBEs and council. The expanded educational programs were well attended and our keynote luncheon speaker, Dr. Melvin Gravely, was informative and entertaining. The Industry Clusters on the tradeshow floor were well received for their time and space efficiency. The kick-off reception at the Rauch Planetarium was a special treat, allowing us to experience a unique venue as well as visit outer space through technology called the Spitz Electric Sky Immersavision Video Panorama™ system. Thanks to all the sponsors, committee members and participants for a great Business Opportunity Fair. A special thanks to our Corporate Title Sponsor Humana and our MBE Title Sponsor Levy Electrical & Plumbing Supply. c

2010 Business Opportunity Fair hosts over 150 Companies from 13 States treated to a special planetarium show, which took viewers to the edge of the universe and back. The reception was hosted by the Brown-Forman Corporation.

The 2010 Business Opportunity Fair, “The Future is Now – Are You Ready?” was held at the University of Louisville Main Campus and the Kentucky Exposition Center and Fairgrounds on June 16-17th. Over 350 attendees took part in the two day event. The Title Sponsors were Humana and Levy Electric & Plumbing Supply Company.

“The Fair was more inclusive, informative and networking-rich for small businesses who target other MBEs” The Fair was expanded this year to include afternoon workshops, prior to the opening reception at the Gheens Science Center and Rauch Planetarium. Daryl Russell of The Russell Group, (Seattle, WA) conducted a seminar for approximately 30 MBEs entitled Increasing and Winning at Sales Through Networking at the UL Ekstrom Library. Approximately 20 corproate members attended Ralph G. Moore’s (Chicago, IL) seminar, entitled Sustaining Supplier Diversity: New Strategies for a New Economy. These two workshops, as well as the traditional BOF morning workshops were sponsored by Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing North America, Inc. After the workshops concluded, guests were escorted to the Planetarium for an evening of jazz by Robin Shaw, fabulous food by Sincerely Yours Catering and Networking. Attendees were also

Workshops by both locally and nationally-known speakers kicked off the BOF the next morning at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The luncheon, hosted by Honda of America, featured speaker Dr. Melvin Gravely. Guests were given the opportunity to text questions to Dr. Gravely as he spoke. The trade show began at 2:00 p.m. and was arranged by company type. “It was felt that this arrangement would allow attendees to utilize their time wisely by focusing on the areas that applied most directly to their business,” stated show organizer Suzanne Ruark. New this year, the trade show featured an Internet Café sponsored by V-Soft Consulting Services, where attendees could check their emails as well as view the most current technology on the market. Also new was the Sustainability Village which featured the efforts made by local companies with green initiatives. Returning was the ever popular one-on-one sessions. “ . . . this is the third year I’ve attended the BOF as a business owner and this was the best year by far. The booth setup / alignment was great!” commented MBE Shaun Spencer of Trimen Solutions. “The Fair was more inclusive, informative and networking-rich for small businesses who target other MBEs.” For more information on next year’s event, contact TSMSDC at 502-625-0147. c

Speakers Hightlight of Business Opportunity Fair

N E W S L E T T E R Q2

KENTUCKY • FLOYD, HARRISON, CLARK COUNTIES, IN • WEST VIRGINIA

One of the best aspects of this year’s Business Opportunity Fair was the quality of the workshop speakers. Subject Matter Experts were brought in from as far away as Seattle, Washington to share insights, practical suggestions and inspire both corporate members and MBEs to continue to succeed. Dr. Fred McKinney, President of the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council held a session the morning of the BOF on Managing a Successful MBE in the Current Economic climate, which was described by one participant as “the best session of the day.” Dr. McKinney’s wealth of knowledge was gathered over a long career, which included being a full time faculty member of the University of Connecticut, School of Business, a partner with the economic consulting firm of BJM Solutions, LLC. Dr. McKinney earned his Ph.D. from Yale University in economics in 1983 and is the first African American male to receive a Ph.D. in economics from Yale University.

Luncheon Speaker, Dr. Melvin Gravely, inspired the crowd touching on many Supplier Diversity subjects. Dr. Gravely is the founder of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Thinking and the author of seven books including The Lost Art of Entrepreneurship, When Black and White Make Green and his latest, Getting to the Next Level. Dr. Gravely has been featured in many national publications including Black Enterprise Magazine, Minorities and Women in Business, Ebony Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine and American City Business Journals. Other speakers at this year’s BOF include: Chuck Richardson, owner if Performance Quality Systems, Inc.; Stacey Wade, owner of Nimbus; John Munson Jr., Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America, Inc.; Joy Walker, Metropolitan Sewer District, Stephanie Pryor, E.ON U.S. Darryl Russell, the Russel Group and Ralph Moore of RGMA. c

Making It Happen Sessions – Getting Your Foot in the The hardest part of getting a contract with a corporation is getting your foot in the door. How many times have you heard that? All small business owners – not just MBEs – can sometimes be frustrated by their lack of success in cold calling. Ideally, MBEs would meet with a corporate decision-maker face to face and see what they can do to help that corporation meet its goals in a more efficient, cost-effective way. This is where Making It Happen Sessions come in. Launched in May of 2008 and originally the brainchild of Antia Fields, then Director of Diversity at Horseshoe Southern Indiana, “Making It Happen” is an event which allows a corporate member to invite MBEs to their headquarters or other convenient location and discuss their needs, requirements, processes and any other information that may be important for doing business with that corporation. Now in its third year, Making It Happen is one of the most popular

Door

sessions with both Corporate Members and MBEs. Currently TSMSDC holds four to six “Making It Happen” sessions annually, depending on demand. This year, sessions have been held at the Volunteer Training Center for the World Equestrian Games and Bowman Field for the Louisville Regional Airport Authority. Janet Barrow, who organized the LRAA event said, ““All departments were pleased with the contacts made last Thursday, and look forward to building new partnerships”. TSMSDC will be holding two more events this year. E.ON U.S. will host at their Ballardsville Road location on October 7th. Currently we are looking for a fourth corporate member to host the event before the end of the year. If you are interested, please contact Suzanne Ruark at sruark@tsmsdc.com or (502) 625-0147. c

TSMSDC MBEIC Committee Meeting May 25, 2010

Hello fellow members, A meeting was held on May 12, 2010 to conduct new officer elections and to relay the latest news and events effecting TSMSDC and the local MBEIC committee. The meeting was extremely informative and attended by the council President, council staff, Regional MBEIC Chair, and the current MBEIC members. The newly elected officers are as follows: Chair: Keith Hamilton – LB Manufacturing First Vice Chair: Toni Levy – Toni Levy and Associates Second Vice Chair: Stacey Wade – NIMBUS Treasure: Roy Coleman – PowerSSE Secretary: Shea Burns – Burns Janitor Service, Inc. I would personally like to congratulate all of the newly elected officers and thank them in advance for volunteering their very valuable time and expertise for the advancement of our cause. We are aggressively seeking new membership and talent to execute our objectives. Please contact any one of the committee chairs, or the council, with interest in joining.

Best Regards, Keith Hamilton – Chair MBEIC hamiltonk@leanbmfg.com

Tax Credit will Benefit Small Businesses Expanding Work Force and Updating Equipment / Technology

N E W S L E T T E R Q2

KENTUCKY • FLOYD, HARRISON, CLARK COUNTIES, IN • WEST VIRGINIA

The Kentucky State Government is finalizing a new program called the Small Business Development Credit Program, which can help your company with technological purchases and workforce increase. If the small company (defined as having fifty or fewer full-time employees) spends at least $5,000 on qualifying equipment or technology and creates full time position, which must be held in place for 12 months at a certain pay scale, they may be eligible for a maximum $25,000 credit for each year for each small business is approved. The application process is still in development and the credit will not apply until taxable year 12/31/2011. However, if you are thinking of expanding your business, this may be a way to offset some of the costs. Once the program is in place, TSMSDC, in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, will send the information to all MBEs. In the mean time, you can keep apprised of this and other programs that can effect your business at http://www.thinkkentucky.com/smbb c

New Law Helps KY Companies Compete with Out-of-State Vendors

MBEIC Announcement Also, congratulations to the following TSMSDC reciprocal MBEs who have been elected to the SCOMSDC MBEIC Vice-Chair (Cincinnati): Carl Satterwhite President River City Furniture, LLC Vice-Chair (Dayton): Alphonso Wofford, President/CEO Valu-Tech, Inc. dba VT Design Solutions and VT-FH Engineering Solutions, LLC Secretary: Crystal L. Kendrick President The Voice of Your Customer

BOF Photos

Gov. Steve Beshear has signed into law legislation that will provide Kentucky-based businesses a level playing field with out-of-state vendors as they compete for Kentucky state government contracts. “This bill will go a long way toward leveling the playing field for Kentucky businesses,” said Beshear. “In these tough economic times, we must use every tool available, including this new law, to allow Kentucky businesses to earn valuable contracts that keep Kentuckians working.” Senate Bill 45, sponsored by Sen. Gary Tapp, requires Kentucky’s public contracting agencies, in determining procurement awards, to give preference to in-state bidders against out-of-state bidders, equal to the preference given to those out-of-state bidders when they bid on contracts in their home state. Once the new legislation is enacted, if the low bidder for a government contract is from a state that grants a 10 percent preference to its own in-state bidders, then Kentucky-based businesses will receive a 10 percent preference against that out-of-state bidder. With the enactment of this legislation, Kentucky joins 35 other states that have similar legislation. c Excerpt from The Lane Report, July 2010

To see more of the 2010 BOF, visit our events photo click here!

MBEIC Announcement

TSMSDC Launches A.M. Energizer Series TSMSDC, in partnership with YUM! Brands, is launching a new program called the AM Energizer Series. The program is specifically designed for new and prospective corporate members of TSMSDC and focuses on building a case for Supplier Diversity. The first seminar will take place at YUMS! facility at 1900 Colonel Sanders Lane, Louisville, KY on Tuesday, August 24th at 8:30 a.m. This free seminar presented by Kristen Staab, Manager, National Business Programs of YUM! Brands, will offer a light breakfast, networking opportunities and information highlighting techniques for new programs as well as the benefits of TSMSDC membership. If you would like to attend this seminar, please contact TSMSDC at (502) 625-0147 or sruark@tsmsdc.com. Please remember, this is for corporate members or prospective members only.

Tri-State Minority Supplier Diversity Development Council

Breakfast and informal discussion about the benefits of Supplier Diversity.

Hosted by

KENTUCKY • FLOYD, HARRISON, CLARK COUNTIES, IN • WEST VIRGINIA

Tuesday, August 24, 2010 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. Location YUM! Brands 1900 Colonel Sanders Lane Louisville, KY 40213-1970 This is a free event but you must RSVP by Friday, August 20 at sruark@tsmsdc.com or (502) 625-0147

Welcome to our MBEs Certified Since 3rd Quarter, 2009 A Daily Task, LLC A-Solutions, Inc. Abednego Construction Anew Technology Solutions, Inc. Apex Development Corporation of KY B-2-B Cleaning, Inc Bancroft CC Electric (A Div. of MRC of KY, LLC) Claims Review Corporation COOLSOFT LLC DC Concrete, LLC Dunn’s Auto Detailing EJI Metals, LLC Extra Mile, LLC DBA NOTLEF Trucking Geco Enterprises, Inc GP New Enterprise Group, LLC Gunn Wood Products, LLC Ideal Construction INDUS InGrid Deisgn, LLC Ink & Toner USA Janice W. Porter CPA JEG Wood Products II, LLC JEG Wood Products, LLC Kentucky Off-duty Police & Surveillance, Inc. KLB Property Maintenance Inc LAND Commercial Construction dba LAND LECG1, Inc.

Levy Electrical and Plumbing Supply Co.(LEPS) Mathis Specialties, LLC Med-Touch LLC Melanco Enterprise, LLC Mora Construction, Inc NetXccess Technologies, LLC Nexgen Mold & Tool, Inc. Performance Quality Systems, Inc. Postal Business Centers, LLC Power to Change Communications Research Development Mfg. Co., LLC Simmons Mechanical, Inc. Spatial Data Integrations, Inc. Star Building Service Co., Inc Taron Construction & Development, LLC TAS Development, LLC Technology Consulting Group America Time Services, LLC TSP Solutions, LLC United American Supply, LLC VFM, LLC Vintage Renovations, LLC Wheeler Machine & Fabrication, Inc. Yoshis Industrial Packaging Supply

Upcoming Events AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

N E W S L E T T E R Q2

KENTUCKY • FLOYD, HARRISON, CLARK COUNTIES, IN • WEST VIRGINIA

SEPTEMBER

A.M. Energizer Series

Louisville, KY Yum! Brands 1900 Colonel Sanders Lane Louisville, KY 40213-1970 Louisville Seneca Golf Course

NOVEMBER

Business Card Exchange

DECEMBER

Annual Meeting and Agavé Awards

West Virginia TBD

OCTOBER

NKY Power Breakfast

Louisville E.ON , Ballardsville Rd.

Perception is Everything: Cultural Differences in a Local and Diverse Business Environment Louisville TBD – Partner HLBC

Networking Event

Making It Happen Session

Business Networking Summit

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

Louisville TBD Sponsored by Gonzalez Saggio & Harlan

Louisville Churchill Downs*

Covington, KY TBD

614 WEST MAIN STREET SUITE 5500 LOUISVILLE, KY 40202 • 502.625.0159 OFFICE 502.625.0082 FAX 330 EAST MAIN STREET, SUITE 200 LEXINGTON, KY 40507 • 859.226.1636 OFFICE