CONNECTIONS monthly newsletter
www.scmsdc.org
January 2015
“Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page.” -Henry Ward Beecher
IN THIS ISSUE
Why attend MBOD 2015?
Why attend MBOD 2015?
It’s a matter of being where your potential clients will be and an opportunity to save time and cost to introduce your product and service, according to Rick Hobbs, newly elected SCMSDC board chair and Director of Supply Management and Supplier Diversity of Southern California Gas Co., about exhibiting or attending MBOD 2015.
SCMSDC’s new look and website Mark your calendars! SCMSDC board news How I made it MBE smart tips News briefs
UPCOMING EVENTS
“Be at MBOD on March 3 and 4 at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City,” adds SCMSDC President Virginia Gomez. “You can’t beat the beautiful venue and the business opportunities.” The council’s signature event, expected to attract more than 1,000 minority business enterprises (MBEs) and corporate buyers, procurement and supplier diversity representatives, offers one of the best opportunities for diverse firms to meet decision makers from major corporations. It also exposes diverse businesses to progressive workshops and seminars that enhance business growth.
City Toastmasters Meeting February 5, 19 - 9 to 11 a.m. SCMSDC Headquarters
Participants will hone speaking and leadership skills in a friendly and non-threatening atmosphere. The SCMSDC chapter caters to business owners and their employees. Contact: Natalie Masiello, nmasiello@scmsdc.org or 213-689-6963.
MBOD 2014 Workshops
The first day will feature seminars and workshops covering the following topics: • “Why You Didn’t Win the Award!” -- …and proven failed techniques. • “Reversing the Outcome” – How your mindset may work against
MBE Orientation February 26 - 2 to 4 p.m. SCMSDC Headquarters Learn how to best leverage your MBE certification. Great for newly-certified, those who are pending certification, and those MBEs who have been certified but would like to get connected. Free event! Last Thursday of each month. Visit www.scmsdc.org for more events.
you and stunt your company growth. A seminar on how to ensure “no growth.” • “Passing the Torch” explores succession planning and maintaining your hard-earned business legacy. • “The World Wants American-made products… BUT” --- alerts you to federal contract requirements and quality control. The first day ends with an evening reception open to all attendees. The second day will include the popular exhibit fair, one of the largest-of-its-kind on the west coast. For the first time, the exhibit fair will remain open all day -- providing even more opportunities for MBEs to engage with 400 corporate representatives, purchasing and procurement staff, government representatives and learn how to enter their supply chain.
Toyota’s long-standing commitment Marking the seventh consecutive year as MBOD’s title sponsor, SCMSDC’s Minority Business Opportunity Day (MBOD) has become almost synonymous with Toyota. “We are deeply grateful for Toyota’s support of the council and MBOD,” according to Council President Virginia Gomez. “Due to their support and generosity, we’ve been able to put together a quality event year after year with engaging seminars, a popular exhibit fair, matchmaking appointments and countless networking opportunities for minority business enterprises and corporate members.” “Participating in business networking and development events such as MBOD aligns with Toyota’s companywide commitment to diversity and strategic supplier sourcing,” says Monetta Stephens, Toyota’s supplier diversity manager. “Our goal is to be actively involved in the regional business community so we are continually able to identify and build relationships with potential Toyota suppliers. Through our partnership with SCMSDC, we are able to connect to more diverse companies in Southern California.”
MBOD 2014 Exhibit Fair
By popular demand, one-on-one matchmaking by appointment only with corporate representatives will be conducted for those who register early. Due to the demand for these appointments, matches are determined by the corporate procurement needs and products/services provided of suppliers. Be sure to register early and check SCMSDC’s website for the latest details. This year, for MBOD attendees, SCMSDC will offer discounts for its two other major events: Supplier of the Year Awards and the Leadership Excellence and Corporation of the Year awards, available only onsite at MBOD. Currently, the early-bird price to attend MBOD both days for MBEs is $155 per person, or $125 for one day. These prices are effective through February 1. Use promo code NEWMBOD2015 to save an additional $20 off of early-bird full conference registration. This code expires January 31. Visit http://www.scmsdc.org/events/minority-business-opportunity-day-mbod/ for more information.
SCMSDC’s new look and website As part of the National Minority Supplier Development Council’s (NMSDC) new branding campaign, SCMSDC has a new logo that reflects its relationship with the national organization and other affiliate councils. The new look is part of NMSDC’s vision to move toward a co-branded network with its 24 affiliate councils. NMSDC collaborated with affiliate councils to come up with a shared identity. Previously, affiliate
councils had their own individual logos with no visible connection to each other or the national council. NMSDC’s new branding strategy follows the organization’s restructuring, which was completed in 2014 and included the merging of 36 regional councils to 24 to improve efficiencies, a new financial business model, instituting its once regional MBE certification to a national MBE certification, and a one-stop affiliate council online certification, among other things. SCMSDC’s website will continue to inform interested entities about certification, upcoming supplier development programs, and unique programs and services such as the 30-Second MBE videotaping, Communications Skills Live!, MBE Health Insurance program, MBE 2 MBE Open House, and monthly “How to Leverage your Certification” orientation. This site also has an events calendar, news and past Connections articles. Check out the redesigned site at www.scmsdc.org.
Mark your calendars! MBE 2 MBE Open House. There will be at least five scheduled open houses this year hosted by minority business enterprises (MBEs). An added offering will be corporate members’ open houses at their facilities. The first MBE 2 MBE Open House will be on (to come). Click here to register: The cost is $30 for the MBE 2 MBE Open House and includes finger foods and beverages. Future open houses are scheduled for (to come.
MBE 2 MBE Open House
Minority Business Opportunity Day, March 3-4. This is a two-day event, chock full of activities that attracts who's who in Corporate America and the most diverse MBEs both in industry and ethnicity. The venue is the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City. To register, go to http://www.scmsdc.org/Events/Minority-Business-Opportunity-Day-(MBOD-/Registration. Supplier of the Year Awards Luncheon, July 16. National and local corporate members take this opportunity to honor MBEs for their outstanding work. Judged independently by corporate members, honorees compete for awards in four categories based on revenues, demonstrated growth and development; employment and job creation; consistent high quality operations, products/services and business performance; procurement/purchasing spend with MBEs; mentoring and other forms of assistance to MBEs; and more. The event will be held at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach. A VIP reception is planned the evening before the event at which nominating corporate members and MBEs have an opportunity to become better acquainted.
2014 Supplier of the Year Nominees
Leadership Excellence and Corporation of the Year Awards, October. The event recognizes an outstanding individual whose leadership in supplier diversity has made a positive impact in economic development. It also honors local and national corporate members for exemplary achievements in minority business development and for creating business opportunities in the minority community. Details on the event’s location will be forthcoming.
MBE Orientation. Held the last Thursday of every month at SCMSDC's headquarters from 2 to 4 p.m., this orientation is open to MBEs who are in the process of becoming certified, interested in becoming certified or are already certified. It includes an introduction to council programs and services, information on how to leverage minority certification and determining if your business is corporate-ready while connecting with other MBEs, Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee (MBEIC) members and council staff. The event is free and includes light refreshments. Go to www.scmsdc.org and click on the events calendar to register. New this year is the participation of a corporate representative who will provide a corporate perspective. MBE Orientation is informational as Toastmasters Club meetings. SCMSDC's chapter of Toastmasters helps well as interactive. MBEs practice their public speaking skills. The meetings are held at the council’s office in downtown Los Angeles every other Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. The first February date is the 12th. Unique to this chapter is the entrepreneurial topic emphasis.
Look for details on these and other events in Connections and on www.scmsdc.org.
SCMSDC board news New board chair and vice chair Two supplier diversity leaders who are dedicated to advancing minority business enterprises (MBEs) and ensuring they grow and succeed have been elected SCMSDC’s new board chair and vice chair. Rick Hobbs, director of Supply Management and Supplier Diversity at Southern California Gas Co., (SoCalGas) is the new board chair, and Charles Harmon, senior manager of Corporate Procurement and Corporate Services at American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is board vice chair. Hobbs replaces Joe Alderete, who recently retired as Director, Supplier Diversity and Development at Southern California Edison. Harmon replaces his colleague, Tony Piazza, vice president of Human Resources and Administration, who retired from the board and American Honda in May 2014. Rick Hobbs
“We look forward to having Rick and Charles in board leadership roles as SCMSDC begins a new era of collaboration within NMSDC’s national network of 24 affiliate councils,” says SCMSDC President Virginia Gomez. In his position at SoCalGas, Hobbs manages the utility’s entire supply chain, which includes the procurement of goods and services, warehousing and logistics and supplier diversity. During his career at the utility, he has worked in customer assistance, marketing, public affairs, strategic planning, customer service, energy efficiency program portfolio management and distribution operations. Hobbs, who received a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Redlands, is a founding member of the Long Beach Heritage Foundation and a member of the Los Angeles Conservancy and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. As American Honda’s procurement officer, Harmon exercises total administrative responsibility in directing more than $2 billion of American Honda’s corporate spend to include oversight of all corporate purchasing operating activities. In addition to SCMSDC, he serves on the boards of the Institute of Supply Management – Supplier Diversity Group and Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He also actively participates in organizations such as the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce, American Indian Chamber of Commerce of California, Asian Business Association, The Latino Coalition and National Minority Supplier Development Council.
Charles Harmon
New board member: Eric Fisher SCMSDC’s newest board member, Eric Fisher, brings a wealth of supply chain management and supplier diversity experience that is proving to be beneficial in his job as principal manager of Supplier Diversity and Development at Southern California Edison (SCE). With his 25 years in supply chain management at Fortune 100 companies and role at SCE overseeing supplier diversity spend among woman-, minority- and service disabled veteran business enterprises, his experience will contribute greatly to SCMSDC. Eric Fisher
“We are pleased to have Eric join our board and look forward to his insights on how we can enhance our role as the region’s premier minority business advocacy organization,” says SCMSDC President Virginia Gomez. “His understanding of corporate supply chain management and supplier diversity issues will greatly help us as we continue to identify ways to better serve our corporate members and minority entrepreneurs.” “Southern California Edison has long partnered with SCMSDC to connect minority owned businesses with opportunities to succeed and grow,” says Fisher. “As the new Principal Manager of Supplier Diversity and Development at SCE, I am honored to join the SCMSDC Board and work alongside a group of other highly skilled professionals to further advance the cause of supplier diversity. “In addition, my engagement will fulfill a longtime personal commitment to serve and give back. Women’s and minority rights advocate Shirley Chisholm once said, ‘Service is the rent you pay for room on this earth,’” He says. Fisher adds, "SCMSDC has a rich history of service and I am excited to be a part of continuing that tradition. I look forward to helping the council expand its value to corporations and provide additional supplier development opportunities. I see these as key drivers for supplier diversity success and sustainability." Fisher has been in his current position since 2013. He previously worked for supply chain organizations with emphasis on supplier diversity, managing supply chain groups in information technology, professional services, consulting and contingent labor. His extensive knowledge has afforded him opportunities within SCE where he has worked cross functionally across the organization delivering successful sourcing initiatives achieving significant prime and subcontracting results for diverse businesses. Prior to his career at SCE, Fisher worked for AEGON USA, The Structure Group, The Walt Disney Company and KPMG. A certified sourcing and contract negotiator, he received his MBA from the University of Redlands. Fisher is involved with many community and professional organizations and is committed to “paying it forward.”
How I made it
What’s been the key to your success? “I think one of the key tenants of our success – and one we learned early on – is never taking any opportunity for granted. Unlike ad agencies, we don’t work on retainers – we’re constantly bidding or ‘singing for our supper’ for every job – even when we’re the incumbent. No matter how long or how solid our relationship is
with a client, we never assume we have the business; we treat every proposal as if it’s our first opportunity with them. And the first thing we do is hand pick and assemble a team of professionals whose skill set matches the job at hand. In our 22-year tenure, we’ve amassed a pool of proven, diverse talent we draw from – including writers, producers, designers, etc. - to ensure the work we put forth is smart, creative and targeted. This approach has proven extremely successful for us – clients know they are getting our very best thinking each time. In this business, you’re only as good as your last job. This is a saying we take to heart, constantly striving to work harder and better, no matter how strong the client relationship.”
Julio Campos
-- Julio Campos, founder, executive creative director of Campos Creative Works, Inc., which produces, designs and executes corporate, consumer, and training events worldwide, with a fulltime staff of over 20 employees. Clients include MINI, Microsoft, Intel, Volkswagen, Honda, Volvo Trucks, Ford, Toyota, Mattel and Absolut.
MBE smart tips 2015 is already well underway – is your business off to a strong start? The beginning of a new year is an ideal time for business owners to get organized, make plans, and set priorities and goals to ensure continued growth and success. Here are a few tips to help you get started. • Set goals. Determine what you want to achieve in 2015. Revisit your business plan and revise it to reflect current, measureable goals. Be specific – that way, you’ll know by the end of the year if you’ve achieved them. Also, let employees know your goals so everyone is working toward a common effort. • Review your budget. Take a look at anticipated earnings and expenses and put together a budget. Review this throughout the year to make adjustments, if needed. • Make time to network. Mark your calendar for conferences, trade shows and other networking events. This will help you connect with potential business opportunities. You won’t want to miss SCMSDC’s Minority Business Opportunity Day on March 3-4! (see related article) • Review your hiring strategy. If your business is getting busier, you may need to hire more employees. If your budget is tight, consider hiring temp agencies, consultants or part-time employees. • Gain knowledge. Make sure that you and your employees stay on top of industry trends. Take a business class or attend training workshops to refresh skills, read blogs, etc. Finally, use SCMSDC as a resource and networking tool to help advance your business. The council can provide introductions, keep you apprised of potential contract opportunities, help you find partners for strategic alliances, and more.
News briefs
Update on certification January 2015 marked the target date for the National Minority Supplier Development Council's (NMSDC) full implementation of network restructuring. For those applying for NMSDC certification, note the implementation of the new online national Certification and Recertification application, called PRISM. PRISM will provide MBEs an improved and more user friendly application process. Contact SCMSDC’s Certification Department at 213-689-8097, or certification@scmsdc.org, if you have questions regarding certification processing.
BE HEARD! Do you have a story idea or would like to author an article for Connections? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Vicki Cho Estrada at vicki@choestrada.com.
JOIN SCMSDC Visit www.scmsdc.org to find out about MBE certification, the MBE Health Insurance program, major networking events, business development programs and more!