SMSDC News                                  April 2018
From the President's Desk


I would like to personally THANK all of you who have recently participated in our Regional Task Force (RTF) events.  As you may have noticed, SMSDC's event season is on full swing!  Your local RTFs have diligently executed networking, matchmaking and informational events throughout our service area.  

Recently on March 20th, the El Paso RTF together with national corporate member, APTIV, held an informational & networking event to introduce APTIV (formerly Delphi) to all Certified MBEs.  The local event with over 60 participants including APTIV's executives demonstrated APTIV's commitment to SMSDC and it's continued support of our Certified MBEs.  The Austin RTF also held an exciting event on March 22nd at our newest corporate member's Applied Materials offices in Austin, TX.  The local regional event featured Carlos Dones, Global Supply Chain Operations and SMSDC board member, who discussed how to do business with Applied Materials.  Victor Castillo, Purchasing Manager with the City of Buda also discussed existing and upcoming projects available for bid.  Certified MBE, Gregory Gibson Jr, Founder and CEO of Dashingfoot discussed how their SMSDC certification enabled them to actively participate in SXSW 2018!  Last but definitely not least, the Oklahoma RTF held the 2018 MBE Showcase & Supplier Spotlight Luncheon in Stillwater, OK on April 5th.  I want to personally thank corporate member, Oklahoma State University, for hosting the event and corporate member, JE Dunn Construction, for sponsoring lunch for this event.  As you can see, the recent RTF events demonstrate SMSDC Corporate Member's continuous support of the SMSDC and it's Certified MBEs.  If you are in the San Antonio area, register now for the upcoming RTF event to be held on April 25th at Treco Services.  National Corporate Member, USAA, will discuss upcoming opportunities in Central Texas.  Make sure you register to attend this exciting event.

Along with the RTF events mentioned above, please don't forget to SAVE THE DATE for SMSDC's BIGGEST event of the year!  The 2018 Premier Face Time event will take place June 6-8th in San Antonio, TX.  The annual event is a networking forum designed to connect Minority Business Enterprises with corporations that are looking for procurement opportunities with diversity suppliers.  The three-day event will be full of networking and connecting with a kick-off of SMSDC's exciting golf tournament, and let's not forget our exceptional educational programs.  Early registration for the 2018 Premier Face Time is now open.  Register now for a discounted price.  Early registration ends on Friday, May 11th.  Now, for a special surprise, those of you who attended the Annual Stakeholders Meeting....SMSDC is offering a $50 discount towards the Premier Face Time Expo & Golf registration, that's a discount on top of the discounted price!  Register now!
 
Lastly, as I have mentioned to you every month, if you have not done so already, please make sure to
SAVE THE DATE for the 2018 NMSDC Conference & Business Opportunity Fair, October 14-17 in Austin, TX
With over 6,000 participants, 700+ exhibitors, exciting receptions, educational forums and the host council is yours truly, your very own, local council, SMSDC, you do not want to miss!  Volunteer opportunities are still available for this national conference.  Remember you must be an active corporate member or an active Certified MBE to attend the national conference.  If you're certification is expired, please renew TODAY.

Sincerely,
President/CEO
In This Issue
Staff announcement:


We are delighted to introduce Gabrielle Ramirez to all of SMSDC's stakeholders.  Gabrielle, Executive Assistant/Project Manager, joined the SMSDC team earlier this month.  She is enthusiastic to join our team and is ready to assist our MBEs with any questions related  to Recertifications.  She is available in our Austin office, M-F, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Gabrielle can be reached via phone at 512.386.8766 or via email at gabrielle@smsdc.org


IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL MBEs:

Thank you for your SMSDC Application. To ensure your application is processed in a timely manner,
DO NOT MAIL, FEDEX or send via CERTIFIED MAIL ANY NEW OR RECERTIFICATION APPLICATIONS. An ADDITIONAL $100 PROCESSING FEE
will be added to ANY applications that are received via FEDEX, CERTIFIED MAIL or REGULAR MAIL.
 
ALL NEW and RECERTICATION applications are to be uploaded without exception. If you are having trouble uploading your documents, please contact:
 
Eduardo-Muniz-Fraticelli at 512.297.6478, e-mail  eduardo@smsdc.org

He is available Monday - Friday 8:30-5:00p.m. CST


PLEASE NOTE 
CERTIFICATES ARE NO LONGER BEING MAILED OUT.  YOU MUST LOGIN TO YOUR PROFILE TO PRINT OUT YOUR CURRENT CERTIFICATE. 

Requirement for All New MBEs:
You must participate in the training prior to the Certification Committee reviews your application.

All new MBE's must attend a Pre-Certification & Post-Certification training.  The training will be held by conference call several times a month for each session.  Please make sure to attend one pre-certification & one post-certification training in order to complete the certification process. Appointment is not necessary.

The following are dates available for April:
 
Wednesday, April 4th
Wednesday, April 11th
Wednesday, April 18th
Wednesday, April 25th   
 
 
Each training is from 10am - 11am CST
Conference call number: 641-715-0700
Access Code:  372354#
 
En Español:
La llamada requerida para poder obtener la Certificacion de Minoria esta disponible cada Miercoles del mes de 11am - 12pm CST.  Esta conferencia es requerida para todas las certificationes nuevas. 
Porfavor marcar al 641-715-0700, codigo: 372354# 
TECHIE TIPS!

"How to print my MBE certificate"
 

1.  How to retain a copy of your certification:

First, visit our website www.SMSDC.org 

2.  Click on the "MBE Login" on the top right.

3.  On the next screen on the top right select "Login"

4.  Enter your e-mail address as your username and password.

5.  Lastly click on the "Print" button  (located on the left side of your screen, as seen in the attached picture) this link allow you to download and print your certificate.

 
If you have any other questions, doubts, or concerns, please don't hesitate in contacting Eduardo Muñiz-Fraticelli eduardo@smsdc.org or direct line: 512-386-8766.
 
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE:

SMSDC offers subscription services to all of our Corporate Members, Certified MBEs & Certified MBEs from other RMSD Councils.  What are subscription services & how will they benefit my business?
  
Subscription services include:

Access to developmental tool: Benchmarking &  Capacity Plus during our major events

 

Business Plan Enhancement

 

Coaching

 

Lunch with the SMSDC President

 

Referrals & Introductions

 

Corporate Supplier Diversity Portal Registration

 

Industry Group Participation

 

Business Market Research

 

Targeted Matchmaking during the Premier Face Time Expo event

 

Access to MBE2MBE Database

 

Fees for subscription services vary.  Contact our Austin office at 512.386.8766 or email us at smsdc@smsdc.org today.  



2018
SMSDC EVENTS

 
April 25, 2018
"San Antonio Regional Task Force Event"
Treco Services
904 N. Zarzamora, San Antonio, TX 


JUNE 6, 2018

"Premier Face Time Golf Tournament"
The Resort Course @ La Cantera Golf Club, San Antonio, TX


JUNE 7-8, 2018

"Premier Face Time Buyer's Breakfast Roundtable, MBE Idol Finals & Award Ceremony"
The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio, TX
Register Here


OCTOBER 14-17, 2018
Host Council of
"NMSDC's 2018 Conference & Business Opportunity Exchange"
Austin Convention Center
Austin, TX


COMMUNITY EVENTS


April 18, 2018
"Marketing for Success"
2018 HUB Vendor Fair
J.J. Pickle Commons Learning Center
10100 Burnet Rd., Austin, TX
For more information contact:
Fred Snell at:
fred.snell@txdmv.gov  


MAY 8, 2018

"14th Procurement and Contracting Symposium"
Centennial Banquet & Conference Center
11199 Sergeant E. Churchill
Fort Bliss, TX 79916


EXCITING NEWS!

The SMSDC is pleased to welcome our newest Premier Platinum Corporate Member, ConocoPhillips!  Our sincerest thanks to Shawn Green, Director, Transactional Excellence & Business Automation.

2018
PREMIER SPONSORS

CORPORATE MEMBERS

PLATINUM



GOLD
  

SILVER
   
 
CERTIFIED MBEs

PLATINUM



GOLD
 

 
    Real Time Solutions
   
 SILVER  
 
 
ABOUT SMSDC

The SMSDC is a non-profit organization dedicated to certifying, connecting and developing minority-owned businesses (MBEs). Through active leadership & professional education, the SMSDC works with major corporations throughout the United States and MBEs within the Central and Southwest Texas regions, Oklahoma and New Mexico to increase participation in diversity programs.

 
CONTACT US

Austin headquarters: 512.386.8766 
 
El Paso: 915.433.0612
Oklahoma: 405.767.9900 
San Antonio : 512.297.6478
 
Email: smsdc@smsdc.org


ADVOCATE
From your MBEIC Chair:
With spring in full force and temperatures rising, we need to start preparing our business ground and start scattering the seeds of opportunities.

SMSDC allows Minority Businesses and Members to be informed about and take part in events which will help us do just that.

Which opportunities?

Private Sector: THE TIME IS NOW!

Make sure your MBE Certification is up to date and stay fully active and engaged. Remember, a certification is only as valuable as the effort you put into developing your business and staying connected to other businesses through networking events. Visit SMSDC's Calendar of Events and plan to attend as many events as you can.

Also, keep in mind that there are Regional Task Force Development Events in the process of being programmed to prepare and assist you in improving and fine-tuning your marketing strategies, which will help you obtain better results. Please be on the look out and make sure to sign up and be there. 

As we all know, staying on the sidelines does not do much to help achieve our goals. The MBE Input Committee will be put together, and many other volunteers may be needed. Current MBEs in good standing and with active track records will be nominated and invited to step up to the plate, and take charge. Please consider this opportunity to connect with more people and make a difference in the success of activities and events.

Participate in NMSDC National Conference Business Opportunity Exchange in Austin in October. There is plenty of time to get a booth, make travel arrangements and prepare to make the most of it. Do your homework: Research, research, research. Look for the corporations you want to target based on synergies and which are looking for what you offer.

Public Sector: Federal, TX State and Local Government, Educational and Non-for-Profits Events

If you have made the business decision to expand your horizons, consider Federal, TX State and Regional and Local Government Certifications depending on for which you would qualify. These may include:

Small Business Administration Certifications: SBE, HUB Zone, 8a, EDWOSB/WOSB, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, etc.

Texas State HUB: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Historically Underutilized Business Program.

  • Texas Department of Transportation Disadvantaged Business Enterprise.
  • North Central Texas Regional Certifications/South Central Texas Regional Certifications: SBE, MBE, WBE, etc.
 
We look forward to continuing connecting with you and seeing you at events.
 
 
Beatriz Fernandez
SMSDC MBEIC Chair

CONNECT


San Antonio Regional Task Force Event 
features 
National Corporate Member USAA


SMSDC and the San Antonio Regional Task Force invite you to an exciting event featuring Corporate Member, USAA.  The event will be held on Wednesday, April 25th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Treco Services, 904 N. Zarzamora in San Antonio, TX.

Mr. Wayne Shanks, Ld. Advisor with USAA will discuss their involvement as a National Member of the NMSDC as well as current opportunities in Central Texas.

Local Certified MBEs will share tips and success stories on how the certification has assisted in the growth of their business!

Volunteer sign ups for the 2018 NMSDC Conference & Business Opportunity Exchange will be available on site.

Join us for this complimentary event.
 
 
Click here to register now.

 

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

SMSDC's 2018 Premier Face Time Expo & Golf Tournament is taking place June 6-8th in San Antonio, TX.  Registration is now open!

This year, the golf tournament will be held at the Resort Course at La Cantera Golf Club on Wednesday, June 6th prior to the Expo.

Premier Face Time Expo, Buyer's Breakfast Roundtable and Awards Ceremony will be held on June 7-8th at the beautiful Westin Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX.

Hotel accommodations can be made at The Westin Riverwalk for $189 per night.


EARLY REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Click here to register now at a discount.

Early registration ends May 11th.
 
 *Please note, if you attended the Annual Stakeholder's Meeting on February 20th in San Antonio, TX, you qualify for a $50 discount off your Premier Face Time registration.  Please email Mayra Pena at mayra@smsdc.org for more information.
SAVE THE DATE

2018 NMSDC Conference & Business Opportunity Exchange
Austin, TX  |  October 14-17



SMSDC is proud to be the Host Council of the 2018 NMSDC Conference. 

The NMSDC Conference and Business Opportunity Exchange is the nation's premier forum on minority supplier development. For four days, more than 6,000 corporate CEOs, procurement executives and supplier diversity professionals from the top multinational companies, as well as leading Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American business owners and international organizations will convene in Austin, Texas, to re-energize their collective efforts to Certify > Develop > Connect > and Advocate for solid minority firms in the global corporate supply chain.

This one-of-a-kind event features:
  • Thousands of corporate executives, procurement professionals and Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American business owners
  • More than 20 targeted sessions and workshops
  • A one-day Business Opportunity Exchange with more than 700 exhibit booths
  • A black-tie Awards Banquet
  • Endless opportunities to network, network, network!

For more information, please visit www.nmsdcconference.com


*Please note, you must be a Corporate Member or an Active Certified MBE to attend the conference.  If your certification has recently expired, please re-new now.  You do not want to miss this event!
CERTIFY

New Certified MBEs!
  
MARCH 2018 
A Medrano Produce LLC - McAllen, TX 
B&E MEDICAL SUPPLY AND EQUIPMENT, LLC - San Antonio, TX 
Enrique Mata Sr. Drywall, LLC - El Paso, TX 
Jefferson Cano Allison Barkley, PLLC - San Antonio, TX 
MEXUS CHB INC - Laredo, TX 
Nationwide Fleet Installations - El Paso, TX 
Steck Systems, Inc - Austin, TX 
TUM LOGISTICS CARRIER DIVISION INC. - Laredo, TX 
WiseChoice Foods LLC - Albuquerque, NM


FEBRUARY 2018 
Crimson Steel Supply, LLC - Tulsa, OK
JAMCO International, Inc - Laredo, TX
SOAL Technologies, LLC - Austin, TX


JANUARY 2018 
Chantler Motor Carriers USA, LLC - Laredo, TX
Jurado, Inc - Las Cruces, NM
Seashore Solutions, LLC - Austin, TX
Shahtez Software Solutions, LLC - Roundrock, TX
Thinking Human Capital, LLC - Austin, TX
Veratech Systems, LLC - Cedar Park, TX 
 
Welcome Back!  Returning MBEs

MARCH 2018
Alamo Analytical Laboratories, Ltd.
Amaida Machine Shop, LLC
American Ckritical Energy Systems, Inc.
Artesia Springs, LLC
Avanzar Interior Technologies, Ltd.
Cameron Glass, Inc.
Cookie Cab, LLC
Diversa, LLC
EELCO Supply Chain Solutions
El Paso Tool & Die Co., Inc.
First Assured Quality Systems, LLC
Fletes Group International, LLC
Forma Automotive, LLC
GEVITRANS, LLC
Horizone Construction 1, Ltd
Human Capital International, LLC
Jahmor Enterprise
Lopez Foods, Inc.
MagRabbit, Inc.
McDaniel Technical Services, Inc.
Pancho's Transportation Services, LLC
Prime Fire, LLC
R W Gonzalez Office Products, Inc.
RMP Inc (DBA: RMP Temp, Inc.)
RMP Inc. (DBA: R. M. Personnel, Inc.)
Romedu Express, LLC
Sandra Mercuri
SAPTA Systems, LLC
Seegrove, LLC
Stampcoat, Inc.
Sun City Group, Inc.
Tiger Natural Gas, Inc.
UIS International Services Corp.
UNIMEX Logistics, LLC
Vyopta Incorporated

The Importance of NOT Letting your  
SMSDC Certification Expire!
 
We frequently receive frustrating calls by our MBEs telling us their SMSDC/HUB Certification has expired. Once your SMSDC certification expires, ALL MBEs have to begin the entire certification process from the beginning. Please note, WE NO LONGER ACCEPT PAPER APPLICATIONS. ALL certification is now done on-line. There are no exceptions.
 
For those MBEs in the STATE OF TEXAS, in addition to beginning the entire certification process all over again, the HUB certification, which enables you to bid on contracts, is no longer valid. The HUB certification process is only done once a month. This means for those MBEs in the State of Texas, they will now have to wait an entire month for their HUB certification.
 
Please make sure to check the expiration date on your SMSDC certification. You will receive an e-mail notification from the AdaptOne portal which looks similar to the image above.   

DO NOT ignore this e-mail. It is a courtesy reminder your certification is about to expire.   
Please contact Michelle Veloz at
michelle@smsdc.org .
 
 
DEVELOP
SMSDC along with Corporate Member, Johnson Controls Inc, is proud to offer Developmental Classes to all Corporate Members & Certified MBEs during each of our regional events. 

Learn more about these classes and how to register for the next session!

CORPORATE CLASS:
 
Benchmarking Plus is a process for corporations that seek to accelerate their supplier diversity initiatives based on real world experimentation. This two year process takes your corporation from where it is today to where it needs to be in the future in order to engage minority businesses in a sustainable manner.  Benchmarking Plus delivers the tools and management perspective to help your corporation determine what it is doing right and how you can help it approve.
    
CERTIFIED MBE CLASS:
Capacity Plus is a process for certified minority business enterprises that seek to enhance their sales and marketing processes and build their capacity to work with Fortune 500 corporations. This two year process provides practical insights that will help you address business challenges.  Capacity Plus delivers the tools and management perspective to help your company demystify corporate procurement processes.

 
Benchmarking Plus & Capacity Plus are led by Johnson Controls Inc, a world leader in supplier diversity, with more than 600 diverse suppliers and $1.8 billion in diverse spend.

If you are interested in signing up, please contact Mayra Pena at  mayra@smsdc.org or call 915.433.0612.  These classes are complimentary but you must be an active corporate member or certified MBE to attend.