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Premier Face Time Expo & Golf Tournament
Oklahoma Business Opportunity Conference
MBEIC Lunch & Learn Virtual Event
Diversity at the Border Event
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Upcoming Community Events | |
TFC Capitol Complex Phase II
Trade Partner & HUB Outreach Event
June 14, 2023
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Barbara Jordan State Office Bldg, Room 2.035
1601 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Click here for more information
JE Dunn
MCD Program
(Tulsa/Oklahoma City Markets)
Application deadline June 30th
Click here for more information
Click here to sign up
Please email your events to Mayra Pena at mayra@smsdc.org.
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Visit our gallery to view & download past event images. See what you may have missed and why you want to get engaged. |
Stay Connected
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SMSDC's Biggest Event of the Year in 2 weeks!
The Southwest Minority Supplier Development Council (SMSDC) cordially invites you to participate in the annual Premier Face Time Expo & Golf Tournament, “Process Excellence” event on June 21-23rd at the Westin Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio, TX. The annual conference is our first major in-person event since 2019. Premier Face Time Expo is a networking forum designed to connect Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) with corporations that are looking for procurement opportunities with diversity suppliers.
The three-day event will be full of networking and educational opportunities. This year we are thrilled to see all our corporate members, certified MBEs, and community partners in-person once again. We have missed you! We understand the importance of talking business face to face and we are ready!
Minority-owned businesses continue to pave the way for future diverse generations to continue to grow and thrive. This year’s theme, “Process Excellence” will help organizations design better solutions and find powerful tools to improve quality, speed, relationships, innovations, and resources to help your business get to the next level.
On Wednesday, June 21st, Reginald K. Layton, a legend in supplier diversity will again present the SMSDC’s development courses, Benchmarking Plus for Corporate Members and Capacity Plus for MBEs. Joining Reggie will be Ralph G. Moore, Founder & President of RGMA who will present a virtual discussion on the Importance of Minority Business Development. These signature courses are designed to assist corporations with their Supplier Diversity Programs and our MBEs with building capacity.
In the evening, we look forward to your attendance at the Opening Chairman’s Reception, hosted by Chevron. Enjoy refreshing cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as you catch up with old friends, colleagues, and business partners.
On Thursday, June 22nd, SMSDC will kick off the World Class Buyers Breakfast Roundtable™ (BBR). The BBR will feature a series of interactive discussions led by our corporate member buyers and other buying entities. Corporations such as Toyota, ConocoPhillips, Chevron, Dell, Oncor, El Paso Electric, OG&E, UT Austin, Apache Construction, Bexar County, Southwest Research Institute and many state agencies are ready to discuss upcoming opportunities for all Certified MBEs.
The afternoon luncheon will spotlight our theme, “Process Excellence” beginning with a Financial Institution Hour, where speakers will share information & programs to help get your business to the next level. Programs such as Access to Capital, Diverse Supplier Grants and Coaching for Entrepreneurs will be presented by Ruben Rodriguez, Senior Vice President & Chief Lending Officer at the Business Consortium Fund, Inc., Triad Investments L.P., and Danielle Davis, Diverse, Women and Veteran Owned Businesses, Vice President, Commercial Banker, Commercial Banking with JP Morgan Chase & Co. Following the Financial Institution Hour, we have an exciting speaker, Danny Brown, President of AppMeetup, who will examine how “Conquering Your Competition with Strategic Partnerships” is important for your business.
And to close our luncheon, we will honor your peers during the Regional Awards Ceremony celebrating: Corporation of the Year, Supplier of the Year and Advocate of the Year.
The program will follow with the annual matchmaker sessions in our Matchmaker Pavilion. This private, by appointment only matchmaking session with companies who will present their upcoming opportunities over the next 12-18 months. Then, the doors will open for EXPO 2023! Procurement executives from Fortune 100 companies and MBEs will have the opportunity to meet and discuss current and future opportunities. Immediately following the EXPO, join us for delicious hors d’ oeuvres and refreshing cocktails.
On Friday June 23rd, the SMSDC will host the annual golf tournament at The Quarry Golf Course. Dating back to 1908, chiseled from stone to create the most dramatic golf course in Texas. The tournament features a scramble format with an 8 a.m. Shotgun start. Golfers will have chances to win raffle prizes and participate in contest such as closest to the pin and longest drive. You don't have to be a pro golfer to attend! All levels of golfers’ welcome! If you don't golf, join us anyways and drive a cart through the course, take pics and post on social media!
Visit www.smsdc.org to register today!
I hope you can join us for SMSDC’s BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR, Premier Face Time Expo & Golf Tournament. I look forward to seeing everyone in-person in San Antonio, TX June 21-23, 2023.
See you soon!
Sincerely,
Karen Box
SMSDC President
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Over the last several weeks, I have been working with a few MBE’s throughout our territory to spread the word about the upcoming 2023 Face Time Expo & Golf Tournament. I hope you have had the opportunity to get registered for SMSDC’s best event of the year! The SMSDC team has been working tirelessly to ensure you have the best experience and programming possible. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to attend as well as the opportunity to purchase a sponsorship.
As you know attending the event is only the first step. I am including some tips I came across on LinkedIn which may help you ensure ultimate success following the 2023 Face Time Expo & Golf tournament. I hope to see you there!
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-tips-get-most-out-attending-conference-elena-salazar
1. Create your conference plan ahead of time. Check out the agenda and make a rough plan of which sessions you want to attend. Choose sessions that are most likely to benefit your business and come prepared with questions to ask the presenters. There is often time for Q&A baked into the session, and the presenters also often stick around for a while after to chat with attendees. Sometimes I attend a session solely because I really like the person presenting and want the opportunity to talk to them after. It is rare to have access to so many experts in your field in one place. Take advantage of all of the knowledge that is in the room.
2. Develop your elevator pitch. What do you do and what do you hope to gain from the conference? This opens up the opportunity for others who you meet there to give you useful feedback or connect you to someone else who may be able to help you. Here is mine from Social Media Week: "Hi, my name is Elena and I am a Social Media Manager for a software company called VMware. I am interested in discovering how to effectively collaborate with influencers in the tech B2B space." It is also helpful to come into each session you attend with an idea of what you are hoping to learn.
3. Be present. Talk to other attendees. Put your out of office responder on, and deal with your work emails later. I see so many people glued to their phones or computers during breaks rather than talking to other attendees and being in the moment. Using your phone or computer makes you come off as closed off, and people are unlikely to start a conversation with you. Take advantage of the opportunity to engage with other smart people in your industry whom you can learn from. I like to arrive a bit early to sessions, sit next to someone, and ask them what they do or why they chose to attend this session. This is also a great opportunity to use your elevator pitch!
4. Post about the event on social media. I personally like to tweet during events (my Twitter handle is @elenacsalazar). It is a great way to connect with other attendees and share insights with your followers who were not able to attend. Remember to use the conference hashtag and tag the speaker so that your posts are easily discoverable. I posted the tweet below during Terry Rice's session on "How to Gain Buy-in from Prospects by Leveraging User Generated Content in Instagram Stories" at Social Media Week LA and it was one of my most engaging tweets of the month so far!
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Commenting on or sharing content posted by other attendees is also a great way to start a conversation with someone if you are shy and don't want to initiate a conversation in person.
5. Share your learnings. In addition to posting insights on social media during the event, write a quick summary of your key takeaways and present to your team when you get back to work so that everyone can benefit from the knowledge you've gained.
Respectfully,
Nicole Navarro Velesiotis
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2M Transport
2M Transport is a dedicated door to door carrier that works directly with clients to move their finished goods or raw materials from Mexico toUnited States. We also move freight from UnitedStates to Mexico. We specialize in providing an integrated solution that includes, transportation, warehousing, and customs clearance at the border. We provide clients value by analyzing their current operation and offering solutions to make their current operation more efficient in reference to time, money, and security.
CarrierHawk, LLC
www.carrierhawk.com
CarrierHawk is a third party logistics service provider that operations nationwide. We handleTruckload, Flatbed, LTL, Reefer, Consolidation and Port Service work.
Del Sol Solutions, LLC
www.delsolsolutions.com
Facility Janitorial Services
FAK International Distribution, Inc
www.shipfak.com
FAK International Distribution Inc offers specialized supply chain solutions to our customers by providing safe and proficient logistics for B2B andB2C goods in industries including, but not limited to: trade show, accessories, footwear, automotive oil and gas, mines, biomedical goods, electronics medical devices, high-end textiles and fashion, and specialized retail products. Our services offered include US, Canada, and Mexico cross-border moves via truck both northbound and southbound, domestic US logistics services (via air and truck),international air and ocean shipment logistics services, and warehousing and distribution services
Lexine, Inc
www.lexinegroup.com
Lexine Group is an Electrical & Technology Integrator. Three main devisions, being Electrical (Electrical, Lighting, Power Generation & Solar) Communications (Structured Cabling, Fiber, Wireless Solutions, Networking & Voip) & Security ( Intrusion, Access Control, IP Surveillance, Fire Alarm)
Natuv, Inc
www.natuv.com
We innovate, store & distribute arms and ammunition to support government and other regulated institutions with destructive devices, non- lethal defense solutions, and combat drone technology to name a few. Reliability & timely execution are pillars of our management structure, from technology to defense solutions and beyond. Natuv inc. is committed to providing trustworthy and reliable solutions focused on integration into defense, healthcare, tribal affairs, and state and federal government infrastructures.
Quality Ventilation, LLC
WWW.QUALITYVENTILATION.NET
We are an electrical and HVAC contractor that specializes in commercial kitchen ventilation. We focus on service, repairs and preventative maintenance.
Roger Christian and Co. Inc
www.rc-co.com
Roger Christian and Co, Inc is a well rounded Advertising and Marketing agency, specializing in graphic design services; outdoor advertising; direct mail advertising, digital marketing and campaigns. Also offering, translation services.
StaffOps, LLC
www.staffops.net
StaffOps is a white-glove IT staffing service; focused on small to mid-size companies, including IT, SLED, and the federal government.
Tanta Solutions and Acquisitions Inc
www.tantasolutions.com
Provide the best training experiences for those across all industries. From blue-collar workers to white-collar workers to provide quality, expertise, and experience in the training and development field. Tanta Solutions will benefit all workers depending on the quest; It is also to hire the best contingent/contractor workers to fulfill our client's needs
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Act Equipment Company, LLC
America Transportation Group, LLC
Apfelbaum Industrial, Inc.
API Enterprises, Inc.
Arepet Industries LLC
Artesia Springs LLC
B&E MEDICAL SUPPLY AND EQUIPMENT, LLC
B2B Transport Market LLC
B2Z Engineering, LLC
Big Picture Marketing Strategies
Captiva Group Inc.
Cardinal Point, LLC
Chema's Trucking LLC
Cockrell Construction Inc
D&J Management Services, Inc
Delaware Resource Group of Oklahoma, LLC
Diversity Personnel Services, LLC
Eduardo E Lozano & Co., Inc.
eMetric, LLC.
Epsilon Brokerage Corp
Fourwide Transportation LLC
Fox Mechanical LLC
Frontier Chevrolet Co.
Great Southwest Tool Company
High Tech Tools, LLC
HMI MOLD EL PASO INC.
International All Part Masters LLC
Laredo BSL, Inc.
Learn-Ed LLC
M. A. & Sons Inc.
MFAD Creative Group LLC
Millennium Steel of Texas, LP
Mone Transport, LLC
New Fire Native Design Group PLLC
Nice Robot, LLC
Ninskers Inc
North Park SSP Motors LLC
Padilla Import Sales and Marketing, Inc.
Peyton Resource Group
ROI Insight Group LLC
Safeport
Sharon Wells Mathematics Curriculum Inc.
Spray-Rite, Inc.
Steck Systems, Inc
STOREFRONT SPECIALTIES AND GLAZING LLC
TBM Carriers, Inc.
Tele Network Inc.
Thyme Matters, Inc.
TuCasa Realty, LLC
Turbine Master, Inc.
Veterans Management Source, LLC
Vyopta Incorporated
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New MBE Applicants: Register for
Pre-Certification Sessions
Participation in the information session should take place prior to the submittal of your application to SMSDC.
All new MBE's must attend Pre-Certification & Post-Certification sessions to assist with the application process. Applicants can now schedule an appointment for One-On-One Information Sessions. The sessions are held by scheduled appointment only every Wednesday from 10am-12pm.
We will discuss:
- Criteria for Certification
- Review of the Application Process
- Answer most common application questions
To get certified you will need to meet the criteria set forth by NMSDC, complete the online application and upload all required documentation.
Please email Alana Ortega at alana@smsdc.org to register for the Pre-Certification Session to complete the first step in the certification process.
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Not Certified Yet?
It is strongly recommended to attend the MBE Pre-Certification Workshop, that is held Wednesdays from 10:00am to 12:00pm CST.
Applicants can now schedule an appointment for one-on-one call specific to your company.
During the workshop, the certification application is reviewed in detail, along with the requirements, procedures, timeframe, and benefits of being certified.
We can also discuss:
• Criteria for Certification
• Review of the application process
• Answer most common application questions
Those who have successfully completed their application learned by participating in the Pre-Certification Workshop, the application process is faster.
If you have any questions on MBE Certification or to schedule your appointment email: alana@smsdc.org
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Question/comments:
Alana Ortega,
Certification Manager
alana@smsdc.org
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MBE Spotlight - COECP Graduates | | |
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The NMSDC COE Certificate Program (COECP), a 12-month business training and learning experience designed for Class II ($1M to $10M) NMSDC certified minority business owners. The COECP consisted of several unique experiential learning components seamlessly aligned to help participants acquire the education, information and practical application necessary to expand the capacity of their business. SMSDC's mentees participated in the 12-month program consisting of a rigorous curriculum, one on one meetings, and strategic planning. On May 24th, SMSDC mentees graduated from the 12-month program receiving an ISM CEU Certificate, Rutgers CUEED Certificate and an NMSDC Certificate of completion.
“The SMSDC congratulates all the Mentees of the 2022-2023 COECP! “DEVELOP” is one of our four pillars and we are pleased to have offered such a unique executive learning experience to our Minority Business Enterprises. The SMSDC is always championing the interests of our MBEs and finding innovative ways to encourage them to push the boundaries of what’s next. The COECP supported the growth of SMSDC’s certified MBEs by sharing business skills, best practices to grow their company to the next level and building mutually beneficial partnerships.”
Congratulations to all the Graduating Mentees!
THANK YOU to our Guest Speakers, Executive Coaches & Mentors!
We could not have done this without you.
Special thanks to Johnson & Johnson our program sponsor, David Hamlin, RBS CUEED & Covenant Business Concepts.
Congratulations to all the Graduating Mentees!
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Thank you to the following Mentors and Executive Coaches for your participation and dedication to SMSDC's mentees and the COECP.
Mentors:
Kaycee Kiesz, Manager, Supplier Diversity, Zones
Kevin Jackson, Vice President, Millennium Steel of Texas
Rosa Santana, President & CEO, Santana Group
Nicole Navarro-Velesiotis, President, OVEANA
Donald L. Mooney, Founder/CEO, Donald L. Mooney Enterprises
Executive Coaches:
Alex Payan, Supplier Diversity, El Paso Electric
Mahak Ereyi, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
Max Rutherford, Supplier Diversity Manager, GSD&M
Nichola Kendall, Sr. Mgr., Category Management, Indirect Procurement, Itron
Dusty Nimmo, Director of Supplier Diversity, OGE Energy Corp
Annette Smith, HUB/SB Associate Procurement Services, The University of Texas at Austin
Andrea L. Deichert Oswald, General Director, Procurement Operations & Supplier Diversity, Union Pacific
Latifah Jackson, Supplier Diversity Manager, University Health Systems
Carlos Dones, Global Supply Chain Operations, Applied Materials
Camille Bragg, Supplier Diversity Director, Global Sourcing & Procurement, USAA
Nancy Gonzalez, Sr. Specialist, Supplier Diversity, CenterPoint Energy
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MINORITY CONTRACTOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
JE Dunn has a longstanding commitment to helping minority-owned and women-owned businesses succeed. The Minority Contractor Development (MCD) Program is a series of classes and activities designed to educate and equip minority and women contractors
for success, help grow their businesses, and launch a partnership with JE Dunn. Classes and activities are largely facilitated by JE Dunn staff, with a focus on business and leadership skills needed to compete in the construction industry.
The program has helped M/WBE companies achieve success since its first graduating class in 2006. The program is free of charge for participants who are selected through an application and interview process. Participants must proactively complete the pre-qualification process, with support from JE Dunn personnel during the program, to achieve pre-qualification status prior to graduation.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
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Thank you to all of our sponsors! | | | | | |
