Newsletter

August 2024

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Updates From Us

Next Stop... El Paso, TX!


Hello SMSDC Stakeholders,


I am thrilled to share that we had a great event in Oklahoma City on July 25th. It is always an exciting opportunity to visit Oklahoma and spend time with our local MBEs. THANK YOU to OG&E for their continued support and title sponsorship of this event. OG&E's commitment to affirming the importance of supplier diversity stewardship is not just a statement, but a significant action that strengthens the economic infrastructure within our neighborhoods. We are proud to have them as a catalyst for bringing minority-owned businesses and corporations together. 

 

On Thursday, July 25th, the Oklahoma Business Opportunity Conference began with the successful Buyers Breakfast Roundtable (BBR), featuring a series of interactive discussions led by our corporate member buyers and other buying entities, including JE Dunn, Johnson Controls, JP Morgan Chase, OG&E, Oklahoma State University, Oncor, One Gas, The City of Oklahoma, Purchasing Cooperative of America, Waste Management, and WESCO. 

 

The afternoon luncheon panel discussion featured Jonna Kauger Kirschner, President, CNI Manufacturing, LLC, and SVP Economic Development of Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc and Rich Bevins, 3rd generation President & CEO w/Bevins Manufacturing. Their discussions ranged from how their business started and how manufacturing has changed since COVID to any technology advancements to improve their business models.

 

We are pleased Gayle Maxwell, Director of Corporate Communications with the Oklahoma City Thunder, moderated our luncheon panel discussion.

 

Following our luncheon, the MBE Supplier Showcase and our Trade Show took place. Then, it was time to recognize your peers at the SMSDC's 2024 Awards Program. And of course, we continued our 25th Anniversary celebration with a champagne toast, refreshing cocktails, and delicious hors d'oeuvres.


Congratulations to the following winners:


SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR - CLASS II

Global Scaffolding & Insulation LLC


CORPORATION OF THE YEAR

OG&E


ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR

Chardae Harlin

Supply Chain/Supplier Diversity & Sustainability Manager, OG&E




Next stop.... El Paso!

I hope to see you again soon at SMSDC’s Diversity at the Border in El Paso, TX on September 11-12, 2024. We are currently putting together a fabulous event featuring the UTEP Aerospace Center, MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center, Toyota, Adient, Aptiv, just to name a few. Stay tuned for additional details. Registration is available on our website www.smsdc.org.


Sincerely,


Karen Box

SMSDC President

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

UPCOMING EVENTS

September 11-12, 2024

Diversity at the Border

Hotel Paso del Norte

10 Henry Trost Ct.

El Paso, TX

Register Here Now



October 1, 2024

SMSDC Golf Tournament

Quarry Golf Course

444 E Basse Rd.,

San Antonio, TX

Register Here Now


Your Support of SMSDC

Donate and/or volunteer today!

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VOLUNTEER

Certify . Connect . Develop . Advocate

From your MBEIC Chair:


Valued MBE’s,

 

I hope you have all had a wonderful summer season and hopefully, you found some time to recharge. Running a business can be incredibly demanding, and without proper rest, it’s easy to burn out. Rest is a critical component of maintaining the energy, creativity, and health needed to run a successful business over the long term.

 

We have several events lined up for the final quarter of the year that I hope you can attend. I know the SMSDC staff has been working diligently to curate an amazing agenda and valuable attendee list.

 

Here is a snapshot:

 

  • September 11-12, 2024-Diversity at the Border in El Paso
  • October 1, 2024-SMSDC Golf Tournament @ Quarry Golf Club in San Antonio
  • November 7th, 2024-Regional Task Force Event
  • December 5th, 2024-Lunch and Learn MBEIC Event

 

Also, now is the time to register for the 2024 NMSDC Conference and Exchange in Atlanta on October 20th-23rd themed Defining New Norms. In light of recent assaults on diversity, equity, and inclusion, it's imperative that we set a course to champion the future of minority business enterprises (MBEs).

In a world where every voice matters, it's crucial for you to be in the room when we define new norms. This isn't just about being at the table; it's about pulling up a chair, sharing experiences, and collectively shaping the landscape for MBEs and corporations alike. Let's pave the way forward, together.

Here is additional information should you wish to register:

https://www.nmsdcconference.org/2024/

Lastly, I am sitting on a planning committee for this year’s Opportunity Accelerator held on the Sunday the conference begins. It is a great opportunity for MBE’s to meet other MBE’s and hear from Corporations with “hot opportunities” as well as other MBE’s who may be able to help guide you and offer any helpful advice.

Here is additional information should you wish to register:

2024 OA Registration

If you have any questions whatsoever, please feel free to reach out.



Hope to see you soon!


 

Warmly,

Nicole Navarro Velesiotis

MBEIC Chair

A1 Transit Experts, LLC

www.a1transitexperts.com

 Provides reliable courier and transportation services, including express delivery, freight transportation, and specialized solutions. With our advanced tracking technology and professional team, we ensure prompt and secure delivery for businesses and individuals alike.

AE Boulet, LLC

https://www.aebouletcontainers.com/

Our specialty lies in providing top-quality metal Conex storage containers for all types of projects. Our units come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 20ft to 40ft, to cater to all your storage and rental needs.

Angulo Transportation Services, LLC

www.angulotransportation.com

General Freight Trucking

Brown's Way, LLC

Brown's Way is a trucking company that specializes in hauling various types of government freight as a third-party service provider. We transport various types of freight for the Department of Defense.

CLINSPEC Solutions, LLC

www.clinspecsolutions.com

CLINSPEC Solutions, LLC is a consulting company focusing on virtual reality (VR) education/training and compliance management implementation services in the healthcare sector. Retired Navy clinical nurse specialist with clinical, administrative, technology, research, and leadership experience (23 years of service). My clinical background includes medical-surgical, perioperative, trauma, and vascular access. Through the Bundle of Ray's proprietary Learning Management System, CLINSPEC aims to transform traditional healthcare education through VR

Countryman & Co.

www.countrymanandcoarchitecture.com

Our firm was founded as a company of professionals dedicated to enhancing the architectural and urban environment. We work directly with owners, facilities managers, and developers, to solve problems, improve operations, and elevate daily experiences ? through architecture. Our work is thoughtful, practical and design conscious. ; ; SERVICES: . 3-Dimensional Building Scanning . Architectural and Engineering Services : New Construction | Renovations | Additions . Architectural Illustrations . Bank Financing Packages | Architectural Design Documents . Construction Administration . Facilities Assessments | Feasibility Studies . Historic Preservation . Owner?s Project Representation | Project Delivery Management.; ; With over 20 years experience designing award-winning buildings and representing clients through the project delivery process, our firm offers meets you where you?re at and builds a customized plan to move your project forward.

Covel Contracting

www.covelcontracting.com

Fixed seating installation


Envision Therapies LLC

www.envisiontherapies.org

Envision Therapies LLC is seeking to service individuals with dual diagnoses of mental health and intellectual/development disorders. Depending upon the needs of the individual and their family, case management, mental health, and behavioral health services will be provided. Envision Therapies LLC will offer a whole-person approach, tailored to the unique needs of the family, and focused on improving the functioning of the individual and their supports.

EXHIBIT Trade Show Marketing Experts

Commercial large-format printing, graphic design, tradeshow displays and booth design and distribution, show management, storage, and shipping

FIORE INDUSTRIES, INC

https://www.fiore-ind.com

Fiore Industries is a national provider of protective services, including armed security, executive protection, specialty firefighting, emergency management and emergency medical services; facility operations and engineering R&D and manufacturing

Gale Project Technologies, Inc

https://www.galeproject.com/

Specializing in innovation, research and development and consulting for technology, aerospace, defense and environmental. Capable of advanced artificial intelligence development and integration. Able to provide emergency environmental cleanup response and consulting.

Government Interior Solutions, Inc

www.pdngroup.com

We are a distributor of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing fixures and equipment, in addition to select MRO items.


Imani Software LLC

www.imanisoftware.com

Imani Software LLC started with the mission to enable faith-based institutions to fully leverage technology to reach their target population. Since then, we have expanded to offer software consulting services covering every step of the software development cycle including software development, software project management, and software design/architecture consulting.

Indeed Safety, Inc

www.indeedsafety.com

Indeed Safety Inc. is a national safety consulting company, with a team of dedicated consulting professionals whose practice is the implementation and execution of workplace safety. We specialize in contract safety director services, craft safety and construction site safety supervision.

Infraeo, Inc

https://www.infraeo.com/

Infraeo Inc. offers high-speed direct attached cables, active copper cables, active electrical cables, active direct attached cables, active optical cables, single mode and multimode optical transceivers spanning from 25G to 800G.

Matthews Packaging Solutions

www.matthewspack.com

Packaging consulting and sales of packaging supplies, materials, equipment and fulfillment services.

Matthews Transportation Services

We are trucking company, that haul dry goods across the country.

Michael Dickerson

www.dickersoncg.com

My company is a human resource consulting firm focus Professional Development, Stress Managment, Employee Wellbeing and Workplace Mental Health.; ; Services:; Training; Coaching ; Consulting ; Assessments

Next Day Logistics, LLC

We are a company dedicted to moving freight from Mexico to USA and vice versa. We can coordinate shipments from small LTL to full truckload and even specialized shipments.

Remote Ink

www.rachellenichols.com

We are an operations, process improvement, and tech consulting firm that partners with businesses and organizations on work management. We work with teams to streamline workflows, document and improve processes, and systems, tech training, and implement Asana project management software. All businesses, non-profits, and government agencies can use Asana to efficiently reduce and eliminate bottlenecks that inhibit workflow to keep leaders and teams tied to their mission, vision, and goals.

ROM Industrial Inc

www.romindustrial.com

Fabrication of labels. Fabrication and distribution of labels, ribbons, industrial tape, boxes, bags, and other packing materials.

Seki Global LLC

https://sekiglobal.com/

SEKI GLOBAL is a minority-woman owned company that focuses on children crafts, health and beauty products. Over the years, we have launched products for multiple successful brands, such as VHALE, SANSHIELD, BEAUTE GALLERIA and many more to come. We work closely with our partner manufacturers from initial design through production to ensure top quality for our products. All of our branded products are exclusively distributed by SEKI GLOBAL

Solaos, Inc

www.solaostech.com

Solaos, Inc is a technology-focused creative design company that specializes in bringing innovative digital solutions to life. We work with organizations and individuals to turn their visions into reality through a wide range of services. From developing cutting-edge apps and designing captivating websites to implementing immersive augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and virtual reality (VR) experiences, we leverage emerging technologies to meet your digital needs. Additionally, we excel in over-the-top (OTT) streaming solutions and offer comprehensive marketing strategies tailored to your goals. At Solaos, we're dedicated to delivering high-quality, customized solutions that exceed expectations.

Spark Multinational, LLC

www.sparkmultinational.com

www.ichispapromos.com

We at Spark Multinational, LLC are a Global Sourcing Company: from Promotional items, Supplements, Medical devices, and anything that customer wants

SSTECHWIN

https://sstechwin.org/

IT Consulting

Strivector Corp

https://www.strivector.com

Strivector specializes in recruiting and staffing a select number of Fortune 500 companies. For these clients, we find diverse talent ranging from SVPs to junior professionals in leadership, operations, supply chain, regulatory, accounting, sales, quality, HR, finance, and IT. Strivector was created in 2011, in Austin, TX and they still are. Strivector prioritizes values over profit, respects candidates and customers, shares wealth with employees, and gives 10% of our profits to charity. Strivector provides contract and full-time resources for the Industries we support, leading to a much deeper and diverse toolkit than what other recruiting or staffing agencies typically have.It also helps that Strivector empowers recruiters to work on fewer roles so they can go deeper into every search. ; ; INDUSTRIES: Financial Services, Healthcare (Payor and Provider), Manufacturing, Life sciences, Technology. FUNCTIONAL AREAS: Leadership, Engineering, Regulatory, Quality, Clerical, Business Professional, HR, Finance, IT; NOT SUPPORTED: Light Industrial; Clinician roles (Doctors and Nurses)

Tecma Transportation Services

https://www.tecma.com/solutions/transportation-services/

Tecma Transportation Services, LLC stands as a premier Asset-Based Transportation and Logistics enterprise, born from a market need for seamless solutions, swiftly transitioning to comprehensive "Door to Door" delivery without transloading hassles, and expanding to serve logistics solutions in rail, overseas and 3PL needs.; ; In today's dynamic corporate landscape, the demand for specialized expertise within supplier networks is expanding. Tecma Transportation Services, LLC rises to this challenge, devoting its singular focus to the complexities of transportation and logistics.; ; Our commitment to excellence is exemplified by our utilization of innovative geolocation technologies in Truck and Trailer, which enable us to monitor all loads and merchandise in real-time throughout their entire journey. This commitment underscores our mission to provide our clients with the highest level of personalized, secure, and professional services.


Texola, Inc

www.texolainc.com

Texola partners with homeowners, developers, and businesses to deliver superior construction and environmental solutions. Our services cover:; Residential and Commercial Construction: From foundation to finish, we build or remodel with quality and craftsmanship using our construction division.; Roofing Solutions: Ensuring your roof is secure, functional, and visually appealing within the roofing division.; Environmental Safety: Protecting your property with expert remediation services for water, fire, mold, or storms using our experts in the mitigation division.; Landscaping Excellence: Beautiful and sustainable outdoor spaces that enhance your property with our lawn spraying and hydroseeding division.

The Agency Initiative, LLC

https://www.agency-initiative.com/

The Agency Initiative was founded with one future in mind, a world with more leaders and organizations choosing courage in their moments that matter. We specialize in advising our clients on how to identify and build the interdependent elements of their strategic people programs, that drive organizational change and build ecosystems that make sense for all within an organization.

Tisha Lique Wilson

https://www.ulbspot.com

Unique Lenique's Beauty Spot Hair Salon specializes in a range of hair services including hair extensions, hair coloring, hair textures, and non-surgical hair replacement. Our e-commerce store provides professional-grade hair care products and tools, as well as a wide selection of luxury-quality hair extensions and wigs. With our Personal Beauty Consulting Service-Discover the perfect solution for your hairstyling needs with our curated collection of premium products and services to match your needs, desires and lifestyle.


Y Strategy and Security

www.yistheanswer.com

We are a cyber security and anti-fraud detection service with several specialties, including; ; Dev & Tech; Creating a well thought out and masterfully done technology is something we love to do! From brainstorming to final product we can help you get your idea on to the App Store and beyond.; Storytelling; We create custom high quality videos & photos that inspire, connect, and move people.

2M Transport

A&S Utility Services LLC

AMN International Inc.

APFELBAUM INDUSTRIAL INC

B Hall LLC

B2Z Engineering, LLC

Big Plan LLC

Capital Land Services, Inc.

Dependable Business Solutions

Donald L. Mooney Enterprises, LLC

DS Cargo, LLC.

ECO BRIGHT SOLUTIONS LLC

El Encanto Inc. dba Bueno Foods

eMetric, LLC.

Freight Dispatch Service Agency, LTD

GREAT PLAINS ANALYTICAL SERVICES INC.

Gustavo Jimenez, Inc

HERO Assemblers LP

Impulse Energy Consultants, LLC

INTERCON LOGISTICS LLC

Interlink Trade Services, LTD.

J. AZTECA EXPRESS INC.

Janktafied Goodness LLC

Las Delicias Distributors, LLC

Liberty Electric Line Builders

Mana Food Supply LLC

trica Relocations+, Inc.

Millennium Steel of Texas, LP

Mirsa Manufacturing, LLC

Mountain Air Helicopters, Inc.

New Fire Native Design Group PLLC

Pedraza Customhouse Brokers, Inc.

Purchase Power Exchange, LLC

Ramiro Ramirez Construction, Inc.

Robinson General Contractors

Select Dedicated Solutions, LLC.

Sendero Power Line Construction, Inc.

STOREFRONT SPECIALTIES AND GLAZING LLC

Super Transport International Ltd.

The Lone Star Fencing LLC

TGI Enterprises Inc.

USTR Freight, LLC.

Utility Services Associates Construction Co., Inc.

Ventus Logistics, LLC

VeraLogics, Inc.

Virtual Grounds Interactive, LLC

Vyopta Incorporated


Act Equipment Company, LLC

Back-Up Solutions

Big Elk Energy Systems, LLC

Captiva Group Inc.

Cardinal Point, LLC

CarrierHawk, LLC

Chema's Trucking LLC

Cherokee Measurement & Control

Complete Tablet Solutions LLP

CROSS-NATIONAL ADVISORY PARTNERS LLC

D&J Management Services, Inc

Delaware Resource Group of Oklahoma, LLC

Divine Family Care

Dynamic Mission Solutions

EP South West Logistics, INC

FAK International Distribution, Inc

Four Winds Mechanical HTC/AC, Inc

Frontier Chevrolet Co.

GL Automotive, LLC

GLOBAL CUSTOMS & LOGISTICS LLC

Harlem Labs Advisory Inc.

HealthCarePoint.com Public Benefit Corporation

High Voltage Electric, Inc.

Interlex Communications, Inc.

Intuitive Services Group LLC

Jefferson Cano Allison Barkley, PLLC

Karmony Partners LLC

Little Red Rooster Ice Cream Company

Localism Inc. A Limited Liability Company

Lopez PR and Marketing Group

LTD Material, LLC

M. A. & Sons Inc.

Medrano Produce LLC

Multimerica AdEX, LLC

MULTI-TRANS INC

Natural Evolution, Inc.

North Park SSP Motors LLC

Otero Systems & Technologies

Pan American Express, Inc.

People Source, LLC

Prodisa Industrial Group

QHE Logistics, Inc.

Ramon Worthington Nicolas & Cantu, PLLC

Rocky Mountain Business Systems

RSI, Inc

Speridian Technologies, LLC

Tele Network Inc.

TM Logistics LLC

TM Transportation Services LLC

Trade Management Solutions

Turbine Master, Inc.

Unimex Trade & Logistics, LLC

World Aerospace LLC

Zia Engineering & Environmental Consultants,LLC


Certification Updates

NOT CERTIFIED YET?


It is strongly recommended to attend the MBE Pre-Certification Workshop, which is held on Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm CST.


Applicants can now schedule an appointment for a one-on-one call specific to your company.


During the call, 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


MBEs- Applying for Recertification

Complete your application by logging in to your MBE Certification account and click on the button to start your application.


TO PREVENT DELAYS IN PROCESSING YOUR APPLICATION PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING IN MIND:

  1. Update annual sales and any information that has changed (i.e.; address, telephone numbers, email)
  2. Upload the Company's most recent IRS tax return, if you are filing an extension for the tax year include the extension documentation and the last IRS Tax Return the business has filed.
  3. Upload your signed Affidavit, please note NMSDC no longer requires the document to be notarized.
  4. Once the application has been completed verify your data and submit the application, you will be taken to the online payment system, the application will move to the recertification queue for processing.
  5. Applying without an IRS Tax Returns and/or a signed affidavit will be considered incomplete and may be subject to Administrative Withdrawal by SMSDC.
  6. Certifications are approved as close to your original expiration date as possible so please log into the AdaptOne portal to check the status of the application. Once approved the system will send out an auto-generated notification advising of the approval, you can then log-in to download your updated certificate.


Please note it is the MBEs responsibility to submit the required documentation in a timely manner. Recertification applications can take up to 30 days to process. Failure to do so may delay the processing of your application and cause your MBE Certification to expire.



If you have any questions regarding Recertification email Gabrielle Ramirez at certification@smsdc.org


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