 | |
From the President's Desk
Hello All Stakeholders',
February is here and what does that mean..... it's time for our Annual Stakeholders' Meeting! The annual meeting is SMSDC's kick off event of 2022 and the beginning of our event season. As part of our 4 pillars, the annual meeting is a way to CONNECT MBEs to corporate members. It's a platform for you, our Stakeholders', to get to know the leaders, Board of Directors, MBEIC, and staff who work diligently all year to bring opportunities for all MBEs. Most of all, learn what the Council can do for you!
The program includes the State of the Network presentation and introduction SMSDC's Board of Directors from our Chair of the Board, Reginald K. Layton, VP Supplier Diversity & Supply Chain Sustainability at Johnson Controls' Inc and I am honored to present to all of you our 2021 Annual Report as well as introduce our spotlights, goals and objectives for 2022.
Additional sessions will include an introduction of our newest local corporate members: Itron, University Health and National Association of Minority Contractors. Our 2021 MBE "Idol" Winner, Kara Elyse Henderson, Founder + Creative Director, Mindful Media will give her insight on being. apart of this exclusive program. SMSDC's Minority Business Enterprise Committee (MBEIC) Chair, Debbie Trevino, President of Treco Services, will introduce the MBEIC members who are ready to serve you in 2022. Bring your questions/comments to discuss with your MBEIC.
We encourage you to continue to get more involved with the SMSDC. SMSDC along with the MBEIC committee will be executing monthly & quarterly events in 2022. Make sure you attend all of SMSDC's 2022 virtual events for an upcoming surprise!
Sincerely,
Karen Box
President & CEO
SMSDC
|  | |
|
FEBRUARY 24th
Virtual Annual Stakeholders' Meeting
| Stay up to date with what's happening at SMSDC! The virtual meeting will take place on Thursday, February 24th via Zoom. Don't miss out! Learn More and Register Here | |
MARCH 23rd
Lunch & Learn MBEIC Event
| |
Save the Date
Details coming soon!
| |
MARCH 30th
Government Contracting Conference -
Building Business in Gov't Markets
| Happening virtually on Wednesday, March 30th from 9 to 3. For more info and to register, see Building Business in Government Markets (accelevents.com) | |
MARCH 31st
UTSA Matchmaking Event
| Happening virtually on Thursday, March 31st from 9 to 4. For more information and to register, see UTSA Matchmaking Event Powered by: My Business Matches (mbmapp.com). We are asking buyers to register first, so please register asap so we can then open it up to the small businesses. | |
CERTIFY | DEVELOP | CONNECT | ADVOCATE | | |
From Your MBEIC Chair
WOW !! Here we are in February 2022!
SMSDC is ready to have our FIRST event of the year in just a few days!
The invitation to 2022 Annual Stakeholder’s Virtual Meeting went out to ALL Certified MBE’s. Register!! Show Up!! Connect!! We are excited to also bring a chance to introduce to you the Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee (MBEIC) members representing all Regions of SMSDC during the Stakeholders Meeting.
As I write this message, I want to take this opportunity to share with you what it has taken for me to be successful as a Certified MBE of 14 years. Registering to attend events, getting involved and showing up just to name a few. I knew I could only build a relationship with MBEs and Corporations if I was present at events. Yes. It has cost me time and money, but it has all been WELL invested.
As you know, SMSDC Staff and key MBEIC members put time and effort into every event. Corporations also make a large investment to be there and meet with Certified MBEs as well as MBEs which, time and time again come ready to participate, learn and connect. This makes me reflect on the fact that the time I invest means that I believe in myself and in other business owners who have made the same commitment.
In 2019 Treco Services was given a contract opportunity as a result of our relationship-building efforts and perseverance, by staying engaged and involved. This opportunity allowed our company to build trust, deliver what we promised, and grow as a result.
All Certified MBEs have the same opportunity. We just don’t know when it will come knocking on your door. But, you must be there for that opportunity to happen.
Check SMSDC’s Calendar of Events… Register. Set yourself reminders. Do what it takes. That will all put you one step closer to new business opportunities.
I also want to challenge those who have not competed in the MBE Idol. This is another great event and opportunity to showcase your company. Sign up this year for the MBE Idol for 2022 Kickoff. As a winner, I can tell you that receiving good criticism helped my company see things through a different set of eyes.
March 23rd will be the date of our first a LUNCH & LEARN Session. We hope you register and participate, as we will have as guest speakers from UTSA -Institute for Economic and MBDA Business Center. We plan on having a LUNCH & LEARN Session every quarter, so stay up to date by reading SMSDC’s Newsletters.
The MBEIC is here to put together an innovative program for MBEs to help develop business areas that will create expansion and growth opportunities. Among them, we are working in developing Mentor Protege opportunities. Actively engaged MBEs will be the ones benefiting from these programs. So you don’t want to miss them.
As your MBEIC Chair, I would like for us to build new opportunities together and witness all MBEs grow their businesses.
I hope you are onboard for this exciting plan for 2022!
Sincerely,
Debbie Trevino
MBEIC Chair
President, Treco Services
| |
|
Feature Story:
SMSDC's Newest Local Corporate Members
| | |
2022 MBE "Idol" Competition Official Kickoff | |
|
Are you ready to fully take advantage of a FREE direct marketing opportunity to promote your business? MBE "Idol" 2022 is ready for you!
MBE Idol 2022, a virtual event sponsored by Dell is a 5-minute pitch competition for our certified MBEs.
The SMSDC’s MBE Idol Competition is an exclusive opportunity for certified MBEs and MBEs with valid Subscription Services to elevate their business pitch and provides a FREE direct marketing opportunity to promote your business. This multifaceted program supports our minority-owned businesses through resources, coaching, promotion and exposure, and the opportunity to pitch and pursue business opportunities with our National Corporate Members. The program culminates with a live pitch competition and the award of an exclusive one-on-one meeting with a senior-level executive from one of our Fortune 500 Corporations, among other premiums.
Are you ready to become SMSDC's 2022 MBE "Idol"?
Applications open on Thursday, February 24th and end on Thursday, May 5th. Download the following attachments to prepare and be ready for SMSDC's 2022 MBE "Idol". Don't miss out!
MBE "Idol Competition Format
2022 MBE "Idol" Application
| |
|
CERTIFY - JANUARY 2021
New and Recertified MBEs
| | |
 | |
Alamo City Contracting
Matthew Navarro
Adkins, TX
www.alamocitycontracting.com
Specialize in commercial repair, maintenance, remodeling projects, and contracting. Services include but not limited to the following: Carpentry, Painting, Drywall, Flooring, Welding, Re-finishing, Concrete, Doors, Roofing, Tinting, Masonry, Solid Surface, and Laminate.; ; Company network includes a wide array of specialty contractors and licensed professionals providing services in the following fields: Electrical, Plumbing, Locksmith, Chiller Systems, and more.
AZCAT, Inc
Hector Lopez
El Paso, TX
www.eetsa-azcat.com
Distribution and of different packing solutions required by the manufacturing industries.
Guardian Medical Transportation Services, Inc
Michael Hoffman
San Marcos, TX
www.guardianmedtrans.com
Transport patients and people to and from hospital appointments, clinics etc, leisure via wheelchair and/or ambulatory.
Guy Engineering Services, Inc
Rebecca Alvarez
Tulsa, OK
www.guyengr.com
Services we offer include bridge, roadway, and utility design; surveying; utility locating and utility relocation coordination; and land acquisition.; GUY is committed to constant communication with our clients, the community, the governmental agencies, and all the design professionals involved. Our diverse resources, experienced personnel, and customer service focus ensure that your projects will be completed on time, to specification, and within budget.
Longhorn Electrical Services, Inc
Eric Villegas
El Paso, TX
www.longhornelectrical.com
Sandblasting & painting of crude oil storage tanks, above & below grade piping, and perform Confined Space Rescue Services.
Sarcon Construction Corp.
Genesis Purce
Santa Fe, NM
www.sarcon.net
We are a general contractor who builds commercial and residential, new build and renovation projects.
Sheng Engineering Professional
Zhuping Sheng
El Paso, TX
www.Sheng-Eng.com
Architectural firm specializing in health, science, and technology projects.
Sweet Anchovies, Inc
Michael Tyson
Austin, TX
www.sweetanchovies.com
Sweet Anchovies, Inc. is a technology development, deployment, and management consultancy founded by a team of former 20+ year Apple, Inc. veterans with more than 80-years of combined technical and creative expertise solving big problems. Our consultants, former technology and finance executives from leading multinational corporations, have on average 20 years of experience developing cutting edge technology, designing efficient business processes, and drafting effective business strategies.
| | |
|
ACE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Bluebonnet Chrysler Dodge LLC
Buckley Patent Law LLC
CAPITAL FILTRATIONS INC
Electro Systems Engineers, Inc.
ESL INTERNATIONAL, LLC
Forma Automotive, LLC
G2 Construction Services, Inc.
Garza EMC, LLC
Gilliam IP PLLC
Greenview, LLC
InGenesis Healthcare Network
InGenesis Payroll, LLC
InGenesis Solutions, LLC
Kahlig Enterprises, Inc.
KLP Commercial, LLC
Laredo Technical Services, Inc.
MD Choice Logistics LLC
Mencar LLC
Mirador Enterprises, Inc
Noble Texas Builders, LLC
North Park Lincoln-Mercury Inc.
North Park NE Motors LLC
Opifex LLC
Optech Gente, Inc.
Orbital Mark LLC
Pride Automation, Inc.
Ragar Transportation, Ltd.
Texas Rubberized Roof Coating
Tiger Natural Gas, Inc.
Tolbert Enterprises Inc.
Unilink Transportation
Walters Construction Company
| | |
|
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.
| | |
 | |
The ADAPTONE Application Portal sends an auto-generated reminder to the email associated with your MBE application at 90, 60, and 30 days before your expiration date
This is a COURTESY REMINDER to apply for your Recertification.
It is your responsibility to keep your MBE Certification current. Recertification processing time can take up to 30 days after submitting your application fee and documents.
Allowing it to lapse longer than 30 days after the expiration date may lead to Recertification Late Fees or even the possibility of starting the process over in its entirety as a NEW MBE.
Remember you can check your application status anytime by logging into the portal with your username/password. Once your application has been approved you have access to print out your certificate and download your updated MBE Logo.
Please note certificates are not sent out upon Recertification.
Please log-in to your MBE portal to download a copy of your certificate upon approval.
Question/comments:
Alana Ortega, Certification Manager
alana@smsdc.org
Gabrielle Ramirez, Re-certification
gabrielle@smsdc.org
| |
In alignment of SMSDC’s four pillars, Certify. Develop. Connect. Advocate., education continues to be fundamental. Launched in 2012, SMSDC continues to offer the PLUS+ Platform classes: Benchmarking Plus & Capacity Plus. These signature programs are a mix of in person & online courses presented by supplier diversity expert Reginald K. Layton, Vice President, Supplier Diversity & Supply Chain Sustainability for Johnson Controls’ Inc and Ralph G. Moore, CPA, president of Ralph G. Moore & Associates (RGMA). Moore is recognized as one of the world’s foremost thought-leaders in the area of supplier diversity and minority business development. | |
For CORPORATE MEMBERS ONLY is a process to accelerate supplier diversity initiatives based on real world experimentation. Benchmarking Plus delivers the tools and management perspective to help your corporation strengthen your supplier diversity processes. Learn more here | |
For CERTIFIED MBEs is a process to enhance sales and marketing processes and build their capacity to work with Fortune 500 corporations. Learn more here | |
The next series of Plus+ Platform classes will take place on Thursday, February 24th. If you are interested in participating in these classes, please contact Mayra Pena at mayra@smsdc.org. You must be a current Certified MBE or Corporate Member to register. | |
|
Upcoming Virtual Events
Registration is now open!
| | |
|
2022 PREMIER SPONSORS
Thank you for your continuous support!
| | |
|
About SMSDC
The SMSDC is a non-profit organization dedicated to certifying, connecting, developing and advocating MBEs. Through active leadership & professional education, the SMSDC works with major corporations throughout the United States and MBEs within the Central & Southwest Texas regions, Oklahoma and New Mexico to increase participation in diversity programs.
| | | | |
