Northern California Minority Supplier Development Council 
NCMSDC Newsletter
Vol. 4, Issue 2
June/July 2009 

Welcome

 
Dave
Today's difficult economic conditions certainly dominate our daily conversations and at times it seems that there is no quick recovery in sight.  NCMSDC recognizes the current business challenges that you are facing and is working to develop strategies and programs to assist both our certified MBEs and corporate members.  Through this newsletter and the NCMSDC website, the Council strives to provide timely information that can assist you during these turbulent economic times.

This year's annual Minority Business Opportunity Expo is Thursday, August 6th, at the San Jose Convention Center.  I hope you can take the time to attend, make new contacts and reinforce established ones, explore business opportunities, and advance the Council's vision of promoting minority supplier development.  On behalf of the NCMSDC Board of Directors, I hope to see you there.
 

A Special Message from the President

 
Scott A. Vowels
I am constantly asked by the MBE community, "What can I do to survive this economic downturn?" and "How can NCMSDC help me?"  Luckily for you I do have a couple of suggestions!  (Seriously, you're not surprised, are you?)
 
Current Situation
Now more than ever corporations are looking for cost savings wherever they can find them and the first strategy is always to "right-size" their supply base and leverage the aggregate spend.  These terms sound intimidating, but they really just mean volume purchasing from fewer suppliers.  When you think about it, it does make sense.  We often buy things we need every day in bulk in order to achieve some measure of savings in the long run.  After all, who wants to run all over town to purchase six different items when you can find everything at the local Super Center?  Corporate Purchasing departments are often just doing what you and I do: buying in bulk to cut costs.  Now, that being the case, how do MBEs keep existing contracts in place?

How to Keep Existing Contracts with Corporate Customers...  <Click Here for Tips>
 

Council News 

 
Council News
The Council is thrilled to announce that J.P. Morgan will be hosting a Meet the Buyers event on September 24, 2009
In August, President Vowels and Vice President Buss will be conducting corporate outreach in Hawaii and co-hosting workshops with the Walt Disney Company, Johnson Controls Inc., and Wyndham Worldwide... <READ MORE>
 

"No Pomp, No Circumstance, Strictly Business!"

 
2009 Minority Business Opportunity Expo
 
Who: Corporations & Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs)
When: Thursday, August 6, 2009, 8:30AM - 1:00PM
Where: San Jose, CA
  • Access to Opportunities from corporations & MBEs
  • Get matched with buyers seeking your products/services
  • Network with large corporations & other MBEs
  • We won't waste your time: your success is our priority!

Special Offer: Every MBE participating in Expo matchmaking sessions will receive one-on-one feedback from NCMSDC President Scott A. Vowels
Register Now
View Pricing
More Details
Contact: expo@ncmsdc.org or www.ncmsdc.org

NCMSDC Business After Hours Mixer

 
in partnership with
 Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Silicon Valley
Milpitas Chamber of Commerce 
Silicon Valley Black Chamber of Commerce
 
Sponsored by Silicon Valley Systech, Inc. 
 
Who: Corporations & Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs)
When: Thursday, July 23, 2009, 5:00PM - 7:30PM
Where: Outback Steakhouse, Great Mall of Milpitas 
Heavy appetizers & refreshments will be served

Contact: info@ncmsdc.org or www.ncmsdc.org

MBE Input Committee Update: Brown Bag Lunches

 
MBEICAs a standing committee of NCMSDC, the MBE Input Committee is charged with representing the interest of the MBE community as a whole and dedicated to increasing wealth within the minority community. We are the voice of the MBE on the NCMSDC Board of Directors as well as the voice of the Northern California MBE... <READ MORE>
 

Outstanding NCMSDC Champion: Farewell to Sherril Gressel

 
Sherril
Sherril Gressel
Vice President & Manager
Bankwide Mail Services
Union Bank
 
The Council would like to extend a warm Thank You to Sherril Gressel for her many years of proactive involvement with NCMSDC.  Sherril will be retiring from her role as Vice President and Manager of the Bankwide Mail Services at Union Bank, a corporation to which she has dedicated twenty-seven years...<READ MORE about Sherril>
 

Announcing Our New Blog

 
In order to provide our MBEs with additional exposure, the Council is creating a blog that will feature NCMSDC-certified MBEs. We will profile one MBE per blog post, which will include photos and information about the featured company that will not only assist other MBEs looking for MBE-to-MBE spend opportunities, but our corporate members, who have expressed an interest in putting a face to each of our certified MBEs. This is an excellent way to promote your business for free to both corporate members and your fellow NCMSDC-certified MBEs... <Click Here for Posting Guidelines>
 

Watch Our Gala Videos Online!

 
Watch clips from our Bollywood-themed 2009 Excellence in Supplier Diversity Awards video now!
 
The Excellence in Supplier Diversity Awards video, nominee interviews, and live footage from our 2009 Bollywood Ball Gala are now available for purchaseClick here for video options, pricing, and purchasing info.
 

NCMSDC Corporate Advocate

Charleen HamelCharleen Hamel
Supplier Diversity Manager
Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.

Charleen Hamel has extensive experience working with small and diverse businesses.  Her seventeen years of experience working in procurement and supplier diversity at companies like Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. (where she currently occupies the crucial role of Supplier Diversity Manager), Cisco Systems, Inc., Kaiser Electronics, and Space Systems Loral have given her an informed perspective of the critical role that supplier diversity plays in the procurement process-a perspective upon which NCMDSC has often relied to great benefit... <READ MORE about Charleen>
 
Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.
From enterprise data centers to the service provider core, BrocadeŽ (NASDAQ: BRCD) develops extraordinary networking solutions that connect the world's most important information in mission-critical environments... <READ MORE about Brocade>
 

NCMSDC Corporate Advocate

Joan KerrJoan Namahana Kerr
Executive Director, Supplier Diversity Programs
AT&T

Joan Namahana Kerr is well-respected as an influential and active leader in supplier diversity today.  Her commitment to diversifying the supplier landscape has been recognized through numerous awards, such as California DVBE Alliance's Keeping the Promise Award, NMSDC's Minority Supplier Development Leader of the Year Award (Joan is a three-time winner),WBENC's Applause Award, AT&T's Asian Pacific Islanders for Professional, and Community Advancement's Corporate Leadership Award...<READ MORE about Joan>
 
AT&T
AT&T is bringing it all together for our customers, from the revolutionary iPhone 3G S to next-generation TV services and sophisticated solutions for multi-national businesses...<READ MORE about AT&T>
 

NCMSDC Corporate Advocate

Success Story Sheila BrightSheila O. Bright
Director
Marketing Communications & Stakeholder Management
AT&T Supplier Diversity Programs

Sheila O. Bright has more than 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry and has professional expertise in the areas of supply chain inclusion, marketing, training, public relations, product and project management.  She has held a variety of management posts within AT&T including: Sales and Service Manager, Training Manager, Billing Product Manager and Director of Sales Support...<READ MORE about Sheila>
 
AT&T
AT&T is bringing it all together for our customers, from the revolutionary iPhone 3G S to next-generation TV services and sophisticated solutions for multi-national businesses...<READ MORE about AT&T>
 

D.W. Morgan Company's Steps to Going Global

 
Create an innovative solution to an industry problem
The Pleasanton, Calif.-based D.W. Morgan Company tackled one of the toughest problems facing manufacturers worldwide by offering local service on a global scale.  In D.W. Morgan's industry, manufacturers face a 'last mile' problem when arranging critical inland transportation for their goods. In response to this challenge, D.W. Morgan developed an exclusive Global Drayage service-an industry first-which not only solved the problem but brought instant visibility to their company at an international level... <CLICK HERE for Step 2>

Strategic Alliance Partner

 
Hispanic Chamber
HCCSV
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Silicon Valley is one of the oldest ethnic chambers of commerce in California.  In 2005, it celebrated its 50th anniversary.  The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is an advocacy organization for small businesses and Hispanic-owned enterprises...
 

Green Talks: A Q&A Series with Companies Going Green

 
Vincent Stephenson Vincent Stephenson
President & CEO
V.S. Supply Company, NCMSDC-Certified
Industry: Professional Cleaning Services


Is going "Green" especially important for MBEs?
Yes, because "Green" certifications are being used by the federal government and other state and local governments in part of the growing "Green" movement; often, it's one of the criteria required to bid on government contracts.  Being Green-certified has also offered us increased visibility with corporate, federal, state, and local procurement officials... <READ MORE>
 
If you would like to participate in Green Talks or would like to recommend a green company, please email us.
 

Success Story: Point&Ship

 
Success Story Ted Mesa
 
Pointandship Software, Inc. (Point&Ship) is on a roll. Our company has experienced many successes over the past year including receiving national and regional recognition. We landed on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing, private companies in the United States due to our revenue strength... <READ MORE>
 

Success Story: Level Six Partners

 
Success Story: Level Six Partners
In 2008, Level Six Partners made a decision to grow our business into different industries.  Our strategy enabled the company to mitigate any downturn in IT spending by extending our services to a new customer base.  The Northern California Minority Supplier Development Council (NCMSDC) and its minority certification became a tremendous asset... <READ MORE>
 

Success Story: Sugar Bowl Bakery

 
Andrew Ly
 
Sugar Bowl Bakery
, a NCMSDC- certified MBE, was named a finalist for Ernst & Young's "Entrepreneur of the Year Award" on June 13, 2009 at the San Jose Fairmont.  Entrepreneurs competing for this award were evaluated on their commitment to innovation, financial performance, and positive community impact... <READ MORE>
 

Celebrating MBE-to-MBE Spend

 
Celebrating MBE-to-MBE Spend & Council Involvement
To protect yourself during this economic downturn, you must begin to rely on other MBEs as buyers, sellers, and strategic partners.  By participating in MBE-to-MBE Spend, volunteering at seminars and events, and becoming an involved member of the MBE community, you will survive the economy and come out on top.  Here is one example of MBE-to-MBE Spend & active Council participation:
NCMSDC would like to commend ICE Safety Solutions for engaging in MBE-to-MBE Spend with Over the Top Coaching... <READ MORE>
 
Promoting Minority Supplier Development for Over 30 Years
New logo
In This Issue
A Special Message from the President
Council News
August 6th Expo
July 23rd Mixer
MBEIC Update
Farewell to Sherril Gressel
New NCMSDC Blog
Gala Videos Online
Corporate Advocate: Charleen Hamel
Corporate Advocate: Joan Kerr
Corporate Advocate: Sheila Bright
D.W. Morgan's Steps to Going Global
Strategic Alliance Partner: HCCSV
Green Talks: V.S. Supply
Success Stories
MBE-to-MBE Spend
Top 3 Certification Tips
Watch Our Videos Online
Contracting Opportunities
Website News
Could You Have More Business?
Board of Directors
About Us
Photograph Credits
Sign-up for our Newsletter 
NCMSDC
Annual Sponsors
Leadership
Union Bank
 
Diamond 
 Chevron Corporation
 Cisco
 
Gold
Brocade
Hewlett-Packard Company
Kaiser Permanente
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
 
Silver
Lockheed Martin Corporation
 
Bronze
Apple Inc.
AT&T
Robert Half International
Virgin America
Wells Fargo 

 
Visit Our Sponsor Page
 Top 3 Certification Tips of the Month
Office Group

1. Recertify early! Recertify early! Recertify early! 

2. Submit complete forms - generate, print, sign, date, & notarize your application
 
3. Submit with most complete recent Federal Tax Return or Home Council Certificate (if reciprocal) and fee of $150
Watch Our Videos Online
The Council is pleased to announce its new Videos & Presentations page.  On it, you will find a wealth of resources from our 2009 Gala Awards Video to educational workshops and webinars.
Contracting Opportunities
Please check our Contracting Opportunities page every week (located under "Vendor Opportunities"). Remember that not all opportunities are sent to you in our blasts, so you must visit this page to view all available and recent opportunities.
Website News
The NCMSDC website has a new look & new features!  Be sure to visit our Videos & Presentations, Government Stimulus, and Education & News pages.  Also frequently check our Opportunities page for new RFPs and contracting opportunities.  Please note that the website is best viewed with Internet Explorer or Firefox; Google Chrome users may have trouble viewing our Event details.
Could You Have More Business?
Corporations depend on our database to find you.  Position yourself for more business opportunities: Update Your Profile Today!  <Tips & Tricks to Updating Your Profile>

SERVICE POINTS ADVOCATE
Corporations:
If you currently give service points to NCMSDC, we will feature you in our newsletter.  Please email us a blurb about your company and supplier diversity efforts, along with a relevant photo.
Word limit: 200
Board of Directors
Click here to meet our Board
About Us
NCMSDC Staff
Vice President
James A. Cardenas
Director of Certification
Christine Liwai Garcia
Communications Manager
Valerie Hill
Website Services & Office Manager
Mission
Our mission is to provide Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) in Northern California and Hawaii with nationally-recognized certification and to connect corporate members with NCMSDC-certified minority suppliers.

Contact Info
P. 510.686.2555
F. 510.686.2552
info@ncmsdc.org
 
Quick Links
Credits
Staff Photo by Robert Hsiang Photo
Gala Photos by Kingmond Young Photography