·         ACCESS TO CAPITAL

·         INCORPORATING DIVERSITY PROGRAMS INTO OUR OVERALL PROCUREMENT STRATEGY

·         ECONOMIC TRENDS & BUDGET TRENDS

·         MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES

·         POTENTIAL LEGISLATIVE IMPACT AND SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING ALTERNATIVES

·         PARTNERSHIP AND MENTORING OPPORTUNITIES

·         NETWORKING TIPS & SUCCESSES

·         HOW WILL HEALTH CARE REFORM IMPACT ALL BUSINESSES

·         SUSTAINABILITY OF CORPORATE MEMBERS

·         NEW IDEAS FOR FUNDRAISERS
 

We would like to extend a very special thanks to Lily Poon of AdvenTech for the design of our new 2011 Calendar (being mailed out this week) and to Denver Water for printing this year's calendar.

As yet another year draws to a close, I would be remiss if I didn't take the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of our MBEs, the Council and our Corporate Members this year.

 The 2010 theme to "Get Connected, Be Connected and Stay Connected" really set the tone and the pace this year.  We opened with a collaborative approach to support the Council in its efforts to build a team that would assist in the planning and development of activities to support both current and prospective MBEs and corporations.  The Council's efforts have developed a sustainable skill and knowledge base of individuals that demonstrated the ability to leverage efficiencies in terms of costs and management across multiple activities.

"Getting Connected" this year took a variety of forms as the Council brought forth tremendous focus and effort on their certification and recertification process.  As an example, the oversight and management yielded greater retention, New MBE training and orientation.  In addition, monthly events to support greater visibility amongst the MBE population and corporate members provided for increased business relationships as well as procurement opportunities.  These events created a buzz in the community that continues to enhance our brand in the market and attract other MBEs and corporations to our Council.  We've seen over a 10% increase in the number of new corporations to the Council - quite a success story given the economic conditions and cutbacks in memberships and associations.

"Being Connected" was the buzz word this year as the addition of monthly social events took on a new meaning as they increased business relationships as well as procurement opportunities.  These events hosted by local businesses also provided greater visibility amongst the MBE population and corporate members. 

"Staying Connected" was easy given the myriad of calendared events brought to you by the Council.  We saw a significant increase in the number of Access Opportunity Meetings, Training and Development Sessions by the Council.  The Minority Business Enterprise Input committee (MBEIC) revised its Operating Guidelines to further attract and increase MBE participation on the MBEIC Committee.  The annual meeting held in May brought record numbers of MBEs to the event with a social networking session that facilitated business introductions amongst the membership.

I owe much thanks to the MBEIC for its dedication and commitment in its drive to ensure we don't lose sight of the Council's mission and objectives.  In addition, the MBEIC's ability to articulate the value proposition for our MBEs as well as for our Corporate Members helps me to lead this committee effectively.  We had a successful election such that our Committee has grown to near full capacity with the addition of 6 positions.  The new MBEIC Members are:  Jim Sato, David Lafore, David Ortiz, Ali Khan, Ron Abo, and Larry Duran.

I'm excited about the platform we have built as we move into 2011.  We are clearly stronger and demonstrate a kindred spirit to position this Council, our MBEs and Corporate Members for the National Conference that will be held in 2012.  Don't take for granted the value of being informed and engaged because somuch more will be offered next year.  This Council will be Bigger, Better and Bolder...don't be left behind!

Moses Brewer, MillerCoors (Rocky Mountain MSDC Corporate Member) 

Dr. Lloyd Lewan

Richard Lewis, RTL Networks (Rocky Mountain MSDC-Certified MBE)

Lu Vason, Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo

Tamara Banks

helped to give a voice, through the media, to those in the underserved communities who struggle against social injustice. Banks is a well-known face in the Denver media, most notably as a television News Anchor and Reporter for Denver's WB2 News. Recently she worked in Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper's office as his Neighborhood Liaison and greatly enhanced the coordination and communication between the City and County of Denver and its neighborhoods. Tamara has a passion for international news, politics and world relations that has taken her to Kenya, Jordan, Senegal, Peru, Panama and Haiti to produce special reports and documentaries. Tamara believes that a democracy can not survive without "Freedom of the Press." Tamara shares: "I am working on a
a curriculum that will teach emerging democracies the relationship between the media and the government, and the true principles of Free Press. I did some work in Kenya a few years ago with about seven of my fellow National Association of Black Journalists members where we worked with Kenyan journalists and the Kenyan government on media training. I am expanding the program and will be working with some of our local universities on the curriculum." A level-headed, realist, the focused Tamara Banks has made changes in her life with aplomb. With her keen sense of curiosity and unsurpassed integrity, this strong, gutsy "lady of many skills" will surely make her mark on this world.

Trail Blazer Award:  Ruth Denny

Growing up in St. Louis, Ms. Denny had two goals:  go to college and defeat racial discrimination.  She has never forgotten the discrimination that her mother, a domestic and nanny, endured.  With fierce determination, she graduated from Stowe Teachers College in St. Louis and became an elementary school teacher.  After marrying and having a son and daughter, she learned in 1951 that her husband's job with the Air force would take her to Denver.  She states, "When I got to Denver, I thought I was going to Heaven."  But Denver proved not to be a free as she had hoped.  The Ku Klux Klan still had a large following in Denver in the 1950s.  She quickly became involved in Civil Rights.  A friend from St. Louis, Jim Reynolds, asked her to join CORE, the Congress of Racial Equality.  Ms. Denny soon became the only female Chairperson of Colorado's CORE Chapter.  She vividly remembers picketing and boycotting the Denver Dry Goods, King Soopers and Zone Cab for their discriminatory practices in hiring and promotions.   After years of frustration, she was finally hired by Denver Public Schools.  She taught for 13 years at Gilpin Elementary School and 13 years at Asbury Elementary School.  After retiring, she initiated a tutoring program for children at the Gospel Hall in Northeast Denver.  Always a supporter of community organizations, she started the STARS program with the Urban League to honor the achievements of high school students.  She initiated and co-produced the video "Rebels Remembered, the Civil Rights Movement in Colorado.  The program is shown in public schools around the state.