DEVAL L. PATRICK GOVERNOR TIMOTHY P. MURRAY LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR JAY GONZALEZ SECRETARY ELLEN BICKELMAN STATE PURCHASING AGENT REGINALD NUNNALLY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR |
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| Home Business Resources Certified Businesses | Newsletter May 31, 2010 | ||||||
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Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) FocusOn May 1, 2010 the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office, the agency resulting from the merger of the State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance (SOMWBA) and the Affirmative Market Program (AMP), became operational. The Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office seeks to fulfill the Governor’s promise of enhancing access and opportunity to minority and women-owned firms by creating a single door for certification services, technical assistance, capacity-building services and information on state and federal procurement opportunities. The Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office, an agency within the Operational Services Division, will continue to be led by Mr. Reginald Nunnally.As a result of this consolidation of services, the Governor’s Office of Administration and Finance, Office of Access and Opportunity, led by Mr. Ron Marlow, is sponsoring a Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Summit: Increasing Access and Opportunity for Minority and Women Business Growth on Friday, June 25, 2010, at the Boston Convention Center. The new Mass Suppliers Diversity Office (SDO) would like to invite you to be a participant in this historic event that will provide Minority and Women owned business "Access to Federal, State and Quasi-public Contracting Opportunities." The Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Summit is designed to introduce participants to the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office, the merged agency that takes the place of the State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance (SOMWBA) and the Affirmative Market Program (AMP). Additionally, the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Summit will present five panel discussions, each of which has a focus on areas of interest to minority and women businesses:
As someone who has worked hard to increase the capacity of your company, or endlessly advocates for the interests of minority and women businesses, your participation would be very meaningful. To confirm your participation or if you have any questions please contact in the following manner at Ronald.Marlow@state.ma.us or at 617-727-2040 x35418. |
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Client SpotlightMs. Amy B. Royal Royal & Klimczuk, LLC (WBE): In November 2008, Amy B. Royal made the courageous decision to open her own law firm, one that would exclusively represent businesses in all aspects of labor and employment law, with an emphasis on women and minority owned businesses. Obtaining certification as a WBE (member) with SOMWBA (now the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO)) was one of the first business moves Amy made, a move that has proved to be very rewarding. Indeed through her law firm, Royal & Klimczuk, LLC, Amy will be partnering with SDO to provide employment practices audits of participants in the DBE Supportive Services Program, which will include services such as providing handbook reviews, analyzing record keeping practices and reviewing wage and hour law issues. Amy credits Brian Ross, Program Director of the DBE SS Program for this partnership. "Since meeting Brian, he has been a real promoter of certified businesses; trying to help us find ways to get our name out there and help us succeed. For instance, Brian has planned and executed many different "Get Connected" events and I have been able to speak on various labor and employment law topics offered to SDO's portfolio of client businesses and we were awarded the HR Business Audit Contract from SDO and will now be conducting audits of DBE SS participant businesses' employment law practices." Since opening, Amy's boutique management-side only labor and employment law firm, Royal and Klimczuk, has expanded to six attorneys. With dual offices in both Northampton and Springfield , the firm represents a wide-range of businesses throughout the New England states and nationally, from small non-profit organizations to Fortune 500 companies, in fields such as human service, health care, manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, automotive services, food service, transportation, retail and education. Last year, as a result of the firm's rapid success, Amy received BusinessWest Magazine's prestigious "40 under 40" award recognizing her for her outstanding entrepreneurialship and leadership in the business community. Amy is very active in the community, serving on the Board of Directors of the Center for Human Development, Inc.; the Board of Trustees for The MacDuffie School and the Board of Directors for Human Resources Unlimited. She also serves as Chair of the Human Rights Committee of Aditus, Inc. |
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The Supplier Diversity Program (SDP)
The Supplier Diversity Program (SDP), formerly know as the Affirmative Market Program (AMP), was established in 2010 to promote supplier diversity in public contracting. The SDP is housed under the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) within the Operational Services Division. The program instituted policies to encourage the award of state contracts in a manner that develops and strengthens certified Minority and Women Business Enterprises (M/WBEs). Our mission is to increase business opportunities for M/WBEs.All contractors interested in doing business with the State are strongly encouraged to develop creative initiatives to help foster business relationships with certified M/WBEs in the public market place. A vendor’s certification status serves as a marketing tool and is valuable in the contracting process for all. The SDP provides ongoing training and marketing opportunities for certified Minority and Women Owned Enterprises. In addition, to increase the use of M/WBEs in statewide purchasing, the Supplier Diversity Program has a liaison in each of the Executive Branch departments and is responsible for tracking participating departments’ procurement expenditures with M/WBEs. Mentoring Opportunity MBEs and WBEs The SDP Business Advisory Board’s mission is to assist the Commonwealth and it’s SDP participating entities in maintaining the objectives of Executive Order 390. In so doing, the SDP Business Advisory Board is responsible for creating and supporting initiatives that represent the interests of the SDO certified vendor community. One such initiative is “The Business to Business Mentoring Initiative”. We feel strongly that by providing a mechanism for support, training and understanding of the public contracting process representation of minority and women owned businesses can increase. If you are SDO certified and are interested in participating in this program please complete the form and email or fax at 617-727-4527. |
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Partner SpotlightMassRecycle educates businesses on how to reduce their costs, practice sustainable business practices, and understand green purchasing.The Operational Services Division and the Supplier Diversity Office are encouraging business owners to find out more about cost effective business practices, green funding initiatives, green office start-up kits and a 600 page manual to help keep your staff on track. All of this information is presented once a year, at an upcoming conference on June 15th from 8 am - 2:15 pm at Bentley University in Waltham; conference details 4th Annual Green Office Conference Green Office/Green Facility 2010: Cost-Effective Sustainability Tools for Businesses, Institutions and Non-Profits Get 15% off your registration when you use coupon code "mbe10" at credit card checkout. |
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Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services (DBE SS) ProgramWith the close of May, the inaugural class of the DBE/SS Program is now preparing for their graduation ceremony to be held in June. The 2009/2010 DBE SS Program has included technical assistance courses, mentorship opportunities and the "Get Connected" knowledge seminars. After completing a course taught by Turner Construction, participants are in the finishing stages of the 'StreetWise MBA'™ program taught by Interise (formerly InnerCity Entrepreneurs). DBE SS participants in the Interise class have focused on the following; Business and Leadership, Finances, Marketing and Sales, and both human and financial resources. Each business owner has used their own company as a case study as they examined their own fiscal numbers and in doing so have learned better ways to manage capital, assets, balance sheets, and income statements. A major portion of the DBE SS Program has included working with Interise to create an individualized three-year business growth plan for each DBE enrolled in the program.Participating DBEs will also be receiving a personal employment practices audit of their business, new employee handbooks, and employment applications. In addition, the Supplier Diversity Office is also working to secure individual QuickBooks assessments and trainings as well as additional "Get Connected" knowledge seminars on topics to help further business growth and development. SDO is also excited to announce we have received funding for another season of the DBE SS program and are currently recruiting for the next season. If you are currently working in or are interested in participating in highway/transportation related projects we urge you to contact Brian Ross at 617-973-8574 or email to learn how to become a participant in the 2010/2011 DBE SS Program. |
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Vendor Spotlight
R.S. Lamson & Sons (WBE) - Donna Schuler WebSiteStatewide Contract FAC54 - Recycled Plastic Lumber and Other Recycled Plastic and Rubber Products Last year, R.S. Lamson & Sons, Inc., a family-owned, fifth generation building materials supply company in Hudson, MA, decided to re-invent ourselves. The declining economy and big changes within our own industry forced us to take a hard look at our business plan. Our mission statement would remain the same… “ to provide our customers with quality materials at competitive prices on time”. What had to change was our marketing strategy. In the past we had done quite well supplying the residential community in central Massachusetts. The new plan would be to target the commercial market in all of Massachusetts. The Supplier Diversity Program would be an integral part of this re-organization. Today, we are a woman-owned business (no sons – 3 daughters!) and WBE has become our new battle-cry. Doors are opening for us in the commercial competitive-bid market and we are working hard for statewide recognition. With the skillful guidance of the SDP staff and our crucial SDO certification (be patient – it takes awhile!), we were awarded our first statewide contract in Oct. 2008 (FAC54). The SDP workshops and the COMM-PASS on-line system are essential tools in navigating the electronic submission process. Check the project leads in "your area of interest" daily for bidding opportunities. Getting to know people in the Operational Services Division and other state agencies is a must. Partnering with other M/WBE’s has broadened our capabilities. The SDP’s emphasis on using M/WBE’s for subcontracting and ancillary services is innovative and it really works! We found a great WBE to buy tires from for our trucks. Our mentor at New England Office Supply was extremely helpful. Her best advice – go to the state-hosted events, meetings, shows, workshops, etc. and network! Our advice to newcomers, or anyone considering re-invention – get involved with the SDP, network, and don’t be afraid to "think outside the box". |
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Eastern BankEastern Bank, received the Massachusetts award as top SBA lender in 2009, and they are keeping up the pace in 2010 by reaching out to the business community. The award was presented to Eastern Bank in recognition of their excellent SBA activity, assisting businesses in difficult economic times with 156 loan approvals, and ending fiscal year 2009 as the most active SBA lender in the state. Today, more than ever you need a bank that's not only there for you but true to you and your community. For nearly two centuries, Eastern Bank has been there to help generations of individuals, families, and businesses reach their goals. They have accomplished it with honest values and service that always puts the customers first. It's how Eastern Bank has grown to be the largest independent mutually owned bank and has earned a reputation as a bank that cares about its customers, communities, and employees.Jim Cobb, Eastern Bank VP/Branch Manager partnered with SDO's sponsoring a business development forum in Lowell last month with the Merrimack Valley Venture Forum - Women's Collaborative, the Lowell Business Assistance Center, InterRise, (formerly Inner City Entrepreneurs, ICE) and the Small Business Administration. Jonathan Vogt, Vice President with Eastern Bank Business Banking, presented at the City of Lowell's Business Week event last week, advising businesses on the best avenues for funding their businesses and the types of financing that might work best for them. Eastern also sponsored the New England Xpo for Business on May 18th at the convention center with AT&T. Eastern’s SBA Loans Info |
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May 2010 ACTIVITY Certified Businesses Newly State Certified Newly Federal Certified Renewed Businesses State Renewed Federal Renewed |
RENEWALS Reminder letters are sent out 30 days prior to the companies expiration date. These letters detail the documentation the company is required to submit to remain in good standing. Certifications are renewed according to the following schedules: • MBE, WBE, MBE/WBE and NPO'S Every 2 years (Biennial renewal) • DBE Every year (Annual Review) State certified Businesses will be contacted when their files are going to be reviewed for a 6 year substantive review. |
BID OPPORTUNITIES We strongly encourage you to go to www.comm-pass.com to learn about other bid opportunities throughout the Commonwealth. |
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DOING BUSINESS IN THE AMERICAS Thursday, June 15 - 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. FREE (NORTH AMERICA, SOUTH AMERICA, AND CARIBBEAN): Hispanics and Latin Americans are changing the face of the Business-to-Consumer market in the US. These Pan American markets are the fastest growing B2C market segments in the US and are projected to reach 25% of total market share by 2050. In this workshop Eduardo Crespo will delve into how your business can tap into the Hispanic markets by understanding the idiosyncrasies of language, culture, and media consumption and use this to develop a targeted marketing strategy for your business. Speaker: Eduardo Crespo, CEO, Hispanic Market Solutions Co-sponsored by the Small Business Development Center The Capital Network's Boot Camp for Entrepreneurs!: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. add to outlook calendar One Day Boot Camp for VC and Angel Success on June 16th, The Capital Network (TCN) will be hosting its first ever Venture Boot Camp. Led by leading experts in the field of startup financing, the limited seat Boot Camp is an intensive, interactive full-day seminar designed to provide entrepreneurs and investors an in-depth understanding of what it takes to raise early stage capital for a startup. The Boot Camp is a dynamic, fast-track version of TCN's comprehensive roundtables and expert lunches. Where: Seaport West - Boston, MA Directions TCN Venture Boot Camp is a limited seat opportunity for select entrepreneurs to have a comprehensive 1-day program to understand early stage finance: REGISTER Minority Small Business Recovery Fair: Friday, June 18, 2010 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Learn how to survive challenging economic conditions. Small businesses can take advantage of programs geared specifically to meet their needs. Financing, Government contracting, Counseling and training. Meet with lenders, technical assistance providers, and federal agencies. Learn about SBA's programs to help you start and grow your business. 8:30 a.m. - Registration and networking Continental Breakfast Location: Anthony's Pier 4 Restaurant 9:00a.m. - Welcoming Remarks 140 Northern Ave, Boston 9:30a.m. - "Impress Your Banker" Panel To register call: Anna Outerbridge at 10:30a.m. - 12:00 noon - Recovery Fair 617/565-8510 or email Supplier Diversity Program Services SDP Workshop for Departments Thursday, July 15, 2010 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. This workshop is a three hour training that will assist all procurement officers, contract managers and program coordinators gain better understanding and increase their tools for developing SDP approaches in the procurement process. This course will cover SDP Requirements and Policies, Strategic Research and Planning for M/WBE Vendor Pool Availability, SDP Plan Approaches for Success, Managing SDP Commitments for Increased Outcomes, SDP Steps for Effective Contract Management & Maximizing SDP Plan Opportunities and Evaluation Options. Case studies will be part of the curriculum. Feel free to bring your examples and case studies for discussion. SDP How to Submit an Effective SDP Plan Training: Thursday, June 24, 2010 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The SDP Plan form is a requirement for all large procurements and Statewide Contracts. SDP is offering this workshop to both Certified and Non-certified Bidders who are interested in learning how to submit effective SDP Plans. The training is designed to provide all Bidders with the necessary information, resources, tools and skills to complete an SDP Plan for all types of solicitations. (This workshop will be cancelled or rescheduled if the minimum number of participants (8) is not met) Location: The McCormack Building, One Ashburton Place, 10th Floor, Boston, MA. 02108 directions Registration: To register for this training, first time users will need to create an account. For instructions on creating an account please download the PACE Job Aids and follow the step by step directions to register through the PACE (Performance and Career Enhancement) Learning Management System. If you have questions regarding this training, please send an email. SDP Seller Training for Interested Bidders, Vendors & SDO Certified Vendors The Supplier Diversity Program & the Operational Services Division offers this workshop on a monthly basis in a two session format on topics related to the procurement of commodities and services as well as for businesses interested in selling to the state.
Practical Start-up, Funding & Venture Development Strategies: Tuesday June 22, 2010 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Venture Development Center at UMass Boston add event to Outlook calendar Wheatley Hall, 3rd Fl, 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA Please join us for a limited seat luncheon at the new Venture Development Center at UMass Boston. Attendees can expect an overview of new venture start-up and planning considerations oriented to those contemplating a venture as well as existing business owners. Topics will include the entrepreneurial lifestyle, feasibility, business strategy, financing, business resources, and strategies for navigating the current economic environment. You will have the opportunity to ask specific questions about your venture. This lunch will be led by Mark Allio, Regional Director of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) Network at UMass Boston, a former strategy consultant, non-profit administrator, and entrepreneur. Joining Mark will be William Brah, Founder and Executive Director of the Venture Development Center, Boston's new business incubator, and VDC Entrepreneur-in-Residence Dan Philips, a former serial technology entrepreneur. Topic Expert: Mark Allio - Regional Director of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) Network at UMass Boston For more information |
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Supplier Diversity Office 10 Park Plaza, Suite 3740 Boston, MA 02116 Phone 617-973-8692 |
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