The Alert, HMSDC's Digital Newsletter Q1-2023

Q1 -2023

HMSDC'S 50TH HMSDC'S 50TH

ANNIVERSARY: FIRST ANNIVERSARY: FIRST QUARTER PROGRAM QUARTER PROGRAM

HIGHLIGHTS AND MORE HIGHLIGHTS AND MORE

INGRID M. ROBINSON President/CEO

Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC) President, Ingrid M. Robinson, shares a message on the power of the HMSDC and discusses some of the amazing programs, initiatives, and economic impact that HMSDC and its certified MBEs make on the Houston economy. Whether you're an MBE, corporate member, or community stakeholder, you don't want to miss her message.

HMSDC is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year! For half a century, the HMSDC has been the voice for equity and inclusion in the greater Houston area. The organization has been a pioneer in advocating for business opportunities that support the growth of minority-owned businesses while providing support for corporate and government supplier diversity programs.

Founded by major corporations, HMSDC was established to develop minority-owned businesses that would create jobs, achieve economic self-sufficiency, and increase purchasing power in diverse communities. Today, the certified minority business enterprises (MBEs) that are supported by HMSDC contribute nearly 2% of Houston's gross domestic product. This makes them a key component of Houston's economic engine, helping to keep our economy strong.

The 771 certified HMSDC MBEs supported more than 70,000 jobs and more than $5.4 billion in wages.

Over the past 50 years, HMSDC has led transformation in communities of color across its service territory. By advocating for equity and inclusion, the organization has helped to break down barriers and create new opportunities for minority-owned businesses. With its ongoing commitment to supporting minority-owned businesses and promoting diversity and inclusion, HMSDC is poised to continue making a significant impact in the Houston area for many years to come.

CELEBRATING OUR IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY

Message from Mayor Sylvester Turner City of Houston

HMSDC had a busy first quarter, with a wide range of successful programs and events taking place. From the Annual Meeting, the launch of the HMSDC Exchange to the Financial Symposium, and from CEO Conversations to Transportation Industry Day, there has been a flurry of activity designed to foster connections, share insights, and help minority-owned businesses to succeed.

HMSDC held its Annual Meeting on January 19, 2023, at Amegy Bank. The theme of the event was "Leading Transformation," reflecting the council's commitment to driving change and empowering minority-owned businesses in the region. The meeting kicked off with a review of the council's accomplishments in 2022, including its role in facilitating over $1 billion in contracts for minority-owned businesses. Attendees also got a sneak peek at plans for the council's 50th anniversary, which will be celebrated this year. (continued on next page)

HIGHLIGHTS CONT.

One of the key highlights of the event was the presentation of the council's strategic plan for 2023. The plan outlines the council's goals for the coming year, which include expanding its membership, increasing access to capital for minority-owned businesses, and strengthening relationships with corporate partners. The plan also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in business, underscoring the council's role in promoting these values throughout the region. We also launched the Diverse Business Finder to assist in locating diverse-owned businesses in the Houston area.

The meeting concluded with a Leadership Fireside Chat, featuring HMSDC President/CEO Ingrid Robinson and her leadership team. The panel discussed a range of topics related to minority-owned businesses, including the challenges faced by MBEs and the opportunities available through corporate partners. The discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnership in driving change and creating a more equitable business landscape.

Overall, HMSDC's Annual Meeting was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse group of almost 200 business leaders and stakeholders to discuss the future of minorityowned businesses in the region. The council's commitment to transformation and empowerment was evident throughout the event, and its strategic plan for 2023 lays out a clear path for achieving these goals in the year ahead.

PUBLIC POLICY DAY

On March 15, 2023, the Houston, Dallas, and Southwest Minority Supplier Development Councils came together with community partner organizations like the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce, for the Minority Business Enterprise Public Policy Day at the Texas State Capitol. Leaders of these organizations met with legislators to discuss their legislative priorities, which include economic development impact, DBE certification, standardization of DBE metrics and reporting, energy transition, education and workforce development, and state and local government.

The MBE community has been a vital contributor to the Texas economy for 50 years. Their businesses have created job opportunities and have supported economic growth across the state. MBEs support policies, programs, and investments that encourage equity of opportunity, create accountability for diverse business inclusion, and goal reporting transparency. Through the adoption of inclusive economic development policies, they stimulate the growth of small businesses across the state.

One of the priorities discussed on the policy day was DBE certification. Minority businesses support the streamlining of the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) DBE certification process. This will create a more efficient manner to achieve this designation and increase the ability of minority-owned businesses to compete for business opportunities created because of the bi-partisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

MBEs also support the adoption of standardized metrics to track DBE participation across the state, counties, and city municipalities. This will create transparency and uniformity in reporting contract awards, ensuring that all businesses in Texas benefit from this once-in-a-generation investment to improve transportation, infrastructure, and broadband needs. (continued on next page)

DOWNLOAD LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

POLICY CONT.

Another priority of our certified businesses is the energy transition. They support the development of programs that promote the training, development, and use of clean-energy technologies and provide capital to businesses to transition and invest in new sectors of the energy industry. MBEs believe that intentional opportunities should be created for minority-owned businesses to participate in the energy transition.

The certified businesses of the three NMSDC regional affiliate councils employ over 71,000 people and support the development of training, apprenticeship, and upskilling programs to meet the diverse workforce needs of their businesses today and tomorrow. They believe that education and workforce development are critical components of their success and growth.

Finally, they also support an all-of-theabove approach to energy development and believe that intentional opportunities should be created for minority-owned businesses to participate in the energy transition. They are committed to continuing to advocate for policies that support their businesses and the communities they serve.

Pictured from L to R: Margo Posey, DFW MSDC President, Ying McGuire, NMSDC President, Ingrid M Robinson, HMSDC President and Karen Box, Southwest MSDC President

DFW MSDC staff members

TRANSPORTATION

HMSDC recently hosted Transportation Industry Day, sponsored by the Port of Houston. This event was designed to provide valuable information to suppliers about the transportation industry and future trends. The day was divided into four parts.

Jamila Owens, Transportation Manager at the Houston Galveston Area Council (HGAC) discussed the State of Transportation both locally and nationally, addressing challenges and planning conducted by 13 counties in the region. The L.E.A.D. Conversation was presented by Adam Galland, P.E., with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), providing an overview of significant projects and federal funding in the pipeline for TxDOT. The proposed funding is more than $85 billion. Mr. Galland emphasized the importance of understanding how to do business with TxDOT and encouraged diverse companies to pursue these projects.

There was also a panel on "How to Do Business with METRO, Port Houston, and TxDOT," led by Otis Johnson, METRO; Brandon Davis, Port of Houston, and Carlton Cooper with TxDOT. The panelists discussed critical criteria for conducting business with their respective organizations, emphasizing the importance of capacity and preparedness. Suppliers were encouraged to build relationships and collaborate with these organizations to prepare for the significant business opportunities that lie ahead.

The day ended with Matchmaking where suppliers were strategically matched with METRO, Port Houston, and TxDOT. Thirteen companies had the opportunity to meet with these organizations to discuss their value propositions and learn about specific contracting opportunities based on the products and services they provide.

DOING BUSINESS WITH...

HMSDC hosted a virtual event in the first quarter to educate suppliers on doing business with AmeriHealth Caritas, a leader in healthcare solutions for those in need. Ron Baldwin, Director of Supplier Management and Diversity, and Sharon Manker, Manager of Diverse Supplier Initiatives, provided insights into the company's structure and how diverse suppliers can participate in the procurement process.

AmeriHealth's supplier diversity team works in collaboration with procurement/sourcing and business development to ensure an inclusive sourcing process across categories such as Advertising/Public Communications, Consulting, Data Services & Supplies, Facilities Equipment & Services, Investments, Other/Office Supplies/Promo Items, Print & Fulfillment, Staffing, and Wellness/Clinical.

When doing business with AmeriHealth, suppliers must prioritize safety, business continuity, cost, vendor track record, availability/delivery/turnaround time, vendor capability & resources, and response time to inquiries. AmeriHealth Caritas has a track record of fostering the growth and development of diverse businesses and encourages suppliers to research the company to identify areas of collaboration.

They also shared information on the Texas STAR and Chip RFP, which offered opportunities to Texas HUBs certified by HMSDC to join their team as partners in the pursuit of representing the state of Texas as vendors.

CEO Conversations, aims to facilitate direct discussions on leadership between senior executives of Houston's major public and private companies and institutions and MBEs. It provides an opportunity for MBEs to learn from industry leaders, fostering innovation within their own businesses and industries. (continued on next page)

HMSDC hosted its First Quarter 2023 CEO Conversations on March 28, 2023. The event featured guest speakers, Linhua Guan, Chief Executive Officer of Surge Energy, and Anthony Bollato, Senior Manager at Accenture, who shared insights on new trends in the energy sector and the value of sustainability.

Surge Energy is an independent oil and natural gas production company that focuses on developing and acquiring reserves in the Texas Permian Basin, making it one of the state's top 20 oil producers. Leading Surge Energy's growth is Linhua Guan, who joined the company in 2018 with over 20 years of experience in the petroleum industry. During the event, Guan shared how he relied on his team of subject matter experts to guide the organization's growth, emphasizing that they were critical to Surge Energy's success. He also highlighted the importance of being able to recognize industry trends and moving in that direction.

Anthony Bollato, who leads the Net Zero Accelerator at the Houston Innovation Hub, spoke about the intersection of Energy, Sustainability, and Digital Innovation. He provided guidance on how MBEs can assist major corporations by providing innovations to solve complex challenges and unlock the value of sustainability in the energy sector.

MBE attendees expressed their appreciation for the valuable insights shared by the speakers. They found the session to be both timely and informative, with one attendee commenting on Linhua Guan's approachability and insightful contributions. Another attendee praised Anthony Bollato's openness and candid conversation.

“Linhua was amazing and I truly appreciate his time. Very approachable and insightful. Anthony offered open and candid conversation.”

-MBE Participant

UPCOMING EVENTS

5

Scholarship Fundraiser

BlackHorse

Club Location To Be Determined

20

The HMSDC Scholarship Fundraiser is an annual event to raise funds to support minority business development

Emerging 10 Awards

The Emerging 10 (E-10) Awards is our flagship award presented to ten of Houston’s prominent emerging minority business enterprises (MBEs).

11

Expo Marketplace

One of the most successful events of its kind and is Texas’ largest minority business trade fair, supporting the advancement of the minority business community across its service territory.

OCTOBER

Location

To Be Determined

7:00 PM - 10:O0 PM

13

50th Anniversary Gala

12

HMSDC has launched a new online resource called "The Exchange." This platform has been designed to connect corporations with MBEs and help them collaborate more effectively. The Exchange is a one-stop shop where MBEs can showcase their capabilities, and buyers can easily find them. This feature is especially useful for corporations looking to diversify their supply chains and meet their supplier diversity goals.

The Exchange also provides MBEs with access to open bids that align with their expertise and capabilities. This feature makes it easier for MBEs to find new business opportunities and grow their companies.

For corporations, The Exchange offers a dashboard with spend statistics, enabling them to track their supplier diversity spend and report their spend to the HMSDC. Corporations can also update their company profiles, providing MBEs with up-todate information about their procurement needs and requirements. This feature helps MBEs tailor their bids and proposals to meet the specific needs of each corporation they are working with. In addition, The Exchange offers engagement sponsorship bundles, which provide corporations and MBEs with opportunities to support HMSDC's mission and engage through networking events and other initiatives. Watch the video and follow the instructions to join.

HMSDC has always been committed to fostering economic growth and promoting diversity in the Houston business community. As we enter into the year 2023, we are excited to present our Plan of Work, which outlines our strategy and goals for the upcoming year.

This annual roadmap reflects our dedication to expanding opportunities for minority-owned businesses in the Houston area and strengthening relationships with our corporate partners. HMSDC's 2023 Plan of Work focuses on initiatives that support our mission of driving economic inclusion through supplier diversity, advocating for equitable access to opportunities, and providing resources to help our members thrive. Download a copy today!

Relive the most captivating moments from our first quarter programs and events by viewing our photo gallery

AnnualMeeting

PublicPolicy Day

In case you missed it...experience the excitement of our first quarter and upcoming programs and events with just a click, as we bring you exclusive video highlights

50th Anniversary Scholarship Video

2023 Annual Meeting Highlights

HMSDC Exchange