WBENC 2012 April President's Newsletter

APRIL 2012

PRESIDENT’S

REPORT

WBENC HONORS WBE STARS

SUMMIT & SALUTE HIGHLIGHTS

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JOHN YOUNG, ENERGY FUTURE HOLDINGS’ PRESIDENT AND CEO, WINS CRYSTAL LEADERSHIP AWARD WBENC NAMES AMERICA’S TOP CORPORATIONS

Government Spotlight: Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) WBENC’s Star Luncheon Speaker: Banneker Industries’ Cheryl Snead

WBENC

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

CALENDAR OF EVENTS THIS CALENDAR INCLUDES EVENTS HOSTED BY WBENC’S REGIONAL PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS AND STRATEGIC PARTNERS. VISIT WBENC’S ONLINE CALENDAR FOR MORE EVENTS. WOMEN IMPACTING PUBLIC POLICY (WIPP) & NATIVE AMERICAN CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION (NACA) SMALL BUSINESS PARTNERING AND MATCHMAKER SESSION April 18, 2012 Radisson National Airport Arlington, Va. Click here for details.

WOMEN CONSTRUCTION OWNERS & EXECUTIVES NEW YORK CITY CONFERENCE May 6-9, 2012 Sofitel Hotel New York, N.Y. Click here for details.

EDITORIAL TEAM EDITOR IN CHIEF Sharon F. Beadle EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Allison Gibson

GROUNDBREAKING WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION CONFERENCE: CHANGE/IMPLEMENT/MANAGE WBEC SOUTH 13TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S May 8-9, 2012 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY EXPO McGraw-Hill Conference Center INNOVATION THROUGH DIVERSITY New York, N.Y. April 18-19, 2012 Click here for details.

New Orleans Marriott New Orleans, La. WBEC-GL - CORPORATE CONNECTIONS Click here for details.

MATCHMAKER (WEST) SOUTHWEST WOMEN’S BUSINESSWORKS! May 10, 2012 Herman Miller Inc April 19, 2012 Zeeland, Mich.

Irving Convention Center Visit www.miceed.org or Irving, Texas call 734-677-1400 for details.

Click here for details.

PRODUCTION AND DESIGN Limb Design

CEED ANNUAL AWARD CELEBRATION April 19, 2012 Motorcity Casino Hotel Detroit, Mich.

Click here for details.

Betty Cole Sr. Director, Programs

WPO 15TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE April 25-27, 2012 InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta Atlanta, Ga. Click here for details.

WBEA ANNUAL CONFERENCE CONNECTIONS: 2012 May 16, 2012 Reliant Center Houston, Texas Contact Susan Repka at srepka@wbea-texas.org or click here.

GWBC TOP CORPORATIONS May 17, 2012 Twelve Hotel, Twelve Atlantic Station®, WBEC-PA-DE-NJ SUCCESSFUL STRATEGIES Atlanta, Ga. FOR NAVIGATING SUPPLIER DIVERSITY AND Visit the GWBC website.

PROCUREMENT MATCHMAKER WBEC-GL - CORPORATE CONNECTIONS April 27, 2012 MATCHMAKER (EAST) Pittsburgh, Pa. May 17, 2012 Call 877-790-WBEC (9232) or visit Davenport University www.wbecouncil.org for details.

Livonia, Mich.

Visit www.miceed.org or call INSTITUTE FOR SUPPLY MANAGEMENT 734-677-1400 for details.

(ISM) 97TH ANNUAL SUPPLY MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE ATLANTA LATINA STYLE May 6, 2012 BUSINESS SERIES Baltimore Convention Center May 24, 2012 Baltimore, Md. Atlanta, Ga. Click here for details.

Click here for details.

PHOTOGRAPHY Linda Johnson Visionista WRITERS Paige Adams Director, Development and Corporate Relations Sharon F. Beadle Editor-in-Chief

Kim Jones Manager, Member Services Cristy McCullough AVP Marketing, Communications, and Brand Management Pamela Prince-Eason President & CEO Lynthia Romney RomneyCom, LLC Candace Waterman Senior Director of Compliance & Alliance Relationships Lakesha White Sr. Certification Program Manager

TABLE OF CONTENTS: APRIL EDITION OF THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT CALENDAR OF EVENTS

NEW

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 1

CORPORATE MEMBERS

FEATURES John Young, Energy Future Holdings’ President and CEO, Wins Crystal Leadership Award

2

Snead Steps Up and Brings Down the House

3

SALLIE MAE

Summit & Salute – Highlights

5

Brian Doak

Government Spotlight: Strengthening the Voice for Women in

9

Manager, Government

Business in Our Nation’s Capital through Women

Subcontracting & Supplier Diversity

Impacting Public Policy

Best Practices From Top Corporations: Guiding WBEs to Success

10

THE PEABODY ORLANDO Chuck Mincey

CERTIFICATION WBENC National Conference & Business Fair: Time to Get Connected

AGL RESOURCES

13

How to Make the National Conference & Business Fair a Success for You 14

Randy Cobb Director, Supplier Diversity

OPPORTUNITIES Leadership Training Expert Mike Jones to Headline 2012 WBENC National Conference & Business Fair

15

Call for Auction Items for 2012 National Conference: Get Recognized

17

Two Great WBENC Executive Education Opportunities: Tuck and Dorothy B. Brothers

18

RESOURCES Matchmaking Opportunities Bring Corporate Members and WBEs Together for Productive Discussions

19

RECOGNITION Conference Host Member Spotlight: The DW Group and Landry & Kling

www.wbenc.org

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE MARGARET MEAD FAMOUSLY SAID: “NEVER DOUBT THAT A SMALL GROUP OF THOUGHTFUL, COMMITTED CITIZENS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD. INDEED, IT IS THE ONLY THING THAT EVER HAS.”

On the occasion of WBENC’s Anniversary, Celebrating 15 Years

Our own Cheryl Snead, President and CEO of Banneker Industries,

of Vision, Opportunities and Success, I believe we can expand

and 2009 WBE Star, electrified the room with her story of how

that truism to include our broader WBENC community. Together,

she built – and continues to grow – a global business by seizing

our Corporate and Government Members, Regional Partner

opportunities with conviction and purpose. Please see more details in

Organizations, Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs) and WBENC

a story on Cheryl’s keynote address in this President’s Report.

team, are changing the landscape for WBEs in profound ways.

In accepting the prestigious Crystal Leadership Award for top-

As I celebrate my one-year anniversary as your President and CEO,

down commitment to WBE advancement, Energy Future Holdings

I am so proud to have been part of last month’s WBENC Summit &

President and CEO John F. Young shared the impact that his

Salute to Women’s Business Enterprises, which showcased just how

mother’s leadership and values had on his work. Energy Future

much is being accomplished by the talented thought leaders across

Holdings is one of the three corporations – along with AT&T and UPS

our organization.

– that have won the Top Corporations Award for each of the award’s

I’d like to touch on some of the highlights of our Summit & Salute: At the 2011 America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprise Awards Ceremony, senior executives from our 29 organizations shared their best practices for engaging WBEs in productive partnerships that enhance everyone’s products and services.

Key themes we heard throughout were: • Commitment from the top • Multiple business line engagement and accountability • Customized mentoring to build WBE sophistication, scale and Tier 2 & 3 businesses • Advanced executive and entrepreneurial education

13 years in existence.

Our WBEs were engaged in the Multi-Tier Opportunity forums hosted

by AT&T that enabled both one-on-one and group introductions to corporations and other WBEs. Additionally, WBEs bid for and won Power Lunches with senior executives from Accenture, the American Red Cross, Ernst &Young, and Ford Motor Company. And in our raffle benefitting the American Cancer Society, some lucky WBEs won a pendant donated by Sharon Evans of CFj Manufacturing, and a WBENC Legacy bracelet designed

by The DW Group and Doubletake Studios. Read more about the Legacy Program later in this Report.

• Measurement of WBE spend and business growth

And, as always, our event concluded with our Salute to WBE Stars

• Seizing opportunities from marketplace shifts or business realignment

– the 14 women’s business enterprises who are boosting economic

• Global vision

growth through their individual visions and ingenuity. You’ve heard

In discussing their business practices, this impressive group articulated the business case for the WBENC Roadmap to 2020.

about them in previous Reports, and can see them with their RPOs in our Summit & Salute photo spread this month.

They demonstrated how powerful we are as an organization in fueling

This is the WBENC community – a diverse group of change agents

business development, economic growth and job creation.

with a collective goal in mind.

The high level of energy among all our attendees reinforced the role

I am proud to serve you as President and CEO. And I look forward

of our COR values – Certification, Opportunities and Resources, along

to seeing you next at our National Conference & Business Fair in

with Recognition and Technology – in driving positive change.

Orlando on June 19-21.

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake leveraged that energy

Until then, continue your great work as – together – we help drive our

as she presented WBENC with a City of Baltimore Certification of

nation’s economic growth.

Recognition. As a popular public servant committed to improving public education and strengthening city neighborhoods, she knows

Sincerely,

well the power of community in affecting change.

Pamela Prince-Eason WBENC President and CEO

FEATURE

JOHN YOUNG, ENERGY FUTURE HOLDINGS’ PRESIDENT AND CEO, WINS CRYSTAL LEADERSHIP AWARD Access to the corporate marketplace for women’s businesses starts with the most senior leaders of an organization. At Energy Future Holdings (EFH), which has won the WBENC America’s Top Corporations Award in each of its 13-year history, that leadership begins with John F. Young, President and CEO.

opportunities for women’s businesses in the marketplace,” said Laura Taylor, WBENC Board Chair.

In recognition of his commitment to women’s business success, WBENC President and CEO Pamela PrinceEason presented Young with the prestigious Crystal Leadership Award at WBENC’s 2012 Salute to Women’s Business Enterprises, before more than 1,200 attendees representing major corporations, government entities and women’s businesses.

“John Young is a pillar of commitment to women’s businesses,” she said. “He has mobilized a talented advisory team of experts and innovators at EFH that has created opportunities for women entrepreneurs to contribute with valuable products and services.”

Young spearheaded a bold system to ensure organizational support for doing business with women.

For two full years, EFH’s corporate advisory board – appointed and chaired by Young himself – has placed full accountability for women’s business enterprise (WBEs) inclusion and success where the opportunity lies, in the businesses themselves.

Cheryl Stevens, EFH’s Vice President of Supplier Diversity, presents on a regular basis to the advisory council and the EFH board of directors. She also serves WBENC as Immediate Past Chair of the WBENC Board.

“Cheryl Stevens is an eminently respected leader, who has guided our organization over many years and continues to be at the forefront of advancing

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WBENC honored EFH for its exemplary support of WBEs earlier that day at the Awards Ceremony for the 2011 America’s Top Corporation for Women’s Business Enterprises. Speaking on an expert panel, Young reinforced EFH’s continued commitment to women’s business success.

The ceremony took place at the Landmark Theater, and featured conversations among leaders from the Top Corporations on the opportunities and best practices for forging corporate-WBE partnerships that lead to enhanced products and services.

IN THANKING THE TOP CORPORATIONS AT THAT EVENT, TAYLOR SAID, “IT IS YOUR COMMITMENT THAT OPENS THE DOORS TO WBES, YOUR THOUGHT LEADERSHIP THAT ENABLES THEIR GROWTH AND YOUR PARTICIPATION IN WBENC THAT ENABLES US TO MAKE THE STRIDES WE DO.” www.wbenc.org

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FEATURES

SNEAD STEPS UP AND BRINGS DOWN THE HOUSE

Photography proived by: Linda Johnson Photography

LAURA TAYLOR, WBENC BOARD CHAIR AND VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC SOURCING AND PROCUREMENT OPERATIONS, PITNEY BOWES; BENITA FORTNER, DIRECTOR, SUPPLIER DIVERSITY AT RAYTHEON AND WBENC BOARD VICE-CHAIR; CHERYL SNEAD, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF BANNEKER INDUSTRIES INC.; PAMELA PRINCE-EASON, WBENC PRESIDENT & CEO; AND THERESA HARRISON, DIRECTOR, SUPPLIER DIVERSITY, ERNST & YOUNG AND WBENC BOARD MEMBER

They say that luck occurs when preparation meets opportunity. And that is exactly what happened at the 2012 Summit and Salute to WBEs. WBENC was lucky that Cheryl Snead, President and CEO of Banneker Industries Inc., was prepared and willing to step in at the last minute when keynote speaker Leonard Greenhalgh, Professor of Management at Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, came down with a severe case of laryngitis and could not deliver the luncheon keynote.

In fact, Snead brought down the house of more than 1,200 attendees with her engaging, humorous and instructive remarks on how women’s business enterprises can succeed. Her story of putting down roots during a crisis, thriving with WBENC certification and embarking on a new global world of business opportunities engaged everyone in the room.

Banneker Industries was born of a closed machine shop during the Desert Storm War, when Snead – a mechanical engineer by training – did not want to let down the clients of a shuttered business, and instead launched her own company to meet their needs.

She shared how Benita Fortner, Director, Supplier Diversity at Raytheon and WBENC Board Vice-Chair, first urged her to become WBENC-certified. And went on to say how joining the Women’s Enterprise Leadership Forum, attending

HER ADVICE TO WBENC READERS: “JOIN THE WOMEN’S ENTERPRISE FORUM, AND MORE THAN ONE REGIONAL PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE LOCATION.” “ATTEND THE SUMMIT & SALUTE TO WBES AND THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE AND BUSINESS FAIR. BE VISIBLE AT VARIOUS VENUES (NOT JUST ONE OR TWO).”

“BE A SPONSOR, EXHIBITOR OR SPEAKER. DON’T MISS OUT ON THOSE MOMENTS THAT CAN BE AN ‘OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME’…THEY CAN BE JUST AN EMAIL, HANDSHAKE OR PHONE CALL AWAY!”

Regional Partner Organization events and sponsoring or exhibiting at the National Conference & Business Fair have been invaluable ways to gain visibility before potential clients and partners in the WBENC community.

But Snead drew resounding applause when she told the story of being contacted by the office of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa Bint Suhail, wife of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of United Arab Emirates. This conversation, which almost didn’t take place because Snead thought the call was a joke, led to an opportunity to speak at the 3rd Annual Women In Leadership Forum Middle East before more than 300 Middle Eastern women in November 2011. This was particularly gratifying for Snead since she had been denied access to Saudi Arabia 25 years earlier because of her gender and ethnicity, in a managerial role.

Demonstrating today it is a “whole new world” for WBENC-certified WBEs to expand internationally by partnering with women in the UAE and elsewhere.

Snead, a WBENC 2009 WBE Star, is a mentor to women-owned businesses, a motivational speaker and a business executive. She goes down in history as the first African American woman to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst. She also holds a Master’s degree in business from Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. She received an honorary doctorate in business administration from Bryant University. She was named Small Business Leader of the Year by the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce.

She and Banneker have received numerous awards for business accomplishments and ongoing civic work, including the 2004 National Federation of Black Women Business Owners “Woman of Courage – Emerging Business Award.”

Photography proived by: Linda Johnson Photography

www.wbenc.org

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FEATURES

SUMMIT & SALUTE - HIGHLIGHTS WBE STARS 14 WOMEN’S BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (WBEs) STARS STEPPED INTO THE SPOTLIGHT AT THE WOMEN’S BUSINESS ENTERPRISE NATIONAL COUNCIL (WBENC) SALUTE TO WBES IN BALTIMORE. EACH WAS PRESENTED WITH THE AWARD FROM THE HEAD OF THE REGIONAL PARTNER ORGANIZATION THAT SHE REPRESENTED.

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WBE STARS, SEATED, LEFT TO RIGHT: Mary Fox Donnelly, President & CEO, Encompass Elements; Patti Massey, President, MYCA Group, Inc.; Mary Parker, President & CEO, ALL(n)1 Security Services, Inc; Cathi Coan, President & CEO, Techway Services; Carmen Castillo, Founder & Owner, SDI International Corp; Kathryn Petty, President, White Lion Tea; Lianne Lami, Chief Executive Officer, Bocci Engineering; Julie Auslander, Chief Cultural Officer, cSubs; Mary Moslander, President & CEO, LiveHealthier, Inc.; Lee Youngblood, Owner, McIntyre & Youngblood; Cassandra Sanford, Chief Executive Officer, Kelly Mitchell; Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer, Patriarch Partners; Hannah Kain, Chief Executive Officer, ALOM Technologies; Juli Sinnett, Principal, SwervePoint REGIONAL PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS AND WBENC OFFICIALS, STANDING, LEFT TO RIGHT: Patricia Rodriguez-Christian, Chair of the Top Corporations Recommendation Panel and Partner, ADP-LLC; Geri Swift, President of the Women’s Business Enterprise Council – Pennsylvania, Delaware and Southern New Jersey and Chair of the Leadership Council; Dr. Rea Waldon, Executive Director of the Ohio River Valley Women’s Business Council; Roz Lewis, Executive Director of the Greater Women’s Business Council; Nancy Allen, President of the Women’s Business Development Center of Florida; Dr. Pamela Williamson, Executive Director of the Women’s Business Enterprise Council – West; Mariela Hernández, Director of Member Services of the Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance; Pamela Prince-Eason, WBENC President & CEO; Laura Taylor, WBENC Board Chair and Vice President, Strategic Sourcing and Procurement Operations, Pitney Bowes; Dr. Marsha Firestone, President of the Women Presidents’ Educational Organization – New York; Sandra Eberhard, Executive Director of the Women Presidents’ Educational Organization – Washington, DC; Blanca Robinson, President of the Women’s Business Enterprise Council South; Carol Dougal, Co-President of the Women’s Business Development Center – Chicago; Michelle Richards, President of the Women’s Business Enterprise Council – Great Lakes; Tara Abraham, Chair of the Women’s Enterprise Leadership Council and Chair/Co-CEO of Accel, Inc.; Debbie Hurst, President of the Women’s Business Council – Southwest; Susan Rittscher, CEO & President, Center for Women & Enterprise, and Diane L. McClelland, President, Astra Women’s Business Alliance

TOP CORPORATIONS WOMEN’S BUSINESS ENTERPRISE NATIONAL COUNCIL’S (WBENC) 2011 AMERICA’S TOP CORPORATIONS FOR WOMEN’S BUSINESS ENTERPRISES. 29 COMPANIES WERE HONORED FOR THEIR BEST PRACTICES IN PARTNERING WITH WOMEN’S BUSINESS ENTERPRISES FOR ENHANCED PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. AT THE AWARDS CEREMONY AT THE LANDMARK THEATER IN BALTIMORE

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FRONT ROW SEATED LEFT TO RIGHT: Kim Brown, Vice President, General Procurement, Dell; Farla Efros, EVP & Chief Merchandising Officer, Office Depot; Katrina Landis, CEO, BP Alternative Energy, BP America; Barbara Kubicki, Sourcing Executive, Bank of America; Pam Berklich, Senior Vice President, COE, Kelly Services, Inc.; Nancy Creuziger, VP Global Finance, ManpowerGroup; Patricia Birmingham, Director, Global Marketing Enablement, Pfizer; Diane Sutter, VP COE Bottles & Closures, PepsiCo, Inc. STANDING LEFT TO RIGHT: David Grissen, President, The Americas, Marriott International; Melody Watson, Vice President, National Retail Sales, The Coca-Cola Company; Hans Melotte, Chief Procurement Officer, Johnson & Johnson; Patrice Knight, VP, Integrated Supply Chain, IBM; Al Williams, Chief Procurement Officer, Accenture; John Young, President & Chief Executive Officer, Energy Future Holdings; Herb Engert, Partner, Americas Strategic Growth Markets Leader, Ernst & Young LLP; Lisa Johnson, Procurement Group Manager, UPS; Greg Tibbles, General Manager – Procurement, Chevron; Laura Taylor, WBENC Board Chair and Vice President, Strategic Sourcing and Procurement Operations, Pitney Bowes; Tim Harden, President, Supply Chain and Fleet Operations, AT&T; Pamela Prince-Eason, WBENC President and CEO; Alex McKay, Global Supply Chain Optimization Manager, Exxon Mobil Corporation; Vince Messimer, VP, Global Contracting & Procurement, Manufacturing and Chemicals, Shell Oil Company; Jeff Wellman, Executive Director, Global Strategy and Purchasing Information Management Systems, Global Facilities, Materials and Services Purchasing, Ford Motor Company; Dan Riley, Vice President Property Development Operations, Target Corporation; Mariano Legaz, Vice-President, Supply Chain Services, Verizon; Mark J. Servodidio, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Avis Budget Group; Nick DeTura, VP Supply Chain & Logistics, Alcatel-Lucent; Des Bell, Senior Vice President, Safety and Shared Services; Chief Procurement Officer, Pacific Gas & Electric; Joe Doody, President, North American Delivery, Staples, Inc.; Katrina Manning, VP Technical Procurement, United Airlines, Inc.; and Patricia Rodriguez-Christian, Chair of the Top Corporations Recommendation Panel and Partner, ADP-LLC

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TARA ABRAHAM, CHAIR AND CO-CEO OF ACCEL, INC., AND CHAIR, WOMEN’S ENTERPRISE FORUM *

LAURA TAYLOR, WBENC CHAIR; MAYOR STEPHANIE RAWLINGS-BLAKE; PAMELA PRINCE-EASON, WBENC PRESIDENT & CEO **

HERB ENGERT, STRATEGIC GROWTH MARKETS LEADER, ERNST & YOUNG, LLP *

CAROL ATTAK, ACCENTURE GLOBAL PROCUREMENT, SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAM MANAGER; AL WILLIAMS, ACCENTURE CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER; KAY KAPOOR, MANAGING DIRECTOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES *

DENISE WALTHERS,PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE DW GROUP; TERRI HALL, PRESIDENT OF DOUBLETAKE STUDIOS; MELODY GOLDBERG; CHERYL STEVENS, VP, SUPPLIER DIVERSITY, ENERGY FUTURE HOLDINGS *

KAY KAPOOR, MANAGING DIRECTOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES *

PATRICIA RODRIGUEZ-CHRISTIAN, CHAIR OF THE TOP CORPORATIONS RECOMMENDATION PANEL AND PARTNER, ADP-LLC; PAMELA PRINCE-EASON, WBENC PRESIDENT & CEO; GERI SWIFT, PRESIDENT OF THE WOMEN’S BUSINESS ENTERPRISE COUNCIL – PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE AND SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY AND CHAIR OF THE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL *

* Photography proived by: ** Photography proived by: Linda Johnson Photography

PATTIE SELLERS, EDITOR AT LARGE FOR FORTUNE MAGAZINE; PAMELA PRINCE-EASON, WBENC PRESIDENT & CEO; LISA SCHIFFMAN, AMERICAS DIRECTOR, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, STRATEGIC GROWTH MARKETS, ERNST & YOUNG LLP **

ERNST & YOUNG ATTENDEES KATIE JOHNSTON, ENTREPRENEURIAL WINNING WOMEN PROGRAM MANAGER; ROSEMARY WEPPLER, SUPPLIER DIVERSITY ANALYST; LISA SCHIFFMAN, AMERICAS DIRECTOR, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, STRATEGIC GROWTH MARKETS; HERB ENGERT, AMERICAS STRATEGIC GROWTH MARKETS LEADER; THERESA HARRISON, DIRECTOR SUPPLIER DIVERSITY; CHRISTINA TEUFEL, DIRECTOR AMERICAS PROCUREMENT SERVICES; SUSAN O’ROURKE, DIRECTOR AMERICAS PROCUREMENT * www.wbenc.org

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FEATURE

GOVERNMENT SPOTLIGHT: STRENGTHENING THE VOICE FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS IN OUR NATION’S CAPITAL THROUGH WOMEN IMPACTING PUBLIC POLICY Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) is a national nonpartisan public policy organization that advocates for and on behalf of some one million women-owned businesses in the legislative processes of our nation. WIPP provides timely economic policy information and identifies important trends and opportunities to its members.

Through WIPP programming business owners learn what’s necessary to become advocates on issues that cover a broad range of current legislation and policies.

WBENC is a strategic partner of WIPP. As a WBENC WBE you are provided to become a basic member with WIPP and can take advantage of the benefits of that membership including educational programs.

WIPP offers a number of key educational programs as part of its Women, Money & Opportunity initiative, which is supported by the WIPP Education Foundation. Those programs include: • Give Me 5 provides education to women-owned businesses on how to apply for and secure Federal contracts.

• Women Accessing Capital a national program that is designed to bring policy, education and resources together to help women secure the money to support and grow business.

• Women and Technology Today helps women manage their technology investments and understand the challenges and opportunities in this evolving sector.

• Entrepreneurs, Energy & Environment educates small business owners on how energy and environmental issues affect business.

On April 2, 2012, WIPP launched its first Give Me 5 session, “WOSB Training and Opportunity Forum,” which was sponsored by American Express Open. The daylong event included welcoming remarks by Shapleigh Drisko, Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Bureau of Administration (OSDBU), Department of State; Ambassador Joyce Barr, Assistant Secretary of State for Administration, Department of State; and Ari Matusiak, Executive Director, White House Business Council. The welcome was followed by an OSDBU Directors Panel that provided a wealth of procurement information.

Diane Heal, Assistant Director, Office of Contract Assistance, Small Business Administration provided a WOSB Federal Contracting program update. Also addressing the audience was WBENC President & CEO Pamela PrinceEason; American Express Vice President, Government Affairs Antonella Planalto; and WIPP president Barbara Kasoff.

The day rounded off with Agency Breakout sessions that featured the Air Force, GSA, Department of Interior, State Department USAID and Department of Commerce.

WIPP IS PLANNING TWO ADDITIONAL SESSIONS: APRIIL 18–SMALL BUSINESS PARTNERING WORKSHOP, ARLINGTON, VA. MAY 8–PROCUREMENT COMMITTEE MEETING WITH THE GSA TO REGISTER FOR THESE EVENTS OR TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WIPP, GO TO WWW.GIVEME5.COM

FEATURE

BEST PRACTICES FROM TOP CORPORATIONS: GUIDING WBES TO SUCCESS BEST PRACTICE PROFILES FROM TOP CORPORATIONS: ACCENTURE AND ERNST & YOUNG, LLP THIS MONTH’S PRESIDENT REPORT FEATURES BEST PRACTICES FROM OUR TWO SUMMIT & SALUTE PRESENTING SPONSORS. EACH FOCUSES ON HELPING WBES BUILD THEIR BUSINESS TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL. ACCENTURE AIDS IN BUILDING THE BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE THROUGH MENTORING AND TRAINING. ERNST & YOUNG TAPS INTO ITS OWN PROFESSIONAL CAPABILITIES TO ADVISE, GUIDE AND RECOGNIZE WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS.

BEST PRACTICE PROFILE FROM A TOP CORPORATION: ACCENTURE VALUED AND VISIONARY PARTNER TO WOMEN’S SUCCESS For Accenture, a Presenting Sponsor at the WBENC Summit and Salute to Women’s Business Enterprises and one of WBENC’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises for the fourth consecutive year, the WBENC 15th Anniversary was a time to celebrate past achievements and look forward to future success on the WBENC Roadmap to 2020.

Accenture’s best practice initiatives align closely with the Roadmap by building the business intelligence of WBEs, enhancing their ability to serve major corporations, governments and other WBEs, and ultimately ensuring their economic impact.

To do this, Accenture developed its leading edge mentoring program, the Diverse Supplier Development Program (DSDP) that is now in its third session and engaging 24 womenowned and diverse companies.

Kay Kapoor, Managing Director and Chief Executive of Accenture Federal Services, said in her remarks to more than 1,200 at the Salute to WBEs, “Our Diverse Supplier Development Program helps women’s businesses grow through executive mentorship, training and the exchange of knowledge capital. This, in turn, promotes job creation in the marketplace.”

Launched in July 2006, this formal mentoring program spans 18 months and matches Accenture executives with select diverse suppliers to help grow the capacity of their businesses. What’s exciting is that so many senior Accenture executives – subject matter experts across Accenture’s businesses – proactively participate in the program and become an important network for the protégés.

The Accenture DSDP includes: • One-on-one meetings between mentors and protégés • Quarterly training symposiums based on business issues, such as marketing and sales, financial analysis, e-commerce, strategic planning and workforce development • Access to top Accenture executives and knowledge capital Its training relies heavily on feedback from the DSDP participants, with a focus on covering what is most important and relevant to them. The program also provides opportunities for suppliers to learn how to better navigate corporate structures and to network with experts in various parts of the business.

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Today Accenture has even greater focus on collaboration among the protégé companies by challenging them to explore ways in which they can partner with each other.

Additionally, the protégé companies themselves have the opportunity to share best practices, network and return as alumni speakers. They can address topics ranging from surviving mergers and acquisitions to optimizing mentoring relationships.

“We challenge our protégé companies to explore ways in which they can partner with each other and grow their presence in the marketplace,” added Al Williams, Chief Procurement Officer at Accenture and WBENC Board Member. Williams served as an expert at the America’s Top Corporations for WBEs Awards Ceremony and on the Top Corporations Best Practices Panel at the Summit.

Williams cited two other Accenture programs that demonstrate the company’s commitment to women as economic participants in the global economy.

Skills to Succeed is Accenture’s corporate citizenship initiative, which builds skills enabling people around the world to participate in and contribute to both the economy and society. By 2015, Skills to Succeed initiatives will equip 250,000 people around the world with the skills to get a job or build a business.

Another example is Accenture’s involvement in a pioneering project to engage members of the Self-Employed Women’s Association of India (SEWA) as suppliers of stationery products made from recycled waste-paper. Through Accenture’s SEWA pilot in India with WEConnect, WBENC’s partner outside the U.S., former waste-pickers were trained in supply chain and process transformation methodology.

The women now have improved earning potential and are supplying innovative products to the marketplace.

In addition to events in more than 140 locations, Accenture celebrates International Women’s Day by conducting external research on career and workplace issues. This year’s research theme was The Path Forward and the research explored how women and men define success as well as what they are willing and not willing to do to move along their career path. Recognizing International Women’s Day is one way Accenture demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a diverse workforce.

“Accenture is a valued partner and visionary leader in raising the prospects for success among women’s businesses here in the U.S. and around the world,” said Pamela Prince-Eason, President and CEO of WBENC.

BEST PRACTICE PROFILE FROM A TOP CORPORATION: ERNST & YOUNG, LLP A STRATEGIC PARTNER IN ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS Ernst & Young LLP’s role as a Presenting Sponsor at the Summit & Salute to WBEs is illustrative of its strategic leadership in advancing opportunities for women’s businesses in the corporate marketplace.

Herb Engert, Strategic Growth Markets Leader, Ernst & Young LLP, conveyed this commitment during the awards ceremony for the 2011 Americas Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

“Ernst & Young is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, starting with our Entrepreneur of the Year Award 26 years ago and now engaging a global network of professionals in programming and procurement,” he said. “This has resulted in greater performance and job creation among entrepreneurs. We know that when entrepreneurs succeed, we all succeed.”

Engert also cited Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial Winning Women®, a national competition and leadership development program devised and overseen

by Lisa Schiffman, Americas Director, Marketing and Communications, Strategic Growth Markets, Ernst & Young LLP. Entrepreneurial Winning Women helps second-stage women entrepreneurs in the United States scale their companies to their full potential.

As a key speaker at the Summit, Schiffman explained the business case for focusing on women entrepreneurs along with the program’s results. Ernst & Young started Entrepreneurial Winning Women when its research found that women-owned companies were not scaling up to the degree they could: Businesses owned by men are three-anda-half times as likely to reach $1 million in annual revenues as are companies owned by women.

With Entrepreneurial Winning Women, Ernst & Young is seeking to close the gap and is making progress toward that goal. According to a study conducted by Babson College Center for Women’s Leadership, revenues of program participants’ companies have grown nearly 50 percent each year on average, with a corresponding average annual job growth rate of more than 25 percent.

Ernst & Young’s support of WBENC is driven by measurable results – or as Supplier Diversity Lead and WBENC Board member Theresa Harrison puts it, “the ROI of event engagement.”

Through WBENC events, Ernst & Young has identified strong WBE candidates for its request for proposals (RFPs) – resulting in two major national multi-million dollar contracts.

Additionally, a recent MatchMaker meeting surfaced several candidates for Requests for Information (RFI).

Part of the reason for success is that the WBEs come to the meeting with a purpose in mind, she explains. They have done their homework and meet with strategic matchmakers who can give them business.

“WBENC events enable us to fulfill our sourcing needs.

They provide a platform for us to do our work while we are out of the office,” Harrison says. She also cites her procurement partners at Ernst & Young who are willing to convey the best practices and ROI of working with women’s businesses: Director of Americas Procurement Susan O’Rourke and Director of Procurement Services Christina Teufel.

ERNST & YOUNG ENTREPRENEURIAL WINNING WOMEN™ PROGRAM THIS PROGRAM DEMONSTRATES THE FIRM’S COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHENING AND BUILDING CAPACITY FOR WOMEN’S BUSINESS ENTERPRISES, AS WELL AS PARTNERING WITH WBENC TO DO SO. ERNST & YOUNG ENTREPRENEURIAL WINNING WOMEN PROGRAM WAS CREATED TO HELP EVEN THE PLAYING FIELD AND INCREASE THE NUMBER OF MARKETLEADING COMPANIES RUN BY WOMEN. In addressing the WBENC Summit, Schiffman called out the five stepping stones – the Five Ways to Win – for women’s businesses: • Think big and be bold • Build a public profile • Work on the business, rather than in it • Establish key advisory networks • Evaluate external financing options for expansion WBENC-certified WBEs who are Entrepreneurial Winning Women include: • Carol Borden - CB Transportation, • Elisabete Miranda - Translation Plus • Karen Barbour - The Barbour Group • Dr. Patricia Adams - Zeigeist Expressions • Patty Klein - A-Plus Meetings & Events The program provides access to extensive networks of award-winning entrepreneurs and private investors. It taps into Ernst & Young’s professional capabilities in advising, guiding and recognizing entrepreneurs. And it delivers educational programs to strengthen leadership acumen. In sum, it channels relationships and knowhow to help women entrepreneurs think bigger and accelerate the growth of their companies.

Ernst & Young’s case study, “Thinking Big: How to accelerate the growth of women-owned companies,” was distributed at the event.

ERNST & YOUNG IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2012 ENTREPRENEURIAL WINNING PROGRAM THROUGH APRIL 30.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE CRITERIA AND HOW TO APPLY, VISIT: WWW.EY.COM/US/ENTREPRENEURIALWINNINGWOMEN. www.wbenc.org april edition 2012 PG 1 2

WBENC

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

CERTIFICATION

WBENC NATIONAL CONFERENCE & BUSINESS FAIR: TIME TO GET CONNECTED CO-CHAIRS: AVIS BUDGET GROUP, OFFICE DEPOT, ACCEL INC., ICON INFORMATION CONSULTANTS DON’T MISS THE 13TH ANNUAL WBENC NATIONAL CONFERENCE & BUSINESS FAIR, WHICH TAKES PLACE JUNE 19-21, 2012, AT THE ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER IN ORLANDO, FLA. THIS EVENT IS THE YEAR’S BEST OPPORTUNITY TO SPOTLIGHT YOUR BUSINESS IN FRONT OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST CORPORATIONS, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES. EACH PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATION IS COMMITTED TO DOING BUSINESS WITH WBENC-CERTIFIED WOMEN’S BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (WBES) AND WBENC WBES CERTIFIED THROUGH THE UNITED STATES SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM’S WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS FEDERAL CONTRACTING PROGRAM (WOSB). MORE THAN 3,000 INDIVIDUALS REPRESENTING FORTUNE 1000 CORPORATIONS, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES WILL BE ATTENDING THIS PREMIER CONFERENCE.

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE? If you haven’t already registered, take a few minutes to decide which role will be most effective for you and your organization. Consider your business goals for the conference, your staff resources and your budget to help you decide whether you should be an individual attendee, an exhibitor or a sponsor.

ATTENDEE As an individual attendee, you can build your connections and knowledge by fully participating in the workshops, networking events and visiting more than 300 exhibitors at the Business Fair.

EXHIBITOR If you are a WBENC-certified WBE, regional or national WBENC member, or a select nonprofit or government agency, you may be eligible to exhibit. As an exhibitor, in addition to participating in the conference events, your organization will achieve even greater visibility. You will have a booth at the Business Fair, where you can display materials promoting your organizations’ benefits. You will be listed on the conference website and in the exhibitor directory.

Keep in mind, though, to properly manage a booth at the Business Fair and provide an opportunity for you or your team members to visit prospective clients or suppliers at their booths, you will need support staff. Ideally you should plan to have two to three people from your organization attend the event if you plan to exhibit. This will ensure your booth always has someone who can speak to your organization’s strengths and offerings during Business Fair hours.

Go to http://www.wbenc.org/wbencconf/exhibitor-fee.php to review exhibitor pricing and details.

SPONSOR If you really want to stand out from the crowd, you might consider becoming a sponsor. Sponsors are the most visible entities at the conference. Depending upon your level of sponsorship, in addition to conference attendance and an exhibitor package, you may receive some or all of the following benefits: logo recognition on the conference website; inclusion in pre-conference press releases; an ad in the conference program guide; logo or company listing recognition in onsite signage; a speaking opportunity in front of a large conference audience; branding of a conference item that is given to all conference attendees; and admission to the VIP reception.

For a corporate or government member, sponsorship provides an avenue to promote awareness of your commitment to doing business with women business owners and to market your products and services that appeal to women in general.

As a WBE sponsor you will be demonstrating to the other attendees that your business is at a level that allows you to spend more in promotion. You might even choose a speaking-level sponsorship, giving you the opportunity to address the audience. Or, if high level branding is your goal, then you might choose an item-logo opportunity.

Only WBENC-Certified WBEs, regional or national WBENC Corporate Members, and select strategic partners are eligible to sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities are still

available. Please contact Paige Adams, Director of Development, at padams@wbenc.org for more information.

To view the current list of distinguished sponsors, go to www.wbenc.org/wbencconf and click on the sponsor categories.

Whether you choose to exhibit, sponsor or simply attend, we want you to be there to make the most of the business opportunities available at this dynamic event.

HOW TO MAKE THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE & BUSINESS FAIR A SUCCESS FOR YOU We all know how important developing strong relationships are to the success of your business. The quality of those relationships can have a huge impact on the outcome of your interactions with existing and potential clients, vendor/ reseller relations, and every other aspect of your daily operations.

The upcoming WBENC National Conference & Business Fair is the perfect place to develop and enhance your business relationships and expand your realm of influence.

Follow these tips to assist you in preparing for your trip: 1. Capitalize on the introductions made during the Summit & Salute. Review the business cards and other notes you took during the Summit & Salute and use the conference as an opportunity to reconnect with those individuals who are also attending the conference. When speaking with them, recall something of interest that was shared during your initial conversation – whether it is a solution or strategy you discussed to assist them in reaching their goals, a recent vacation or take an opportunity to congratulate them on a recent success.

2. Build your social network. In addition to “liking” WBENC on Facebook, make sure you “like” the Facebook pages of your prospects and fellow women business owners. By doing so, you will stay up-to-date on those companies. If you are on Twitter, use the conference hashtag to keep on top of exciting announcements prior to and during the conference.

3. Review the list of exhibitors and create a target list. The trade fair is huge. It is nearly impossible to visit each and every booth. Therefore if you create a target list prior to the event you can be sure to cover those most relevant to you.

4. Customize your capabilities statement/marketing materials. Once you create your target list, it is time to customize your capabilities statement. Since each potential client has a different business focus and strategy, your capabilities statement should not only reflect your core competencies, but also their specific needs.

5. Be generous and genuine. Remember networking is a two-way street. While it can be beneficial for you – you must also make it beneficial for the other person. Focus on them when they speak, listen to what they say and be genuine with the connection.

Make the most of your time at WBENC’s National Conference & Business Fair by being prepared to attend outstanding educational workshops and to network effectively. www.wbenc.org

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WBENC OPPORTUNITIES

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

LEADERSHIP TRAINING EXPERT MIKE JONES TO HEADLINE 2012 WBENC NATIONAL CONFERENCE & BUSINESS FAIR Mike Jones, President of Discover Leadership Training, will help kick off the 2012 National Conference & Business Fair in Orlando, Fla., on June 19. In keeping with WBENC’s Celebrating 15 Years of Vision, Opportunities, and Success!, he will provide a fitting start to the event.

Jones’ company, Discover Leadership Training, provides trailblazing, sustainable and relevant training solutions to the business community. Jones’ fifth book, Unreasonable Possibilities, inspires readers to get out of their comfort zones and live life boldly, making each moment count.

He is a former commercial airplane pilot and a commercialrated helicopter pilot, who spent 12 years with the Houston Police Department. With a commitment to making a positive impact on the community, Jones founded Soul Patrol, a nationally recognized organization teaching millions of middle and high school students to accept personal responsibility for their lives and their education.

Jones received many awards for his program including honors from Presidents George H. W. Bush (41st) and Bill Clinton. He was the first recipient of the Sylvan Rodriquez Role Model of the Year Award. Jones also was named Officer of the Year four times during his tenure at the police department.

The 2012 National Conference & Business Fair will feature a broad range of speakers and workshops designed to provide insight into the key trends and marketplace demands impacting corporations, government agencies and women’s business enterprises (WBEs).

The event is expected draw some 4,000 attendees, who will also hear from C-Suite decision makers who have driven measurable results in corporate-WBE partnerships, and represent the 2012 Conference Co-Chairs: • Mark J. Servodidio, Chief Administrative Officer, Avis Budget Group Inc. • Neil R. Austrian, Chairman and CEO, Office Depot • Tara Abraham, Chairwoman and Co-CEO, Accel inc.

• Pamela Chambers O’Rourke, Chairwoman, Owner and CEO, ICON Information Consultants, LP

“Our National Conference & Business Fair is designed to connect corporations, government agencies and women’s businesses with the goal of developing productive partnerships and fueling economic growth,” said WBENC President and CEO Pamela Prince-Eason. WBENC is the leading advocate for and authority on women’s business enterprises as suppliers to the nation’s major corporations.

The two-and-one-half day program will include special workshop tracks to address the interests of corporations, government agencies and WBEs. Among the topics covered are: how to develop and enhance programs focused on sustainability, innovation, data management and global supply chain; how to compete for and win government contracts; and how WBEs can develop opportunities among Tier One, or primary, suppliers, and other WBEs. The Women’s Business Development Council of Florida (WBDC-FL), headed by President and CEO Nancy Allen is the 2012 Host Council. WBDC-FL reaches Florida, with the exception of the Panhandle, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its Host Committee includes 11 exemplary women’s business leaders and is chaired by Joyce Landry, CEO of Landry & Kling Cruise Line Services. WBDC-FL is one of WBENC’s 14 Regional Partner Organizations providing WBENC certification and a robust calendar of business and skills-building events for WBENC-certified WBEs. More than 325 exhibitors, including procurement decision makers from the Fortune 500 and key buyers from the government, are expected to participate in the Business Fair on June 20. The National Conference & Business Fair will be held at Peabody Orlando and the Orange County Convention Center.

WBENC brings together its nearly 11,000 WBENC Certified WBEs and some 250 Corporate and Government Members with the goal of generating business together to positively impact the economy and create jobs.

Register to attend at www.wbenc.org/wbencconf.

s s i m t ’ don year’s ! this bration e l e c CeLebrating 15 yearS:

VISION, OPPORTUNITIES, anD SUCCESS!

tueSDay, June 19 tHrougH tHurSDay, June 21, 2012

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

2012 sponsors aS oF February 9, 2012

2012 Co-CHairS

FeatureD SPonSorS

Contributing Partner SPonSorS accenture altria group, inc. arbill aSaP Solutions group LLC bP america Cenergy Charlie bravo aviation Chevron Digital Hands energy Future Holdings exxon Mobil Corporation KellyMitchell group, inc.

Mirror Show Management ntSg, inc.

PepsiCo, inc.

Pfizer inc Pitney bowes inc.

Private eyes raytheon Company Shell oil Company Strategic Staffing Solutions Superior Staff resources, inc. target the Coca-Cola Company Visionista Wal-Mart Stores, inc.

Women’s business enterprise Council of Pa-De-snJ

LeaD SPonSorS at&t DeMartino Construction Company Staples, inc.

PrograM SPonSorS alcatel-Lucent archer Daniels Midland Company Johnson & Johnson

PLatinuM SPonSorS brocade JPMorgan Chase & Company Kaiser Permanente Macy’s Marriott international Pacific gas & electric Company time Warner inc.

Wells Fargo

HoSt CoMMittee

Landry & Kling events at Sea Host Committee Chair a-Plus Meetings & incentives bruno White entertainment Doubletake Studios, inc.

MCo Construction Services, inc. orlando Conference Management group, inc. restor telecom SDi international Corp.

Software resources, inc. the DW group, inc. triage Partners LLC

experience: • A chance to conduct at least 40-50 percent of your company’s annual prospecting in two days • A ccess to procurement representatives ready to make buying decisions • T ime for formal and informal face-to-face networking

register today!

For more information, please go to www.wbenc.org/wbencconf

• T raining to give you an edge in a competitive business environment. www.wbenc.org

april edition 2012

WBENC

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

OPPORTUNITIES

CALL FOR AUCTION ITEMS FOR 2012 NATIONAL CONFERENCE: GET RECOGNIZED THE WOMEN’S BUSINESS ENTERPRISE NATIONAL COUNCIL (WBENC) IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE 2012 SILENT AUCTION CALL FOR DONATIONS. THE SILENT AUCTION WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 19, 2012, AT THE PEABODY ORLANDO HOTEL DURING THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE & BUSINESS FAIR.

$150,000 GOAL YOU ARE INVITED TO HELP WBENC ACHIEVE ITS 2012 AUCTION GOAL OF $150,000 AND MAKE THIS VERY SPECIAL EVENT A SUCCESS. WE ARE SEEKING DONATIONS THAT GENERATE EXCITEMENT, UNIQUE INTEREST AND GREAT BIDS. USE YOUR IMAGINATION, BUT SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR DONATIONS INCLUDE:

ARTS

ENTERTAINMENT

POWER MEETINGS

SPORTS RELATED

• Theatre tickets • Painting/photography • Books

• Restaurant certificates • Cinema tickets/passes • Family fun/games

• Breakfast, lunch or dinner with ‘C’ level executive

• Game tickets • Skybox memorabilia

ELECTRONICS

HEALTH/BEAUTY

GIFT CARDS

TRAVEL

• Computers • Cameras • iPods

• Spa-related • Jewelry/handbags • All things ‘girly’

• Any retailer • Any denomination

• Hotel/timeshare getaways • Airline/transportation tickets

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND REVIEW INSTRUCTIONS TO SUBMIT A DONATION. ANY DONATION WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED – THERE IS NO MINIMUM. “YOUR DONATION GUARANTEES NATIONAL EXPOSURE REACHING THOUSANDS OF BUSINESSES AND MAY BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE,” SHARES LYNN GRIFFITH (WBE AUCTION CHAIR) AND PRESIDENT OF WELCOME EVENTS. “IN ADDITION, AN EARLY AND GENEROUS COMMITMENT HELPS WBENC BUILD EXCITEMENT FOR THE AUCTION, AND OFFERS ANOTHER OUTSTANDING REASON TO ATTEND THE 2012 NATIONAL CONFERENCE & BUSINESS FAIR.” PROCEEDS FROM THIS EVENT SUPPORT THE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT ARE PROVIDED BY WBENC AND ITS 14 REGIONAL PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS. WITH YOUR SUPPORT, WBENC IS CONFIDENT THAT IT CAN ACHIEVE OR EXCEED ITS 2012 GOAL. MAKE THIS YEAR’S AUCTION THE BEST YET!

OPPORTUNITIES

TWO GREAT WBENC EXECUTIVE EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES: TUCK AND DOROTHY B. BROTHERS

ARE YOU A WBE LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE OR GROW YOUR BUSINESS? IF SO, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER TAKING ADVANTAGE OF TWO WBENC EXECUTIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS. THESE PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED ANNUALLY AND BOTH HAVE A JULY DEADLINE. DEADLINES ARE APPROACHING The first is The Dorothy B. Brothers Executive Scholarship, which will be awarded to 14 WBENC-Certified WBEs this year. The scholarship provides up to $11,000 in tuition reimbursement for a program or school of the WBE owner’s choice. There is a 12-month window of opportunity in which to utilize the scholarship after it is awarded. The application deadline is July 2, 2012. Click here for further information.

The second program is the Tuck-WBENC Executive Program. This one-week intensive program is designed specifically for WBEs to help them build a high-performing business. The cost for the program is $3,750. Receipients of the Dorothy B. Brothers Executive Scholarship can use their award to attend this program. The application deadline is July 13, 2012. Click here for further information.

www.wbenc.org

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WBENC

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

RESOURCES

MATCHMAKING OPPORTUNITIES BRING CORPORATE MEMBERS AND WBES TOGETHER FOR PRODUCTIVE DISCUSSIONS As you know, one of WBENC’s goals is to provide opportunities for WBEs and Corporate buyers to come together to network and share capabilities and needs with one another.

Our recent Summit & Salute provide two opportunities to do just that – the Multi-Tier Opportunity Connection and the Meet and Greet sessions.

The Multi-Tier Opportunity brought together some 30 Corporate Members and WBEs in one-on-one meetings. WBEs were hand-picked by the buyers based on potential opportunities. Meetings were scheduled in advance. Participants discussed current sourcing initiatives and the possibility of future contracts and opportunities.

Some meetings also included discussions with prime suppliers about second tier opportunities.

At the same time in the room next door, more than 20 Corporate Members participated in the Meet and Greet session. This session is much like a speed dating arrangement where folks get together to network and discuss common interests in a set period of time. At the Summit & Salute Meet and Greet, some 200 WBEs were able to sit down with Corporate Members, who each hosted a table. The WBEs presented their oneminute pitch. Occasionally a more detailed discussion followed, however the time was limited so the WBEs could move to another Corporate table.

MatchMaker Meetings can be quite beneficial in making the right contacts. So be sure to take advantage of the next MatchMaker opportunity in Orlando at the WBENC National Conference & Business Fair on Thursday, June 21.

In order to be eligible for the opportunity, WBENC-certified WBEs must be registered as a full conference attendee by May 11.

WBENC Corporate and/or Government Member buyers interested in participating in the MatchMaker Meetings should email matchmakers@wbenc.org.

If you have not yet registered for the conference, be sure to register today!

build your own

The Bracelet as individual as you are.

As we celebrate our 15th year, WBENC has created the Legacy Bracelet as a statement of your participation and ongoing support of our organization.

Each beautiful hand-crafted sterling silver bead represents different aspects of WBENC that have made it the progressive and respected organization that it is today.

Whether you are new to certification, membership or supplier diversity and women’s entrepreneurship, you can build your own beautiful piece of jewelry that will tell the story of how you’re engaged with WBENC.

Isn’t it time to start your Legacy®?

Order Your WBENC Legacy® Online www.thedwgroup.com/wbenclegacy 1-800-704-0546 Visit the WBENC Legacy® Booth #1034 in Orlando

WBENC

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

RECOGNITION

CONFERENCE HOST MEMBER SPOTLIGHT IN ANTICIPATION OF OUR UPCOMING NATIONAL CONFERENCE & BUSINESS FAIR, WE ARE SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT ON TWO OF OUR HOST MEMBERS: THE DW GROUP AND LANDRY & KLING. THE DW GROUP PRIDES ITSELF IN ITS UNIQUE AND FASHIONABLE LINE OF WOMEN’S CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES, AS WELL AS ITS LINK TO PHILANTHROPY. LANDRY & KLING IS CONSIDERED THE PREMIER CRUISE SHIP EXPERT, WHO CREATES TRANSFORMING EXPERIENCES FOR ITS CLIENTS. READ MORE ABOUT EACH OF OUR HOST MEMBERS.

THE WBENC LEGACY PROGRAM

THE DW GROUP

The WBENC Legacy Program presents necklace and bracelet jewelry with charms representing every element of the WBENC community and symbolizing WBENC COR Values. In doing so, it creates a common point of connection among the various WBENC constituents, raises awareness of the WBENC brand and encourages greater engagement as the wearer adds charms signifying milestones and accomplishments as a part of WBENC.

Denise Walthers is President and CEO of The DW

A few examples of charms that represent COR Values: • Certification: one-year, five-year and 10-year WBENC Certification; WOSB certification • Opportunities: participation as Sponsors, Speakers, National Conference & Business Fair • Resources: Board Membership, Ambassadors, Women’s Enterprise Leadership Forum, Board Chair, Dorothy B. Brothers Scholarship, Tuck Executive Education • Recognition: William J. Alcorn Award, Applause Award, WBE Star, Americas Top Corporation for WBEs And in keeping with the spirit of community, proceeds will go to DW Group, WBENC and select nonprofits. Everybody wins!

The WBENC Legacy Program is produced by The DW Group and designed by Terri Hall of Doubletake Studios, another Host Committee member.

Group, a company that creates multi-functional clothing and accessories designed for women entrepreneurs and executives. A unique aspect of her business model links a woman’s desire to look beautiful and move freely, with the ability to participate in a larger community of women to contribute to a philanthropic cause.

Walthers draws upon a successful career in direct sales for beauty and health care products, in which she directed all steps of the product promotion and sales process – from anticipating the customer needs and influencing product development, to designing promotional campaigns, sourcing and motivating the sales force, and ultimately delivering results that benefited the company and the customer.

Today she brings her vision and skills to women-run companies, designing clothing and jewelry lines that transforms the way women dress and connects them to their communities. For example, her Houdini line of clothing is “out of the box”: a wardrobe in a bag that easily converts into 12 fabulous looks that fit any occasion and figure, available in sizes 2-12 and 14-22.

Walthers is a published author and speaker, who can seamlessly connect the characteristics of a strong salesperson (10 Steps to Success) with those of a confident person of style (10 Steps to Style). “You have to get it right on the inside before you get it right on the outside,” explains Denise.

She specializes in “What Women Want,” having honed her skills in product placement and delivery in direct sales for two $500 million companies in beauty and home interiors, while overseeing 80,000 consultants.

Today at The DW Group, Walthers takes these abilities to anticipate and meet the needs of professional women for stylish, beautiful and wearable clothing, and provides them with a well-priced, well-manufactured apparel line brought to market in a turnkey operation.

Denise is a Steering Committee Member of ARCS (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists), and is a recipient of the ARCs Light of the Year Award in 2011 for

LANDRY & KLING Joyce Landry is CEO of Landry & Kling Cruise Event Services and Chair of the Host Committee for the WBENC 2012 National Conference & Business Fair. In 1982 Joyce Landry and Josephine Kling founded Landry & Kling, Inc., as the first distribution channel between the cruise industry and corporate America.

Since then, Landry and Kling has become one of the world’s premier cruise ship experts advising corporations, nations and special interest groups on transformative strategies that advance their mission, enhance employee output and enrich the client experience.

Landry and Kling’s deep industry intelligence – from cruise ship operations, to logistics and environmental impact – enables it to advise clients on large scale projects affecting thousands of people. For example, Landry and Kling orchestrated and managed floating hotels for the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Trinidad, hosting heads of state from the Western Hemisphere.

For this enormous and diplomatically important project, Landry and Kling identified the cruise lines to compete for the contract, consulted on the qualifications for selection, managed logistics between the contract and the delivery, ensured credentials of all involved, and hosted meetings among city and country government officials.

Landry & Kling clients have come to expect imaginative and bold solutions to key business challenges, which can

outstanding community service. She received the eWomen’s Network Femtor Award in 2010 and was named one of the 50 Most influential Women in Tampa Bay – Hot Wheels & High Heels 2009 & 2010, by the Honda Grand Prix.

Denise was also nominated for Inventor of the Year Award – Wheaties Breakfast of Champions, and nominated for the Business Woman of the Year Awards in 2009 and 2010 by the eWomen Network Tampa Bay Florida.

range from team building and creative problem solving, to innovative product marketing and philanthropic activities.

To give a sense of the range of Landry and Kling’s talents, it organized an American Girl cruise in conjunction with their 25th Anniversary – which sold out in two days, for more than 800 people.

It has also mobilized ships for disaster relief on behalf of FEMA, specifically in Mobile, Ala., after Hurricane Katrina, and is helping a Silicon Valley innovator design a ship from scratch to house an incubator think tank project.

In Landry & Kling’s hands, a cruise ship becomes the vehicle for the expansive thinking and interpersonal connections that lead to meaningful growth for an organization. It has become the premier business-tobusiness resource for meeting planners, providing site selection for cruise groups and full ship charters as well as complete program management services.

Landry was named to the Women’s Hall of Fame by the City of Miami, and was named one of the Top 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry by Meeting News magazine. She is a founding board member of the Deborah Natansohn Foundation, which awards scholarships to women in need, to advance their journalism and tourism careers. CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) inducted both Landry and Kling into the CLIA 2009 Hall of Fame.

Landry is an avid adventure traveler, and has visited more than 80 countries for business and pleasure. She and her husband Gene were married on the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. www.wbenc.org

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www.orvwbc.org

www.wbcsouthwest.org