MMSDC Gazette April Issue

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A WELCOME FROM OUR PRESIDENT AND CEO COURTESY OF

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CONTENTS A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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BUSINESS FUNDING & RESOURCES

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Executive Committee Members of the MMSDC board share information about our certification processes with you, our corporate and MBE constituents.

Providing you with the resources, information and tools necessary for business development and success.

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INFUSE

InFuse is a peer-to-peer program for corporate members focused on developing supplier diversity strategies. MMSDC celebrates the program’s first graduates of the year!

2021 MMPC

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MMSDC DREAM TEAM

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As the conference celebrates its 40th year, we are excited to announce results-driven programming and enhancements that promise to deliver invaluable impact to organizations of varying sizes and capabilities.

At MMSDC and Detroit MBDA and AMP Centers, we like to say that we have built the “MMSDC Dream Team” that drives programs to advance our constituents.

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CORPORATE & MBE SPOTLIGHT

Recognizing Corporate Members and MBEs who have made significant contributions to MMPC’s 40- year history.

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Some things just stand the test of time. MMPC has done so for 40 years as one of the nation’s premier supplier diversity conferences.

2021 SIGNATURE EVENTS

MMSDC’s Signature Events programming showcases our commitment to delivering value, innovation, and delight to our customers.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Dear MMSDC Constituent: As Executive Committee Members of the MMSDC board, we want to share the accompanying information about our certification processes with you, our corporate and MBE constituents, to ensure common understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions have been prepared by the staff to address key questions. MMSDC remains committed to a fair and objective certification process, and will continue to follow national certification guidelines for all MBEs. Many of you have asked how you can support. Our suggestions are as follows: • As corporate members, we strongly encourage you to prefer certified MBEs as those firms have been vetted to ensure your corporation’s business with them drives generational wealth in minority communities through entrepreneurship and employment.

• As MBEs, we ask you to reaffirm your commitment to hiring and promoting diverse talent at all levels, and to ensuring your firm’s spend with other MBEs continually increases.

Thank you for your commitment to minority supplier development.

Sincerely, MMSDC Executive Committee Scott Thiele, Stellantis Robert Young, Toyota Christie Wong Barrett, MacArthur Corp.

Arthur Dudley, Butzel Long Anthony Tomczak, DTE *ex-officio member

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Sylvester Hester, Grupo Antolin Primera Travis Spencer, Ford Motor Company Reginald Humphrey, GM Bashar Cholagh, Stellantis Michelle Sourie Robinson, MMSDC*

WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR NMSDC CERTIFICATION? Certified Minority Business Enterprises must meet 3 criteria per our national guidelines: • At least 51% minority ownership by a minority or minorities, • Active, day-to-day management by a minority or minorities, • Governance and control.

Finally, our customer satisfaction scores from MBEs remain high; in particular, the large MBEs who have worked with our Certification Team, overwhelmingly state that the certification process created greater structures and opportunities for them. Overall, 90% of MMSDC MBEs renewed their certifications in 2020.

ARE CERTIFICATIONS SUBJECTIVE?

These requirements are designed to not simply create wealth for one, but to create generational wealth throughout minority communities through entrepreneurship and employment.

Our process is fair and objective. No single person has control over certification. The facts are that our leadership, staff, board, and committees have devoted considerable time to ensure that all MBEs understand and comply with certification requirements.

ARE CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS EVER UPDATED?

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW CERTIFICATION GUIDELINES?

Guidelines are updated by NMSDC on a regular basis. For example, one of the biggest areas in recent months has been ensuring the capitalization MBEs require for growth does not impact their ability to qualify for certification.

Allowing exceptions undermines certification and is ultimately a disservice to all MBEs, not to mention the fact that it does not advance our mission. Over the past five years we have received an influx of inquiries from external fraudulent operations attempting to gain certification. So, it is more critical than ever to uphold certification.

We routinely share feedback with NMSDC on areas to be enhanced, but we are careful not to request modifications in the middle of a certification process to benefit a single MBE.

IS THE DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENT DIFFERENT FOR LARGE BUSINESSES? No, the requirement remains the same. However, where the size of a business (or other factors) make it impractical for the minority owner to be actively involved in the day-to-day management of the company’s business, he or she may delegate such authority to one or more minority executives and the company will continue to qualify for certification.

Many certified MBEs employ a diverse team of minorities and non-minorities.

CAN YOU SHARE MORE ABOUT OWNERSHIP, CONTROL, AND OUR PROCESSES? We are committed to ensuring all qualified MBEs are certified.

In the past five years, we have seen an increase in the number of fraudulent entities attempting to gain certification.

Most of these inquiries are intentional front companies. This is not to be confused with legitimate minority firms that simply fail to meet all certification criteria, rendering them an unqualified MBE. This is why we have taken steps to protect certification with additional enhancements ranging from independent thirdparty audits, and a customer-centric approach to ensure MBEs understand the guidelines upfront.

In addition to active day-to-day management, we require majority ownership by a minority or group of minorities.

Finally, we require minorities to have unfettered independence and control of the business.

We recently commissioned an analysis to determine how long it will take to achieve economic parity at the current growth rate of MBEs in the nation. The results are astonishing – it will literally take centuries, so we must all become more focused on our mission and follow our guidelines to drive sustainable growth in minority communities.

SHOULD MBES BE CONCERNED THAT MMSDC MAY REVOKE THEIR CERTIFICATIONS WITHOUT NOTICE AND WITHOUT REASON? No, they should not. We do not act precipitously or without ample good cause. And when we discover a problem, we work proactively with our MBEs to resolve them.

No specific structures are demanded by MMSDC as long as the structure meets the guidelines. MMSDC also routinely assists MBEs by allowing them to present proposed structures prior to making changes to receive guidance on qualification. Ultimately, our goal is to help all qualified MBEs gain certification to build wealth in minority communities.

IF AN MBE INSISTS THAT THEY QUALIFY, WHO HAS THE BURDEN OF PROOF? The burden of proof is on the MBE to prove they qualify on paper and in practice. Likewise, any time there is a significant ownership, management or structural change, Minority Business Enterprises are required to notify MMSDC as that could impact certification. In fact, each year MBEs sign an affidavit attesting that no such changes have transpired.

In closing, although the council’s decisions may not always be popular, we assure you they are objective, balanced, and wellresearched for the long-term good of all MBEs. Thank you for your support, advocacy, and genuine commitment to the growth of minority business enterprises.

BUSINESS FUNDING & RESOURCES FUNDING RESOURCES FOR MBES COMMUNE ANGELS Commune Angels launched in 2020 to expand access to angel investing and capital. We invest in scalable consumer, enterprise, and life science companies that transform lives. Diversity is essential to transformative innovation, and our members are committed to contributing their unique experiences, relationships, and resources to drive better outcomes for investors, portfolio companies, and their customers. Commune Angels is a community of accredited and rising investors who recognize the power of diversity and national deal flow.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

RENDE CAPITAL RPC is proud to announce that we are receiving applications from Excluded Entrepreneurs of color to the RACE4Progress Fund. The fund provides very low interest, deferred payments, extended terms, and other features for Excluded Entrepreneurs in the Grand Rapids Area/Kent County whose businesses have suffered financially due to COVID-19.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INVESTMENT COMPANIES (NAIC) The National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC) is a Washington DC-based trade association and the largest network of diverse-owned private equity firms and hedge funds.

Through education, advocacy, and other innovative programs, the NAIC is focused on increasing the flow of capital to high-performing diverse investment managers often underutilized by institutional investors.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

BLACK AMBITION The truth is Black Ambition is limitless but Access is not. Black Ambition is a non-profit initiative working to close the opportunity and wealth gap through entrepreneurship. We invest capital and resources in high-growth startups founded by Black and Latinx entrepreneurs.

We believe entrepreneurs historically left out of traditional investment funnels are building the companies of tomorrow and we all have a united stake in opening opportunity. Eligible teams must have at least one member of the founding team who identifies as Black/African/ African American and/or Hispanic/Latino/a/Latinx. Prizes will be awarded as cash and, in some instances, investments. Any earnings from investments will be used to support Black Ambition’s ability to offer Prizes to future entrepreneurs.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

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CHASE – ADVANCING BLACK PATHWAYS RECRUITMENT • Original Start date: February 2020, Executed: May 2020 • Original agreement focused on learning modules only • Certification component discussed in July 2020 • US Black Chamber of Commerce • Black Enterprise • National Urban League • Received referrals in August 2020 • Goal: Certify 200 Black Businesses • Requirements • 2+ Years in business • Revenue of $100K+ • Reimbursement upon successful certification • 2-year program • $50K a year • 1 successful completion

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

LOWE’S - RECRUITMENT | RETENTION • Agreement executed last week of January 2021 • Grant will pay for 2 years of certification|recertification at market rate • 1st Priority given to Lowe’s current, previous & prospective suppliers • Grant is approximately $320K • Encourage Black retail-based MBEs to obtain certification • No Council stipulations

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

AMAZON – CONSIDERATION • Request: certify the Black businesses on their platform • Programming included with other other NGOs • US Black Chamber of Commerce • Minority Business Development Agency • Launch during Black History Month • Potentially 20K businesses • Certification at market price • Next Steps: NMSDC to provide Amazon with a proposal

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

NMSDC

National Minority Supplier Development Council

COMCAST RISE In June 2020, Comcast NBCUniversal announced the development of a comprehensive, multi-year plan to allocate $75 million in cash and $25 million in media over the next three years to fight injustice and inequality against any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ability. Starting March 1, 2021, qualifying businesses may apply for the Comcast RISE Investment Fund.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR AMEP VIRTUAL CLASS 2021 JUNE 14-18 & 22-24 (HALF-DAY SESSIONS)

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS APRIL 30TH 2021 FORD & NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE The Emergency Capital Access Program (ECAP) will provide small grants, combined with technical assistance and advisory services, to Black business owners through National Urban League affiliates in Los Angeles, Detroit, New Orleans, Atlanta, Chicago and New York.

Each city will receive $100,000, enabling National Urban League affiliates to provide crucial economic support to businesses providing a stabilizing influence for communities hard hit by the pandemic.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

GOLDMAN SACHS In partnership with Black women-led organizations and other partners, our new investment initiative, One Million Black Women, will commit $10 billion in direct investment capital $100 million in philanthropic support to address the dual disproportionate gender and racial biases that Black women faced for generations, which have only been exacerbated by the pandemic.

Most importantly, the investment will be grounded in the stories, voices, and experiences of Black women. Together with leading organizations representing Black women, Goldman Sachs is launching with a series of listening sessions to solicit input from across the country of the investments, companies, resources, and programs that can be most impactful in serving Black women and transforming communities.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Experience rigorous program sessions led by faculty with corporate and entrepreneurial real-world experience.

Topics covered include: • • • • • • • •

Managing Strategic Change & Growth Successful Negotiating Defending Your Brand Global Growth Forensic Accounting Growth Strategies for Entrepreneurs Private Capital Funding/Capital Markets Acquiring a Business (M&A)/Investment Criteria/Business Valuation

The Advanced Management Executive Program (AMEP) is designed for minority business CEOs/ Owners of NMSDC certified minority-owned businesses. Businesses have demonstrated a sustained level of solid performance and are ready and interested in accelerating their business growth.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

InFuse is a program for corporate members focused on developing supplier diversity strategies through peer-to-peer mentoring. The program follows the eight best practices of developing a supplier diversity strategy as outlined by the National Minority Supplier Development Council. The program matches a corporate member mentor with a corporate member mentee. The mentor is an experienced corporate member with a wellestablished supplier diversity strategy.

The mentee is a corporate member who is looking to develop or improve their strategy. Infuse requires a 12-month commitment with monthly meetings monthly, each focused on a different supplier diversity best practice.

The program provides an opportunity to share best practices and have robust discussions about supplier diversity strategies. The structure of the program is not only a great benefit to the mentee; it also affords the mentor an opportunity to review and refine their own strategies for continuous improvement. Infuse is available to any corporate member that signs up. As an added value of MMSDC Corporate membership, there is no cost required for participation in the program.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

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WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE FIRST GRADUATES OF THE INFUSE PROGRAM. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR COMPLETING THE PROGRAM:

JAC BLANCO

Spectrum Health Systems (Mentee)

TERESA LEFEVRE

MICHAEL SHERMAN

Comerica Bank (Mentor)

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SARAH CHARTIER

Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (Mentor)

Flagstar Bank (Mentee)

JOIN US AT 2021 MMPC

MAY 4 - 6, 2021 A FULLY IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL CONFERENCE SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

WHAT’S NEW AT 2021 MMPC? We are pleased to announce that we have made several enhancements to this year’s virtual conference to increase engagement, provide a more user-friendly experience, and drive more traffic during the Business Opportunity Exchange:

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• MBE/Corporate Member Booths Clearly Branded • Video Chat Capabilities in Virtual Booths • Ability to Make Appointments at Booths for Focused Interactions* (CLICK HERE to view schedule) • True Networking Opportunity During the Conference through the Virtual Network Lounge • Conference Closes with Virtual Wine Down Networking Event - Live Virtual DJ Breeze and Mixologist will Demonstrate Cocktail/Mocktail Creations • Boutique Marketplace – Visit the Boutique Marketplace to Support MBE Vendors • Improved Navigation

CLICK HERE FOR SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBITOR AVAILABILITY *only registered conference attendees may schedule appointments

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY HIGHLIGHTS MAY 5TH, 2021 (ALL TIMES ARE ET) As MMPC celebrates four decades of resilience, we are also excited to share our vision of a future of brilliance. We have curated an engaging schedule of results-driven sessions led by industry experts designed to empower attendees to implement strategies that yield true impact! Here’s a sneak peek:

333 YEARS TO PARITY! YEARS

MONTHS

WEEKS

DAYS

HOURS

333 00 000 05 00 12 00 24 00 06 THE CASE FOR CHANGING SUPPLIER DIVERSITY AS WE KNOW IT 8:15 AM TO 9:15 AM ET

Being passionate about minority supplier development and committed to making your seat at the table count are admirable ideologies; but that is all they are if they are not combined with substantive, results-driven actions. The data on how long it will take to achieve economic equity in communities of color is sobering, but, with your commitment, we believe we can reduce this number. Join this session to learn powerful, actionable steps you can take to reduce the time, accelerate success, and improve the economy for all communities!

MICHELLE SOURIE ROBINSON President and CEO Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council

NEERAJ SHAH Founder and CEO Supplier.io

EXCLUSIVE ACCESS: IF ECONOMIC EQUITY IS PART OF THE DREAM, HOW DO WE CLOSE THE GAP?

MAY 5TH - 9:30 AM TO 10:30 AM ET

A conversation with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s daughter, human rights activist, Rev. Dr. Bernice King on her father’s legacy and how his dream truly encompasses economic inclusion and opportunity for all. Dr. King is often revered but few fully appreciate how attuned he was to the power of economic opportunity. You don’t want to miss this powerful discussion with his daughter who carries on her parents’ legacy as CEO of The King Center.

DR. BERNICE KING (DAUGHTER OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.) Chief Executive Officer The King Center

MICHELLE SOURIE ROBINSON President and CEO Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY DAY EXCLUSIVE: AHOY MICHIGAN! DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR) AND SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER (STTR) OVERVIEW

MAY 6TH - 8:30 AM TO 9:30 AM ET

The Department of the Navy (DON) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide the opportunity for domestic small businesses and start-ups to deliver innovative solutions to meet Naval needs through Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D). This competitive awards-based program advances innovative solutions through a three-phase program aiming to commercialize/transition technology to the Force/ Fleet.

BOB SMITH Director Navy SBIR/STTR and Special Programs

BENEFITS OF CORPORATE MEMBERS & CERTIFIED MBEs AT MMPC 2021

As an additional value of being a part of the NMSDC/ MMSDC collaborative, members and certified Minority Business Enterprises are able to register themselves and employees for some MMPC sessions for FREE! This year, those sessions include:

HR TRACK 1: EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING AND MENTAL HEALTH

MAY 4TH - 12:30 PM TO 2:00 PM ET

COVID-19 has brought upon many challenges for businesses and employers. While working from home may be the new normal, there may be unintended consequences from this shift in doing business. This session focuses on employee mental health and well-being related to working from home. Dr. Michael Kobernick and Cindy Bjorkquist, mental health and wellbeing experts from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, will be on for a live session to discuss strategies businesses should focus on to improve their employee’s mental health and wellbeing during this pandemic.

DR. MICHAEL KOBERNICK Senior Medical Director of Health Plan Business Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

CINDY BJORKQUIST Director of Well Being Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

HR TRACK 2: COVID VACCINATIONS: TO MANDATE OR NOT?

MAY 4TH - 2:15 PM TO 3:00 PM ET

Mandatory vaccinations are generally permissible, but subject to significant limitations and exceptions. Requiring vaccination in the workplace raises a host of legal, regulatory, and practical considerations, particularly by the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”). Learn about your ability to mandate vaccines and what course of action you may be required to undertake.

ANDREY TOMKIW Partner Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

HR TRACK 3: FLEXIBILITY, THE SHIFT FROM LOCATION TO TIME

MAY 4TH - 3:15 PM TO 4:00 PM ET

Working from home has become the new normal. Instead of commuting to the office everyday, employees have now gained more time during their workday. As a result of this, many employers have instituted flexible policies for their employees. This session will explore some of these flexible policies being implemented to accommodate employees working from home. Additionally, as employers start to bring people back into the office, when will that happen and what will that look like after working remotely for over a year.

TAMMY BROWNING (MODERATOR) Senior Vice President and President KellyOCG®

CARRIE BRIDGES HR Business Partner Stellantis

DEI EXCLUSIVE: CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER FORUM

MAY 5TH - 2:45 PM TO 4:45 PM ET

MICHAEL SULLIVAN Director, Supplier Diversity Rock Central

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS FOR THIS FORUM

A Reducing 333 Years to Parity: Real Talk and Real Results session. After the U.S. economy declined in Spring 2020, the DEI&B industry experienced an astonishing 123% increase in job postings between May and September. Companies are truly making historic moves to meet the moment. To support this effort and help drive meaningful change, we have created a special forum for MMSDC corporate members or certified MBE employees bearing organizational DEIB credentials.

The focus is on equipping, supporting, and empowering those with total oversight for all diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.

Our national line-up of subject matter experts will consult a Real Talk, Real Results session designed to assist you as you and your company leverage diversity to drive business results.

LOTTIE HOLLAND (MODERATOR) Director - Diversity, Inclusion, Engagement & EEO Compliance Stellantis

KEVIN CLAYTON Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion & Engagement Cleveland Cavaliers

GLORIA JOHNSON GOINS Head of Health Equity, Growth and Business Partnerships Amazon Pharmacy

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THESE SESSIONS

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FRANK MCCLOSKEY Former Vice President of Diversity (Retired) Georgia Power

OPPORTUNITIES FOR MBEs AT MMPC 2021 The Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council has always tried to present new ideas and push innovation within the Supplier Diversity community. This year for MMPC 2021, we have taken the core function of the conference – connecting MBEs with actual purchasing opportunities – and raised it to the next level!

There are two different ways your company can connect with buyers and multiple sourcing opportunities. We are pleased to announce that we have over 40 Matchmaker opportunities, and over 50 Buyers representing a variety of commodities available for 1-on-1 Video Chat appointments during the Business Opportunity Exchange (BOE).

Review the opportunities below and sign up by the deadlines.

Leading up to Business Opportunity Exchange (BOE), MBEs will have the opportunity to submit for over 40 matchmaking opportunities offered

by Corporate Buyers with specific sourcing needs. The list of sourcing opportunities as well as the sign up is included in the link below.

The Matchmaking Process is: 1. MBEs create profile and submit an application.

2. Applications are screened and reviewed by Buyers.

3. Matches are made.

4. Buyers schedule one-on-one meetings with matched MBE for May 6th during MMPC. 5. Matchmaking Meetings held May 6th between 8AM – 12PM Corporate Needs:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Accounting Software African American Haircare Products Aluminum Castings Application of coatings, heat treat, or paint on metallic components Building Maintenance Business Card Printing Services (National) Complex Safety related Sub Assemblies Construction Material Supply (Anchors, wood, safety materials, etc) Controls Arm Electrification Components Electronics for Steering Columns Engineering Support - Mechanical Design Expedited air freight providers Fabricators Facilities Management Financial Services Technology Expertise General Clean Up - Must be union labor and licensed to work in MO General Contractors Gravity Die Cast Parts HVAC Information Technology (products and services)

• Janitorial Supplies • Logistics providers for shipments to and from the US, Europe, and China • Low presssure molds for use in casting plants • Machining • Marketing • Material Handling Equipment (lift assist arms, lift tables, platforms) • Mechanisms and Fasteners (National and Mexico) • Metal Stamping (Midwest and Mexico) • Network Services - Hardware Procurement, Maintenance, and Managed Services (National, Mexico) • Painting - Must be union labor and licensed to work in MO • Parking Lot Paving • Plastic Injection Molded Parts • Plastics • Professional Services - PPP project management experience of large platform migrations • Professional Services - System Integrator support for commercial accounting platform modernization.

Specific skillset related to AFS platform

• Public Relations • Returnable and expendable dunnage - to carry metal parts. Parts are safety critical and dunnage needs to meet specifications • Robotic Process Automation • Robotics Integration • Rollforming / Tube bending (Midwest and Mexico) • Rubber Gasket Manufacturer (National and Mexico) • Signage • Small Stamping • Software Subscription Services - IT Software licenses, manage licenses, negotiate renewals (National) • Steel Supply for buildout at auto assembly plants • Suppliers of fasteners, bearings, and ball joints • Trailers and Equipment Rental • Tuition reimbursement software solution • Waste Removal • Wire form Manufacturers (National and Mexico) • Word Press Developers

Deadline: 4/23/2021

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

MMPC BOE BUYERS SCHEDULING During our Business Opportunity Exchange, MBEs will have more direct access to REAL opportunities than ever before. We have created a dedicated scheduling link designed for MBEs to meet with designated purchasing decision-makers on upcoming opportunities.

With over 50 buyers representing several different commodities, this is a great opportunity to connect with Buyers and share your Capabilities Statement. Use the scheduling link below to view available opportunities and to secure an appointment(s) for May 6th at MMPC BOE between 12PM and 4PM.

Deadline: 4/30/2021

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

MMSDC TV POWERED BY GOOGLE AT MMPC 2021 In partnership with GOOGLE, MMSDC will develop monthly educational TV segments to engage and educate MBEs and Corporate Members throughout the year through our latest initiative, MMSDC TV powered by Google. Our content is centered around business resources.

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We are excited to announce that MMPC 2021 digital content is provided courtesy of MMSDC TV powered by Google.

In addition to providing an engaging, innovative take on business news that strives to connect Minority Business Enterprises with premier Corporate partners, MMSDC TV powered by Google will also host powerful sessions from 2021 MMPC as on-demand content within the network.

Look for the MMSDC TV powered by Google logo during MMPC to see your network in action!

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ENJOYING MMPC 2021 Several MBEs are showcasing their products and services at MMPC. Enjoy a virtual shopping experience at MMPC’s Boutique Marketplace that is 100% supported by MBEs and order your own Cocktail Kit from MBE V2Soft/WeInvite so that you can follow along with a talented mixology demonstration during the Wine Down Cocktail Networking Hour:

SHOP NOW

MMPC WINE DOWN NETWORKING RECEPTION 2021 MMPC will conclude on May 6th 4:15pm – 5:30pm with a Wine Down Networking Cocktail Hour. Conference attendees are welcome to join us virtually for a celebration packed with a live DJ, mixology demonstrations, and the opportunity to network, build comradery, and connect in a jovial, social environment!

Shake, stir, and pour your way through hands-on cocktail/mocktail recipes, followed by socializing and networking. Purchase your Wine Down Networking Hour Cocktail Kits today so that you can follow along with the demonstrations. Who knows? You may discover a new skill – mixology!

Deadline: 4/19/2021 Do you prefer alcohol-free options? No problem – we also have Mocktail Recipe Cards Coming Soon!

PURCHASE YOUR COCKTAIL KIT!

FEATURED PROGRAMS DID YOU KNOW? The MMSDC team is as diverse as the constituency we serve.

We are proud to feature a wide variety of ethnicities, backgrounds, education, certifications, and areas of expertise!

SO, WHAT'S THE DEAL? At the MMSDC and Detroit MBDA & AMP Centers, we like to say that we have built the "MMSDC Dream Team"!

In our effort to do so, we have curated our employees and placed them into their roles based on their diverse backgrounds, strengths, and passions, and we have given them the room to grow and make an indelible impact on our consistuency.

INTRODUCING OUR PROGRAMS Nowadays, you would be hard pressed to find anyone who has not experienced some sort of disruption to their normal workplace environment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With workplaces worldwide shutting down and observing social distancing, we think it is important to recognize that our constituents may not have as many opportunities to meet our staff and learn about their service offerings, areas of expertise, and the programs that they lead and/or serve upon.

Each edition, we will feature selected staff member(s) so you can learn about the programs that they have helped to create, lead, and implement. In addition to that, we will include information about their other service offerings, notable achievements with the MMSDC, and why we consider each staff member to be part of our MMSDC Dream Team!

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MMSDC Native American Programming: MMSDC is the certification entity designated to certify bonafide minority-owned businesses within the state of Michigan.

MMSDC has created programs to ensure all minority-owned businesses benefit from the four-pillar mission set forth by the National Minority Supplier Development Council — Certify, develop, connect, and advocacy. Our focus is to include all industries, geographies, and certifiable races and ethnicities.

For example, some underrepresented groups are due to the geographical location, as is the case for many of the Indigenous and Tribal-owned businesses. To address this challenge, MMSDC created ONE MMSDC to bring unity among all minority-owned businesses. MMSDC even opened a satellite office in West Michigan to be inclusive. Addressing and understanding cultural norms and respecting differences that may prevent opportunities from expanding to these communities has been vital to our success.

In addressing the challenges identified, it was determined that the Tribal- and Native American-owned businesses would benefit most by programming dedicated to; understanding supplier diversity programs aimed at increasing minority spend; relationship building; the importance of certifications and how to leverage the services provided by the MMSDC and MBDA Centers.

Tribal- and Native American-owned businesses can be assisted with business development and counseling, access to capital, sourcing and matchmaking to opportunities, as well as certifications that might benefit the businesses. Funding for this program is underwritten by Andra Rush, The Rush Group.

Key Calendar Dates: Ahoy Michigan - West and Upper Michigan Business Owners -Informational on Doing Business with the Department of Defense Navy – April 23, 2021 10:00 AM Register on Eventbrite Reshoring: Tomorrow's Strategy for Building a Sustainable Business Today - Learn the tax and financial incentives of locating your business on tribal lands – Join us at the upcoming MMPC session May 6, 2021 PPE Distribution - Stay tuned for our fourth PPE distribution plan as we help minority businesses reopen safely Certification application assistance - Take advantage of the benefits that certification affords your business whether it be MBE through MMSDC or any of the other certifications relevant to social and economic disadvantage – Ongoing

DREAM TEAM

SHARON CROCKETT

FEATURED STAFF MEMBER: Sharon Crockett SUPER HERO NAME: Microbusiness Magnifier SECRET IDENTITY: Small Business Consultant and Native American Project Manager SUPER POWERS: Business development and strategic growth, business plan and capability statement consulting, matchmaking, procurement, sourcing opportunities, and small business certifications (SBA, 8a, Hubzone, DBE, WBE, etc.)

SPECIAL SKILLS: Cultural education and nuances, business etiquette, identifying funding opportunities, identifying stretch goals, and new lines of business opportunities

SUPER HERO STATS COVID-19 Response Team Lead 1,000+ Detroit Metro small businesses provided with free PPE kits (valued at $250 each) during MMSDC’s PPE Distribution Drive in 2020 12+ Michigan Native American Tribes were also provided with free PPE kits during MMSDC’s PPE Distribution Drive in West Michigan in 2021 20+ MBE vendors featured in the MMSDC’s first ever virtual Holiday Marketplace to help small retailers 400+ and counting small businesses have received business development, growth and scaling consultation and matchmaking services 50+ and counting small businesses have received assistance with the MBE certification process and application

SBA/8a/Hubzone comprehensive training provided to the Magnify Mastermind Women’s Program Partnered with MDOT to promote certification resources and benefits Partnered with Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties to provided municipal opportunities to our MBEs Helped Jorgensen Steel, a Native American owned business, receive the contract with Bridges North America on both the Canadian and American sides of the new bridge construction project

CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT

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A HISTORY OF BRILLIANCE Through partnership, innovation, and audacity, some of our longest tenured Corporate Members and Minority Business Enterprises have worked together with MMSDC to grow MMPC into the third-largest conference of its kind in the Nation; generating invaluable connections that have led to the growth and creation of countless businesses. None of this would be possible without the involvement of all our Corporate Members and certified Minority Business Enterprises, but here’s a brief spotlight of some of our great champions and allies.

DTE is a national leader in supplier diversity and remains committed to the MMSDC. Our Chief Procurement Officer, Tony Tomczak, was the organization’s first non-automotive executive director. In 2020, we spent $744 million with 149 diverse suppliers, which is nearly 25 percent of our external spend. This is a 288 percent increase since 2010.

DTE’s innovative approach involves using outreach, mentorship, and partnership with the MMSDC to seek out diverse entrepreneurs and help them grow. Typically, these are small or mid-sized companies that we connect with opportunities at DTE or with one of our large suppliers.

We’ve seen businesses grow from employing three people to employing 300. We’ve replicated this success over and over again to generate thousands of jobs across our state.

TCF Financial Corp (TCF) is a financial holding company that offers commercial banking services through its wholly-owned subsidiary bank, TCF National Bank. It offers a wide range of traditional banking and fiduciary solutions. It provides personal, corporate, and savings accounts; credit, reloadable and debit cards; and loans such as equipment, mortgage, consumer, commercial real estate, working capital, and lines of credit.

Started in 1980, Jackson Dawson is a full-service creative agency and home to inspiring individuals, diverse brands, and incredible capabilities. Jackson Dawson is a leader and pioneer in the fields of marketing, worldwide product and culture training, design and fabrication, luxury hospitality, large corporate workshops, and consumer experiences — with footprints of more than one million square feet.

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Janesville Acoustics is one of the world’s largest producers of acoustical and thermal fiber insultation for a variety of automotive applications. Founded in 1874, the company is based in Southfield, Michigan with manufacturing plants and satellite offices in Michigan, Ohio, Mississippi, North Carolina, Missouri, and Mexico.

Founded in 1991, Sachse Construction has built millions of square feet of commercial, retail, multifamily, and institutional space throughout the United State, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Services include construction management, general contracting, preconstruction, reconstruction, design builds and others.

The Wellness Plan Medical Centers has been a valued member of the community and has served Michigan residents for over 45 years. Their mission is to provide affordable, high quality primary and preventive healthcare to those who may have limited access to healthcare, including the underinsured and uninsured.

MBE SPOTLIGHT GEORGE P. BARNES, JR

JOSE REYES

George P. Barnes, Jr. is the Founder, President, and CEO of Heritage Optical Center and Heritage Vision Plans. In 1975, Barnes opened Heritage Optical Center as the first African American to own and operate an optical dispensary in Detroit. In 1991, Heritage became the only minority-owned enterprise licensed to administer vision programs in Michigan and remains the only licensed African American company. Heritage Vision Plans operates in all 50 states and has over 35,000 providers. Heritage Vision Plans is also an NMSDC Corporate Plus member and certified with the MMSDC. Barnes has served as Industry Leader of MBEIC Healthcare Industry Group and is committed to mentoring other MBEs both inside and outside of the healthcare industry. Additionally, Barnes serves on several business and community boards, is a Detroit NAACP lifetime member, and has been a longtime partner of the Michigan Minority Procurement Conference.

Jose Reyes realized early in his career he enjoyed sales more than working in a factory. He started selling gadgets and trinkets to stores throughout Detroit. This was the impetus for founding Universal Products in 1988, a 100% Hispanic-owned company.

As the CEO, Reyes was ambitious and determined to succeed. Universal Products has leveraged its MMSDC certification to expand and grow to a global company with its diverse consumer products sold in more than 20,000 stores worldwide, including Walmart and Amazon. Reyes provides business mentoring to MBEs and supports various charitable organizations.

Universal Products is committed to providing exceptional customer service and employment opportunities to improve the Michigan job market.

Reyes serves on the MBEIC as the Industry Leader for its Consumer Products Industry Group.

SYLVESTER L. HESTER

VICKIE LEWIS

Sylvester L. Hester serves as Chairman of GAA Manufacturing and Supply Chain as well as President and CEO of LM Manufacturing, a Magna inspired joint venture. Hester created and honed the personalized GEPT (Gather, Expose, Prepare, Target) Initiative as a structured road map for businesses with setting expectations, building necessary capacity as well as growing and promoting a strong foundation for sustainable growth.

He has invested upwards of three decades of service, creating, innovating, and leading at all levels within MMSDC and, presently, is the Chairman of the MBEIC. His involvement in at-risk communities include AdoptA-School, Expose to Inspire (E2i), Detroit Area PreCollege Engineering Program (DAPCEP) and Black United Fund of Michigan (BUF). Hester is committed to working with the MMSDC to build a legacy of profound impact and assisting MBEs to obtain contracts with corporations and government.

Vickie Lewis is passionate about advancing the urban workforce and creating conversations that lead to success. As CEO of VMX International, MMSDC Board member, and an award-winning executive, Lewis works with large industrial plants, automotive companies, and government military bases and facilities nationwide to properly recycle and dispose of items ranging from office paper to hazardous materials. Founded in 2001, VMX was certified through MMSDC helping to launch the company to become a “ready now” minority-owned business through a variety of growth and development opportunities. Thus, setting the company on a path to increase to a 60-employee $9M company. Lewis was profiled in the “Work and Wealth” section of “Essence Magazine” and featured in its tabletop book “Making It Happen – Creating Success and Abundance”.

Founder, President, and CEO

Chairman, GAA President and CEO, LM Mfg

Founder, President, and CEO

President, and CEO

PRESI

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IDENT’S CORNER A HISTORY OF RESILIENCE...A FUTURE OF BRILLIANCE Some things just stand the test of time. The Rubik’s Cube, Star Wars, and the Post-it-Note are all examples of brilliant ideas that have had staying power for more than four decades. The Michigan Minority Procurement Conference (MMPC) was another great idea that, now celebrating its 40th year, remains a premier business conference. Just as at its founding, the conference has a high focus on connecting global, national, and local corporations with the top minority business enterprises (MBE) in Michigan and throughout the country.

Our accomplishments over 40 years are many. In the ’80s The National Minority Supplier Development Council recognized MMPC as the largest annual procurement conference in the network. We have not only created many firsts at our conference with DealMaker sessions, global trade missions, minority women’s tracks, Matchmaker365 opportunities, and billions in transactions, but we have maintained a level of professional development for both MBEs and corporate members by bringing in national experts as speakers. During the 2000s, our MMPC grew to 550 exhibitors, the largest regional conference in the country and we have maintained that place as the third largest supplier diversity conference in the country, trailing behind only national organizations.

Our 2021 theme, “A History of Resilience…A Future of Brilliance” is apropos as we begin to rebound from COVID-19 and look toward to what comes next. Just as last year, the three-day event will be held fully virtually.

Yet, expect all the depth of programming the conference has always offered.

That includes workshops, seminars, industry-specific forums, business consulting sessions, and a dynamic matchmaking format called the Strategic Trading Floor allowing high-impact matchmaking deals to be made directly on the tradeshow floor between purchasing decision-makers and prospective minority suppliers.

It feels good to celebrate MMPC’s 40th as we look toward a future of sustainable results, accomplishment, and brilliance.

Warmest regards, Michelle

SIGNATURE EVENTS The Michigan Minority Procurement Conference (MMPC), annually attended by thousands, is a three-tiered, fully virtual summit providing attendees access to all the components of our traditional conference and tradeshow, via the integration of a variety of tech platforms.

MICHIGAN MINORITY PROCUREMENT CONFERENCE MAY 4, 2021 – MAY 6, 2021 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE

The 3-day conference features live and on-demand speakers and discussions including the Innovation Summit, Dealmaker Sessions, Meet the Candidate series, in addition to dynamic keynote speakers, professional development, a virtual trade show, marketplace, and more. We look forward to you joining us virtually on May 4th, 5th and 6th for this year’s MMPC!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Join us on Monday, July 26, 2021, for our annual golf outing at Oakland University’s prestigious R&S Sharf and Katke-Cousins Golf Courses, located in Rochester, Michigan. This year’s event continues our strong legacy of connecting our members, supporters, and guests for a fun-filled day of golf while making valuable business connections.

There’s something for everyone! Whether you’re a scratch or avid golfer, play a round or two each season or are new to golf, you can enjoy a four-ball format using your handicap or play in a traditional scramble with a foursome of your choosing.

MMSDC GOLF TOURNAMENT INVITATIONAL JULY 26, 2021 OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

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The event proceeds support our efforts in minority supplier development as we develop programs for MBEs and corporate members alike.

ONE MMSDC is designed to assist corporate personnel and community stakeholders in learning the keys to building sustainable minority supplier development programming.

ONE MMSDC SEPTEMBER 2021 TBD

This event works to explain the value and impact that supplier diversity has on its community. The intended goal is to connect-the-dots and explain how working together can assist communities with the greatest needs. The program also ensures that our constituency is aware and knowledgeable of current and future initiatives supporting sustainable MBE growth and scale opportunities.

The event is tentatively scheduled for September 2021, however, in the coming months, please be on the lookout for the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council to announce the official date, time, and location of 2021 ONE MMSDC. We look forward to seeing you there!

The 2021 ACE Awards and Chairman’s Scholarship Gala will join forces this year to celebrate both Ambassadors Championing Excellence in supplier diversity, and the scholars representing the future of a continued harmonious business relationship between corporate and minority enterprises.

ACE AWARDS & CHAIRMAN’S SCHOLARSHIP GALA DECEMBER 9, 2021

As we look toward the future, strong partnerships remain a pillar in our shared success as a community. As such, the MMSDC is dedicated to helping the economic growth of minority business enterprises (MBEs) through the facilitation of successful business partnerships with multinational corporations. This commitment is directly inline with the spirit of the ACE Awards and the Chairman’s Scholarship Gala, which continue to act as force multipliers for disruptors and change agents relentlessly raising the bar within supplier diversity.

So please join us this year for a very special event, as we celebrate our supplier diversity champions and future scholars, while also saying thank you to our outgoing Board Chair and welcoming our incoming Chair with the ceremonial Passing of the Gavel.

THANK YOU Thank you for your consistent support of MMSDC, and for your role in making the MMPC the third largest supplier development conference in the nation. It is with your support that we continue to realize Results and Resilience!