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MMSDC YEAR IN REVIEW

WELCOME TO

2022! Welcome to our first issue of the Gazette for 2022. As the council reflects on 2021, please take time to see the centerpiece of this issue that recaps the Council’s achievements during this period. Even as we struggled to find our way during the second year of the pandemic, the programs of the MMSDC remained robust. I’d like to highlight just a few of these programs here. Our Access to Capital strategy focused on scaling and growing businesses, resulting in us building a capital stack in excess of $2.5 billion. The first Magnify Mastermind Cohort graduated in 2021, and the revamp of our record-breaking 36th Annual MMSDC Invitational Golf Outing led to the creation of many new business relationships. Our work toward reducing the revenue disparity that exists between minority-owned businesses and their ethic majority counterparts will continue to take center stage in 2022. MBE’s must be able to realize an equitable economic benefit from their contributions and the MMSDC will continue its work to drive the years to parity from 333 to under 15. We released our survey results on the years-to-growth parity during last year’s virtual Michigan Minority Procurement Conference (MMPC). We are hopeful that the conference will return in person this year, but we have also planned for a hybrid event. Paramount to our success this year is feedback from our partners. Certainly, economic concerns including inflation, supply chain issue, and rising prices are top of mind for all of us. We want to know about your challenges and your opportunities so we can be your best ally in 2022. Email us your ideas and suggestions; together we can weather these challenges mmsdcsupport@minoritysupplier.org. The 20s have presented us with unique challenges, yet together we continue to adapt and retool to meet them. Our team is at the ready to embrace whatever 2022 brings.

CONTENTS LETTER TO OUR CONSTITUENTS BUSINESS FUNDING & RESOURCES

ACE AWARDS RECAP

FEATURED PROGRAMS

“STATE” OF THE STATE

BLACK BUSINESS HISTORY TIMELINE

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP

MBE CERTIFICATION

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

YEAR IN REVIEW

SIGNATURE EVENTS

02 04 06 10 12 14 18 20 22 24 26 3

BUSINESS FUNDING & RESOURCES FUNDING RESOURCES FOR MBES GOLDMAN SACHS LAUNCHES $75M FUND TO AID BLACK AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPERS Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s Urban Investment Group (UIG) has closed on a $75 million venture with the National Affordable Housing Trust (NAHT) to support Black affordable housing developers in completing new projects around the country, Commercial Observer has learned. The initiative will establish the Black Developers Initiative Affordable Housing Fund, which will finance affordable housing projects across the country that are sponsored by Black developers with a heavy focus on Black women-led developments. The investment is part of Goldman Sachs’ $10 billion One Million Black Women initiative, launched in March 2021.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

ANNUITY FREEDOM.NET SMALL BUSINESSWOMEN’S GRANT The catalyst for our grants was seeing and hearing about the tremendous impact of COVID-19 on entrepreneurs who are women. We want to dedicate some of our knowledge and time to help. While this is a business website, we are trying to help other business owners with our grant program. In support of this goal, we have disabled our normal calls to action/contact forms on grant pages and replaced our normal header images. We do not want your money. We want to help you make more money.

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

COMCAST RISE Comcast Rise is giving $10,000 grants to 600 more minority businesses in select cities. Check eligibility. Opens Oct 1, 2022.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

GRANTS.GOV Grants.gov allows grant seekers to find, and apply for federal funding opportunities. It contains information on more than 1,000 grant programs across all 26 federal grant-making agencies, including the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE FACEBOOK LAUNCHES $100M GRANT | SHE BOSS TALK Facebook announced its Facebook Invoice Fast Track Program: a $100 million commitment to a program that supports small businesses owned by women and minorities by buying up their outstanding invoices. Facebook estimates the program will support approximately 30,000 small businesses. We’re breaking down what this means for your small businesses. Fast Track Program begins Oct. 1, 2022

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

BANK BREEZY Get funding up to $25K. Same Day Approval! No collateral needed. No hard credit pull. Must have: • • • • •

450 credit score $5k+ monthly sales 6 months in business. Business Bank Account in business name EIN (Business Tax ID)

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

ENTHUSE FOUNDATION The Enthuse Foundation is a non-profit organization investing in a new generation of women entrepreneurs and cultivating the next generation of business leaders. Here’s your opportunity to participate in the Third Annual Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition celebrating the women who are making their mark on the food, beverage, and CPG industries. Apply now for the chance to pitch and be eligible to compete for $30,000 in cash and prizes.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE SELF-EMPLOYED This nonprofit trade association provides educational resources and grants for small businesses and entrepreneurs. To apply for a grant of up to $4,000, you will need to become an active member of the association, provide a detailed explanation of how you’ll use the funds, show how the grant will support your business’s growth, and provide supporting documentation.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH AND SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAMS These two small business programs provide contracts and grants for early-stage small businesses that are looking to commercialize innovative biomedical technologies.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE OPERATION HOPE SMALL-BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM The Operation Hope program is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs in low-wealth neighborhoods, which often include minority communities. The program combines business training, and financial counseling along with access to small-business financing options. Participants complete a 12-week training program, plus workshops on business financing and credit and money management.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

THE AMBER GRANT FOUNDATION The Amber Grant Foundation awards one $10,000 grant to a small business owner per month. In this case, however, grants are offered only to female entrepreneurs, and they’re intended specifically to help new entrepreneurs launch their businesses. Once awarded with one of the $10,000 monthly grants, the beneficiary will also be nominated for the Amber Grant’s yearly $25,000 grant.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

DETROIT AND WAYNE COUNTY – RESTORE THE VILLAGE FUND For Black and minority owned businesses in Detroit and Wayne County. There are grants, free coaching services, start-up help, and other advice to help (1) a company get started, or assist current businesses. Free grants and financial support is offered to both for-profit and non-profit organizations. Black Leaders Detroit oversees the applications.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

EL CONCILIO El Concilio provides assistance to Hispanicowned businesses in the Kalamazoo area. The non-profit provides a number of services, ranging from education to financial literacy, cultural classes, and more. One focus is on helping Latinos start or continue to operate their business, and the non-profit can refer clients to loan programs, government grants, credit repair for businesses with bad credit, and more.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

MICHIGAN SMALL BUSINESS RESTART PROGRAM Michigan’s small businesses and nonprofits working to recover from the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 virus can now apply for grants of up to $20,000 through the Michigan Small Business Restart Program, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today. The program will provide $100 million in economic assistance to Michigan’s small businesses, and nonprofits, and, in turn, help support workers and their families, facing economic uncertainty during the outbreak.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

STATE TRADE EXPANSION PROGRAM (STEP) The STEP grant program has helped thousands of small businesses obtain grants, and find customers in the international marketplace since 2011. Through awards to U.S. states and territories, STEP helps small businesses overcome obstacles to exporting by providing grants to cover costs associated with entering, and expanding into international markets.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

CONNECTING WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES TO COMMUNITY LENDERS The Tory Burch Foundation and Bank of America Capital Program provides women-entrepreneurs in the United States the opportunity to access affordable loans through Community Lenders.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

PROSPER US DETROIT This organization offers entrepreneurs resources to find lenders, crowdfunding sources, and businesses that assist with funding to help you get the capital you need to create and maintain a successful business.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

A M B A S SA DO RS C H A M P IO NING EX C EL L ENC E I N M I NO RI T Y S UP P LI ER DEVELO P MENT

PASSING THE TORCH TO PARITY

ACE AWARDS/CHAIRMAN'S SCHOLARSHIP GALA RECAP Last December 9, 2021, the MMSDC’s ACE Awards and Chairman’s Scholarship Gala were merged in a heart-warming virtual experience. Although the ceremony was held virtually for the second year, it was not short on substance and celebration. Themed “Passing the Torch to Parity,” the event celebrated past, present, and future champions for their vital roles in reducing economic parity from 333 years to mere 15!

MICHIGAN MINORITY BUSINESS HALL OF FAME LEGENDS: CLASS OF 2021 Hosted by FOX 2’s Roop Raj, the ACE Awards/Chairman’s Scholarship Gala opened with an inspirational tribute to a class of ten trailblazers who individually and collectively laid the foundation as Hall of Fame honorees and paved the path for the current ACE Ambassadors and winners. The tribute, while powerful, was a mere excerpt of a full documentary that will be coming soon to MMSDC TV. For more information on the Class of 2021 Hall of Fame Legends, please visit https://minoritysupplier.org/hall-of-famers/.

J. DAVID ALLEN

JOHN BARTH

Director of Supplier Development General Motors

JETHRO JOSEPH

Senior Executive, Diversity Supplier Development Chrysler (now Stellantis) (retired)

TONY BROWN

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Johnson Controls (retired)

Senior Vice President, Global Purchasing Ford Motor Company (retired)

HAROLD KUTNER

CARLOS MAZZORIN

Group Vice President, Worldwide Purchasing General Motors (retired)

THANK YOU to all of the MBEs who made the 2021 MMSDC ACE Awards/Chairman's Scholarship Gala presentation possible:

Group Vice President, Global Purchasing, and South American and Asia Pacific Operations Ford Motor Company (retired)

RENALDO (RAY) JENSEN

Director of Supplier Diversity Ford Motor Company (retired)

ROBERT (BOB) ROSSITER

Chairman and CEO Lear Corporation (posthumous)

ROOP RAJ Fox 2

BURT JORDAN

Vice President, Global Vehicle and Indirect Purchasing and Supply Chain Sustainability Ford Motor Company (retired)

THOMAS W. SIDLIK

Executive Vice President, Global Procurement & Supply DaimlerChrysler (retired)

Hall of Fame Legends Tribute Kyyba Films

Scriptwriter Tallulah Group

Hall of Fame Legends Tribute Gallant-Stokes Productions

Graphic Design TR3 Studios

Video Production Management/Voice of God Full View Productions

ACE Awards & Ambassador Recognition Gifts Mercury Promotions & Fullfilment

Production & Virtual Platform Design 3Pin Design & Management

Virtual Auction Platform iConnectX/V2Soft

A M B A S S A D O RS CH AMPIO NING E X CE LLE N CE

ACE AWARDS RECAP CONT’D

I N MI NOR IT Y S U P P LIE R DE V E LO P M E NT

ACE (AMBASSADORS CHAMPIONING EXCELLENCE) AWARDS PASSING THE TORCH TO PARITY

The Class of 2021 Hall of Fame Legends tribute was followed by the first of 16 ACE Awards categories. Several Ambassadors were recognized for their valiant efforts to further Supplier Diversity, and footprint of Minority Owned Businesses. Fourteen winners were selected among these Ambassadors after a lengthy review conducted by an independent team of judges from all over the state, and our national network and a final review by accounting firm UHY, LLP. For more information on the 2021 ACE Ambassadors and awards recipients, please visit https://ace.minoritysupplier.org/ace-winners/.

Advocate of the Year

Executive of the Year

MBE Luminary of the Year

Volunteer of the Year

Jaspreet Singh DTE Energy

Anthony Tomczak DTE Energy

Andra Rush Dakkota Integrated Systems

Jennifer Good Stellantis

Corporation of the Year: Automotive OEM

Corporation of the Year: Financial & Insurance

Corporation of the Year: Mfg/Automotive

Corporation of the Year: Petrochemical, Energy & Utilities

Corporation of the Year: Professional Services & Staffing

Supplier of the Year: Class I

Supplier of the Year: Class II

Supplier of the Year: Class III

Supplier of the Year: Class IV

CHAIRMAN’S SCHOLARSHIP GALA During the program, 10 deserving scholars selected among several applicants for their stellar academic and community accomplishments were also acknowledged as MMSDC Chairman's Scholarship recipients. These outstanding scholars are high school senior; college freshman, sophomore, and junior persons of color who are holding a GPA of 3.0 or more, and attending an accredited two-year or four-year program at a Michigan college or university. Their career interests or majors consist of S.T.E.M. and business curricula. Three of the scholarships were made in honor of supplier diversity legends Harriet Michel, Jim H. Lowry, and Dr. Len Greenhalgh, and one scholarship includes an internship at one of our Plug and Play partners, courtesy of Google. GAA/ARD Logistics/Vitec Scholar

DESMOND BARNETTE

Yanfeng Global Automotive Interiors Scholar

EWIE Scholar

Devon Industrial Group Scholar

Michigan State University

PHILLIP BUCKMAN

JOSHUA DORSEY

DARNELL HOLIMON, JR.

James H. Lowry Scholar

Dr. Leonard Greenhalgh Scholar

Google Scholar

Google Scholar and Plug N Play Partner Internahip Recipient

RYAN JOHNSON

Tennessee State University

U of D Jesuit

TRINITY LAWRENCE-WILLIAMS EMIL NKEMDILIM-DANTZLER Florida Agricultural Mechanical University

University of Michigan

Lear Corporation Scholar

Harriet Michel Scholar

KUNJAL PARAJULI

Wayne State University

Bloomfield Schools

BRENDAN NZOMA

Grambling State University

ALANA WEEMS

Tennessee State University

PASSING THE GAVEL Finally, the council ushered in a new era of board leadership when the gavel was officially passed to Robert (Bob) Young of Toyota from Scott Thiele of Stellantis. Young, who is the Group Vice President of Purchasing Supplier Development at Toyota Motor North America, Inc., began his 2-year term as Chair of the board in January 2022. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Bob, the organization’s first non-Detroit based OEM Chair,” said Michelle Sourie Robinson, MMSDC President and CEO. “With so many changes and uncertainties in the marketplace, we are presented with ideal opportunities to elevate our mission and members. Bob will certainly be valuable in that effort.”

BOB YOUNG

Group Vice President, Purchasing Supplier Development Toyota North America, Inc

SCOTT THIELE

Head of Global Long Range Planning and Portfolio Planning Stellantis North America

FEATURED PROGRAMS THE COVERT STRATEGIST

ALBERT BW LOUIS, CPSM Superpowers: Director MBDA, Certifications and MBE Services Special Skills: DEVELOP – Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)/ Certification and MBE Services/ Magnify Masterminds/ Workforce Development "I am responsible for a establishing a clear pathway for MBEs to achieve economic parity in marketplaces both domestically and internationally."

DREAM TEAM

MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

MAGNIFY MASTERMINDS

In the MBDA, I primarily hold the responsibility to assure we have programs to satisfy the goal of exceeding the 333 to 15 economic parity goal.

Magnify Mastermind is the MMSDC’s latest program designed for Latina and Black Women Entrepreneurs. Business owners are curated into 5 dynamic peer learning groups. Each group meets regularly for 6 months to discuss challenges, develop solutions, garner support, and build connections for increased opportunity. Our next cohort is scheduled to launch on March 15, 2022.

1. Access to Capital 2. Access to Contracts 3. Access to Contracts

ACCESS TO CAPITAL The purpose for our access to capital strategy is to develop and create Capital Stack access to foster and grow minority business domestically and internationally.

ACCESS TO MARKETS Our strategy includes understanding the markets and industries where Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) can thrive as well as where we need foothold. Further, our source companies share their strategies and where they look for growth. We work with our MBEs and expose them to trainings that will develop their competitive advantage in these markets.

ACCESS TO CONTRACTS Our strategy is intentional and requires us to meet with source companies on a regular basis, with a regimented cadence. These meetings assures that we understand their strategies: where they want to grow, and compete. Additionally, it helps forge strategic connections with our source companies and positions us as a strategic fit within the supply chain.

CERTIFICATION AND MBE SERVICES My role in this area is critical for our success, as I am the conduit between the MBDA and MMSDC. I feel privileged to sit in this seat as it will allow me to see the overall impact and assure that we are certifying MBEs who can bring value to our source companies as well as to the MBE community. Our goal is to support MBEs who can bring value, compete and hold a competitive advantage in the marketplace. In 2022, we are stretching out across the verticals to put in place MBEs who can deliver value.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Our focus in this area is to match the needs of MBEs to those of jobseekers in the marketplace. Our efforts have impacted the lives of disadvantaged youth and adults, disabled, veterans, returning citizens, and other structurally unemployed individuals. Despite the health and social crises of 2021, we have delivered and will continue to do so. In fact, we believe that the job and wealth creation opportunities created by minority businesses are one of the most sustainable paths for true racial justice through economic parity. Here are a few of the KPIs we track as it relates to workforce development.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT KPIS Identify MBE companies (individuals) for wrap around services support Career development/military, college Participants Retaining a living wage (3) month or longer Participants that successfully enroll in college, military, or start a career Place veterans and formally incarcerated individuals in work opportunities

SCHEDULED EVENTS Please see our calendar on our website. Monthly New MBE Orientation Pre-certification briefings for MBEs who desire to be certified Magnify Masterminds Launch- March 15, 2022 Monthly Workforce Development webinars

"STATE"

OF THE COUNCIL

DID YOU KNOW? The Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council is NOW operating a multi-year grant awarded through the State of Michigan. This grant will support the buildout of the Business Solutions Group that will offer resources to impact the reduction of 333 to 15 years of parity. This grant allows our Minority Business Enterprises, Corporate Members, and Strategic MBE operators to engage in non-conventional growth strategies that catapults their organizations forward. Offerings are being refined, but as it stands, we will be able to assist growth through Access to Contract, Access to Deal flow, Access to strategic funders, and an internal staff of consultants to guide the process in facilitating transactions of various types. We continue to operate our federal funding programs through the Commerce Department with the Michigan MBDA Business Center Multi-Year grant and the Corona Virus Relief grant. With our grants and other programming, we are equipped to support the marketplace with an ecosystem that provides Start-up Tech company investment through Detroit Plug N Play powered by AmplifyD, as well as international support and connections through our Global Initiative (USMCA agreement). In addition, we have created results-driven programming in Workforce Development, Native American Growth, Business Continuity, and Succession Planning; and a host of other GROWTH programs. Please visit the website for more detailed information and join us on February 25 for a preview of all programs. We at the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council are not the council of the NORM but the council of the NEED. We are innovative and results-driven to impact Growth and Development beyond organic contract growth. With our innovation marketplace solution and the growth mindset, we are facilitating, Merger and Acquisition(M&A), Strategic Alliances(SA), Joint Ventures(JV), and Ownership leverage and growth through identifying unique Value Propositions. Join forces with us as we transcend the trajectory from 333 to 15 years of economic parity.

HAVE YOU HEARD THE GREAT NEWS? The Minority Business Development Act of 2021 was signed into law as a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This historic legislation's passage means MBDA is permanent. This action allows the agency to increase their programs and outreach to the Nation’s more than nine million minority-owned businesses. What This Means for MBEs The law creates as presidentially appointed and Senate-confirmed Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development to lead the agency. It increases the MBDA’s grant-making capacity to partner with community and national nonprofits engaged in private and public sector development, as well as research. The Act mandates the creation of the Parren J. Mitchel Entrepreneurship Education Grants Program to cultivate the next generation of minority entrepreneurs on the campuses of HBCUs and MSIs across the Nation. Lastly, it creates a council to advise the Under Secretary on supporting MBEs; and Authorizes the Under Secretary to coordinate federal MBE programs. As a matter of fact, the MBDA helped minority-owned businesses secure more than $2 billion in contracts, $708 million in financing, and supported the creation and retention of nearly 14,000 jobs.

1960s

April 1968

July 1968

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr was assassinated just after delivering a speech about economic withdrawal to encourage boycotts of US companies in order to address economic disparity.

Root cause of riots: Racial Injustice and its systemic effects.

Riots ensued throughout the nation.

President Nixon commissions an advisory group to pinpoint and address the underlying cause. Solution: Economic withdrawal (boycotts).

March 5 1969 President Nixon signs EO 11458 to form the Office of Minority Business Enterprise (now MBDA)

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

1970s

2000s

October 1971 EO 11625 expands agency scope, allowing grants to outside organizations to develop MBEs.

2020 1972 National Minority Purchasing Council (now NMSDC) is founded in Chicago.

The murders of George Floyd and others sparks widespread protests throughout the nation. Many corporations respond with supportive letters, pledges, and reform. While commendable, these steps wil not achieve necessary, and sustainable economic impact. Genuine corporate commitment from the top down is critical.

1974 NMPC receives grant from MBDA to take programs national and NMPC became NMSDC.

National Days

TIMELINES

JANUARY National Mentoring Month: Success comes with learning, and what better way to learn than with a mentor! This is a great time to thank your mentors, find a mentor, or become a mentor.

3RD

Mind-Body Wellness Day: The mind, body, and soul connection plays an integral role in our overall health and well-being. Take this time to check in with your team to acknowledge the power of overall wellness.

10TH

Clean Your Desk Day: Take this time to prepare your workspace for the new year and beginning things on the right note. Remember, a messy desk is an invitation to chaos!

20TH

Get To know Your Customer Day: Customers are certainly the lifeline of any business so take this time to go the extra mile to delight your customers.

28TH

Fun at Work Day: Take this time to recognize that giving employees a break from work to relax and connect is key to your business's success. Check out fun virtual team building ideas!

28TH

Data Privacy Day: This is a great time to stop and make sure your company is utilizing privacy and data protection best practices.

“TOWN HALL”

CASTING THE VISION FORWARD

FEBRUARY 1ST

Freedom Day: As we reflect on all of the minority groups served by the council, this is also a great time to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as US citizens, freedoms that we should never take for granted.

8TH

Safer Internet Day: Considering all the information accessed and connections possible as a result of the internet, at this time we acknowledge these vast developments, and the difficulties that may come with these changes.

17TH Random Act of Kindness

Day: Take this time to further personal and business philanthropy with a random act of kindness.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 25, 2022 @ 10:00AM ET

Open to all active, former and prospective MBEs and Corporate Members.

Review 2021 successes, 2022 overview, programming 1-pagers, and new website unveiling. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 17

CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT BENEFITS OF CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP Corporate members are a key element in the supplier diversity ecosystem. Corporate members, working with MBEs, can make a significant impact on the growth and development of minority businesses. MBEs embody the spirit of innovation and agility, and MMSDC assists corporations in developing suppliers as stronger business partners. The impact is not just in monetary awards of winning new business. It is also the time and effort that corporate members put into working with MBEs in the areas of mentoring, coaching, improving processes and developing strategies. These corporate member efforts can have a lasting effect on the minority business from which all communities will benefit. Corporate membership with the MMSDC provides many benefits for organizations to develop and enhance their organization’s supplier diversity strategies. Below are some of the features of corporate membership: • Gain access to the nation’s top suppliers to meet your sourcing needs; our list of over 1,200 certified MBEs and 12,000 MBEs certified by other affiliate councils • Programs designed to develop corporate members as well as MBEs • InFuse – Peer to Peer corporate member mentorship. Establish a diverse Supplier Diversity Development Plan; Continuous Improvement Plan; Establishing Reporting, Tracking, & Goal Setting; Assessing your Current State and Identifying Opportunities. • Collaborative Growth Initiative – Corporations gain trusted suppliers and establish a stronger pipeline. Opportunity to shape and develop a high-performing sustainable supplier to better meet your long-term needs. • MMSDC Academy – Corporations become proactive industry leaders in driving access to experienced MBEs as they support. Support the growth of MBEs and lowering equity barriers to augment corporate objectives and build sustainable inclusion with MBEs.

• Matchmaker365 Platform – Gain 24/7, 365day access to free, and confidential service that provides immediate visibility to qualified and certified MBEs that meet your specifications. Generates quality, certified matches based on your personalized search and preferred capabilities. • Attend and sponsor one of our Signature Events: Michigan Minority Procurement Conference (MMPC), Golf Invitational, One MMSDC, Chairman’s Gala, and the ACE Awards Dinner. • Gain instant recognition as a supporter of diversity and inclusion. Corporate members, working with MBEs, can make a significant impact on the growth and development of minority businesses. At our current rate of growth, it will take 333 years to reach parity for minority businesses. By participating with the diverse programming offered by the MMSDC and our affiliate and national councils we can take YEARS off this clock.

NEW LOCAL CORPORATE MEMBERS - 2021 Please join MMSDC in welcoming all of the local corporate members who joined the council in 2021.

WAYNE CENTER

Wayne Center is a CARF Accredited community service agency providing support coordination, and residential services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Core programs such as children’s foster care, adult foster care, and acute crisis intervention ensure that persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive the necessary support and care in a positive environment. https://waynecenter.org Industry: Healthcare

PANASONIC AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS AMERICA Panasonic Automotive Systems America is a division company of Panasonic Corporation of North America and the leader in automotive infotainment and connectivity system solutions. Their core competencies includes global automotive and industrial systems and components. Industry: Manufacturing

OXFORD COMPANIES

For more than 20 years, Oxford Companies has helped enhance the Ann Arbor commercial real estate market. With integrated services lines of brokerage, property management, construction and investments, their professionals deliver start-to-finish results to tenants, owners, and investors. https://oxfordcompanies.com Industry: Professional Services/Real Estate

MIDLAND CO-GENERATION

Midland Co-Generation is a natural gas-fired electrical and steam co-generation plant based in Midland, Michigan and owned by Midland Cogeneration Venture Limited Partnership. When it began operations in 1991, it was the largest gas-fired steam recovery power plant in the world. https://www.midcogen.com Industry: Petrochemical/Utilities/Energy

LA-Z-BOY

La-Z-Boy is an American furniture manufacturer based in Monroe, Michigan that makes home furniture, including upholstered recliners, sofas, stationary chairs, lift chairs, and sleeper sofas. The company employs more than 11,000 people. https://www.la-z-boy.com Industry: Consumer Products/Commercial/ Retail

EQUITABLE ADVISORS

Financial advisors/professionals who know the path to fulfillment begins with getting to know who you are, what matters to you and how you’ve made decisions so far. From there, they guide you towards a personalized strategy that will help you build a financial portfolio to live your life with confidence. https://equitable.com Industry: Professional Services/Financial

HAWORTH

A third generation family-owned, privately-held, design-based, global company founded in 1948 and based in Holland, Michigan. We design and manufacture product solutions that help you create inspiring work, and home office spaces https://store.haworth.com/haworth Industry: Manufacturing/Office Furniture

GROW MICHIGAN II LLC

Grow Michigan II LLC is capitalized by members of Michigan’s banking community and the Michigan Strategic Fund. It provides attractively priced growth capital in the form of subordinated/mezzanine debt to the Michigan small business community. https://www.growmichiganfund.com Industry: Consumer Products/Commercial/ Retail/Hospitality Food and Beverage

DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

Detroit Catholic Central High School collaborates with parents as the primary educators of their children assisting them in learning and growing in the Catholic Faith. With an enrollment of 1,000 students these young men holistically learn the ideals of the Basilian Fathers – goodness, discipline, and knowledge. https://www.catholiccentral.net Industry: Education and Government Entities

CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS

City of Grand Rapids is a city and county seat of Kent County in the US State of Michigan with a population of 198,000 residents. It is the economic and cultural hug of West Michigan with a history of being a furniture manufacturing center as it is home to five of the world’s leading office furniture companies. https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov Industry: Education and Government Entities

CITY OF FARMINGTON HILLS

City of Farmington Hills is a city in Oakland County in the US State of Michigan with a population of approximately 83,000 residents. It is a northern suburb of Metro Detroit and is the second most-populated city in Oakland County after Troy, Michigan. It consistently ranks in the top 20 as America’s best cities to live in. https://fhgov.com Industry: Education and Government Entities

MBE SPOTLIGHT

BENEFITS OF MBE CERTIFICATION

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification offers access to numerous benefits and services – including educational programs plus a wide range of networking opportunities. MBEs will gain access to a network of other qualified MBEs to forge partnerships and relationships. This access includes increased business opportunities, capacity building, and networking opportunities with corporate buyers.

MBE TOOLKIT

LEVERAGING YOUR CERTIFICATION An underused tool in the MBE toolkit is the Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee (MBEIC). Once you are a certified MBE you will be assigned to an Industry Group of the MBEIC. The MBEIC is the voice of the certified MBEs in the Council, providing learning opportunities and relevant industry insight on a variety of topics that help small businesses grow. Your MBEIC does all of this and more to make sure you are ready now when that opportunity presents itself: • Acts as an advocate for issues related to minority business development

• Provides a platform for suppliers to network and partner for future business opportunities • Supports the mission of the MMSDC • Recommend and develop programs for the MMSDCs MBEs and our diverse partners • Serves as a liaison between the MBEs and corporate members and their opportunities Meet your Industry Leaders You can take advantage of this tool from the toolkit by: • • • •

Participating in your industry group meetings Getting to know your industry group leaders Networking with other MBEs Attending sponsored informational and training sessions • Contributing to the mission and cause Take advantage of your certification and grow your business! MBEIC today

NEW MBE MEMBERS - 2021 Please join MMSDC in welcoming all of the local MBE members who joined the council in 2021.

AUTOMOTIVE/MANUFACTURING • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

A&L Signs and Graphics, LLC Ace Industrial Floor Coatings, LLC All Pro Web Design, Inc Black Feather, LLC Christian Royaltee, LLC Defense Logistics, LLC Diverse Retaining Solutions, LLC DJAM Capital, LLC Ingenious Fitness Solutions, LLC Kinect Medical, Inc. Northern Wings Repair, Inc. Prima Wheels, LLC Rollings Solutions, LLC RSI of West Michigan, LLC S’drol Metals, Inc. Sensitile Systems, LLC Taylor Turning, Inc.

BROKER/AGENT • • • •

Annmarie Roche, LLC ArtXchangeGR L3C Digital Office Solutions Foundations LLC

CONSTRUCTION • Big Chief Construction, LLC • CLW Cable Construction Inc. • Eric and Anton Construction Company, LLC • Exterior Renovations, LLC • JBS Transport 75, LLC • Levels Construction, LLC • MABS Services, LLC • Properties by Gomes, LLC • Quality Vision Construction • Sovereign Construction Management Co, LLC • T-And-S Construction, LLC • Valentina Construction, LLC

CONSULTANT/PROFESSIONALS • Artificial Intelligence Monitoring, LLC • Black Love & Light Enterprise, LLC • Detroit Connected Autonomous Technologies, LLC • Diverse IT, LLC • EverythingHR PEO • Family Matters Counseling and Psychological Services Inc. • Independent Copier Solutions, LLC • InTouch Marketing Services, LLC • ZL Consulting, LLC

CONSUMER PRODUCTS • • • •

850 Automotive Cherry Monkeys, Inc Sweet Thoughts, LLC Zukeit, Inc.

DISTRIBUTOR • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Anderson Medical Supplies, Inc. Believable Beauty, LLC Bonyx Enterprises, LLC LM Manufacturing, LLC Love Empower Inspire Publishing, LLC M Parker Enterprises, LLC Magnificent Maids Natural Living by Design II, LLC Nimo International, LLC Premier Consulting Services, LLC Prototype Solutions, LLC RACE ROBINSON UNLIMITED, LLC Roasting Plant First National, LLC Sellsage, LLC Shabam Company, LLC Supply IQ, LLC UPSCALE POWER, Inc. Xxtar Associates, LLC

IT/TELECOMMUNICATIONS • • • • •

9Dots Technology, Inc Dako Resources LLC Get to Work Isaac Lockhart Consulting MidWest Advanced Solutions & Services Inc. • Ubiquiti, Inc.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES/STAFFING/ CONSULTANT • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2050 Partners, Inc. 3PIN DESIGN & MANAGEMENT, LLC Detroit Voltage, LLC HVAC U, LLC Ashford Connex, LLC Call Center For Hire, LLC CCL Products, LLC CYBOC - Cyber Operations Capabilities, LLC Datamaxis, Inc. Digital Detroit Media DiverseNote Enterprise, LLC Douglass Learning and Technology Solutions, LLC Ecojiva, LLC Empowering a Green Environment and Economy, LLC First Fight, LLC Genuine Vacation, LLC Global Enterprise Tech Resources, Inc. Heavens Hired Hand Staffing Service, LLC Heritage Vision Plans, Inc. Jenny Risher Photography, LLC

• Kinect Medical, Inc. • Kwik, LLC • Lumpkins Private Wealth Management, LLC • Mario Morrow and Associates, LLC • PR Media Services, Inc. • Pretty Brown Girl, LLC • Process Technologies, Inc. • Reed Foster • Securescape Analytics, LLC • Sports Data Labs, Inc. • Stanley Lean Solutions, LLC • Summit Commercial, LLC • The Young Conway Group, LLC • TRANSFORMability, LLC • Ujima Services, LLC

SERVICE CONTRACTOR • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

3PI,LLC Air Doctors Heating and Cooling, LLC Better Life Learning Crow Titan, LLC Daddy’s Dough Cookies, LLC Dirt Detectives, LLC FLEX Underground and HydroExcavation, LLC Global Acquisition Property Management, LLC Granco Security Services, LLC HK Tax & Accounting Services, PLC James Group, Inc. Jones Cleaning Services, LLC Luminaire Electrical Corporation Marvel Earth Management, LLC MedSupply Corporation, Inc MMS Holdings, Inc. Orion Shredding, Inc. Pour it up Detroit Reliable Medical Transport, LLC Rockwell Earthworks, LLC Round Tree Transport, LLC Rowe Trucking, LLC Sheff Traffic Management, INC Thomas Clark Solutions, LLC Vehicle City Onsite Fleet Services, LLC

TRANSPORT/WAREHOUSING • • • • •

Five Crowns Trucking, LLC GTM Trucking, LLC Heels on Wheelz, LLC M3 Transportation, LLC Rollings Solutions, LLC

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PRES

SIDENT’S CORNER Welcome to our first issue of the Gazette for 2022. As the council reflects on the outstanding year we had in 2021, we hope you will take a moment to review the centerpiece of this issue that highlights a few of our achievements. Even as we continued to find our way during the second year of the pandemic, the programs of the MMSDC remained robust and in spite of everything, we created new programs, grew our financial and operational depth, and met all of our metrics. I’d like to highlight just a few of the programs here. Our Access to Capital strategy focused on scaling and growing businesses, resulting in us building a capital stack in excess of $2.5B. In addition the first Minority Women’s Magnify Mastermind Cohort graduated in 2021 with participants representing various industries in more than 11 states. Likewise, the revamp of our record-breaking 36th Annual MMSDC Invitational Golf Outing led to the creation of many new business relationships as we changed the game and matched buyers with open opportunities with MBEs. Our work toward reducing the wealth gap will continue to take center stage in 2022. MBEs must be able to realize an equitable economic benefit from their contributions and the MMSDC will continue its work to drive the years to parity from 333 to under 15. We released our findings on the years to parity during last year’s virtual MMPC. We are hopeful that the conference will return in person this year, but we have also planned for a hybrid event as a back-up as we will bring you great content. Paramount to our success this year is feedback from our partners. Certainly, economic concerns including inflation, supply chain, and rising prices are top of mind for all of us. We want to know about your challenges and your opportunities so we can be your best ally in 2022. E-mail us your ideas and suggestions, together we can weather these challenges - mmsdcsupport@minoritysupplier.org. The 20s have presented us with unique challenges, yet together we continue to adapt and retool to meet them. Our team is at the ready to embrace whatever 2022 brings.

REVIEW

2021IN YEAR