As the leadership of the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council (OMSDC), it is with great pleasure that we present the 2024 Business Opportunity Expo. Since the establishment of the Council, OMSDC has worked diligently to cultivate value-driven partnerships between our certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Corporate Members. For over 50 years, we have served as a bridge between corporate America and minority-owned businesses. We are proud to be at the heart of a vibrant community where MBEs and corporations collaborate for mutual economic advancement.
The 2024 Business Opportunity Expo promises to be an exceptional event for the Council. We are especially proud to hold this event in Cleveland this year, providing a dynamic setting for our Expo. We are also excited to announce our partnerships with the Minority Business Development Agency, the Ohio Department of Development, and The President’s Council, which will bring even more value and opportunities to our attendees.
We hope that as you explore the Business Opportunity Expo, you will forge meaningful and mutually beneficial connections. Enjoy the training and development sessions, be inspired by our motivating speakers, expand your business network, and leave the 2024 Business Opportunity Expo empowered and inspired!
George R. Simms President and CEO Ohio MSDC
Abigail W. Kofete Chair | Ohio MSDC Board of Directors
Black Belt, Operational Excellence
Global Planning & Procurement
Cardinal Health
Christopher Che
MBEIC Chair | Ohio MSDC Board of Directors
President and CEO
Che International Group, LLC & Transworld Supply Network, LLC
Welcome to the 2024 Business Opportunity Exchange! We are thrilled to have you join us for what promises to be an inspiring and impactful event. This year’s BOE is designed to foster connections, share knowledge, and drive innovation, all while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the business community.
As your Co-Chairs, we are excited about the diverse array of sessions, panels, and networking opportunities we have curated to help you leverage your unique strengths and navigate the ever-evolving marketplace. Our goal is to provide you with the tools, insights, and partnerships necessary to propel your businesses forward.
We encourage you to take advantage of the resources and expertise available throughout the event. Engage with speakers, participate in discussions, and build relationships that will support your growth and success long after the BOE concludes.
Thank you for your dedication to driving positive change and for being a part of this incredible community. Together, we can create a future where all businesses have the opportunity to thrive.
Christopher Howse President and CEO Howse Solutions
Hazana Rivers , CLCS, CISR
OMSDC Board of Directors
SB-Client Executive
Hylant Group
Kimberly Martinez-Giering Vice Chair | Cleveland MBEIC OMSDC Board of Directors President & CEO KLN Logistics
Richard
C. Perry President and CEO Pinkney-Perry Insurance Agency
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
TUESDAY, JUNE 25TH
9:30 AM - 10:20 AM
BDR FIRESIDE CHAT
OVERVIEW: This unique session features an esteemed panel of leaders at Corporations who have excelled in integrating diversity into their business strategies, achieving over $1 billion in annual diverse supplier spending.They will share their invaluable insights and proven strategies for leveraging diversity to drive business growth. Gain practical knowledge and inspiration to propel your own business forward.
Stephen Hightower President Hightowers Petroleum Co.
MODERATOR
PANELISTS
PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT
Bernice L. Walker, Esq. |
Daryl Watson |
Aruna Bohache | Supplier Engagement & Diversity Manager, Duke Energy
James B. Flynn |
Procurement Diversity Unit Manager, Honda North America, Inc.
Price Executive Assistant & Social Media Specialist jasmine.price@ohiomsdc.org
Jasmine
Lighting up lives, Powering a better way forward.
A successful, progressive, and innovative supply chain diversity initiative not only enhances the economic development of communities, but strengthens our competitive advantage in the marketplace as well.
At Vistra, we believe we can make a difference in the lives of our stakeholders while we do our part to help our nation accelerate toward a clean energy future. That means not only investing in the diversity of our suppliers, but of our sales channels, customers, and workforce, too.
We’re lighting up lives, powering a better way forward.
pep was founded in 2004 to fill a void in the marketing services space; over the last 20 years, pep has grown to be an industry leader in consumer activation.
We integrate into our clients’ teams to bring industry expertise and thought leadership. We are stewards of their marketing investments with a focus on driving sales and efficiency. We partner to develop and implement a full range of activation tactics from incentives, sampling, and sweepstakes to POP, premiums, displays, and highly complex digital promotions.
Our expert talent utilizes a scaled approach to process optimization, speed to market, risk mitigation, and proprietary systems to deliver effective plans and cost efficiencies to our clients.
our expertise
pep is committed to contributing to the growth of the diverse business community by partnering with Diverse Business Enterprises (DBEs) who offer high quality products, services, and innovation. By identifying diverse suppliers who meet our business needs, we strive to leverage their unique abilities for the greatest impact to pep and our clients. Through building and maintaining strong relationships with minority, women, veteran, LGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities owned companies, pep supports an inclusive business environment and is committed to the prosperity of diverse communities.
Please reach out to Rachel M. Davis Supplier Diversity Lead
rachel.davis@peppromotions.com 513.290.7360
peppromotions.com
TOGETHER WE ARE MORE
Stephen Markovich, MD President and CEO, OhioHealth
“We are creating a positive economic impact by making responsible sourcing decisions in the communities we serve. By keeping our core values like inclusion at the forefront, we are able to expand new and trusted relationships within Supplier Diversity.”
DELIVERS ZONES
IT SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES WITH
For over 35 years , Zones has been delivering comprehensive IT solutions and services globally. Our focus on Cloud and Data Center, Networking, Digital Workplace, and Security services can streamline operations, optimize workflows, and enhance your bottom line. But at Zones, we’re more than just IT experts – we’re dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the tech industry.
Our technology solutions are made to fuel your business’s success with pre-sales and service delivery, IT procurement, and end-to-end project management that’s second to none. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, Zones has the expertise and experience to provide the right solutions and services for your unique needs. Contact us at supplier.diversity@zones.com or visit www.zones.com/mbe to get started.
Consider IT done.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
GENERAL SESSION : ATTACK ON DEI
11:00 am – 11:45 am | Grand Ballroom B
OVERVIEW: Initiatives aimed at promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are facing significant challenges. This panel will explore these obstacles and provide actionable strategies for defending and advancing DEI within organizations.
Our expert panelists will discuss the importance of DEI, the impact of recent attacks on these initiatives, and how businesses can effectively respond to ensure continued progress and inclusivity.
MODERATOR
Chris Howse | President, Howse Solutions
PANELISTS
PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT
Dr. Vann R. Newkirk, Sr.
President, Wilberforce University
Mark Cunningham
Member, Cuyahoga County Council Director of Economic Inclusion Midwest Division East, Gilbane Building Company Councilwoman Meredith Turner
Delivering Better Business Results Through Inclusion and Innovation
With Ohio MSDC certification or corporate membership, you can be sure your organization is ready to tackle the challenges of a changing American economy. Our members are major corporations and public entities in education, industry, finance, professional services, construction, consumer products and health care organizations that are tapping into the emerging global marketplace.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
FACILITATOR
& CEO
Joy Society, Inc.
CORPORATE BREAKOUT : DESIGNING THE PATH FORWARD: MAXIMIZING DEI ROI IN THE FACE OF THREAT
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm | Grand Ballroom B
OVERVIEW: The ongoing attacks on DEI call for action beyond discussion. In a session co-designed with OMSDC Membership Committee Co-Chairs Tasha Wood, Yolanda Ortiz Parker, and Jonathan Dawkins, Dr. Elizabeth Joy will lead a collaborative effort to equip corporate members with tools to:
- Ensure returns on investments in DEI conferences and sponsorships
- Effectively “sell” DEI to executive leaders
- Confidently and courageously disrupt corporate norms that threaten the advancement of DEI
- Maintain personal well-being by mitigating the stress associated with DEI advocacy
Come prepared to share your challenges, expertise, and ideas to help collectively inform work to develop innovative, concrete solutions that drive measurable results.
MBE BREAKOUT : CYBER SECURITY
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm | Meeting Room 23
OVERVIEW: In this session, Rob Nugent of Hylant will delve into the latest market and coverage trends in the cyber industry, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of cyber threats. Attendees will learn about best practices for cyber risk management, the intricacies of negotiating and placing cyber policies, and strategies to mitigate cyber risks effectively. Rob’s extensive background ensures a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of cyber security, making this a must-attend session for professionals looking to bolster their cyber defense mechanisms.
PRESENTER
Rob Nugent | Cyber Risk Advisor, Hylant
MBE BREAKOUT : LEVERAGING M&A AND JOINT PARTNERSHIPS TO SCALE MINORITY BUSINESS
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm | Meeting Room 24
MODERATOR
PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT
Andrew Newsome | Demetrius Robinson |
Steven J. Williams Sr. |
Anthony Caudle |
PANEL PRESENTERS
Director - Mergers, Acquisitions & Partnerships, Ohio MBDA Business Center
Partner, Kohrman Jackson & Krantz
President /CEO, Packaging Tech LLC
Chairman and CEO, RedTail Capital Markets
OVERVIEW: This panel discussion aims to offer crucial insights into how businesses can utilize mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and joint ventures for growth and expansion. This session will explore the strategic advantages of M&A, outline the practical steps involved in these processes, and demonstrate how joint partnerships can create new opportunities for market penetration and competitive edge.
Dr. Elizabeth Joy President
Modular Assembly Innovations (MAI) is an MBE certified company with locations in Ohio, Indiana, Alabama, and South Carolina. MAI is an award winning, world-class automotive manufacturing Tier 1 supplier to the North American automotive manufacturing market base. Visit us on the web at www.modularai.com IATF 16949:2016 l 14001 Certified
Company Capabilities
Award-winning business model and best practices
Manufacturing assembly and sub-assembly solutions
Supply chain management
On-demand, sequential parts delivery
OE outsourcing solutions
High volume mass production capabilities
Best Practices
Lean systems
Six sigma certified black belts
Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
Inventory reduction
Workforce stabilization
Environmental sustainability
We bring notable expertise for solving complex assembly problems with inventive and profitable results.
TITLE SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
TO OUR SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
OUR FOUNDERS
William S. Ward and his father, John T. Ward, founded The Ward Transfer Line in 1881, with a team of horses, a wagon and two helpers. That was the start of what would become one of the oldest and most established continuously operating moving and storage companies in the United States.
COMPREHENSIVE RELOCATION SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS
E.E. Ward Moving & Storage Co. is a nationally recognized leader in the relocation and transportation industry. The company’s mission is to provide its customers with an unmatched sense of comfort and security when relocating and storing their possessions.
BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL MOVING
E.E. Ward provides efficient office relocations that contain costs while best serving the businesses needs by minimizing downtime and ensuring that productivity levels are maintained throughout the relocation experience.
EMPLOYEE RELOCATION AND HOUSEHOLD GOODS MOVING
On behalf of employers, E.E. Ward provides a range of household goods moving services all designed to maximize savings and increase customer satisfaction for relocating employees and their families.
BILLION DOLLAR ROUNDTABLE
The Billion Dollar Roundtable was created in 2001 to recognize and celebrate corporations that achieved spending of at least $1 billion with minority and woman-owned suppliers. The BDR promotes and shares best practices in supply chain diversity excellence through the production of white papers. In discussions, the members review common issues, opportunities and strategies.
The BDR encourages corporate entities to continue growing their supplier diversity programs by increasing commitment and spending levels each year. The BDR inducts new members bi-annually.
The following OMSDC Corporate Members are members of the Billion Dollar Roundtable:
As a 3PL with 40 years of expertise, ASW Global understands the value of getting products delivered to you, your clients, and end customers safely, efficiently, and on time. We handle the logistics and manage the supply chain, so you can focus on what you do best. Our strategic Ohio location in Foreign Trade Zone #181 puts us in proximty of 50% of US manufacturing centers, and allows us to transport product via a one-day drive to reach over half of the populations of both the US and Canada.
SUPPLY CHAIN SERVICESENERGY & UTILITY INDUSTRY SOLUTIONS
Apparel & promo product sourcing, decoration, and order fulfillment Service award program management
Allow us to introduce you to CMS, a highlyexperienced, minority-owned and operated company providing innovative, value-added solutions to meet your diversity spend needs.
Since 1998, CMS has partnered with an array of clients, offering a wide range of products and services. Nationally certified and recognized by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) as a Tier 1 solution provider, CMS is poised to be your partner in diverse solutions.
WHAT WE OFFER SOLUTIONS
• Printing and Fulfillment
• Labeling and Packaging Solutions
• Branded Gear and Apparel
• Print and Promotional Products
• Electronic Workflows and Documents
• Warehousing, Supply Chain and Distribution
• Managed Technology Solutions
• Online Payment Processing
Investing in your success. CMS is continually raising the bar on Labeling, Packaging, Print, Marketing and Promo capabilities, with innovations like our new Flexo Label Press—now in place to elevate your business.
Your one-source partner. Let CMS be a reliable single source for your printing, business technology and marketing needs—all while satisfying your diversity spend obligations.
Scan the QR code to visit our website and learn more about our solutions and view our successes.
Watch for more key solutions to be introduced in the coming months to meet your growing business and diversity spend needs.
To learn more about CMS’ approach and how it compares to your current solutions provider, please contact us at:
CORPORATE PLUS ®
Corporate Plus® is a national membership category for National Minority Business Enterprises designed to recognize their national capabilities, bring them to the attention of more National Corporate Members, and expand their participation in the NMSDC network. The program is for the highest caliber minority business enterprises that have the proven capacity to handle national contracts for major corporations.
The following Corporate Plus ® members are MBEs certified by Ohio MSDC:
Best Upon Request Corporate, Inc.
CB Tech
CSA Central, Inc.
Hightowers Petroleum Company
The RCF Group
World Pac Paper, LLC
Together, we are continuing to build healthier communities of inclusion.
At Premier Health, we know that in order to provide high quality, cost-effective care to the diverse communities we serve, we are committed to a diverse work force where every person is treated with dignity and respect. Our priority is to ensure that we consistently move toward a culture of inclusion that encourages every employee to bring their best every day, where every patient and family member feels safe and comforted, and where suppliers reflect the diverse communities we serve.
For more information on our commitment to diversity, visit PREMIERHEALTH.COM/DIVERSITY.
