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RESERVED FOR GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR LETTER - Kentucky

Governor Andy Beshear

Governor Jim Justice

JimJustice GovernorofWestVirginia

AsGovernorofWestVirginia,Iamhonoredtowelcomeyoutothe2024VirtualBusiness Marketplace,proudlyhostedbytheTriStateMinoritySupplierDevelopmentCouncil,Inc.This year'stheme,"NoLimits…JustOpportunities,"resonatesdeeplywiththespiritofinnovation andgrowththatdefinesourvibrantbusinesscommunity.

Focusingonablendofcontenttailoredforexperiencedbusinessownersandmajorsupplierswill giveyouinvaluablestrategiesacrossvariousareas.Thisvirtualmarketplaceaimstoconnectyou withspecificbusinessopportunities,fosteringrelationshipsthatprovidecrucialinsightsand opportunitiesforgrowth.Buildingrelationshipsisundeniablyoneofthecornerstonesofsuccess.

Iwanttoexpressmydeepadmirationforallthosewhohavemadethisexceptionalvirtual marketplacepossible.Organizinganeventofthismagnituderequiresimmensetimeandeffort, andyourdedicationshinesthroughintheoutstandingoutcomeachieved.

Iencourageyoutomakethemostofthisgathering.Connectwithfellowentrepreneurs,explore newpossibilities,andforgepartnershipstopropelyourbusinessforward.Together,let'sembrace theendlesspossibilitiesthatlieahead.

Thankyouforyourparticipationandcontributionstothisremarkableevent.Iwishyoualla productiveandinspiringexperience!

JamesC.Justice,II

Governor,StateofWestVirginia

August 22, 2024

Dear Conference Supporters:

We are delighted to have you join us for the 2024 Virtual Business Marketplace Conference. This year marks 24 years of promoting business and procurement opportunities among minority businesses and major corporations through this annual event. Our theme, “No Limits. Just Opportunities,” will present an agenda of learning, inspiration, and networking. The agenda is synonymous to its purpose: to bring together impactful decision-makers and innovative entrepreneurs, and to usher in new opportunities to create relationships and to make profitable business connections.

This curated program will present progressive ideas, combined with the inspiration to help major purchasers and minority businesses turn them into reality. The two conference workshops will offer valuable information on innovative and sustainable ways companies can create products, services and processes that are good for the marketplace. Our hope is that attendees will benefit by elevated positions, visibility and awareness, potential business opportunities and prospecting. Further, the council continues to implement strategies to bring together collaborative and participatory efforts of all minority businesses within the footprint of Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia – a priority to facilitate unprecedented gains in minority business development.

A highlight of the conference is the Business Matchmaker which connects businesses to buying entities for potential contracts. This event presents a unique opportunity for suppliers to meet with corporate representatives, government buying agencies and educational institutions to market and sell their goods and services. This is an important part of our conference and an active method of promoting Supplier Diversity, which in-turn creates jobs, wealth, better health and education in disadvantaged communities. Plus, a more diverse supply chain impacts the bottom-line through innovation, competitiveness and sustainability.

The TSMSDC is one of the premier organizations in the country for minority business development. For more than three decades, the council has been a stalwart advocate for MBEs. Our programs and resources promote increased sales to private-and-public sector buying organizations. We remain a credible resource for identifying qualified minority suppliers to integrate within supply chains. To MBEs and corporations alike, we are the central network where partners meet and business alliances are formed for business contacts and contracts.

During this event, make the most of your time to make business connections with ‘No limits. Just Opportunities.’ Thank you for joining us!

Regards,

Cheri K. Henderson President & CEO TSMSDC

August 22, 2024

Dear Marketplace Participants:

On behalf of the Minority Business Enterprise input Committee (MBEIC) of the TriState Minority Supplier Development Council (TSMSDC), it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2024 Virtual Business Conference, with the theme, “No Limits, Just Opportunities.”

The MBEIC is the voice of minority businesses in the NMSDC network. It serves as a vital link to the council, providing input, direction, and action that fosters economic growth and sustainability for certified minority businesses affiliated with the council. We encourage corporations to be responsive, and to be creative in developing ways to include more minority businesses within their supply chain. It is good sound business, and when our businesses grow, we create value, jobs, and build our communities.

As TSMSDC continues to bring together corporate purchasers and certified minority suppliers with prime events such as this, our hope is that this year’s conference will be mutually beneficial and successful for all who participate.

As chairman of the MBEIC, I extend best wishes for what promises to be a successful, productive and enjoyable conference. Thank you for attending!

Sincerely,

Warren A. Sawyers President and CEO, Atlas Management Corporation

Chairman, MBEIC, TSMSDC Board Member, TSMSDC

At HCA Healthcare, our focus on development, inclusion, and cultural competence influences our leadership, business practices and, most importantly, directly impacts patient care. HCA Healthcare is proud to partner with TriState Minority Supplier Development Council.

Learn more about growing your career with us at HCAhealthcare.com.

BUSINESS MARKETPLACE INFORMATION

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2024

TIME: 8:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. CST/9:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST

Engage, Energize, Motivate. The 2024 Business Marketplace will present a blend of valuable content, where the right connections may lead to No Limits…Just Opportunities! Two workshops will focus on topics which are relevant to emerging, experienced business owners, and major purchasers who want to experience the best strategies in supplier diversity. Attendees will benefit by gaining new insights from the workshop presenters who will share useful information on current trends and best practices to develop innovative solutions to challenges. A mutually beneficial feature is the conference the ‘Matchmaker Sessions’ which will bring together certified business owners who want to build relationships to grow their businesses, and corporations who seek capable suppliers to diversify and enhance their supply chains. While learning, become inspired through networking. Make valuable business connections that count during the event.

At the University of Kentucky our mission is to advance Kentucky. As Kentucky’s flagship institution, the University plays a critical leadership role by promoting diversity, inclusion, economic development, and human well-being.

Supplier diversity is an important part of the economic development of the communities we serve. Our program is designed to engage with diverse suppliers by identifying, educating, and connecting them with opportunities in the 120 counties in the Commonwealth.

EVENT SCHEDULE

2024 VIRTUAL BUSINESS MARKETPLACE No Limits… Just Opportunities!

8:45 a.m. – 9:05 a.m. CST

9:45 a.m. –10:05 a.m. EST

Opening – Cheri K. Henderson President & CEO TSMSDC

Welcome – Atty. Richard Manson Board Chair, TSMSDC, President & Legal Counsel, SourceMark LLC

Greetings – Ying McGuire CEO & President NMSDC

Greetings – Warren A. Sawyers President and CEO Atlas Management Corporation Chairman, MBEIC, TSMSDC

9:05 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. CST Workshop 1: BCF: Borrowing with Purpose and Confidence 10:05 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. EST

Presenters: S ahra S. Halpern, President & CEO, Business Consortium Fund, and Triad Investments, LP An Phan, Chief Program Officer, Business Consortium Fund

10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. CST Workshop 2: Driving the Next Wave of Procurement 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. EST

Moderator: Marilyn Clark, Economic Inclusion Manager University of Kentucky

Panelists: Michele R. Daniel, Manager of Procurement Ulteig

Barry Swanson, Chief Procurement Officer University of Kentucky

Leigh Walls, Managing Director, Purchasing & Supply Management CoreCivic

11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. CST Networking Lounge 12:15 p.m. EST – 12:45 p.m. EST Take a Break… Access… Learn… Network!

11:45 a.m. – 11:55 a.m. CST Closing Remarks 12:45 p.m. – 12:55 p.m. EST

12 Noon – 2:00 p.m. CST Matchmaker – Meet the Corporate, Government and Education 1:00p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST Buying Agencies

Matchmaker Sessions:

Dollar General | Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) Louisville Water Company | Nissan Group of the Americas | Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) University of Kentucky | Volkswagen Group of America

Fairness. Respect. Inclusion.

With multicultural roots, Nissan is committed to providing an inclusive space that encourages innovative ideas from our diverse workforce and supply base. We not only respect, but eagerly welcome, the varied perspectives of these talented men and women. Nissan believes our commitment to our core principles of diversityfairness, respect and inclusion - is essential to creating quality and innovative products.

OPENING

Cheri K. Henderson President & CEO TSMSDC

Cheri K. Henderson is founding president and CEO of the Tennessee Minority Supplier Development Council (TMSDC) and now, the TriState Minority Supplier Development Council (TSMSDC), a private, not-for-profit organization that advances business and procurement opportunities among minority-owned businesses (MBEs) and major purchasers. She initiated the council concept, which covers 3-states, namely Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia, through the affiliation with the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) with headquarters in New York. In the national and global network, there currently 1,700 corporate members; 23 regional affiliated councils: 17,000 MBEs, and eight global partners representing Austria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, India, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Henderson is responsible for the day-to-day management of the organization with the work of correcting the unequal access to wealthbuilding opportunities. Under her leadership, and with the vision of the board of directors, she has connected countless MBEs to each other, and to large corporations seeking their products and/or services for mutual benefit.

With more than 30 years in supplier diversity, and prior to her tenure with the TSMSDC, she has been an ardent advocate on behalf of minority business owners, assisting major purchasers with supplier diversity programs and direction. Previous positions include Executive Director of the Minority Business Opportunity Committee, a federally-funded agency. Her responsibilities included mobilizing and coordinating 54 local federal agencies for minority economic development. Her career also includes minority and small business advocacy in Tennessee State Government, and tenure as an educator with the Knoxville and Nashville Public School Systems.

She established the (TMSDC) Education Foundation, a separate nonprofit, to encourage financial support to assist deserving, at-risk graduating high school students to purse education beyond high school, and minority business owners to further their education on a professional level. Since inception in 1994, the foundation has awarded $2.5 million dollars in scholarships from corporations, minority businesses and individuals, to 414 graduating high school seniors; and over 40 minority business owners with graduate executive management programs from Amos Tuck at Dartmouth School of Business; the University of WisconsinMadison; and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern. Henderson is founder and managing editor of inBusiness Magazine, a nationwide publication reaching buyers and sellers. Committed to a myriad of community endeavors, Henderson currently serves on the Volkswagen Group of America Diversity Advisory Council; the Advisory Board of MBN USA Business News Magazine, and former board member of the Business Advisory Board at Fisk University. She has received numerous awards including the 2024 Dollar General Community Leadership Award, and the 2022 Global Supply Chain Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Hall of Fame Honoree by MBN USA Magazine. A native of Knoxville, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

WELCOME

Richard Manson, JD President and Legal Counsel, SourceMark LLC Chairman, TSMSDC Board of Directors

Richard Manson is the President and Legal Counsel of SourceMark LLC, a premier provider of innovative products, services and solutions to the healthcare and retail pharmacy industry. He brings a wealth of experience with exacting strengths in creative strategy, organizational development, team-building, and systems evaluation, focusing on growth, profitability, and success. Over the past 25 years, he has established himself as a thought leader in economic development, diversity, and inclusion, emphasizing innovation, infrastructure development, vision, and strategic direction. He has extensive knowledge of global markets and cultures throughout North America, Asia, and Africa.

His distinguished legal career spans over 40 years, managing a full service diverse law practice. His accomplishments along with his broad experience in corporate law, civil rights, mergers and acquisitions, litigation management, complex strategic business planning, multi-business collaborations, extensive work nationally and internationally with media conglomerates representing high-profile clients, makes him an enviable speaker and conference leader. He is a successful publisher, author, and university professor.

Manson is a member of the Society of International Business Fellows, the Healthcare Supplier Diversity Alliance, Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association, and former Chairman of the Ethics Committee for the USA Track and Field. He recently retired as the Chairman of the Board of Citizens Savings Bank &Trust Co., the oldest, continuously operating and minority-owned bank in the nation since 1904. His other affiliations include former board chairmanship of Nashville General Hospital at Meharry, and is currently board chairman of the TriState Minority Supplier Development Council.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fisk University, a Juris Doctorate from Vanderbilt University Law School. He is a graduate of the Business Executive Management Programs at Amos Tuck at Dartmouth School of Business; the University of Wisconsin-Madison; and Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern.

GREETINGS

Ying McGuire CEO & President NMSDC

Ying McGuire is the CEO & President of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), America’s most influential and successful minority business development engine organization for NMSDC-certified minority businesses and creates opportunities to America’s largest corporate members to build relationships with trusted minority-owned companies. This year, NMSDC celebrates 50 years of supporting the economic development of more than 16,000+ certified minority business enterprises (MBEs) and over 1,700 Corporate Members. The network success is historic and unmatched: resulting in $482.1 billion in economic output annually, sustaining 1.8 million jobs, with $136.4 billion total wages earned. NMSDC is the nation’s largest, most impactful, and successful non-profit advocacy organization for MBEs, proving growth for MBEs is growth for all.

Prior to her appointment at NMSDC, McGuire served as the Global Vice President at Technology Integration Group (TIG), an NMSDC certified minority-owned technology company with 25 offices in the US, China, Canada, and a global partner network covering four continents. As a corporate leader at Dell Technologies, a Fortune 500 company, she built and sustained high impact global initiatives across many functions and mentored numerous entrepreneurs and CEOs.

She holds a variety of other leadership roles in the community. In 2016, she was appointed by the United States Secretary of Commerce to the United States Investment Advisory Council. She served as the first woman chair of an advisory board of the International Trade Center (ITC), a joint agency of the United Nations and WTO based in Switzerland. McGuire s a founding board member of the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce (GAACC) and a board of advisor of the George H.W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations.

During her career, she has been acknowledged for her work as an advocate for supplier diversity: named “Twenty-Five Influential Women in Business” by MEA Magazine; “America’s Top Diversity Advocate” by DiversityBusiness.com; and “Best of the Decade” by Minority Business USA. She has been a featured speaker at many regional, national and international conferences including the World Export Forum.

Born and raised in China, McGuire received a master’s degree in Business Administration of International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, Arizona.

GREETINGS

Warren A. Sawyers President and CEO

Atlas Management Corporation Chairman, MBEIC, TSMSDC

Warren Sawyers has over 30 years in leadership management and 20 plus years in recruiting, staffing, and human resources management. As President and CEO of Atlas Management Corporation, his responsibilities include strategic planning, and overseeing all functions of the business. In 2009 Sawyers opened A Plus Education & Training Services to provide tutoring for students pre-school to adult and professional development for educators and corporations. Prior to Atlas, Sawyers was the CEO of Arvie Personnel Services, operations manager at Autumn Electric Supply, Inc., and the Inside Sales Representative at Braid Electric Supply Inc.

Sawyers is a board member of the TriState Minority Supplier Development Council (TSMSDC,) and former chairman of its MBE Input Committee. He is also a former board member and treasurer of the Tennessee Association of Personnel Services (TAPS), the Technology Access Center of Middle Tennessee (TAC) and the Tennessee Chapter of the American Staffing Association (ASA). He has served on the business recruitment committee for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the mayor’s task force on business diversity. Sawyers is active in a variety of social and civic organizations and has a passion for coaching young men and working with church and youth organizations. He also mentors other business owners and youth in the community.

Sawyers has been the recipient of several citations including three-time winner of the Minority Supplier of the Year Award and the Impact of the Year Award from the Tennessee Minority Supplier Development Council (TMSDC). He also received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award presented by CES & Associates.

BUSINESS MARKETPLACE WORKSHOPS

9:05 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. CST

Workshop 1: BCF: Borrowing with Purpose and Confidence 10:05 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. EST

The workshop agenda will focus on the following:

• About BCF – Mission, CDFI Lender, Loan Products

• Is Credit the Right Choice for You?

• Challenges

• What You Need to Know Before You Apply

• Getting Ready to Apply

Key Takeaways:

• The purpose of your loan can impact the amount, terms, and interest rates

• Some lenders also place restrictions on how to use the proceeds

• Prequalifying can help you get the loan offer for your intended purpose

Presenters:

Sahra S. Halpern

President & Chief Executive Officer

Business Consortium Fund, a National Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI)

Triad Investments LP, a Specialized Small Business Investment Company (SSBIC)

Sahra S. Halpern, president and chief executive officer of the Business Consortium Fund and Triad Investments LP, is a missiondriven leader committed to delivering capital to achieve social impact through community development finance. At BCF, Sahra focuses on strategic planning, organizational oversight, and capital acquisition. With extensive corporate experience, longstanding relationships in the community development sector, and proven ability to develop effective strategy and lead teams, she has grown the organization to achieve long-term strategic objectives. Sahra started her career in international microfinance before spending 15 years at Charles Schwab Bank in the Community Development Group, which she helped establish and grow. Subsequently, she led strategic lending initiatives at Capital Impact Partners, a national community development financial institution, where she led structured fund development and lending strategy. Sahra earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of California, Davis –Graduate School of Management and also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wesleyan University.

An Phan Chief Program Officer Business Consortium Fund

An Phan is a results-driven leader with 20 years of experience in consumer and small business lending. Currently, he serves as the Chief Program Officer at Business Consortium Fund (BCF), a mission-driven nonprofit lender, and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to helping MBEs thrive by providing equitable access to capital through loans, advocacy, education, and training. Previously, An held senior executive roles at fintech startups and major corporations such as Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and McKesson, overseeing diverse enterprise initiatives. He earned a BA from Hampshire College and an MBA from the University of Southern California.

SUPPLIER DIVERSITY

At Dollar General, we believe our business should reﬂect the diverse communities where our customers live and work. This comes to life through the employees we hire, the products we carry, and a diverse network of suppliers and service providers with whom we partner.

Thank you to Cheri, Derrick, and the entire TSMSDC Council for their partnership, advocacy, and support in our e orts of this very important business initiative.

10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. CST Workshop 2: Driving the Next Wave of Procurement 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. EST

The world of procurement as we know it is undergoing significant transformation, especially as we move into the new economic era. It is in a state of influx, undergoing significant transformation due to several factors. Traditional processes are being re-evaluated as companies are increasingly recognizing the value of strategic procurement. This workshop will impart some trends, shifts in shaping the procurement landscape, and recasting their functions as strategic powerhouses, enabled by AI and automation, to drive high-performing, sustainable purchasing activity and become key influencers in the organizational value chain. Diversity and inclusion is a strategic advantage that promotes innovation in organizations, better decision making and stronger workplace cultures. Thus, diverse businesses need to continue to drive innovation with strategies to achieve long-term business success.

Listen to the experts. Hear the perspectives on the future of procurement. Learn the trends, strategies and challenges that are shaping the procurement platform while building sustainable relationships with diverse suppliers to help increase exceptional supply base. Understand perspectives and the need to drive more agility, flexibility, productivity and innovation in the procurement operating environment.

MODERATOR:

Marilyn Clark Economic Inclusion Manager University of Kentucky

Marilyn Clark is the Economic Inclusion Manager for the University of Kentucky where she works across the enterprise to increase spending with underrepresented and Kentucky-located suppliers. She works closely with the procurement team, project managers, and departments to connect suppliers to opportunities at UK.

In addition, Marilyn is on the core committee of the UK Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), a network of campus and community stakeholders who oversee UK’s economic development and business engagement activities. Clark leads the Equitable Economic Development Committee (EED), a subcommittee of the EDC. The EED committee works to break down barriers and expand opportunities for low-income populations and underrepresented businesses in Lexington.

Marilyn has an Executive MBA from a joint program through the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. She completed diversity certificate programs with Cornell University and the University of Houston. She has an undergraduate degree in journalism and broadcasting from the University of North Texas.

Stafﬁng, Recruiting, Call Center Services, Business Unit

What does experience mean to you?

For more than two decades, the Atlas team has provided comprehensive and strategic management and human resources solutions to businesses. We help organizations resolve complex recruiting, stafﬁng, human resources, and call center challenges. We stay focused on your goals and objectives and help implement solutions that bring measurable results.

Information Technology l Technical Professionals l Management Professionals l Health Care Professionals Call Center l Warehouse l Production and Manufacturing l Administrative and Ofﬁce Support

For additional information please visit us on our website. www.atlasmanagement.us

Corporate Headquarters:

Atlas Management Corporation

750 Old Hickory Boulevard

Building Two, Suite 150 Brentwood, TN 37027

e-mail-info@atlasmanagement.us

Phone 615.620.0970

Fax 615.620.0989

Toll Free 877.669.4520

Certified: NMSDC (TSMSDC), DBE, SBA

Michele R. Daniel

Procurement Manager

Ulteig

Michele R. Daniel is the Procurement Manager for Ulteig which is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Ulteig connects people and resources to develop compelling, integrated solutions across multiple Lifeline Sectors®, including Power, Renewables, Transportation and Water. Ulteig is a trusted partner in engineering North America’s essential infrastructure and leverages its expertise with a wide range of public and private clients. Their locations throughout North America include Austin, TX, Bismarck, ND, Boise, ID, Burlington, Ontario, Charlotte, NC, Denver, CO, Fargo, ND, and Minneapolis, MN.

As a procurement executive, she is accomplished in procurement processes and metrics, administrative processes and procedures, contract management, public speaking, team collaboration, technical writing, training, and regulatory compliance. She has a proven track record of performance in a diverse, high-volume, and fast-paced work environment while providing customer-focused solutions and process improvements.

Michele is known for her ability to collaborate with diverse tiers within the organization. She is also responsible for the supplier diversity program focused on facilitating the development and growth of businesses in their supply chain network, promoting equity and inclusion across the entire portfolio of supply chain business partners, and driving economic growth in the communities in which they do business. She ensures the inclusion of diverse suppliers in bid opportunities to increase their representation in sourced spend within their supply chain.

Michele has an undergraduate degree in Organizational Management from Tusculum University and a graduate degree in Ethics and Leadership from Johnson University. She is currently enrolled in the 2024 McKinsey & Company Black Management Accelerator cohort.

Part of Defining Tomorrow’s Norms

Barry Swanson Chief Procurement Officer

University of Kentucky

Barry Swanson currently serves as the Chief Procurement Officer at the University of Kentucky and is responsible for leading UK Procurement Services. Procurement Services is comprised of a Central Unit, Healthcare Unit, Construction Unit, Surplus Property, Economic Inclusion, and the UK Supply Center. Barry is involved in numerous collaborative activities at UK and the greater community. UK activities include the UK Economic Development Collaborative Core Committee as well as the UK Equitable Economic Development subcommittee and the Partnership subcommittee. Barry’s activities in the greater community include supporting the Kentucky Education Procurement Association and being an active participant in the collaboration of Lexington Community Partners, which includes members from UK, Black Faith Leaders, Lexington/Fayette Urban County Government, and the Fayette County School District.

Prior to coming to UK, Barry served as the Associate Vice Provost for Campus Operations/Chief Procurement Officer for the University of Kansas, where he was responsible for leading seven departments: Design and Construction Management, Facilities Services, Parking and Transit, Environmental Health and Safety, the KU Center for Sustainability, Procurement Services, and the Campus Operations Business Center.

Barry joined KU in 1998 as the Director of Purchasing and during his nearly 19-year tenure at KU, he also served as the Associate Comptroller with responsibility for the Payroll, Bursar, Central Accounting, Financial Management and Financial Systems areas at KU. Barry has worked in the private sector as Director of Purchasing for Seaboard Farms, in government as a Procurement Officer for the State of Kansas Division of Purchases, and he began his career serving as a staff member in several political offices. In addition to the collaborative activities listed above, Barry has served as chair of the Purchasing Committee for the Midwestern Higher Education Compact and as the Kansas Board of Regents representative on the State Use Committee, which provides oversight to the Blind and Handicapped Workshop Program in Kansas. He served as the District V Representative on the NAEP National Board of Directors, and as co-President of the NAEP Great Plains Region. Barry also served on the Board of Directors for E and I Cooperative Services, Inc. from 2013-2023 and as chair from 2018-2022.

Barry is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a degree in History and Political Science. He also has a Juris Doctor degree from the Washburn University School of Law.

Accessible Capital for Minority Business Entrepreneurs

Join the ranks of successful ventures we've supported, and let yours be the next to flourish. For nearly four decades, we've provided financing solutions, along with guidance, to minority business enterprises, helping them reach new levels of success.

Business Consortium Fund, Inc. is a certified, not-for-profit business development group designated by the United States Department of the Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Today, BCF is America’s most comprehensive financing and technical support organization exclusively serving businesses with supply-chain contracts. Since our first loan in 1987, we have facilitated over $230 million to MBEs.

WHAT WE OFFER

Business Term Loan

One-time lump sum for delivering on a contract or technology upgrades, to consolidate or refinance high-cost business debt, or for business expansion.

$50,000 to $350,000

Up to 5 years

Competitive interest rates

Fixed monthly payment amount

No prepayment penalty

Business Line of Credit

Draw on funds as needed to take on new contracts or add-on projects.

$100,000 to $350,000

Renewable annually

Competitive interest rates

Monthly payments, interest only accrued on funds used

No prepayment penalty

HOW TO QUALIFY

General Requirements

Minimum eligibility criteria:

51% Minority Owned 3+ years in business

Gross annual revenue is $150,000+

Positive Net Cash Flow

Business model - B2B or B2B2C

At least one (1) new or existing primary or subcontract, or purchase order

Personal credit score of 650 or higher

Documentation:

3 years business and personal tax returns and financial statements

6 months of business bank statements

Personal guarantee from owners >= 10%

LET’S CONNECT

Leigh Walls Managing Director, Purchasing & Supply Management CoreCivic

Leigh Walls has extensive experience in government contracts and procurement at the local, state, and federal levels. She is currently the Managing Director, Purchasing & Supply Management for CoreCivic, headquartered in the Greater Nashville, Tennessee area.

Leigh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Middle Tennessee State University, and a joint Law Degree (J.D.) and Master’s Degree in Political Science from Tulane University. She began her career in private legal practice in Rutherford County, Tennessee, before transitioning into a contract compliance management role at Middle Tennessee State University. At MTSU, she was responsible for the review of all contracts, grants and leases to ensure compliance with University policies and procedures, Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) policies and procedures, and state/federal law. She also coordinated joint activities and responsibilities with Procurement Logistics Services, including drafting competitive procurement documents and leading campus-wide training programs

In 2017, Leigh joined CoreCivic as an Assistant General Counsel, Partnership Contracts. She served as a primary legal department liaison to the Partnership Development and Proposal Development teams, where her duties included reviewing government partner and facility management contracts and providing advice on government procurement instruments.

In 2022, Leigh assumed the role of Managing Director, Purchasing & Supply Management for CoreCivic. She serves as the lead procurement professional for the organization, reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer. In this role, Leigh partners with Information Technology, Operations, Legal and Finance management to identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve quality, and assure optimal service to facilities and internal and external stakeholders. Leigh also directs the efforts and resources needed to continue to develop CoreCivic’s Diverse Business Initiative strategy. She is a member of the CoreCivic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council, President of CoreCivic’s Women’s Business Resource Group, and a board member for Advancing Women in Nashville.

For over 40 years, CoreCivic has been an innovative, dependable partner for government. We bring the scale, experience and professionalism needed to solve tough government problems in ways that are cost-effective and serve the greater public good.

Diversifying our vendor network supports the quality of our operations, increased employee engagement and a fortified culture of dignity and respect .

NETWORKING

11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. CST Networking 12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. EST Take a Break… Access… Learn… Network!

MATCHMAKER SESSIONS

12 Noon – 2:00 p.m. CST Corporate, Government and Education Buying Agencies

1:00p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST

Matchmaker Sessions:

Dollar General | Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD)

Louisville Water Company | Nissan Group of the Americas | Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) University of Kentucky | Volkswagen Group of America

Guy Brown is an award-winning certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) committed to making a direct impact on indirect spend. Curated customer programs and data-driven insights fuel our white-glove customer experience. We are dedicated to creating a culture of inclusivity and being a trusted partner for our clients in achieving their supplier diversity goals.

Learn more at guybrown.com

Making a direct impact on indirect spend.

• Office Products

• Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO)

• Breakroom Products

• Janitorial & Safety Supplies

• Promotional Merchandise

• Technology Products

• Workplace Furniture

•

Marketing is more than algorithms and data collections.

Because while data is crucial, touching hearts requires a ﬁnal step.

A marketing partner who speaks human.

barker-christol.com

• Contractor prequalification in construction and specialty services

• Contractor statement of qualifications for professional services such as engineering

BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Attorney Richard Manson Chairman, TSMSDC

President and Legal Counsel, SourceMark, LLC

Chairman, Citizens Savings Bank & Trust Company

Chairman, General Hospital, Nashville Of Counsel, Manson, Johnson, Conner, PLLC

Nicole Dunigan Treasurer, TSMSDC

Senior Vice President, Pinnacle Financial Partners

Warren A. Sawyers

MBEIC Chair, TSMSDC

President & CEO, Atlas Management Corporation

Cheri K. Henderson President & CEO

TriState Minority Supplier Development Council (TSMSDC)

BOARD MEMBERS

Marilyn Clark Economic Inclusion Manager, University of Kentucky

Keith Hamilton President,

M. Kimberly Stagg Of Counsel, Dickinson Wright, PLLC

Herman Williams, MD President, Herman Williams Healthcare Solutions

STAFF

Cheri K. Henderson

TSMSDC President & CEO

Derrick Dowell TSMSDC Vice President

Markeith Braden TSMSDC Technology Consultant

Joyce Tabb TSMSDC Coordinator – West Tennessee

We welcome all backgrounds, experiences and walks of life.

We have always been a company that makes cars for everyone, and would never have been able to achieve this if we didn’t also strive to be a company that includes everyone. So, that’s exactly what we do; in fact, inclusion is our corporate policy.