Welcome New Corporate Member
Thank You Johnson Controls, Inc.
Congratulations!
IMSDC Staff Changes
Free Resources Available to Entrepreneurs
SAVE THE DATE! Mark your calendars now!
Did You Know the IMSDC Has Its Own Blog?
Are You Looking For a Unique Advertising Opportunity
2009 IMSDC Earlybird Sponsorship Packages
Ameren's Second Annual Supplier Diversity Symposium
MBE Input Corner
The MBE Input Committee Announcements
Did You Know...
The IMSDC is pleased to welcome:
Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis
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On December 12, 2008, 16 members of the IMSDC Board met from 8-5 for a full day of work. The focus of the day-long retreat was Board alignment.
Johnson Controls, the “NMSDC Corporation of the Year” in October, 2008, provided access to two of their top employees to act as facilitators of the retreat:
- Reginald Layton, Diversity Business Development Director, who was named “Minority Supplier Development Leader of the Year” at the NMSDC conference in 2008, traveled from Wisconsin.
- Matt Rodammer, Director of Functional Learning at Johnson Controls, who developed the Alignment Model that was utilized during the retreat, traveled from Michigan.
The facilitators were able to walk the Board members through the majority of the model and ultimately create strategic goals to act on in 2009 that will move the Council forward in a unified effort.
It was a privilege and an honor to work with these two amazing gentlemen and we appreciate the generosity of Johnson Controls, Inc., for allowing us to benefit from their time and talent at no cost to the Council.
Thank you Reggie and Matt!!
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Jeff Rode was promoted to Vice President of Operations for the Indianapolis location.
Stacy Little was promoted to Manager of Operations for the Southern District location in Evansville.
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Maryan Brighthill’s last day with the IMSDC was December 19, 2008. Please send all certification related inquiries to Michelle House at mdhouse@imsdc.org
The IMSDC would like to thank Maryan for her years of dedication to the Council and we wish her well in her new endeavors.
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Here, you will find a wealth of FREE information, products and services for entrepreneurs and organizations on topics that are critical to success in the corporate market: business startup, technology, financing, legal, and other essential topics. Opt-In to the mailing list and receive the following resources for FREE:
- 60 Page Entrepreneur Guide – “Business 2.0: A Blueprint for Starting and Operating Your Business in Today’s Hi-Tech World” (Guide is recommended by over a dozen government agencies, including the Indiana, Missouri, and Ohio Secretaries of State!)
- Webinar Session On The Business Blueprint
- Coaching Calls On How To Build A 7 Figure Business
- Videos Answering The Top 20 Questions Regarding:
- Starting a New Business Fast and Cheap
- Minority-Owned, Woman-Owned and Veteran-Owned Business Certifications
- How To Find and Apply For Government Grants
- Selling Your Goods and Services To The Government
- How To Triple Your Sales Using Certain Marketing Secrets
Also, check out Innoventum’s “Jobs for Millions” campaign designed to create 500,000 new American businesses and to help 500,000 existing American businesses grow at www.innoventum.com/scholarships.html. If you are an existing business or someone who wants to start a new business, but are facing extreme financial challenges, then you can apply for a scholarship to receive Innoventum’s business training products.
Innoventum, Inc. was founded by two Indianapolis female attorneys, both entrepreneurs, who were frustrated by the lack of free and affordable resources for business owners and people looking to start businesses.
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2009 Indiana Business Opportunity Fair
"IMSDC ... Painting the Portrait of Supplier Diversity"
April 14-15, 2009
Indiana Convention Center & Westin Hotel Indianapolis
Take part in Indiana's largest minority business opportunity fair & conference! Over 130 booths, educational seminars, and networking opportunities. New for 2009, buyers and purchasing managers can earn continuing education credit for attending the Indiana Business Opportunity Fair. MBEs, be sure to complete your registration early to take part in our corporate matchmaker event!
Your registration booklet is coming soon! For sponsorship opportunities or additional information, please contact Jeff Rode, Vice President of Operations, at 317-921-2680 or via email at jarode@imsdc.org. For complete IBOF information, visit the IMSDC website at www.imsdc.org.
Don’t miss it! The IBOF offers you the opportunity to see a lot of the people you need to see in a very short period of time and all in one place!
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Be sure to visit the IMSDC Blog for up-to-date information from IMSDC member corporations, MBEs, event information and valuable resources. Check out the IMSDC Blog at www.imsdc.org.
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The IMSDC will be selling advertisements in the Council's 2008 Annual Report. Why should you advertise in the IMSDC Annual Report?
- Full-year shelf-life
- Distributed to IMSDC member corporations and certified MBEs
- Cost effective
- Utilized in all IMSDC marketing materials
- Distributed to all participants in our 2009 events which include:
Indiana Business Opportunity Fair, Annual Golf Outing, Southern District Business Opportunity Fair, Annual Dinner, and all IMSDC trainings and workshops.
Further advertising information coming soon! To advertise in the IMSDC Annual Report, contact Jeff Rode, Vice President of Operations, at 317-921-2680 or via email at jarode@imsdc.org.
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Why should I consider an IMSDC "Early Bird" Sponsorship Package?
The IMSDC "Early Bird" Sponsor Packages are available to member corporations and MBEs seeking a cost-effective alternative to "pre-pay" for all 2009 IMSDC networking events. One check covers the entire year, thus less hassle and worry! Purchase a package today at 2008 pricing! Deadline for IMSDC "Early Bird" packages is February 15, 2009. Please click below for "Early Bird" sponsorship package information:
Corporate Sponsor Form
MBE Sponsor Form
For further information on IMSDC "Early Bird" Packages, please contact Jeff Rode, Vice President of Operations, at 317-921-2680 or via email at jarode@imsdc.org
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The Indiana Minority Supplier Development Council in partnership with Ameren Services invites you to register to attend Ameren’s Second Annual Supplier Diversity Symposium – Take Your Business to the Next Level, scheduled for March 2 & 3, 2009 in St. Louis Missouri at the Renaissance Grand Hotel. Mingle and network with Ameren top leadership, hear a dynamic message on how to prepare your company for business with large corporations in these tough times by Ralph G. Moore, founder of RGMA, and learn about procurement opportunities with Ameren.
Click here for more information.
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From the Desk of the Certification Director
State Certification
There have been changes in the process of renewing your certification with the State of Indiana, IDOA utilizing the IMSDC. You can now renew your State certification by contacting the IMSDC. We will provide you with a form to complete and return to us. Upon receiving the form, we will forward it to the State on your behalf. Please be advised that going through this process will change your certification with IDOA. Your new date will coincide with your expiration date for the IMSDC and you will now have to renew with the State on an annual basis. This will make the entire process move a lot smoother and reduce the turnaround time to 2-4 weeks. Please contact Michelle House at mdhouse@imsdc.org for more information. If you are not currently certified with IDOA and wish to do so, make the IMSDC your one stop shop for minority certification.
Reminder to renew your certification
In today’s economy, most companies are in survival mode especially small businesses. When the economy takes a downturn, everyone starts looking at cutting expenses. That’s why it is more important now than ever to set your company apart from the competition. Maintaining your MBE certification status can do just that. Please renew your certification 30 days before it is due to expire to prevent decertification. The IMSDC will send out a courtesy reminder however, as with your driver’s license, it is your response ability to now when it expires. Don’t get caught with your guard down. Simple go online to www.imsdc.org and download the recertification application and submit with your tax returns. All certification renewal requests must be presented to the IMSDC board of directors for approval. The board currently meets once a month. If your certification lapses, you will need to complete a new certification application. Also remember that all recertification applications must contain the most recent copy of your full company tax returns.
Gaining the most from your IMSDC MBE Certification
In 2009, the IMSDC will offer post-certification orientations that will be mandatory for newly certified MBEs and optional for those current MBEs who would like to reconnect with the council. The post certification orientation will take place monthly following the IMSDC monthly board meetings. In order to receive your certificate you must attend. We will discuss the benefits of and utilizing the council, marketing to our corporate membership, introduction to the IMSDC staff and MBEIC Executive committee members and more. More details are forthcoming so check our website www.imsdc.org.
New to the IBOF
The IMSDC will present something new this year during the Indiana business Opportunity Fair, April 14-15, 2009. The IMSDC will offer one deserving MBE an opportunity of a lifetime in the “So you think you got game-MBE Reality Check” competition. MBE Reality Check is a competition amongst MBEs to find out who has the best business presentation. Participants will have the opportunity to make a presentation to a panel of judges who will offer constructive criticism and ultimately select one winner. The lucky winner will have the opportunity to make a 15 minute presentation during the 2009 IBOF Corporate Luncheon. Last year’s luncheon was attended by over 900 corporate buyers, CEOs, supplier diversity associates, media, community leaders and small business owners. So polish up your flipcharts, power points and marketing materials and get ready to enter. Entry forms and more details will be coming soon.
Congratulations and Welcome
Aboard! IMSDC newly certified MBEs
Field of Success
A.H. Furnico, Inc.
Brewer & Associates, Inc.
Elizur Construction, LLC
Innovations Consulting Group, LLC
International Resource Services, LLC
Van Horn Vacations, LLC
Thorpe Services, LLC
Yadah Fuels, LLC
Spectrum Management & Development, LLC
ARHI, LLC (Affordable Roofing & Home Improvements)
Diversity Solutions Logistics, LLC
H&S Products, LLC
MASC, Inc.
Minority Trades, LLC
Promotus Advertising, Inc.
“Take every opportunity to set yourself apart, market your company, reevaluate your customer satisfaction, listen to your clients and provide them with a copy of your IMSDC MBE Certificate.”- Michelle House, Certification Director
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The MBEIC Mission
The Minority Input Committee is comprised of all IMSDC certified minority business owners who represent a service or commodity.
The mission is to foster the expansion of the Minority Business Community by providing counsel and recommendations to facilitate programs and services offered by the Indiana Minority Supplier Development Council.
Executive Committee Members:
Debbie Wilson, Engaging Solutions, Chair
Chris Barney, Team Cruiser Conversion
Hector Flores, H.A. Flores
Matthew Taylor, Your PD&S Agents (Southern District Rep.)
Sharon Montgomery, DQSI
Sheri Watts, The Watts Connection
Diana Jeffers, ProBiz Alliance
Michelle House, IMSDC, Staff Liaison
Not pictured M. Taylor, Sheri Watts, Diana Jeffers
MBEIC Upcoming Events
General Membership Meeting:
“2009 Strategic Planning Session”
January 27, 2009
10:30am -1:00pm
Location: IMSDC Business Center
(Lunch provided at an additional cost to attendees)
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The American Cancer Society can help educate both your employees and your communities. Through Workplace Solutions, we are able to offer free health and wellness programs that can help you save money as well as offer additional resources to your employees. We can help you create a healthier work environment with free products like:
- a free health and wellness newsletter or website that allows your employees to access health information at any time
- free tobacco cessation programs
- a free 10 week physical activity program
- free information, including co-branded materials
We also serve the community that we all live in. With our office located on 96th and Zionsville, we want Central Indiana to take advantage of all of the free programs we provide. We provide programs such as:
- driving a loved one to and from cancer treatment for free
- supplying free informational brochures and programs to schools and companies
- providing free support classes
- providing free wigs
- providing a free Personal Health Manager to keep you organized
We pride ourselves in being able to offer numerous resources to the community. To learn more about these free programs visit www.cancer.org or contact Laura Halt at laura.halt@cancer.org
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