CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE Strengthening Diversity In Business SWING IN TO SUCCESS JIM OSBORNE SCHOLARSHIP CLASSIC RETURNS IN AUGUST SECOND QUARTER 2023 A PUBLICATION OF THE CHICAGO MINORITY SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Also Inside: CBOF56 Highlights MBDA Visit Did You Know...
03 10 11 13 16 RGMA: DIVERSE SPEND IS NOT A STRATEGY 08 04 TABLE MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS 05 PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS CBOF56 CBRE'S SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAM MBE SPOTLIGHT: RAMPRO FEATURE STORY: MBDA PIPE PROGRAM: COHORT 6 CONTENTS Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle 17 DID YOU KNOW: ROQ INNOVATION 18 PGA VENDOR MATCH OF 19 JIM OSBORNE SCHOLARSHIP CLASSIC
Welcome to the second edition of Connections. We strive to establish impactful connections that lead to successful business contracts. In April, we hosted CBOF56 and introduced the first-ever CPO Summit. The connections made at CBOF are already proving fruitful, and we'll be showcasing success stories, including RAMPRO, in this edition. We're proud of increased engagement from sponsors, civic supporters, and minority businesses in the ChicagoMSDC network. Highlights included Marion Gross presenting the Corporation of the Year Award and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle reaffirming support for minority businesses. The CPO Summit showcased an innovative sustainability strategy by Kristin Mologousis and Rosi Hasan from Northern Trust. Star Cunningham of 4D Healthware inspired attendees to make Quality Connections at the trade fair. The event emphasized collective responsibility for fostering diversity and inclusivity in the business ecosystem. On June 15 we had the pleasure of hosting the MBDA Under Secretary, Donald Cravens, at the Chicago MSDC's MBDA Center in St. Louis, MO. It was a dynamic discussion with local leaders, strong MBEs, clients, and corporate partners. Our upcoming calendar is packed with valuable networking opportunities and the ultimate informal connection is our Jim Osborne Scholarship Classic, on August 14. Join us for Procurement Lunches (in-person and virtual), technical assistance sessions, the Aramark-sponsored PIPE cohort, and the Supplier Diversity Professionals' Mastermind Forum hosted by Exelon on August 22. We have an exciting guest speaker and a dynamic panel discussion lined up. We deeply appreciate the support and engagement from our CBOF sponsors and participants. Your continued involvement means the world to us. CONNECTIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT MESSAGE 03 President/CEO
26 Pre-Certification Webinar Procurement Luncheon with JP Morgan Chase UPCOMING PROGRAMS AND EVENTS July Virtual 27 Venue TBD August 1-4 Business Smart Week Missouri MBDA Go to Market Webinar Missouri MBDA Access to Capital Webinar Jim Osborne Scholarship Classic ComEd/Exelon Mastermind Session Passenger Transportation Procurement Day Small Business Source Program Webinar #1 w/EX3LAB Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Virtual Virtual White Eagle Golf Course - Naperville Venue TBD Prairie State College - Chicago Heights Venue TBD 3 4 14 22 24 30 September Small Business Source Program Webinar #2 w/EX3LAB Small Business Source Program Webinar #3 w/EX3LAB PIPE Program - Cohort 7 (Classes 1, 2 and 3) TBD TBD 12/19/26 Virtual Virtual Virtual For more information, contact 04 [email protected] or call 312.755.8880 CONNECTIONS
05 CONNECTIONS PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS CBOF56 This year's Chicago Business Opportunity Fair (CBOF) was a great success! We welcomed more than 500 corporate members and certified MBEs over two days of enriching programming . Check out a few of the photos from the event! View Photo Gallery continued on next page...
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The event united young entrepreneurs with experienced MBE mentors, fostering valuable one-on-one sessions. Entrepreneurs showcased their businesses, while Debra Jennings-Johnson, President of ChicagoMSDC and keynote speaker, David C. Freeman, CJL Resources addressed the crowd. Corporate sponsors offered guidance through storytelling. Young entrepreneurs pitched their businesses to the audience and judges, receiving feedback and suggestions. The event created a supportive atmosphere, empowering the next generation of business leaders. A MENTORSHIP EVENT FOR SUCCESS Learn More About David Sponsored By: Speaker: David C. Freeman Young Entrepreneurs Judges/Mentors
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THE RGMA DIGITAL SUITE: AN ESSENTIAL TOOL FOR ADVANCING ChicagoMSDC'S MISSION IN AN EVOLVING BUSINESS CLIMATE The RGMA Digital Suite is an essential tool for advancing ChicagoMSDC's mission in today's evolving business climate. With Maye Foster Thompson's leadership, ChicagoMSDC has become a national leader and global model for diverse business NGOs, connecting minority businesses with corporations, non-profits, and government agencies. RGMA, supporting the mission for 44 years, provides unparalleled expertise in supplier diversity. Ralph Moore, a board member, has played a significant role in advancing best practices. To address challenges and empower practitioners, RGMA developed the comprehensive RGMA Digital Suite. It includes tools such as the RGMA Supplier Diversity Assessment and Strategy Tool, Diverse Supplier Assessment and Strategy Tool, and SCORMCompliant e-Learning Modules. The RGMA Digital Suite digitizes their proven playbook, equipping practitioners with tools to evaluate, benchmark, and implement best practices. Embracing the suite ensures ChicagoMSDC's position as the leading minority supplier advocacy organization in the region, embedding world-class processes for outstanding performance and long-term success. 09 CONNECTIONS Video highlights of RGMA Program Photo Credit: Dot Ward
CBRE' SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAM: FOSTERING INCLUSION AND DRIVING ECONOMIC IMPACT 10 CONNECTIONS s CBRE Global Supplier Diversity Program - MBN Top Global Champion for Supplier Diversity - WEConnect
MBE SPOTLIGHT RUBULLAH MAHDEE President/CEO 11 CONNECTIONS
RamPro is dedicated to ensuring the utmost satisfaction of its customers by offering meticulous deep cleaning and safe sanitization services for facilities. Additionally, they provide complimentary environmental and fire safety inspections, providing valuable insights into potential fire incidents or health risks within your establishment. By exceeding state and local regulatory requirements, RamPro's service applications guarantee optimal protection for your facility. What truly sets RamPro apart is its exceptional partner program, which boasts a network of highly skilled local professionals. From appliance repair and pest control to handy services and installations, their team of experts is readily available to cater to all your facility needs. Their client list includes Harrah's, Marriott, Meijer, Good Foods, and SC Johnson. To learn more about RamPro, take a look at their recent interview with ChicagoMSDC's Anita Hagan. 12 CONNECTIONS RAMPRO: YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER FOR COMPREHENSIVE FACILITY SOLUTIONS
FEATURE STORY MBDA Under Secretary Visits Missouri MBDA Business Center to Promote Equity and Economic Growth Donald Cravens
The Missouri Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), recently welcomed a significant visit from the US Department of Commerce's MBDA Under Secretary Donald Cravins. The purpose of this visit was to engage in a leadership round table focused on strategies for advancing equity and inclusion in the business landscape. During the visit, the MBDA Under Secretary had the valuable opportunity to gain insights into the challenges faced by minority-owned businesses in St. Louis directly from the business owners themselves. The Missouri MBDA Business Center, one of 40 centers across the nation, provides specialized services for the development of minority-owned businesses, including access to capital, contract opportunities, and technical assistance. The centerpiece of the visit was the round table discussion, where the Under Secretary and other participants delved into various strategies to foster equity in the business world. Key topics included the significance of providing minority-owned businesses with access to capital and resources, as well as the need for greater diversity in leadership positions. The Under Secretary demonstrated a firm commitment to supporting these goals by pledging full support and allocating necessary resources. Pictured L to R: Todd Gilyard, Project Director, Missouri MBDA Center; Donald Cravins, Jr., Under Secretary for Minority Business Development, U.S. Department of Commerce, MBDA; Debra JenningsJohnson, President/CEO, ChicagoMSDC; and Dr. Sam Page, St. Louis County Executive . PHOTO CREDIT: Kim Love. 14 CONNECTIONS
Through its efforts, the MBDA aims to level the playing field and create more opportunities for success, both locally and globally. In addition to its focus on minorityowned businesses, the agency also plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and development in underserved communities. By nurturing entrepreneurship and small business development, the MBDA stimulates job creation and economic activity, particularly in areas that have traditionally been overlooked. 15 CONNECTIONS Pictured are Missouri MBEs, ChicagoMSDC and MBDA staff. PHOTO CREDIT: Kim Love.
The recent cohort of ChicagoMSDC's advanced management training program, known as PIPE (Progress, Insight and Performance Education), received invaluable support from the Fifth Third Chicagoland Foundation. From February 21 to April 11, 2023, participants engaged in a virtual learning experience, culminating in a remarkable session hosted at a historic bank location that still boasts its original, functioning vault. Stay tuned for details about ChicagoMSDC’s growing partnership with Fifth Third. The PIPE Program serves as a catalyst for continuous business improvement by analyzing companies' direction, processes, and supply chain. Since its inception in 2018, over 80 companies have benefited from this transformative program. PIPE PROGRAM: COHORT 6 16 CONNECTIONS Aramark, a dedicated partner, has been the presenting sponsor for three years, supporting cohorts 3-5. Demonstrating their commitment, Aramark will continue as the sponsor for the upcoming virtual cohort seven, scheduled to commence on September 12, 2023. The application period will open July 10. Corporate members are invited to contribute to the success of ChicagoMSDC and MBEs by sponsoring future cohorts. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at [email protected].
Raquel Graham is a renowned marketing strategist known for her expertise in branding, partnerships, and event management. In 2014, she founded ROQ Innovation, a company focused on creating innovative solutions for everyday challenges. Her first successful invention, NEKZ®, became a sensation on the Home Shopping Network and gained recognition at top NCAA colleges. Raquel's second creation, Headlightz®, received acclaim from Oprah's O List and secured a deal on "Shark Tank." ROQ Innovation is also a ChicagoMSDC certified MBE! Prior to her entrepreneurial journey, Raquel founded ROQ Marketing Group, offering strategic marketing solutions to corporations. She also produced marketing videos for international company Honey Can Do. With an MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management and a strong background in marketing, Raquel continues to make a significant impact through her inventive solutions. 17 CONNECTIONS
PGA VendorMatch: Empowering Local and Diverse Suppliers for the 2024 Championships Local and diverse suppliers have an exciting opportunity to participate in the upcoming PGA Championships in 2024. The PGA of America has recently launched PGA VendorMatch, an initiative aimed at engaging businesses owned by minorities, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, Veterans, service-disabled Veterans, and local small businesses. These businesses are invited to provide products and services for the PGA Championship, KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, and KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, scheduled to take place in May and June 2024. The PGA Championship will be held at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, from May 13-19, 2024. Following that, the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship will take place at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Michigan, from May 20-26, 2024. Lastly, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship will be held at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington, from June 19-23, 2024. Fostering Inclusion and Economic Opportunities for Underrepresented Businesses in the PGA Championships 2024 Championships Goods & Services Needed Opportunities Goods and services are needed leading up to, during, and post-event for the following championships: 2024 PGA Championship – Valhalla Golf Club – Louisville, KY (May 13-19) 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship – Harbor Shores – Benton Harbor, MI (May 20-26) 2024 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship – Sahalee Country Club – Sammamish, WA (June 19-23) To participate in PGA VendorMatch and have the opportunity to collaborate with the PGA's larger suppliers, interested businesses can register online. The registration period runs until July 7, 2023. Register
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CHICAGO MINORITY SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL 216 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 600 Chicago, IL 60606 2023 Corporate Sponsors Legacy Leaders Emerging Leaders Next Gen Leaders