On time delivery of products or services, build relationships, be proactive and be consistent are key factors that were shared during a panel discussion at the Eastern Minority Supplier Diversity Council’s annual Business Opportunity Fair. .
“Today’s event marks 38 years of connecting Minority Business Enterprises with public agencies and corporations,” said Alexander “Nick” Nichols, president and COO of EMSDC. “The four pillars of the Council are to certify, develop, and connect and to advocate. The Opportunity Fair is just one example as to how we connect and provide pertinent information.”
Considered the largest minority business trade fair in the region, this year’s event, comprised of minority-owned businesses, corporations, associations and government organizations featured Dr. Curtiss Porter; Chief Education and Neighborhood Reinvestment Officer for the City of Pittsburgh during the breakfast and a panel discussion during lunch. Bill Flanagan of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development served as the breakfast emcee and Lance Hyde of the EQT Corporation facilitated the afternoon panel.
Porter revealed that Mayor William Peduto’s vision for the region is to turn Pittsburgh into Americas’ next great American city. He said for that to happen there has to be a diverse and inclusive perspective on whom we are. “We have to be diversified and inclusive on a world-wide scale and the administration is attempting to do so through my department by focusing on small business and neighborhood development, education and workforce development, faith-based and non-profit organizations and housing.”
His unit, he indicated is just one sector designed to implement the Mayor’s vision. “We are focused on education and workforce development and realize that without a strong educational system, without the capacity to develop our youth and those who are seniors to our youth to be available for the work of the 21st century and are not able to be included in those economies we may not make our goal. And we fully intend to make our goal.” he pointed out.
Encouraging EMSDC, corporations and small businesses to continue their work, Porter, former Chancellor of Penn State Greater Allegheny siting the findings of a local and international study indicated that the greatest threat to the progress of creative technology development in the greater Pittsburgh area is lack of inclusion and diversity.
“All of the work that we have to do is not only backed by the data, but it is found in the work that you do on a daily basis and that this city is committed to on a daily basis. The work that you do every day is vital and we at the city of Pittsburgh house your vision for inclusion and economic and social development.”
Panelists for the afternoon session consisted of procurement professionals from the construction, education, energy, finance and healthcare industries. They included Joel Acie, UPMC; Duane Bullock; Penn State University; Michael Dewitt; Highmark Health; Dr. Renee Galloway, University of Pittsburgh; Jennifer Howe, PJ Dick/ Trumbull/ Lindy Paving; Keith B. Key; KBK Enterprises; Jessica Lukac, EQT Corporation; Jeanann Richards, Shell; Maureen Seskey, The PNC Financial Services Group and David Tilves, PJ Dick, Trumbull/ Lindy Paving.
“Like in the past this year’s Opportunity Fair brought together the best of meetings, special events, minority businesses and corporations, all in one place, at one time,” said Nichols. “Throughout our history we have made great strides in providing increased procurement and business opportunities for Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American businesses of all sizes.”
Currently undergoing a restructuring process, the Council maintains its mission of advancing business opportunities by certifying and connecting minority business enterprises to corporations and buying entities.
Formerly the Western Pennsylvania Minority Supplier Development Council, servicing the Western Pennsylvania area the Eastern MSDC now serves Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and Delaware. Explaining the process, Nichols says the new map encompasses 24 Regional Affiliate Councils. “The goal of the strategic restructuring is to create an affiliate model that improves the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the network as it relates to delivering on the mission. The resulting NMSDC Network will offer improved, standardized service to corporate members and MBEs, create equalized, empowered and better–‐resourced Councils, and result in a stronger national network and one that is resourced to focus on growth.”
The EMSDC is an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council which was created in 1972.
With its national office based in New York, the Council is considered one of the country’s leading business membership organizations. Its network includes 24 regional councils countrywide and has 4,500 corporate members. The regional councils certify and match more than 12,000 minority owned businesses (Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American) with member corporations in the market to purchase goods and services.
