Endure, Inc provides HMSDC critical information about the new requirement for Safety & Environmental Management Systems Compliance, "From Voluntary to Required" Lunch & Learn November 30, 2011.

The SEMS is a nontraditional, performance-focused tool for integrating and managing offshore operations. The purpose of SEMS is to enhance the safety and cleanliness of operations by reducing the frequency and severity of accidents. The Bureau of Ocean Energy, Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) has asked industry to voluntarily adopt SEMS.
The BOEMRE has four principal SEMS objectives:

1. focus attention on the influences that human error and poor organization have on accidents;
2. continuous improvement in the offshore industry's safety and environmental records;
3. encourage the use of performance-based operating practices; and
4. collaborate with industry in efforts that promote the public interests of offshore worker safety and environmental protection.

For more information about the lunch & learn contact info@hmsdc.org

Ahmadabad, India, third fastest growing city in the world.

Forbes has listed Ahmadabad, India as the third fastest growing city in the world, with the first two in China.  Five auto companies are setting up their plants, Japanese business group just announced that they are setting up special zone where Japanese companies will build plants, several large pharmaceutical have setup plants, new hospitals are being built and one of the world's largest refineries is in Jamnagar(Gujarat).

It is a great place for US business to expand. Let HMSDC help you make the connection.

MBE sets standards and exceed client expectations

Today's Business Solutions received outstanding appreciation from client. "Your ability to accommodate the early payment incentive exceeds our expectations. Your organization's ability to adapt to and mitigate the most serious and complex needs of our institutions is unmatched by any other Preferred Supplier with the alliance.  Today's Business Solutions' (and your corporate partners) performance clearly "sets the standards"!" quote Mr. John Joshua, Director of the UT System Supply Chain Alliance.

Houston Business Journal's Fast Tech 50 list recognize Sunnet

Sunnet Solutions outstanding achievement as a leader of a growing Houston high-tech business is recognized by HBJ as one of Houston's Fast Tech 50.

Congratulations Sandy

HMSDC Scholarship assist MBE in actualizing a dream

Dr. Ramona Riley, The Dejohn Group, achieved Arbitrator/Mediator certification with HMSDC scholarship sponsored by Petro Amigos Supply.

Congratulation Dr. Riley.

#1 Top Fastest Growing Woman Owned Business

Houston Business Journal lists Mireaux Management Solutions, owned by Miriam Boudreaux as the #1 Fastest Growing Woman Owned Business for the Houston area.

Tejas Office Products named 2011 Best Small Business by the Houston East End Chamber of Commerce

The Houston East End Chamber of Commerce has recognized Tejas Office Products with the 2011 Best Small Business Award at the 16th Annual Awards and Scholarship.

MFR, P.C. Consulting Practice Becomes MFR Solutions, Inc.

MFR, P.C., a Houston-based CPA and business advisory firm, announced that their Public Sector and Healthcare Advisory Services Consulting practice would become a separate, but affiliated, company called MFR Solutions, Inc.  The move to this structure is consistent with the operating models of many other CPA firms and will allow the consulting practice more flexibility and better positioning to serve its public sector and healthcare clients.  MFR, P.C. is a certified supplier with HMSDC.

Today's Business Solutions donates Ipad to HMSDC

With the assistance of Today's Business Solutions, HMSDC is on it's way to utilizing technology on the go. Today's Business Solutions donation of an Apple Ipad assist HMSDC in it's endeavors to use current technology in minority business development and promotion.

Rose International ranked the highest IT staffing firm.

Rose International, HMSDC reciprocal certified supplier, ranked #2 on the Staffing Industry Analysts list of Fastest Growing Staffing Firms.  The list was based on teh participants' U.S. staffing revenue growth from 2006 to 2010, excluding acquistions. Rose experienced 46 percent growth during this timefram and expect to experience over 80 percent organic growth in 2011.

FosterQuan partners with Aon Cornerstone

FosterQuan, the nation's second largest immigration law firm, was recently selected by Aon Cornerstone as a strategic partner. Aon Cornerstone is part of Aon Corporation and partners with the best minority business enterprises in the professional service industry.

MBE win contract with Halliburton

World Wide Technology in Maryland Heights, MO  has reciprocal certification with HMSDC and has begun expanding their business in the Houston area after winning a muli-year/multi million dollar contract with Halliburton. Malcolm Goodwin, Business Develoment Manager, Supplier Diveristy/Procurement Commerical Midwest Region states, "We are looking forward to expanding our presence in Houston and being a partner with HMSDC to ensure other MBEs have the same success we have experienced in Houston."

National Council for Geographic Education President's Award

Applied Field Data Systems, HMSDC certified MBE,  is the 2011 National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE) President's Award recipient. The award was presented to Applied Field Data Systems for advancing geospatial technologies in education and society around the world.

Seeking EXPO - The Marketplace Success

Share your EXPO success stories with us.  How have your company benefited from attended EXPO in the past? What are you expecting from EXPO 2011?

Prepare for Success at EXPO 2011 - The Maketplace

EXPO 2011 Marketplace, Texas’ largest minority business opportunity conference,  continues to be the marketing event of the year presenting countless procurement and sourcing opportunities for the private sector, government and Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs).

 Make EXPO 2011 work for you!!! Prepare for success on September 21-22, 2011 at George R. Brown Convention Center. Click here to build a successful strategy.

EXPO 2011...F.I.T For Business

Get F.I.T For Business at HMSDC 2011 EXPO Business Opportunity Marketplace, September 21-22, 2011 at the George R. Brown Convention Center Exhibit Hall C. Learn how to Focus on your customer desires, Inspire to bring innovative solutions and Transform to be competitive in a global market. Register TODAY  and Save at http://www.hmsdcexpo.org/

Have YOU been a part of our monthly MBE to MBE Breakfasts?

Our next session will be on August 3rd, from 7:00-8:30 am at Cafe Express- Uptown Park.

Find out more information and register on our new website, http://affiliate.nmsdc.org/hmsdc/.
You won't want to miss out on all the superb networking going on between MBEs!
In fact, here's a success story from one of our members, Larry Scott.

"FosterQuan recently implemented our own supplier diversity program and I wanted to share the results of our first report.  During the first six months of 2011, we used seven minority suppliers for a spend of approximately $35,000.  We continue to look to increase that number.  In the future, I look forward to reporting our monthly numbers at the MBE to MBE breakfasts."

Congratulations, FosterQuan!

We look forward to seeing everyone next Wednesday at the HMSDC MBE to MBE Breakfast.

Community of Respect- Part III

Ni hao (你好) HMSDC,

I hope everyone is ready to have a productive day and is looking forward to the weekend.

Until then, time for a history lesson!

Did you know China’s is one of the world’s oldest civilizations with nearly 4,000 years of history? The first written history of our country was found in ancient historical texts circa 1700 BC! In the past, China was ruled by dynasties, which are rulers from the same imperial family, until 1911. Many of the dynasties are known for different things such as the invention of gunpowder during the Song Dynasty, paper from the Han Dynasty and bronze-ware making in the Zhou Dynasty. That’s right, I said the Zhou dynasty! Your very own HMSDC intern may be a long lost princess descending from one of China’s longest lasting ancient dynasty.
China is now ruled by the Communist Party and our current president is Hu Jintao.

China has an interesting past and of course, still has an interesting culture today!Here are 74 interesting facts about China to entertain you until the next post.

Sallyann Zhou,

“If we could end hatred, imagine what more we could do…”

-Anti-Defamation League, Community of Respect

Community of Respect- Part II

Good Morning, HMSDC!

Start your day off with a nice cup o’ joe and a serving of Asian cultural facts!

Yesterday, I mentioned that foods eaten during Chinese New Year have important symbolisms.
In fact, a huge part of Chinese culture is centered on our delicious foods. You may think “Sweet & Sour Pork” or “Orange Chicken” when you think of Chinese food, but that is actually not the typical dish in China. Traditionally, meals are eaten “family style” in which everyone shares several dishes with their own serving of rice.

Different cultures may have different understandings of food. Many people may be surprised or even discomforted by the fact that some people in China eat squid, stinky tofu, pig’s blood and other unfamiliar delicacies but, at the same time, people in China are startled when they hear of fried oreos, chicken fried steak, and bacon cheeseburgers.

However, it’s great to see the growing trend for cultures to incorporate different cuisines into their palettes! More and more people are experiencing authentic Chinese food and many American restaurants are expanding to Asia. I remember being “treated” to a Pizza Hut in China, because this was truly a gourmet experience. Check out the Chinese Pizza Hut website yourself here!

Have a fantastic rest of the day!

Sallyan Zhou

“If we could end hatred, imagine what more we could do…”

-Anti-Defamation League, Community of Respect

Community of Respect- Part I

Dear HMSDC,

As I've mentioned, the HMSDC office is participating in the Community of Respect campaign to learn and appreciate each other's unique cultures. This week, each morning, I will be emailing everyone some interesting facts/ tidbits about Chinese culture.

One really important custom in China is our Lunar New Year Celebrations. This is based off the lunar calendar and usually falls around late January or early February. Traditionally, our New Year celebration can last up to 15 days with each day celebrating something different, all ending with a grand lantern festival. Even the different kinds of foods and how much we eat mean symbolize something important to our culture. For example, we eat uncut noodles on LNY because, the longer the noodle, the longer your life!

Did you know that Chinese people like to celebrate the New Year with fireworks and dragon dances to ward off evil spirits?

Xie Xie (Thank you!),

Sallyan Zhou, HMSDC Intern

“If we could end hatred, imagine what more we could do…”

-Anti-Defamation League, Community of Respect

EXPO Preparation Seminar THIS WEDNESDAY!

Where will you be on Wednesday, July 20th?

Check Out The HMSDC's New Video!

EXPO 2011 Early Bird Registration Ends July 31st! Save NOW!

MBE featured on Fox Houston News on July 6th

E.I.S. Office Solutions was recently on Fox Houston News for their admirable company mission: to donate half of their corporate profits to eleven different charities. For more on this story click here.

Congrats to E.I.S. Office Solutions on this story and for their continued success. Keep up the good work, Simon Lee!

HMSDC Commits to "The Community of Respect®" Campaign

What is a Community of Respect®?

A place where individuals appreciate each other's differences and work together to create an atmosphere of respect and understanding.

What is The Community of Respect® Program?

The Community of Respect® (COR) Program provides the tools and resources to help individuals and organizations fight prejudice, bigotry, discrimination and engender respect and appreciation for diversity. Inspired by the Anti-Defamation League's (ADL's) successful No Place for Hate® school campaign, Houston Mayor Bill White and Sugar Land Mayor David Wallace serve as honorary co-chairs of this community-wide collaborative and have challenged their cities to become Communities of Respect.

What is the HMSDC doing to implement COR?

The Council has signed a formal resolution of respect that will be framed and showcased in the front office in the next few days. The employees at the HMSDC have committed to participate in a series of cultural events in order to gain a new appreciation for other cultures. Our intern, Sallyann Zhou, plans on educating us on her native Chinese culture by sharing facts and traditions.
Stay tuned...

The Council challenges you to adopt this program to improve your business culture. For more information please visit http://www.communityofrespect.org/

From Our Director of Business Development, Angela Freeman

 

Opportunity Alert

NEEDED TRADES

Manhattan Construction Company is Soliciting subcontractor/supplier bids from SB/WBE/DBE/MDBE/WDBE/PDBE

(City of Houston Certifications)

BID PACKAGE #08

MANHATTAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY is seeking qualified contractors (S/MWDBE) for the scopes of work in Bid Package 08. The trades listed below will be included in the upcoming package in July. Site Concrete, Striping, Glass Glazing, Fencing, Landscaping, Structural Pre-Cast (Shipping), Tilt Wall Erection, Misc. Metals, Wood Blocking, Millwork / Carpentry, Building Insulation, Roofing, Joint Sealants, O.H. Coiling Doors (Supply & Install), Plaster, Interiors, Furniture Fixture & Equipment, Seating Install, Playing Field Supply, Damproofing, Audio/Visual, Signage & Final Clean

100% C.D. Drawings coming Soon. There will be another opportunity alert following this to confirm the actual pre-bid and due date of the proposed package.

Click

here for more details.

For more information please contact, Andrew Earles, Rodney Phillips, or Jessica Roberts with A.O. Phillips & Associates at 713-621-8532.

HISD

Mentor MondayWorkshop

"How to Bid an RFP"

Click

Here to Register!

Date & Time Monday, July 11, 2011 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Cost The event is free! Please register to attend.

Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center Room:

1E02 4400 West 18th St. Houston, TX 77092-8501

Attend this informational workshop to learn more about the school district’s Request for

Learn helpful tips to submitting an accurate and complete proposal.businessassistance@houstonisd.org

For more information, contact Business Assistance. P: 713-556-7273 or via email at

Proposal (RFP) process. If your company wants to do business with the district, but have never bid on an RFP before, this workshop is for you! HISD Procurement Managers from Construction, Transportation & Facility Services and Instructional Materials & Classroom Supplies will educate attendees on the process for bidding an RFP. Participants will gain knowledge on how to review, prepare, and respond to RFP’s.

Keeping You Informed

Congratulations, Donna Cole!

We are proud to announce that Donna Fujimoto Cole of Cole Chemical was selected as the "Extraordinary Asian Pacific American in Business" for the Pacific Citizen Newspaper! Congratulations Donna, we are so proud to have you on our team! To read more, click here.

Mr. Huebner... Ready. Set. Action!

Get ready for the release of our HMSDC EXPO 2011 Promotional Video coming to a computer near you... stay tuned!
Here is a sneak peak of what was going on at the office today. Keep checking the blog because thanks to Jeanette Harris with "Choices with Jeanette" our EXPO video will be completed real soon. Happy Monday!

HMSDC EXPO 2011- "Fit for Business"

Calling all MBEs! Early registration for EXPO 2011 ends JULY 31st. Register here to get your discounted rate. You do not want to miss out on this incredible opportunity!

TAKE ACTION NOW and Register for the July Luncheon!

Social Media for Business Seminar

What a fantastic seminar, TECHSOFT! Thank you to all of the seminar attendees for helping make it a success. If you did not attend, here is what you missed…

Carlos Fortin, Chief Technology Officer from TECHSOFT, presented on the value of Social Media for Business. Carlos gave a two hour presentation (with lunch) about social media, graphic design 101 and email marketing with Constant Contact.

Read the comments from some of our attendees. See you at our next seminar!

“Awesome stuff! Best meeting about social media in 15 years for me!” Lanny Griffith, Rancas Freight

“Speaker was very engaging and entertaining.” Michina Green, Superb Speakers

“I thought I knew everything about social media, but I was wrong! Thank you, Carlos!” Sallyann Zhou, HMSDC

Meet Sallyann Zhou!

Hi Everyone!

My name is Sallyann Zhou, and I am interning at the HMSDC for the summer. I am a rising sophomore at Rice University (Go Owls!), tentatively majoring in Mathematical Economics Analysis and Sociology. I’m so excited to be here at the HMSDC, and to have the chance to work with such wonderfully passionate people, but I’m also thankful that I’m gaining insight into how the business world works.  This experience will help me in the future because I am hoping to get a Masters in Business Administration. I will use this opportunity to learn all about the various facets of business and better understand what I want to pursue after my undergraduate work. I’ve been shadowing Angela Freeman, and providing assistance wherever I can around the office. You may even have seen me at one of the HMSDC events! So… if you see me, feel free to introduce yourself and teach me a thing or two. Thanks!

Sincerely,

Sallyann Zhou

Sallyann Zhou Fun Facts:

-rising sophomore at Rice

-Math/Econ & Sociology Major

-18 years old

-from College Station (Whoop!)

-wants to get her MBA

-like to volunteer with PAIR at Fondren Middle School

-is involved with Student Association and Rice Program Council

-plays powderpuff for her Residential College

Volunteer Opportunity- Support Your Fellow MBE!

Volunteers are welcomed.

MBE Executive Scholarship Networking Luncheon

The HMSDC would like to introduce our July luncheon speaker...

Drum roll please…

MIKE JONES from Discover Leadership Training!

The July luncheon theme is “Position Yourself for Success.”  

This is a luncheon that you DO NOT want to miss. The Council is extremely lucky to have Mr. Jones and we know you will join us and benefit from his passion and message.

All of the Council employees have been to some form of Discover Leadership Training, and here are some of their comments:

“Discover Leadership Training (DLT) really changed my life, both personally and professionally. Mike Jones’s message is so powerful, and since my DLT experience; I have a new appreciation for my job, my relationships and more importantly, myself. It was one of the BEST experiences of my life!” - Amanda Medina, HMSDC

“Discover Leadership Trainings are “Life Changing” experiences. I am, stronger, more confident and expressing ENTHUSIASM has never been so much FUN since attending these trainings. Mike Jones is a TERRIFIC, AWESOME, FABULOUS, trainer and author.  I come in to work every morning looking forward to his “Thought for the Day”, He is always SO RIGHT ON!!!! (I’m just sayin!!!)” - Maria Saenz, HMSDC

Click here to register for the luncheon! See you there!

MBE to MBE Breakfast

GOOD MORNING MBEs (insert Discover Leadership Training projection voice here)! Have you attended the HMSDC's MBE to MBE Breakfast? You should! Why?

• Networking
• Supporting other MBEs
• To do business with each other
• Because we have heard of several referrals as a result of attending the breakfast
• To get more involved with the Council
• To practice your "30 second brag" for this year's EXPO- September 21st and 22nd
• To start your day off with the most important meal of the day

Our next MBE to MBE Breakfast is July 6th from 7:00 a.m to 8:30 a.m. at the Cafe Express at Uptown Park- 1101 Uptown Park Blvd. Houston, Texas 77056. *This is a reoccurring event and falls on the first Wednesday of every month.

33rd Annual Sports Classic

The Houston Minority Supplier Development Council held it's 33rd Annual Sports Classic at the South Shore Harbour Country Club in League City on May 15th and 16th. The event was a huge success! Thank you to all of our volunteers, MBEs and Corporates for your time and participation. Click here to see the awesome photos from the event. If you were not there... you missed out! See for yourself.

Did you hear about....

The Talking Stick
A Phenomenal Event!   Every Seat Filled!  State of the Art Networking!
The Talking Stick was held on May the 25th of 2011 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at The Power Center in Houston. It is a once a year networking event with MBEs and Corporates and trust us... You DO NOT want to miss it next year! "How do I make sure I don't miss it?" I'm glad you asked... Grab your calender, and pencil in our tentative date of May the 23rd 2012.

Read the comments below from some of our attendees. See you next May!

"What a great event and the food was great!" Jorge Sera, Total Insurance Services.

"I LOVE this event!   I had a great time and it really helped to get connected to those  same MBEs that we see at all of the events, but never quite get around to talking to.   This was a great event and very well organized.  I thought it was fabulous." Layle McKelvey, United

"In my opinion, yesterday's Talking Stick event was very valuable and worth both my travel and hotel stay 10 times over.  Traditionally, most networking events that I have attended have key personnel available, but it seems as if everyone in the room is hunting the same person, which makes you feel like a lion on the African Serengeti fighting other lions trying to get a piece of the zebra. The Talking Stick platform, however, enabled me to sit down at several tables and give my 3-minute speech to key personnel for Exxon Mobil, Shell, Chevron, Marathon Oil and Conoco Phillips. Normally it would take the course of a year or more to meet these key individuals. The concept and the origins of the talking stick is very educational and enlightening for all participants. Again good job!!" Richard Fleming, State Tax Group (Reciprocal Member)

"Thank you for the great event ...I was really impressed with the council and the quality of your corporate partners and most importantly the quality of the other MBE firms.  I appreciate the opportunity to participate and look forward to becoming an active member of the council."  Doug Deaton, Caerus Energy, (Reciprocal Member)

"Congratulations.  You hit one out of the ballpark today.  There is no better way to get your message across than having a one on one with the buyer.  Thanks to you, and the MBEs of the big  companies for  putting this together and for  coming out today.   It was  wonderful."  Lanny Griffith, Rancas Freight

Thanks for arranging the Talking Stick event! This is my fourth Talking Stick, and they keep getting better every year.   I have plenty of follow-ups to schedule, including one Corporate member I’ve been pursuing for three years! Jeff Cadieux, President, Argus Talent, LLC

Welcome to our new blog!

Welcome to the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council’s blog! This blog was created especially for YOU. I am sure most of you are asking yourself “what is a blog and what is its purpose?” Well, it is a “new” method of communication, a website where we can post about important events, seminars and general information to keep you “in the know” with the Council. Naturally, your next question is “how do I get the most out of this blog?” That’s easy! You follow this blog to get ALL the possible information to help grow your business. First step, “subscribe” to this blog via email. “How do I do that?” Don’t worry! We will walk you through this… Scroll down to the bottom of the page and in the left hand corner you will see a section called, “Follow by Email” go ahead and insert your email address and then click submit! It’s that easy. This will allow you to receive an email alert when the Council has posted to the blog. We are extremely excited to start this journey into the blogger world with you. Remember to check this blog so that you do not miss out on an opportunity that could change your world and your business.  Ready. Set. Let’s blog!

Now, here is an example of what you can expect from the Council:

Attention MBEs would you like to increase your chances of winning contracts? Do you know someone who would? Then this message is for YOU! Please read the message below from your very own Council President, Richard A. Huebner.

Dear MBEs,

For months we have been working with representatives of Shipley Associates (the leading consulting firm on government contracting) to bring you a webinar series that is certain to increase your chances of WINNING government contracts.  I have personally been through their program and found it to be exceptional.  Shipley Associates lays out the methodology they use with their major clients in identifying contract opportunities, deciding whether or not to compete, and WINNING the contracts they compete for.  I found this methodology applicable to both government and private sector business development.   Shipley Associates clients experience an 82% success rate – and now, so can you.

You now have the chance as an HMSDC MBE to receive the same advice that others pay thousands of dollars to receive, all for the cost of only $150.  Don’t let the low cost fool you – this webinar series is worth thousands of dollars!  The course is provided in three one-hour segments to accommodate your busy schedules.  Templates and some direct consultation are included in the registration fee.  If you are serious about growing your business, I strongly recommend you take this webinar series.  It WILL make a difference!

Best regards,

Richard A. Huebner

Click here to register.