MBN USA

August 29, 2024

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BOE focused on fostering connections

Exciting. Engaging. Empowering. Those are just a few of the adjectives George R. Simms — president and CEO of the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council (OMSDC) — used to describe the Council’s recent Business Opportunity Exchange (BOE).

“The event was full of energy, sparking enthusiasm among attendees. It featured interactive sessions that promoted deep engagement and networking,” he said. “Participants felt empowered with new insights and opportunities for growth. Additionally, the expo provided an entertaining atmosphere, making the experience both enjoyable and memorable.”

Held annually, the BOE brings together corporate buyers, government agencies, minority business enterprises or MBEs and key industry stakeholders for a robust agenda of education, networking and business development. This year, more than 250 local attendees — primarily from Ohio — participated in the event. However, according to Sims, the BOE also boasted wide-reaching representation, attracting numerous organizations with national and international footprints. This diverse mix of participants underscored the expo’s role as a significant opportunity to foster connections across various regions and industries.

The BOE agenda included several highlights. The opening reception keynote at Cleveland Browns Stadium featured former NFL star Josh Cribbs and media personality Maria Cribbs. They shared their insights on leadership, perseverance and the power of diversity in driving business success. Guests discovered how their experiences could inspire others to reach new heights in their professional journeys. Hightowers Petroleum Co. President and CEO Stephen Hightower led the Billion Dollar Roundtable Inc. Fireside Chat, which included an esteemed panel of corporate leaders who spend at least $1 billion annually on a Tier I basis with diverse suppliers. They shared their invaluable proven strategies for leveraging diversity to drive business growth.

General session speaker Chris Howse, president and CEO of Howse Solutions LLC, led a panel on obstacles and challenges resulting from the many recent corporate cutbacks in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). This panel explored current attacks on DEI support and provided actionable strategies for defending and advancing such programs in organizations. Other session topics included cybersecurity, leveraging mergers and acquisitions and joint partnerships.

Also, for the first time, OMSDC University graduates were featured among the three dozen exhibitors during the BOE Procurement Fair. Many exhibitors had positive feedback and made critical connections at the fair, Simms said.

Meanwhile, the popular BOE Pitch Competition saw unprecedented participation this year with 14 entrants. The competitive field was whittled down to seven finalists. Each had to present a 90-second video, highlighting their companies, products and services, along with the value they add to the market and the community. After careful deliberation, MergeTrack Solutions — an integrated marketing and business solutions provider based in Independence, Ohio, led by managing partner José Vasquez — emerged as the winner.

Moving on

With this year’s BOE success in the rearview mirror, Simms is thankful for the generous sponsors who made it possible, OMSDC board of directors for their unwavering support in organizing the event and BOE co-chairs for their leadership and vision.

The OMSDC team is looking forward to next year’s event, as gatherings like the BOE are critical, he said.

For the 2025 BOE, Simms said the Council will build upon the successes of this year’s event, while accommodating increased growth and impact. Highlighting the OMSDC University graduates will continue — as well as enhancing the DealMaker sessions — to foster even more robust networking and business opportunities.

 “Our objective is to evolve continuously, meeting the needs of our attendees and driving more meaningful connections and impactful business opportunities — further solidifying the BOE’s reputation as a premier business development event,” he said.

 “Providing expos for diverse business owners is crucial for several reasons. These events offer economic empowerment by presenting minority entrepreneurs with access to resources, networks and opportunities that can help them grow and thrive,” Sims added. “This empowerment leads to the creation of more robust and resilient businesses, which, in turn, contribute to a stronger economy capable of weathering troubling times. Moreover, achieving economic equity is an absolute necessity. By ensuring all business owners — regardless of background — have equal opportunities, we can foster a more inclusive marketplace. Ultimately, supporting diverse business owners through expos like this is essential for driving innovation, growth and stability in our economy.”

To learn more about the Ohio MSDC, visit ohiomsdc.org.