MBN USA

November 19, 2021

UnFollow View Profile Send Message Copy Link

UnFollow View Profile Send Message Copy Link

NMSDC recognizes supplier diversity excellence

The National Minority Development Council Inc. recently held its annual Conference and Business Opportunity Exchange. Building on last year’s all-virtual format, more unique opportunities for deep engagement and interactivity among attendees, exhibitors and keynote speakers were offered.

Conference attendees experienced an enhanced digital expo floor with real-time analytics, interactive chats, technology demos, daily morning fitness activities, and special musical and dance performances throughout the week.

Notable speakers included leadership from all minority chambers of commerce in addition to: Isabella Guzman, secretary of U.S. Small Business Administration; Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Secretary of Transportation; Robert F. Smith, chairman of Vista Equity Partners LLC; and Emily Chang, author and Bloomberg TV anchor and executive producer.

Joes Turkienicz, NMSDC chairman of the board, and UPS Inc. chief procurement, real estate and global business and customer services officer, said this year’s conference was “full of exciting ideas, bold conversations and new relationships that are all marked by our vision to enable MBEs for profitable growth.”

The conference closed with NMSDC’s prestigious awards gala, which celebrates the outstanding achievements of member corporations and minority business enterprises, as well as the most prominent individuals and companies in the field of minority business development.

“We celebrate these accomplishments, not to rest upon our laurels, but to look upon them as inspiration of the even greater progress and impact we will make as we move forward into our organization’s 50th anniversary next year,” said Ying McGuire, CEO and president of NMSDC. “It’s my greatest pride to share the accomplishments of each awardee and my greatest hope to envision what is to come for MBEs nationwide as a result of the work we are doing right now.”

The 2021 NMSDC award winners are:

President's Legacy Award
The President’s Legacy Award recognizes individuals whose contributions the president has chosen to highlight because of their significant work toward minority business inclusion and supporting the vision of the NMSDC president and CEO in the past year.

This year’s honorees are:

• Clifford A. Bailey, president and CEO, TechSoft Systems Inc.
  
• Terri Quinton, CEO, Q2 Marketing Group
  

Harriet R.Michel Chairman's Award
The Harriet R. Michel Chairman’s Award recognizes individuals who are trailblazers in advancing the economic inclusion, development and advancement of minority business.

This award had two recipients:

• Ralph G. Moore, CPA, president, RGMA & Associates Inc.
  
• Robert J. Halter, C.P.M., executive director, purchasing services and supplier diversity

Supplier of the Year
The Supplier of the Year awards recognizes Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American business enterprises for their business growth and development, operational success, support of other minority businesses and active participation in the community.

• Class I: Under $1 million in revenue – Jim Roberts Enterprises LLC; Jim Roberts, president and CEO
  
• Class II: $1 to $10 million in revenue – DSI Telecom Inc., dba F2G Solutions; Francis Kamgang, CEO
  
• Class III: $10 to $50 million in revenue – The Crowther Group LLC; Thomas Crowther, LEED AP, CEO and managing partner
  
• Class IV: Over $50 million in revenue – SEEL LLC; Louis E. James, president and CEO

Corporation of the Year
The Corporation of the Year award recognizes a select number of national corporate members for their exemplary achievements in minority supplier inclusion. This award is regarded as the most significant honor to a major corporation for the utilization of ethnic minority-owned — Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American — suppliers.

• Class I: Gross annual revenues less than $10 billion – Fifth Third Bank
  
• Class II: Gross annual revenue between $11 billion and $50 billion – DTE Energy
  
• Class III: Gross annual revenues between $51 billion and $100 billion – IBM Corp.
  
• Class IV: Gross annual revenues between $101 billion and $150 billion – Ford Motor Co.
  
• Class V: Gross annual revenues greater than $150 billion – Apple Inc.

Council of the Year
This award recognizes an exemplary affiliate council demonstrating the programs, activities and accomplishments which establishes it as a model of organization, operation and success. The affiliate council is reviewed for image, accomplishments, activities and leadership over the previous calendar year.

This year’s recipient is the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council. Cecil Plummer is president and CEO.

Next year’s conference is one of deep significance, as NMSDC will celebrate its 50th anniversary. The conference will be held using a hybrid model of in person and streaming in New Orleans, Louisiana, Oct. 31 – Nov. 3, 2022.

To learn more about NMSDC, visit nmsdc.org.

For recent MBN USA NMSDC articles, visit:

https://mbnusa.biz/detail/huddling-with-nmsdc-ceo-and-president-ying-mcguire

https://mbnusa.biz/detail/mbn-usa-exclusive-meet-new-nmsdc-ceo-ying-mcguire

https://mbnusa.biz/detail/nmsdc-appoints-ying-mcguire-president-and-ceo