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August 03, 2021

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OMSDC holds virtual Business Opportunity Expo

The Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council recently held its virtual 2021 Business Opportunity Expo. OMSDC President and CEO Jacqueline Neal said the expo provided a unique platform to deliver the insight, training and networking needed to help advance minority businesses and supplier diversity programs.

The two-day event connected corporate buyers, government agencies, minority business enterprises and key stakeholders for education, networking and business development.

That program included the annual meeting, matchmaking sessions, a trade fair, virtual pitch competition as well as training and development sessions designed specifically for MBEs and corporate supplier diversity professionals.

OMSDC Board Chair Abigail W. Kofete greeted attendees and delivered her Chair's Report during the annual meeting. Acknowledging the effect of the pandemic on the public and the business community, as well as the demand for racial justice in response to the killing of George Floyd and a rise in anti-Asian hate incidents, Kofete asserted the Council's dedication to advancing minority communities.

"This has been a tough year to say the least," Kofete said. "Despite all the difficulties we have faced, here we are. We're still standing. I want you to know and be assured that OMSDC stands with each of you, ready to forge the path ahead as partners in economic inclusivity."

During the BOE, the Council welcomed Keynote Speaker Simidele Adeagbo, a former Olympian, who delivered an inspiring and uplifting message. Featured guest speakers were Regina O. Heyward, head of supplier diversity at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., and Rick Rodriguez Jr., president of RMI International Inc.

To view more information about all BOE speakers and presenters and connect with them, visit Virtual Business Opportunity Expo - OhioMSDC (idloom.events).

OMSDC also held its first Pitch Competition during the expo. OMSDC said every pitch was unique and provided tremendous insight to all participants on the capabilities of their companies. Each pitch presented will be highlighted in future issues of the OMSDC Bi-Weekly Newsletter through the end the year. Congratulations to the top winners:

·         1^st place: Quentin Gayles, vice president, national solutions sales, Zones Inc.

·         2^nd place: Jessica Shely, founder, CEO and chief creative officer, GPD Creative Agency LLC

·         3^rd place: Barbara Smith, president, Journey Steel Inc.

All attendees have complimentary access to recorded and on demand sessions of the 2021 Virtual BOE through Aug. 31, 2021. View content you may have missed or review sessions for additional details.

OMSDC thanked sponsors, presenters and the members of the BOE Planning Committee for making the BOE possible.

“Your support of Ohio's supplier diversity initiatives through the Council help provide the development, access and programs needed to strengthen economic inclusion locally in Ohio and across the nation,” Neal said.

View and connect with all BOE sponsors by clicking here.