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SLMBC MBE Reaps the Benefits of Networking
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When Edmond Brown walked through the doors of the St. Louis Minority Business Council’s (SLMBC) Casino Forum last December, his intent was clear: get in, connect with as many purchasers as possible, and identify the hot business prospects. He never imagined that he’d leave with such a hot lead, that in just six months, he’d have a six-figure contract in hand. Edmond is founder and CEO of ELB Enterprises, Inc., which specializes in janitorial supplies, equipment and services, as well as construction cleanup services. Edmond recalls how he “worked the crowd” when he arrived at the forum, stopping by as many tables as possible to meet and greet the purchasing officers and directors. At one of his stops, Edmond met Michael Randazzo, Corporate Purchasing Director for Penn National Gaming, which owns the Argosy Casino in Alton, Ill. The exchange was brief, but beneficial. “After Michael learned that my company distributes supplies, he asked where I was located,” Edmond says. “I told him Illinois and Michael informed me that the Argosy was looking for an MBE from the Illinois area. He directed me to David May, Purchasing Manager for the Argosy Alton, who was also at the event. David and I spent some time discussing my business and the Argosy’s needs. About a month after the initial meeting, I was invited to meet with David and Ric Reece, Director of Facility Operations. From there, we spent a few months working through the logistics of the business deal until a contract was finalized. “I delivered my first supply right after the July 4 holiday,” Edmond continues. “This win is the single largest contract for my supply company, so it’s been a significant boost for business.” ELB Enterprises has an annual contract with the Argosy (reviewed quarterly), which includes the delivery of a variety of janitorial supplies, such as paper towels, toilet tissue, hand soap and trash liners. Edmond states that working with a corporation like Penn National Gaming/Argosy, which is clearly committed to developing partnerships with MBEs, has resulted in a “win-win” for both organizations. When asked why attending sessions like the Casino Forum is so important for MBEs, Edmond answered without hesitation: “The chance to make contact with the decision makers … the men and women who are the buyers, the purchasers, and the directors. They can tell you exactly what the needs are, who to contact, and help cut down on the go-between. When I went to the December Casino Forum, I wasn’t expecting to walk out with a contract right then, but I knew I could get in front of the people who could tell me where the opportunities were. “It pays to network,” Edmond adds. “People buy and do business with people they know and trust. But they can’t know us if we’re not out developing relationships.” |
As part of our ongoing focus on the opportunities and challenges for MBEs within the construction industry, Connections spoke with Sam Hutchison, founder and president of Interface Construction Corporation.
What's the current landscape for MBEs in the region?
According to my research, Interface Construction Corporation is the only remaining second generation Black-owned general contracting firm in St. Louis. While I’m proud of this, it’s unfortunate that others have not been able to sustain successful businesses in this industry as St. Louis continues to expand. Our company slogan is: “Building history … one day at a time.” We look forward to a change.
What challenges do MBEs face in the construction industry?
The reality is that the vast majority of small construction companies face the same obstacles, due in part to the history and perception of minorities in construction, a lack of access to education/experience sources, the growth of private markets, and the absence of socio-political support. All of this creates challenges for MBEs.
How important is it for MBEs in construction to network?
It is very important for MBEs in most fields to network. I highly recommend joining organizations where industry professionals gather. This type of non-threatening, voluntary activity fosters interpersonal relationships, which in the end, is the driving force behind acquiring new business opportunities. It’s this type of interaction that enables MBEs to showcase their knowledge, expertise, and savvy to flatten the playing field. One thing that I found to help me in networking situations is to remember to never be defeated by (your own) emotions.
What tips/advice can you offer others in the industry?
My family, teachers, and extended family instilled in me that I had to be twice as good to be equal. I was a grown man before I thought to ask the question: Equal to what? While there is a different answer for us all, I have made it a priority in my business to always be prepared for the seen and unseen by surrounding myself with talented, driven, and determined people. Having high-quality staff allows me to get out of the way!
For more information about Interface Construction Corporation, please visit: www.interfaceconstruction.com.
Although the weather forecast was for partly cloudy and rain, the 12th Annual SLMBC Golf Classic held on Thursday, Sept. 28 was a hit, fun, and dry!
There were more than more than 160 golfers playing in this year’s Golf Classic between Stonewolf Golf Course and Far Oaks Golf Club. Thanks to all of our MBEs, corporate members, guests, and volunteers for making this a successful Classic.
Mark Your Calendar for the Excellence Awards Gala
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Mark your calendars for this year’s Excellence Awards Gala on Thursday, Nov. 30 at the Ritz Carlton in Clayton. You won’t want to miss this festive, black-tie affair where we will honor the outstanding achievements of our region’s MBEs and corporate members. The night will kick off with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by the dinner and awards program at 7 p.m. We’ll close out the night with a champagne toast and dance that will start at 8:30 p.m. Nomination forms were mailed to all SLMBC-certified MBEs and corporate members last week. Return your completed forms to Barbara Gibson at the SLMBC office by Oct. 6. Remember, MBEs and corporate members can nominate themselves or their business/company in the various categories listed on the nomination form. |
Register Today for the 2006 National Minority Supplier Development Council Conference
The 2006 National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Conference and Business Opportunity Fair (BOF) will be held Oct. 29 through Nov. 1 in San Diego, Calif. The theme for this year’s conference is “Leveraging Minority Supplier Diversity for Smart Growth.”
SLMBC-certified MBEs and corporate members are encouraged to attend this year’s NMSDC Conference. There are a number of activities, workshops, and seminars planned to educate and entertain you throughout the four-day conference.
Complete conference details and registration information are located on the NMSDC Web site at www.nmsdconline.com. You also can call SLMBC at (314) 241-1183 to request a registration booklet.
VIC Premiers at Upcoming General Membership Meeting
After several months of planning and preparation, SLMBC is ready to unveil the Virtual Information Community (VIC) Web portal! MBEs and corporate members can preview the VIC at the upcoming General Membership meeting on Oct. 11.
VIC is a comprehensive Web portal that provides national and local contract opportunities to MBEs and corporate members, along with access to numerous educational and training resources. Portal users will also find general discussion boards and company/product spotlight opportunities. The VIC is available exclusively to SLMBC-certified MBEs and corporate members. Thank you to the corporate members and MBEs who were instrumental in the development of this exciting new tool.
We hope you can join us on Oct. 11 for the General Membership Meeting and official launch of the VIC. The meeting will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at The Ball Park Hilton (formerly Marriott), 1 South Broadway. Valet parking is available for $10 or you can self-park at the Stadium East parking garage for $5.
TSI Engineering Featured in the St. Louis American
Congratulations to Morris and Denise Hervey, whose company – TSI Engineering – was recently featured in the St. Louis American. The article highlighted TSI’s involvement in the St. Louis Pinnacle Entertainment project. For more information on TSI and its services, visit www.tsi-engineering.com.
TSI Engineering
59th & Arsenal, Building C
2 Campbell Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63139
(314) 644-3134
SSM Health Care, Busch Entertainment Recognized as Best Employers for Workers Over 50
Congratulations to SSM Health Care and Busch Entertainment Corporation for being ranked on the AARP’s 2006 list of the 50 Best Employers for Workers Over 50. SSM Health Care and Busch Entertainment Corporation were ranked No. 26 and No. 27 respectively.
Corporate Members Honored as Man and Woman of the Year
Bob Mast and Kate McMahon of Harrah’s Casino and Hotel were recently named the Missouri Man and Woman of the Year by The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Congratulations to Bob and Kate for this honor!
Brison Mechanical Group
Mr. Raymon Brison, Owner/CEO
4427 Geraldine Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 382-2800
(314) 382-2826 fax
brison_mechanical@sbcglobal.net
Construction – mechanical, including sheet metal installation,
testing and air balance.
Chesterfield Trading, LTD
Ms. Maria Taxman, President
6241 Alexander Drive
St. Louis, MO 63105
(314) 727-1149 Chesterltd.com
(314) 727-9259 fax
chesterltd@aol.com
www.chesterltd.com
Distributor – disposable dishes and plastic ware; offers food service packaging, stretch wrap film, pallet wrap,
agricultural and horticultural plastic films and food service distribution.
Move Management Resources, Ltd.
Mr. Emmett Holmes, Principal
11062 Perham Drive
St. Louis, MO 63136
(314) 973-0605
(314) 355-2570
eholmes@movemanagementresources.com
Professional Consultants – relocation projects for end users,
manages installation of office furniture, as well as moves and changes.
Santiago & Associates, Inc.
Ms. Teresa Santiago-Turner, President
13032 Pingry Place
St. Louis, MO 63131
(314) 835-0854
(314) 835-0856 fax
Teresa_turner@charter.net
www.santiagoassociates.net
Broker – transportation freight brokerage and transportation services.
World-Class Shopping
Mr. Roger K. Downs, Owner
4238 Cleveland Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 771-1587
(314) 727-5233 fax
r.downs@sbcglobal.net
www.rdowns.ordermygift.com
Distributor – general merchandise
Reciprocal MBEs
Bebley Enterprises, Inc.
Ms. Thomas M. Bebley, President
P.O. Box 2847
Toledo, OH 43606
(419) 389-9424
(419) 389-9417 fax
tbebley@bebleyenterpriss.com
www.bebleyenterprises.com
Service Contractor – industrial cleaning,
high-pressure and abrasive blasting, construction cleaning, janitorial,
and lead abatement.
Signature Packaging & Paper, LLC
Mr. Dennis Vinson, President/CEO
1781 Conyers Station Road
Conyers, GA 30013
770-760-9780
770-785-2460 fax
www.signaturepackaging.net
dvinson@signaturepackaging.net
Broker/Agents – corrugated packaging and displays.