MBEs Making Connections: Finding Business Opportunities and Partnerships

On July 11, 2007, more than 40 MBEs and their representatives ventured out on a rainy night to Harry’s Restaurant and Bar and made their next connections. It was more than a business card exchange for local MBEs and seven prospective minority business owners. It was a way to introduce business owners to the St. Louis Minority Business Council. Several companies brought information, product samples, and giveaways, which provided a forum for open sharing and dialogue. SLMBC staff members were on hand to introduce and promote current   Council initiatives. MBEC Project Director David Stephens provided updates and information for companies seeking to grow or expand their businesses. The night also included an attendance raffle and social mixing in a relaxing atmosphere.

MBEC Tips and Tools: Fine-tuning Your Lending Package

The St. Louis Minority Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) opened on May 1, 2007. The MBEC works to take the perplexity and aggravation out of the lending process. One of its missions is to assist minority business owners in preparing lending or funding packages before they apply for a loan.

Presenting a successful approach to a lending institution requires thought, preparation, and planning. An effective package can be produced by following several key steps:

• Develop a good business plan (length is optional)
• Know the funding you really need
• Identify how you will use the requested funds
• Have the appropriate forms completed or know the information requested for guarantors
• Know what your credit report says and why
• Know your company’s financial documents and balance sheets

Each lending institution requires different documents and the MBEC can assist you and your business   in this process. Call MBEC Project Director David Stephens at (314) 241-1143 to make an appointment.

SLMBC Welcomes a New Staff Member

Robin McCune joins the SLMBC staff as the Director of Development and Finance. Robin brings with her more than 16 years of experience, which includes   the development of planning and growth strategies for the American Heart Association. Her financial and strategic planning background will be a tremendous asset to SLMBC. We welcome Robin and wish her the best.

Alliance for Minority Procurement Meeting Highlights

SLMBC corporate members gathered on July 11, 2007, at   Washington University for the Alliance for Minority Procurement meeting. Project Controls Group and Ensemble WorkForce Solutions presented an overview of their companies. Patricia Hanes from International Truck showcased her supplier diversity program and focused on MBE development. All of the speakers were excellent and the participants enjoyed the presentations.  

Corporate members are encouraged to recommend MBEs for upcoming meetings. Please contact Anjanette Brooks of SLMBC at (314) 241-1143 with your suggestions on potential MBE participants.

13th Annual Golf Classic

For professional golfers, the game is about drive, perseverance, strategy, practice,  and self-confidence. For the SLMBC,  our MBEs, and our corporate partners, the Annual Golf Classic is about having fun, making new business contacts, cementing established relationships, and supporting the SLMBC’s programs. Take the wisdom of the golf greats back to your office and remember to register early. This is an event you won’t want to miss. 

Golf Classic Facts

• Date: Sept. 27, 2007, at Stonewolf Golf Club
• Register online at www.slmbc.org by Aug. 30, 2007, to be entered into a drawing for a $250 Mastercard Gift Card.
• The entry deadline is Sept. 7, 2007.
• The Shotgun Start will begin at 11 a.m.
• The Dinner and Awards Ceremony will begin at 5 p.m.

2007 Excellence Awards

Plans are underway for the SLMBC Excellence Awards Gala scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007. Mark your calendar for this festive night of fun and celebration and be on the lookout for more details. You will receive the official nomination information soon.

Save These Dates

MBE Supplier Development Luncheon Series
Date: Aug. 29, 2007      Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Topic:  So You Got the Business – Now What? Setting Up a Framework for Success
Location:  SLMBC Conference Room
Cost: $49.95/person (Lunch included)
Enrollment Deadline: Aug. 24, 2007

Alliance for Minority Procurement Corporate Members Only
Date: Sept. 12, 2007     Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location:  Washington University/Room #2128
For more information, please contact SLMBC at (314) 241-1143.

New MBEs & Reciprocal MBEs

New MBEs
Clean-Tek Flooring Systems, Inc.
Mr. Sergio Cuevas
2372 Grosspoint Lane
Wildwood, MO 63040
Phone: (314) 851-4777
Fax: (314) 851-0951
E-mail: cleantek1@charter.net

Products/Services: Clean-Tek provides cleaning contracting services, materials, and install floor coverings.

Gateway Painting Company
Mr. Victor Smith
100 Rue St. Francois St., Ste 105
St. Louis, MO 63031
Phone: (314) 749-6329
Fax: (314) 667-3710
E-mail: vsmith1@charter.net

Products/Services: Gateway Painting Company specializes in painting, powerwashing, floor coating, wallcovering, taping, sandblasting, and special coatings.

JRM Enterprises, LLC
Ms. Renee Manuel
5956 Harney Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63136
Phone: (314) 389-5671
Fax: (314) 382-5179
E-mail: shavell@sbcglobal.net

Products/Services: JRM Enterprises provides metal studs, framing, drywall, and taping.

One Stop Marketing LLC
Mr. Robby Phillips
8604 Allisonville Rd., Ste 300
Indianapolis, IN 46250
Phone: (317) 773-7368
Fax: (317) 773-3605
E-mail: rphillips@1stopmktg.com

Products/Services: One Stop Marketing provides screen print, embroidered company apparel, and promotional items.

Quest Management Consultants, LLC
Mr. Gerald Wiley
12312 Olive Blvd., Ste 550
St. Louis, MO 63141
Phone: (314) 453-9999
Fax: (314) 453-0460
E-mail: jwiley@questmc.com

Products/Services: Quest Management Consultants provides outplacement/career transition services, executive searches and recruitment, and human resources consulting.

Strategic Construction Management
Mr. Darron Bailey
1204 Washington Ave., Ste 400
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: (314) 621- 4882
Fax: (314) 621-3885
E-mail: info@strategicconstructors.com

Products/Services: Strategic Construction Management provides construction  management services.

Zouire Marketing Group
Mr. Gene Bicknell
7226 W. Frontage Rd.
Merriam, KS 66203
Phone: (913) 907- 2220
Fax: (913) 677-9911
E-mail: dgreet@zouire.com

Products/Services: Zouire Marketing Group manufactures and distributes promotional  products;  provides catalog and uniform program fulfillment, and designs and imports manufacturing.

Zycron, Inc
Mr. Darrell Freeman
2620 Clarksville Pike
Nashville, TN 37208
Phone: (615) 251-9588
Fax: (615) 251-9577
E-mail: rtaylor@zycron.com

Products/Services: Zycron provides strategic and operational  IT services.

National Key Recovery Service
Mr. Timothy Stewart
7264 San Diego Drive, Ste. 4  
St. Louis, MO 63121
Phone: (314) 385-8663
Fax: (314) 385-8002
E-mail: tsteward@NKRS.biz

Products/Services: National Key Recovery Service provides nationwide lost key recovery.