General Membership Meeting Highlights

On March 13, 2008, the St. Louis Minority Business Council hosted the first General Membership meeting of 2008.  The meeting was held at the Sheraton-Westport.  More than 50 MBEs, corporate members and guests attended the networking session.  Dr. Benjamin Ola. Akande, Dean of Business and Technology at Webster University delivered a very inspiring and informational lecture titled “Narrow Windows”.  Dr. Akande’s message was one of motivation and persistence.  The future of our country is poised to look very different and with that difference come opportunities.  Dr. Akande stated that business owners have to be pioneers of the adventure, creating your own pathway and not taking “NO” for an answer.  Part of doing business is noticing the changing demographics of our country and being able to respond to them.  He remarked the future population will be older, browner and more feminine.  How can you make that knowledge work for you? 

Dr. Akande’s challenge to the group was to begin to change the game in St. Louis by finding a way to get in the door — network, network, network.  Create an opportunity for yourself — prepare, prepare, prepare.  Keep up with changing trends — do research, research, research!  And finally be relentless!!!

Please visit Webster University’s site at www.Websteruniv.edu for more information on courses to help grow your businesses.  

SLMBC corporate members gathered on March 12, 2008 at Macy’s Midwest for the 2nd AMP meeting of 2008.  Happy Gopher Parcel Express and C B and E Construction Group presented an overview of their companies.  Dana Hill also discussed the council’s upcoming event—the Business Opportunity Fair and Construction Opportunity Summit.  All of the speakers were excellent and the participants seemed to find the information beneficial. 
A summary of both presentations can be found on our website, under 2008 AMP Meetings. 

Corporate members are encouraged to recommend MBEs for upcoming meetings.  Our next meeting is May 14, 2008 at Monsanto from 11:30 – 1:00.  Please contact Anjanette Brooks at (314) 241-1143 with your suggestions on potential MBE presenters and topics.

The MBEC has been a part of the St. Louis Minority Business Council since May 1, 2007.  The MBEC focus is to provide in-depth tactical consulting to MBEs throughout the region and the state.  MBEC also assists MBEs as they seek sources for funding and access to contract opportunities within the public sector.

MBEC has scored several successful endeavors in the last three months that we want to share with you.

In January, MBEC was instrumental in getting access to information regarding the $199M renovation program at Kaufman Stadium in Kansas City.  The MBEC and the Council jointly sponsored a trip to Kansas City to attend the Minority Pre-Bid Meeting with the prime contractor.  Several firms attended, great contacts were made and bids are being submitted for work on this project.  The plans and bid information is available in the MBEC office.

Also in January, MBEC and Keith Savage were instrumental setting up a mini Business Opportunity Fair with the St. Louis Visitors Bureau & Convention Center, where 47 prescreened MBEs were able to present their companies to department heads and buyers.  The goal for this BOF was to get MBEs in the door and in front of buyers.  Since the BOF, nine firms have had formal discussions or opportunities to submit specific bids.  We expect solid contracts within the next few months.

During this calendar year, MBEC is also currently assisting several firms in Business Plan Preparation.  MBEC has assisted in Funding Package Preparation for multiple MBEs and has over $2M in loan and factoring applications in front of lenders and has an additional $4M - $5M in the works.  So far this year, MBEC assisted two firms as they considered moving and laying out their new warehouse space.

SAVE THESE DATES...

See our website for more detailed information or contact us at (314) 241-1143.

Alliance for Minority Procurement

New MBEs and Reciprocal MBEs

Amplify Technologies
Mr. Haider Nazar
100 Chesterfield Cusiness Pkwy, Ste 200
Chestfield, MO 63055
(636) 680-0160 TEL
(636) 681-1401
hnazar@amplifytech.com

Products/Services: Amplify Technologies is a technology solutions provider.  Business lines include, vertical industry solutions (Amplify Partner Synchronization Services - an Enterprise Project Management tool, Amplify Universal Retail Dashboard - a portal product), Integration Services specialized in Websphere and Open Source focused in Product Lifecycle Management Services (MPLS) that supports all aspects of a product through the design, build and sell phases of a product.

BJ Vam Enterprises
Mr. Amir Marion
5018 Martin Luther King Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63113
(314) 361-6200 TEL
(314) 361-1777
bj-vam.@sbcglobal.net

Products/Services: We specialize in safety and security products which includes vehicle emergency lighting, traffic control equipment and safety clothing (vest, glasses, gloves hats, etc.)

Dansberry Construction, LLC
Mr. Steven Dansberry
8922 Scottsdale Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63136
(314) 503-2842 TEL
(314) 653-2679
sdansberry29@aol.com

Products/Services: Underground Construction, Engineering, Excavating, Construction Management & Construction Inspection.

New Horizons of St. Louis
Mr. Timothy Slater
2122 Kratky Rd., Ste. 200
St. Louis, MO 63114
(314) 429-3311 TEL
(314) 429-3790
nh_stl@newhorizonsstl.com

Products/Services: New Horizons of St. Louis provides training in a variety of areas.  We offer desktop applications training for end users, business skills training, design and media graphics training, as well as, high end technical training for IT professionals.  Our training is taught in a number of methodologies to suit any individual regardless of busy schedule or remote location.

Supplied Industrial Solutions, Inc.
Mr. Stephen Brock
1300 West Third Street, Ste. 2E
Granite City, IL 62040
(618) 452-8151 TEL
(618) 257-8013
sbrock@supplied-industrial.com

Products/Services: We are in integrated supplier of pipe, valves, hose, o-ring, gaskets, sheet packing, hydraulic fitting, adapters, tubing and safety supplies.

General Sports Venue, LLC (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. Michael Dennis
400 Water St., Ste. 250
Rochester, MI 48307
(248) 601-2200 TEL
(248) 608-2455
dschmitt@generalsports.com

Products/Services: Specializing in turn key sports venue solutions and synthetic turf.  Focusing on sales, marketing and installation of synthetic turf systems for colleges, high schools, universities and municipalities.

Moody Nolan, Inc. (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. Curtis Moody
300 Spruce St., Ste 300
Columbia, OH 43215
(614) 280-1376 TEL
(614) 280-9255
kzook@moodynolan.com

Products/Services: Moody Nolan, Inc. is an architectural firm, providing full service architecture, civil engineering, and interior architecture/design.

Advance Building Associates, LLC
Mr. Frantz Sanon
901 Clayworth Drive
Ballwin, MO 63011
(636) 386-2983 TEL
(636) 386-8856
fsanon@att.net

Products/Services: A general contracting firm that provides general contracting, construction management and design build services.

Communication Marketing Services, Inc.
Mr. Joseph Lucero
1538 Collins Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63117
(314) 646-1975 TEL
(314) 646-1975
joelucero@cmsdirectmarketing.com

Products/Services: CMS, Inc., puts together phone-based marketing/communication programs.  These programs can be inbound, outbound, automated, or any combination of the three can tie into a larger advertising program.  All look to speak with current, past or future customers.

Global Technology Solutions, Inc.
Mr. Michael Jones
2311 Hampton Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63139
(314) 644-5050 TEL
(314) 644-5054
mjones@global-techsolutions.com

Products/Services: Values added reseller of hardware and IT services.

TS Flooring, LLC
Mr. Todd Weaver
1530 S. 2nd Street, Ste. 110
St. Louis MO 63104
(314) 621-7811 TEL
(314) 621-5654
weavert@tsflooring.com

Products/Services: Commercial Flooring Subcontractor. Furnish and install carpet, caret tile, ceramic tile, and wood flooring.

Endara Enterprises, LLC (RECIPROCAL)
Ms. Ruby Gregg
225 N. Common Street
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 752-4514 TEL
(318) 752-4512
rubby@endara.com

Products/Services: Distributor of corrugated, packing supplies, janitorial supplies, copy paper, computer paper, food service items, and amenities.

American Product Distributors (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. C. Ray Kennedy
8350 Arrowridge Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28273
(704) 522-9411 TEL
(704) 522-9413
raykennedy@americanproduct.com

Products/Services: American Product Distributors Inc. is a private, minority/disabled veteran owned merchant wholesale distribution company founded in 1992, by C. Ray Kennedy.  APD sells and distributes both non-durable and durable goods.  Non-durable goods include copy and specialty papers, office supplies, toner cartridges, industrial supplies, on-line business cards and stationery.  Durable goods include construction and building materials.

Da Urbin Inc., dba Dub Productions (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. Craig Olmstead
600 Riverwood Dr.
Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 457-6725 TEL
(502) 894-8242
craig@dubproductions.com

Products/Services: Video production services, multimedia production, stage lighting & audio production, satellite uplink services CD & DVD mastering manufacturing & duplication services.

Entrepreneurial Concepts, LLC
Mr. DuJuan Harris
915 S. Sarah St.
St. Louis, MO 63110
(877) 735-5572 TEL
(877)-735-5572
entreconcepts@gmail.com

Products/Services: Promotional advertising, ad specialty and marketing.

JL Brown Contracting Services, Inc.
Mr. Jimmie Brown
2372 Montezuma Dr., #C
Florissant, MO 63031
(314) 921-9515 TEL
(314) 921-1602
jimmie-brown@sbcglobal.net

Products/Services: Painting, drywall, flooring, cabinets, concrete, roofing, framing, finish carpentry, demo, plumbing, doors, windows, siding, gutters.

TD4, Inc.
Mr. Tommy Davis Jr.
6439 Plymouth Ave., Ste. 114
St. Louis, MO 63133
(314) 317-2246 TEL
(314) 653-2679
tdavis22@td4inc.com

Products/Services: TD4, Inc. primary business functions are general contracting, electrical contracting, wholesale distribution, and supply and business development consulting.  TD4's overall business objective is to provide an "End-to-End Solution" for minority inclusion/participation in both the construction and non-construction industries.

E'Little Communications Group
Mr. Johnny Little
P.O. Box 21328
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 601-4252 TEL
jrlittle06@hotmail.com

Products/Services: E'Little Communications Group creates and implements public relations programs that makes a meaningful, positive impact on our clients reputations.  We provide companies with results driven strategic media relations designed to help raise a company’s profile among its target audiences.

Kunteks, LLC
Ms. Ester Walker
4531 Wichita Ave.
St. Louis MO 63110
(314) 830-2377 TEL
(314) 371-4281
esther@kunteks.com

Products/Services: Apparel: manufacture, market, and distribute high quality shirts, pants and jeans.

Quanteq, Inc.
Mr. Juan A. Kuanfung
1731 Wild Horse Creek Road
Wildwood MO 63005
(636) 458-9263 TEL
(636) 273-9292
jkuanfung@quantequsa.com

Products/Services: IT Consulting Services

Abbeville Treats, LLC (RECIPROCAL)
Ms. Jasmine Holt
P.O. Box 38129
Detroit, MI 48238
(313) 869-1506 TEL
(313) 869-5416
jsnider@paperplas.com

Products/Services: We provide warehousing and distribution of food service related products.

Planned Packaging of Illinois Corporation (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. Jason Robertson
8940 W. 192nd St., Ste. I
Mokena, IL 60448
(708) 478-5223 TEL
(708) 478-6635
jason@ppoic.com

Products/Services: Master Distributor of industrial packaging, i.e.: corrugated box, film (stretch, shrink), bags, pallets (wood/plastic) chipboard, tapes, etc.  We also offer warehouse and fulfillment solutions.

Richard Pola & Associates, Inc. (RECIPROCAL)
Ms. Lisa Lopez-Pola
2205 Pacific Coast Hwy
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 372-9709 TEL
(310) 376-5819
molly@rpassociates.us

Products/Services: Custom manufacturer of promotional items and apparel.  We offer premium packaging and value added packaging, as well as extensive sourcing capabilities.

Service Packaging, Inc.  (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. Norman Croft
5915 Lincoln Ave.
Morton Grove, IL 60053
(847) 966-6556 TEL
(847) 966-6658
ncroft@servicepackaging.com

Products/Services: Corrugated boxes and displays.

Brassavola
Ms. Maria Taxman
9812 Manchester Rd
St. Louis, MO 63119
(314) 968-9811 TEL
(314) 968-9813
mtaxman @brassavolagroup.com

Products/Services: Hispanic Marketing and public relations firm.  We develop culturally relevant marketing solutions that effectively reach and earn the loyalty of consumers within the growing and increasing Hispanic market.

Deondrae D. Boykin, dba Professional Abatement Technical Services
Mr. Deondrae D. Boykin
10056 Northgate
St. Louis, MO 63137
(314) 482-0146 TEL
(314)395-7613
deondraeboykin@yahoo.com

Products/Services: Asbestos/Lead air monitoring; asbestos, lead inspetion and hazardous materials handling; air, soil and water sampling along with removal and demolition.

Okay Express, Inc.
Ms. Erin Owens
437 Hanging Rock Rd
Flora, IL 62839
(618) 662-9179 TEL
(618) 662-9179
okexpress@wabash.net

Products/Services: Automotive goods transportation.

Old Vienna Vending, LLC
Mr. George Frazer
345 S. Old Hwy 141
Fenton, MO 63026
(314) 255-1831 TEL
(314) 256-9239
oldviennavending@charter.net

Products/Services: Full service vending company that offers bevarage, snack, food and coffee service.

Precise Financial Management
Ms. Celeste Metcalf
P.O. Box 56549
St. Louis, MO 63156
(314) 367-1602 TEL
(314) 367-7494
clesmet@aol.com

Products/Services: Accounting and Financial related services including, but not limited to: recording, reviewing and summarizing accounting transctions, bank and account reconciliations, accounting systems development and implemetation, development and documentation of internal control processes and procedures, recording and clean-up of general ledger and related transactions for financial statement presentation purposes.

Scales Plumbing Co., LLC
Mr. LaMarko Scales
4027 Connecticut 2W
St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 771-6464 TEL
(314) 771-6467
lvscalesplumbingco@gmail.com

Products/Services: Residential and commercial plumbing, sewer and backflow repair and installation.

Collegiate Contracting Services, L.P. (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. James Russell
909 Lake Carolyn Parkway, Ste. 1600
(972) 759-1600 TEL
(972) 759-0725
jrussell@colleiate-dev.com

Products/Services: Construction of on- and off-campus student housing and related facilities for colleges, universities and private owners.

Symbiont, Inc. (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. James Howard
1320 Fenwick Lane, Ste., 105
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 650-0069 TEL
(301) 650-9103

Products/Services: Professional Services, IT Solutions, Network Monitoring and Security, Network Support Services, and Telephone Management.

Competitive Performance Specifications, LLC
Mr. Brian M. Hutchinson
8401 Wabash Avenue
Berekely, MO 63134
(314) 662-7328 TEL
(314) 522-1022
brian.hutchinson@cpsmo.com

Products/Services: Program and construction management services specializing in K-12 facilities management, master planning, program management, construction management, energy management and internal process support.

Reignmaker Media Group
Ms. Barbara Rascoe
1721 Nicholson Place, 1F
St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 922-1455 TEL
(800) 861-4066
barbara@reignmakerpr.com

Products/Services: Marketing and public relations firm that provides strategic marketing planning and execution, public relations, media relations, community and government relations consulting, business development, event management, speaker's bureau and multi-cultural marketing services.  Clients include businesses, individual representation, education, government and non-profit agencies.

TMN Staffing, Inc. d/b/a/ Staffing One Services
Mr. Thomas M. Nelson Jr.
5615 Pershing Ave., Ste. 24
St. Louis, MO 63112
(314) 361-2444 TEL
(314) 361-1611
tom@staffingoneservices.net

Products/Services: We offer business-to-business temporary and permanent staffing services.

Michael Willis Architects (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. Michael Willis
301 Howard St., # 500
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 489-1235 TEL
(415) 957-2780
nwarren@mwaarchitects.com

Products/Services: Architecture.

Full Circle Flooring, LLC
Mr. Malcolm Briggs
12743 St. Charles Rock Rd
Bridgeton, MO 63044
(314) 447-0891 TEL
(314) 785-0782

Products/Services: Sales and Installation of all types of flooring.

Jolen Investments, LLC
Mr. A. Joseph Adewunmi
9648 Olive Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63132
(314) 450-7010 TEL
(314) 664-7740
gjadewunmi@aol.com

Products/Services: Real Estate Investing.

KGM Development, Inc.
Mr. Kevin Griffin
55 Westport Plaza, Suite 455
St. Louis, MO 63146
(314) 878-6243 TEL
(314) 275-8170
kg@mtpmidwest.com

Products/Services: Residential and Commercial Cleaning and Janitorial.

Minority Marketing (RECIPROCAL)
Ms. Janelle Marks
P.O. Box 6358
Bossier City, LA 71171
(318) 631-9296 TEL
(318) 631-9125
jmarks@minoritymarketingcompany.com

Products/Services: Full Service Promotional Products and Marketing Firm.

Veteran Medical Products, Inc. (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. Roosevelt Tillman
574 S. Division Ste# 13
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 451-8486 TEL
(616) 454-0244

Products/Services: Medical Distributor of Health Care Products.