The 2008 Business Opportunity Fair and Construction Opportunity Summit -Two Conferences in One + High Energy Networking

Tuesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 11, 2008

From the moment the afternoon started, you knew that the 2008 St. Louis Minority Business Council Business Opportunity Fair (SLMBC) and the inaugural Construction Opportunity Summit would deliver on the expectations of those in attendance.  The luncheon speaker, Dr. Melvin Gravely, set the tone of the two-day event by introducing the elements of moving minority business from where they are today to where minority business development must go.  Presenting analogies to his son (who also attended), he outlined minority business growth as a progression from awareness to myth to opportunity to strategy to meaningful spending – much like the progression of a young man.  He challenged an audience composed primarily of representatives from major companies (Boeing, Express Scripts, Pinnacle, Washington University, and Colliers Turley Martin Tucker, and others) to develop strategies that insure that they not only use MBEs in their business but use them in a manner that insures a relationship over both the short and the long term.

After the luncheon, individual one-on-one sessions between corporations and member MBEs was the order of the afternoon.  The SLMBC took extra care stressing to corporations the advantage of bringing real business opportunities to the fair, one of Dr. Gravely’s key points. The same message was conveyed to attending MBEs: come ready to interact, network and bid on future business opportunities.  “We had talked for the last year about the value to our MBEs and the value to the corporations of making things happen.  Both parties were very interested in how we make this successful,” said James Webb, President and CEO, St. Louis Minority Business Council.

In a number of instances, the emphasis on serious opportunities paid off, as vendors walked away with promising leads or attractive offers. In one case, an MBE was invited to bid on a ten-million-dollar contract to be awarded later this summer.

Day Two was highlighted by the first-ever St. Louis Minority Business Council Construction Opportunity Summit. Never before has the SLMBC dedicated an entire trade show to a single industry. The purpose of the COS was to deliver expert insight into construction industry opportunities while creating viable contact, contract, and partnership opportunities. Taking into account the size of the construction industry, it is easy to see why the SLMBC took this approach: over the next three years approximately $20 billion private-sector dollars will be spent on construction in the St. Louis Metro area. While residential construction has struggled lately, the promise of commercial construction opportunities is exciting. Commercial construction has an annual growth rate of 7-15%.

The COS opened with a Power Breakfast featuring Dr. Randal Pinkett. Dr. Pinkett, founder and chairman and CEO of BCT Partners, multimillion dollar management technology and policy consulting service company, first defined that business enterprises are those businesses that are perpetual in nature and that have the ability to generate revenue beyond current existence (current ownership); they have staying power. He also detailed three specific questions that both small business owners and corporations specifically must answer in order to insure the continued development of small businesses to ongoing enterprises. The remainder of the morning was dedicated to three in-depth workshops, each with a dynamic focus:

Owners of Billion Dollar Projects Speak Out – a discussion on construction opportunities and the level of support and commitment that a number of key players are willing to provide.

The Future of the Construction Industry – discussion on the types of projects that are planned for the future.

Access to Capital and Surety – a panel discussion that included all of the parties involved in the bonding process.

One major property owner used the Construction Opportunity Summit platform to answer the obligation question loudly and clearly. Steve Cockerman, Vice-President Construction, BJC HealthCare, confirmed that his company felt very responsible to play an integral role in the development of business opportunities for MBEs. During the Construction panel discussion, BJC asserted that it would write very specific objectives for workforce inclusion into their contracts with general contractors. This is the first time that the company has gone that far in terms of their commitment to minority inclusion.

The remainder of the afternoon was used for one-on-one sessions. One-on-one sessions between member MBEs and corporations offered the opportunity for face-to-face meeting to specifically discuss the needs that each corporation had relative to that particular MBE. There were over 150 one-on-one sessions between member MBEs and corporations.

The 2008 Business Opportunity Fair and Construction Opportunity Summit positions the St. Louis Minority Business Council as the marketer of the St. Louis Minority Business Enterprise community.  Bring together major corporations and major area MBEs with legitimate opportunities successfully was the goal of both events.  By all measures the 2008 St. Louis Minority Business Council Business Opportunity Fair and Construction Opportunity Summit were successful.

SLMBC corporate members gathered on May 14, 2008 at Monsanto for the 3rd AMP meeting of 2008. Move Management Resources and American Products Distribution presented an overview of their companies. Dana Hill also reminded everyone of the upcoming Business Opportunity Fair and Construction Opportunity Summit. All of the speakers were excellent and the participants seemed to find the information beneficial.

On July 9, 2008, SLMBC corporate members convened once again to listen to two MBE presentations.. ELB Enterprises, Inc. and EMED Medical Company got the opportunity to present their companies to the group. Anjanette Brooks spoke about the upcoming 14th Annual Golf Tournament. Please mark your calendars for September 25, 2008, course to be determined. A summary of both July presentations can be found on our website, under 2008 AMP Meetings.

Don’t forget to recommend MBEs for upcoming meetings. The next meeting is September 10, 2008, at Monsanto from 11:30-1:00. Please contact Anjanette Brooks at (314) 241-1143 with your suggestions on potential MBE presenters and corporate topics.

SAVE THESE DATES...

Please check our website soon for more details or call us at (314) 241-1143

Alliance for Minority Procurement Meeting

New Board Members

We would like to welcome two new members to the SLMBC Board of Directors, John Shivers, Senior Vice President—Business Banking for National City in Bridgeton, MO and Natalie “Nikki” Krawitz, Vice President for Finance and Administration for the University of Missouri Systems, Columbia, MO

New MBEs and Reciprocal MBEs

180, LLC (LOCAL)
Mr. Jiong Fu, President/CEO
8133 Whitburn, Suite B
Clayton, MO 63105
Telephone: (404) 200-6127
Fax: (480) 247-5130
Email: jfou@edynamic.cc

Products/Services: Provides software development, software configuration, information technology implementation services to enterprises.

Asia Market, Inc. (LOCAL)
Mr. Byung Man Im, President
1243 Castillion Arcade Plaza
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
Telephone: (314) 878-2010
Fax: (314) 878-3384

Products/Services: Asian grocery providing oriental grocery and merchandise to the general public.

Brandt Contracting (LOCAL)
Mr. Sedrick Brandt, President
P.O Box 1144
St. Peters, MO 63376
Telephone: (636) 244-1931
Fax: (636) 244-3021
Email: sedrick@brandtrcontracting.com

Products/Services: Construction company that does excavation, grading and pipework.

Custom Composites Company (LOCAL)
Mr. Sarwar Ahmed, President/CEO
923 South Morley
Moberly, MO 65270
Telephone: (660) 269-9200
Fax: (660) 269-9250
Email: mail@customcomposites.com

Products/Services: Engineering, tooling and production of composite parts of all industries including automotive and aerospace.

Grip Investigations (LOCAL)
Mr. David Walker, President
2601 Louisiana Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63118
Telephone: (314) 772-3264
Email: davidwalker-2006@yahoo.com

Products/Services: Receive court papers and distribute to defendants

Hollis Riggins Construction, LTD. (LOCAL)
Mr. Hollis Riggins, President
P.O. Box 12286
St. Louis, MO 63157
Telephone: (314) 436-0662
Fax: (314) 436-8901
Email: wendellwen600@sbcglobal.net

Products/Services: General contractor

IBrain Technologies, Inc. (LOCAL)
Mr. Ravi Devisetty, President
1233 Arbor Bluff Cir.
Ballwin, MO 63021
Telephone: (314) 495-3182
Fax: (636) 352-0601
Email: ravi@ibrain-tech.com

Products/Services: Provides IT consulting, staff augmentation and direct hire services.

Kemco Tool & Machine Co. (LOCAL)
Mr. Richard Zimmerman, CEO
3616 Scarlet Oak Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63122
Telephone: (636) 343-1168
Fax: (636) 343-1677
Email: rali@kemcotool.com

Products/Services:Machine shop 3,4,5 axis machining, assembly, sheet metal fabrication and weldments for defense, aerospace and firearms industry.

Mr. J's Construction (LOCAL)
Mr. David L. Johnson, President
4415 Martin Luther King Drive
St. Louis, MO 63113
Telephone: (314) 704-0154
Fax: (314) 533-1396

Products/Services: Asphalt paving, concrete (sidewalk, porches, driveways, patio steps and roofing shingles) 3 tab & architectural shingles, modified torch down.

S & G Mechanical, Inc. (LOCAL)
Mr. David Shannon, President
8011 Malibu Ct.
St. Louis, MO 63130
Telephone: (314) 849-8287
Fax: (314) 849-8387

Products/Services: Installation of H.V.A.C

Salez Group, LLC (LOCAL)
Ms. T. Christina Zambrana, President
13260 Romany Way Court
St. Louis, MO 63131
Telephone: (314) 394-0678
Fax: (314) 822-1012
Email: kris@salezgroup.com

Products/Services: Distributor of safety and electrical related products for commercial and industrial companies.

Sayers 40, Inc. (LOCAL)
Mr. Gale Sayers, President/CEO
1150 N. Freehanville Drive
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Telephone: (847) 391-4040
Fax: (847) 294-0750
Email: pkerber@sayers.com

Products/Services: Reseller of computer hardware, software, services, internet security and supplies.

The Chi Rho Group, LLC (LOCAL)
Mr. David L. Steward, II, Managing Member
2200 Westport Plaza Drive, Suite 213
St. Louis, MO 63146
Telephone: (314) 469-6363
Fax: (314) 469-6370
Email: david@chirhogroup.com

Products/Services: Private equity business

Coleman Spohn Corporation (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. Lonnie Coleman, President
1775 East 45th Street
Cleveland, OH 44103
Telephone: (216) 431-8070
Fax: (216) 431-8254
Email: lcoleman@colemanspohn.com

Products/Services: Installs HVAC, [lumbing and process piping.

EI Team, Inc. (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. Hormoz Mansouri, Ph.D., President
2060 Sheridan Drive
Buffalo, NY 14223
Telephone: (716) 876-4669
Fax: (716) 876-8004
Email: hmansouri@eiteam.com

Products/Services: Full-service architecture, engineering, planning and construction related services firm. Grandfathered professional engineering firm

Faison Office Products, LLC (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. Jared Casey, President
3251 Revere St. Suite 200
Aurora, CO 80011
Telephone: 303-340-3672
Email: bkey@faisonopc.com

Products/Services: Provider of office supplies, furniture, computer supplies, imaging products; janitorial supplies and specialty items.

G.J. Enterprises, d.b.a. Magnetic Imaging Supplies and Office Products (RECIPROCAL)
Ms. Gil McCoy, President
20 East Jackson Blvd. 1400
Chicago, IL 60604
Telephone: (312) 322-4909
Fax: (312) 322-1306
Email: genesismsi@aol.com

Products/Services: Distributor of magnetic office products, toners, janitorial products, computer software and supplies, furniture and document printing.

Impact Dimensions, LLC (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. Luis Liceaga, Owner
1735 Market St., 4th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Telephone: (636) 827-2554
Fax: (636) 827-3851
Email: mariab@impactdimensions.com

Products/Services: Event merchandise, promotions, company stores, advertising specialties and corporate gifts.

Intelligent  Information Technology, LLC (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. Felipe D. Wright, President/CEO
1010 Vermont Ave. NW, Suite 612
Washington, D.C 20005
Telephone: (202) 347-7079
Fax: (202) 347-7415
Email: fwright@iitsllc.com

Products/Services: Specializing in migration services, construction management, professional and administrative services and telecommunications.

JEI, Inc. (RECIPROCAL)
Ms. Leticia Jaime, President
1876 Custer Roberts Hollow Rd.
Custer, KY 40115
Telephone: (270) 536-3521
Fax: (270) 536-3530
Email: jei2200@aol.com

Products/Services: Landscape, trucking, brick paving, retaining walls and construction.

Little Kim Son, LP (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. Tri La, President
Houston, TX 77003
Telephone: (713) 237-9588
Telephone: (713) 237-9588
Fax: (713) 237-9434
Email: trila@kimson.com

Products/Services: Supply Fresh & Frozen Food For Restaurant and Hotel; Catering

Metal-Era, Inc. (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. Tony Mallinger, Chief Operations Officer
1600 Airport Road
Waukesha, WI 53188
Telephone: (262) 650-6414
Fax: (262) 436-4414
Email: tmallinger@metalera.com

Products/Services: Manufacturer of perimeter edge roof systems for the commercial low-slope roofing industry.  We provide products such as fascia, coping, downspout and gutter materials.

Minority Business News (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. Donald McKneely, President
P.O. BOX 740367
Dallas, TX 75374
Fax: (214) 369-3317
Email: don@mbnusa.biz

Products/Services: Leading source of information on minority business enterprise and diversity. Subscribers include minority business owners, corporate procurement managers, and government representatives.

Northwest Tribal Trading Corporation (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. Terry A. Wolfsberger, President
171 Rodeo Drive
White Swan, WA 98952
Telephone: (866) 446-7744
Fax: (702) 979-9545
Email: greywolfpatriot@hotmail.com

Products/Services: Fire protection, construction and packaging materials; pipes, valves, connectors, industrial supplies, films, paper, corrugated, folding cartons, paper board products.

NPTS, Inc. (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. Hormoz Mansouri, Ph.D., President
2060 Sheridan Drive
Buffalo, NY 14223
Telephone: (716) 876-8066
Fax: (716) 876-8004
Email: ebroman@eiteam.com

Products/Services: Engineering design and modification (electrical, mechanical, civil, structural, instrumentation & process control); staff augmentation, craft labor support, etc.

Omni Packaging Corporation (RECIPROCAL)
Ms. Roberta Jones, President
12322 E. 55th St.
Tulsa, OK 74146
Telephone: (918) 461-1700
Fax: (918) 461-9807

Products/Services: Distributor of packaging and industrial supplies.

Planned Packaging of Illinois Corporation (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. Jason Robertson, President
8940 W. 192nd St., Ste. I
Mokena, IL 60448
Telephone: (708) 478-5223
Fax: (708) 478-6635
Email: 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.

Software House International, Inc. (RECIPROCAL)
Ms. Thai Lee, President/CO/CEO
2 Riverview Drive
Somerset, NJ 08873
Telephone: (732) 764-8888
Fax: (732) 627-0459
Email: grace_lambert@shi.com

Products/Services: Corporate reseller of computer-related products

The Matlet Group, LLC (RECIPROCAL)
Mr. Gary Stiffler, Chairman
60 Delta Drive
Pawtucket, RI 02680
Telephone: (407) 834-3007
Email: gstiffler@thematletgroup.com

Products/Services: High-end commercial printing, specialty products and specialty packaging.

TRC Worldwide Engineering, Inc. (RECIPROCAL)
Ms. Surendra Ramanna, President
217 Ward Circle
Brentwood, TN 37027
Telephone: (615) 661-7979
Email: atucker@trcww.com

Products/Services: Specializing in Civil/Site, Precast, Stuctural Steel and Transportation engineering.

Veritas Supply, Inc. (RECIPROCAL)
Ms. Elvira T. Ocampo, President
15711 W. Hardy Street Rd. #8
Houston, TX 77060
Telephone: (281) 999-4100
Fax: (281) 999-4104
Email: mel.ocampo@veritassupply.com

Products/Services: Distributor of lighting fixtures, ballast, lamps and other electrical, Comm/Data Products.

Carheel Consulting, LLC (LOCAL)
Mr. McDonald Carheel, President
200 N. Broadway, Ste. 130 #248
St. Louis, MO 63102
Telephone: (314) 443-0886
Fax: (618) 355-0638
Email: mac@carheelconsulting.com

Products/Services: An executive search firm specializing in staffing counsulting services for new and exisiting businesses to customize their staffing plans and provide support for individuals or mass hiring projects, workforce reduction strategies, and diversity initiative.  Providing services to clients whose businesses include, but are not limited to: Casino; Food & Beverage; Finance & Accounting; Marketing; Security; Facilities; Human Resources; Engineering; IT; Building Grounds; Surveillance; Governement Work and Military

Hill Brewing Company, Inc. (LOCAL)
Mr. Raymond Hill, CEO/Brewer
6439 Plymouth Aveune, Suite 108
St. Louis, MO 63133
Telephone: (888) 783-6373
Fax: (314) 863-0146
Email: raymond.hill@rayhill.com

Products/Services: Ray Hill's Classic American  Pilsner- Importing yeast and hops from the Pilzen region of the Czech Republic producing a full body Pilsner with a smooth finish.

Progressive Investigations II,  LLC (LOCAL)
Mr. Clarence Jordan, Manager
3234 Wismer Road
St. Louis, MO 63074
Telephone: (314) 428-7950
Fax: (314) 733-1925
Email: cjordan393@charter.net

Products/Services: Private Investigative Services and Special Process Serving.

Sequential Environmental Services (LOCAL)
Mr. Keith Inge, Owner
P.O. Box 344
O'Fallon, MO 63366
Telephone: (314) 749-6191
Fax: (636) 379-0940
Email: kinge@sequentialsoulutions.com

Products/Services: Provides assembly and distribution of residential waste/recycling carts.

Turnkey International, Inc. dba, Environ Pest Elimination and Janitorial Supply, Company (LOCAL)
Mr. James Forney, President/Owner
P.O. Box 20345
Springfield, IL 62708
Telephone: (217) 523-9280
Fax: (217) 523- 9281
Email:environusa@sbcglobal.net

Products/Services: Services Residential, Commercial and Industrial for Termites, Roaches, Ants, Rodent Control and Wild Life. Offering a full line of Janitorial, Maintenance and Paper Products.

Alliance of Professionals & Consultants, Inc. (RECIPROCALS)
Mr. Roy Roberts, President/CEO
9201 Leesville Road, Suite 201
Raleigh, NC 27613
Telephone: (919) 510-9696
Fax: (919) 510-9668
Email:aulak@apc-services.com

Products/Services: Professional services and staffing company specializing in information technology, e-commerce engineering, telecommunications, project management, applications development, network management and business services. 

Moody Nolan, Inc. (RECIPROCALS)
Mr. Curtis Moody, CEO
300 Spruce St., Ste 300
Columbia, OH 43215
Telephone: (614) 280-1376
Fax: (614) 280-9255
Email:kzook@moodynolan.com

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