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September 2003

2004 BOF – It was a great day for all!

This year's Business Opportunity Fair has been called the best ever!

Maybe it's because we all enjoyed world-class speakers Michael Dell and Therman Evans. Maybe it's because dozens of MBEs were able to showcase their products and services to committed corporate buyers. Or maybe it was because so much was packed into one exciting day!

According to Co-chair Brenda Newberry , MBEs were excited about the new format that allowed only MBE exhibitors. They felt it was a good way to gain the attention of prospective buyers.

Co-chair Deb Rogers agreed and said corporate buyers were happy to have the opportunity to meet with so many qualified MBEs at one time and in one location.

Since this was the first year for this new format, both co-chairs agreed there was room for improvement, including attracting more MBE exhibitors, attracting more corporate decision-makers and helping to facilitate more one-on-one sessions with MBEs and prospective buyers.

Look for more information soon about the next Business Opportunity Fair scheduled for June 2005.

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BOF Survey Results

Following the May 4th Business Opportunity Fair, a survey was sent to all corporate and MBE participants. Here's a brief look at the results, with nearly an equal number of MBE and corporate respondents:

Registration
91% were satisfied or very satisfied

Breakfast Overall
Speaker and food 97% were satisfied or very satisfied

Variety of MBE exhibitors 85% were satisfied or very satisfied

Follow-up meetings 69% experienced follow-up meetings

Talked to buyers/decision-makers 76% were satisfied or very satisfied

Exhibits overall 92% were satisfied or very satisfied

Lunch Overall
Speaker and food 97% were satisfied or very satisfied

BOF Overall

New MBE exhibitor only format 97% were satisfied or very satisfied

Continue format in 2005? 92% said “yes”

If you have any feedback you would like to share about this year's BOF or ideas for the 2005 program, please email your comments to Barbara Gibson: bagibson@slmbc.org

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As part of its Education Series, the SLMBC is presenting “Supplier Diversity as a Business Advantage” on Thursday, August 5, 2004 . Conducted by the renowned Reginald Williams, the workshop will be held at World Wide Technology, #60 Weldon Parkway in Maryland Heights .

The morning session includes the Corporate Workshop beginning at 9:00 am , followed by the MBE Workshop at 1:00 pm .

Topics to be addressed at the Corporate Workshop include establishing a viable infrastructure…the ROI from supplier diversity…how to maximize the 2nd tier program… supplier diversity as a business advantage…best practices and strategic options… engaging the team as part of the solution…and more.

The MBE Workshop will focus on supplier diversity as part of your marketing strategy…how to address demands for lower pricing…how to work the trade show… keeping the fire buffing during economic downturn…and much more.

Reggie Williams is an author, facilitator, CEO and consultant to corporate management. He has appeared on national television and in most trade journals where he publishes a column on diversity. His book, 2nd Tier Minority Purchasing: Effective Strategies in Supplier Diversity, is the most widely read text on the subject. Based in Atlanta , Reggie's company, Procurement Resources, Inc., has worked with America 's leading corporations including more than half of the Fortune 500, as well as many federal, state and local government agencies.

Plan to join us for this outstanding opportunity to meet with one of the top experts in the business. There is no charge for certified MBEs and corporate members. RSVP now to  Valerie Shelton or
call: 314-241-1143 ext. 20.

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New Certificate Program From SLU

CSCMS currently provides a Supply Chain Management Certificate to major companies such as Anheuser-Busch, Boeing and Energizer, which creates specific expectations for the vendors they want to work with. This new certificate program brings the same type of benefits afforded these large companies to small and medium size firms so that everyone is on the same page, allowing small firms to meet and exceed expectations.

The primary objective of the program is to help you grow your business by increasing customer service responsiveness and profitability, using superior supply chain management practices.

When: September 17, October 1, October 22, November 5 and November 19, 2004

What: Basic Supply Chain Management Certificate Program

Module 1 – Introduction to Supply Chain Management

Module 2 – Purchasing and Procurement

Module 3 – Inventory Management

Module 4 – Warehouse and Transportation

Module 5 – Business Strategy and Customer Service

Where: The John Cook School of Business, Saint Louis University

The program will be taught by university faculty and industry practitioners and will include lectures, exercises, case studies, guest speakers and industry panels. The program cost is $2,000. However, scholarships are available for SLMBC MBEs, reducing the cost to $400 for enterprises with annual revenues of $2 million or less and $800 for those over $2 million in revenue.

The Council is now accepting applications for participation in this sought-after program. For more information or an application, email: Harry Moppins or call at 314-241-1143, ext. 22.

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Annual Golf Classic

We are taking reservations now for the SLMBC 10th Annual Golf Classic to be held September 23, 2004 at the Far Oaks Golf Club. Space is limited, so register early at www.slmbc.org or return the form that was mailed to you or call the Council at 314-241-1143 and ask for Valerie Shelton.

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Scholarship Rail Cruise

SAVE THE DATE - Saturday, October 9, 2004

Depart and return St. Louis Union Station

Proceeds help provide scholarships for MBEs to attend specialized programs at the Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Corporate sponsorship opportunities available.

More information to come.

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Update Your Contact Information

MBEs and Corporate Members: Please let us know about any changes to your address, telephone number, e-mail address, website or restructuring of your company. We're here to serve you. If we don't have your current information, you could be missing some great opportunities.

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