Page 9 - annual report cover final

Message from the 7

Minority Business Enterprise
Input Committee Chair

Betty Manetta

MBEIC The Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee (MBEIC) of the
Leadership Dallas/Fort Minority Supplier Development Council is the voice for all
Team MBEs associated with the Council. Our purpose is to provide input to the
Board of Directors and Council Staff about suggested programs, concerns
Betty Manetta and needs of MBEs in order to grow and sustain their businesses. In
addition, the MBEIC works to encourage MBE participation in Council
MBEIC Chair events and programs. We believe it is imperative for Buying Entity
Argent Associates members and MBEs to work together to find, evaluate and engage MBEs
Asociar in emerging opportunities outside the current venues traditionally
pinpointed for minority business inclusion.
Silvana Rosero In 2016, we worked with the Inclusive Supply Chain Working Group to identify and present
an introduction to Smart/Resilient Cities and Internet of Things (IoT). In addition, we attended
MBEIC 1st Vice Chair several functions related to these topics being held by the City of Dallas, AT&T and the Dallas
Small Pond Video Entrepreneur Center. The need for MBEs and the Council to intentionally insert themselves
Productions into these dialogs helps prepare our MBEs for future opportunities.
The MBEIC also worked directly with the Supplier Diversity Professionals on a program to
Gabriela N. connect MBEs to buyers and supplier diversity professionals. The session discussed trends
Smith and opportunities in Health Care and at DFW International Airport. MBEs met at round tables
with Buying Entity representatives to look at potential upcoming business opportunities.
Secretary The MBEIC has been encouraging MBEs to do business with each other. We held a MBE-2-
The Gabriela Noemi MBE Mixer where MBEs had a chance to network with other MBEs. The session was held at an
Smith Law Firm, MBE location (MBN USA Magazine) and approximately 70 MBE business owners from various
PLLC industries attended. Several businesses were able to team for larger business awards and
others engaged to use the services of other MBEs.
Terri Quinton The MBEIC continued to work with our various Industry Groups to present programs
relevant to their particular industry. These industry groups included Construction, Professional
National MBEIC Services, Marketing, Information Technology and Food & Beverage.
Chair Emeritus Finally, as MBEIC Chair, I represent the Council and the D/FW MSDC MBEs on a national
Q2 Marketing Group level as part of the National MBEIC. This has involved assisting our Council and other Councils
LLC in participating in the NMBEIC $1 Billion New Business initiative. Plus, we have provided input
related to emerging areas of opportunities, examining ways to engage MBEs in expanded
...it is areas for business, and creating a cooperative of MBEs across the country to address larger
imperative opportunities. We have shared these findings with local MBEs and continue to evaluate ways
for Buying to create meaningful connections for MBE business engagement.
Entity Certification continues to be an important part of the Council's offerings to minority business
members and owners. We know D/FW MSDC has one of the most trusted and efficient processes in the
MBEs to work nation. We recognize that being a part of the Council is more than certification. We value the
together to opportunities to access potential business opportunities, build business relationships with
find, evaluate Buying Entity representatives and other MBEs, and participate in development programs to
and engage enhance our operations and skills. We applaud the Council for its years of advocacy on behalf
MBEs in of minority business inclusion. We champion the impact a dollar spent with an MBE can mean
emerging to our community – it is priceless!
opportunities MBEs of the D/FW MSDC continue to have a powerful voice along with great Council Staff
outside the and Board of Directors' support. I thank each and every MBE who is actively engaged in this
current Council, helping to make it even better. Your voices are heard and we want to continue this
venues awesome tradition!
traditionally Sincerely,
pinpointed
for minority Betty Manetta
business
inclusion. Betty Manetta