DALLAS – Showcasing a signature program as part of its 40th Anniversary, the Dallas/Forth Minority Supplier Development Council will hold its annual Business Expo, ACCESS, on Monday and Tuesday, May 13 and 14 at the Irving Convention Center. With more than 1000 Expo attendees in 2012, ACCESS is the largest regional business Expo connecting corporations and public sector agencies with certified minority owned businesses. This year’s signature sponsors are Oncor, as corporate member and MBE, Fortis Foods International.
“Oncor celebrates and promotes supplier diversity because it matters to us, to our customers and to our state,” Oncor Chief Executive Officer Bob Shapard said. “The dollars we invest with diverse companies positively impact the communities Oncor serves; the same communities where we all work and live.”
Rhod Williams, Fortis Foods International CEO and Managing Partner added: “As an MBE, Fortis believes supplier diversity is an economic imperative for the 21st century — and a valuable source of competitive differentiation. Our ability to meaningfully participate within major supply chains, as well as our continuous support of other MBEs in their commercial endeavors, underscores the purpose of the Expo.”
ACCESS 2013 will feature over 50 confirmed State of Texas agencies recruited by State Senator Royce West, conducting on the spot bidding; a Federal Connection Track to introduce firms to Prime federal contractors and provide information about how do business with the federal government; a Marketing Madness Business Solution Pavilion, offering small business solutions and product demonstrations; and over 40 major corporations seeking suppliers. As part of its 40th anniversary, the organization is also issuing a “40 for 40 Initiative” among its members.
“The D/FW MSDC 40 for 40 Initiative is a challenge to every Buying Entity Partner and certified MBE to complete 40 business transactions with a certified MBE this year,” said Margo J. Posey, Council President. Posey added: “The Council will keep a tally through the remainder of the year and recognize the challenge leaders at its Annual Meeting in December.”
The two-day expo will also feature Corporate/MBE round tables and one-on-one business matching sessions between corporations, public sector entities, institutions and minority business suppliers looking to discuss immediate and near term opportunities.
To give an idea of the magnitude of the effort by the Council to facilitate the connections, last year 200 one-on-one sessions were held by 73 buyers from 32 buying entities. An opening reception, luncheon, business demo center and seminars are also part of the program. “Both MBE’s and Corporate members should be excited about this event. Each year we continue to challenge ourselves to come up with multiple opportunities for exhibitors, sponsors and attendees to meet, connect, identify opportunities and conduct real business,” said Posey.
Registration and sponsorship information is available at the Council’s website at www.dfwmsdc.com or by calling 214-630-0747.
