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Greetings,
I am thrilled to share that the City of Memphis was recognized as one of the cities that partnered with Living Cities and Griffin & Strong, LLC. through the City Accelerator. Also, exciting news to share is that the Citi Foundation was recently recognized by U.S. HUD Secretary, Marcia Fudge for the 2021 Secretary's Award for Public-Private Partnerships. Read more here: City Accelerator Initiative Earns National Recognition for Public-Private Partnership
These types of partnerships have been the cornerstone of successful initiatives in City government. As we look to the future, we look forward to strengthening existing partnerships and expanding our network. We also look forward to opportunities to leverage the great work that is going on in our community through outreach and engagement. If you are a local church, neighborhood association, community group, agency or just citizens interested in knowing more about what serves and resources are offered through City of Memphis Office of Business Diversity & Compliance, please contact us for an appointment or schedule a visit from our office by emailing bdcinfo@memphistn.gov or calling 901-636-6210 and ask for Annette Crump.
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Lastly, I would like to give a special thanks to Curtis & TaJuan Franklin Givens of CGI Entertainment for recognizing me along with 30 other professionals representing many industries as a member of the Inaugural Power 30: Professionals Who Positively Impact Memphis.
Being recognized by your peers and being able to expand my network is a true honor. An added bonus was getting to dress up for an elegant black tie event.
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"Networking is the No. 1 unwritten rule of success in business.”
– Sallie Krawcheck
Remember, We Mean Business and we want to do business with you!
#WeMeanBusiness
Sincerely,
Director Joann Massey
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Congratulations to Ben Hecht on his retirement from Living Cities
I recently traveled to New York to participate in a reception and networking opportunity hosted by Living Cities with other municipal public servants and philanthropic leaders. Our focus was on implementing innovative practices that can transform our communities and drive better outcomes for our cities. As Ben departs and moves on to new service, Joe Scantlebury takes the helm. Good Luck Ben & Welcome Joe, we look forward to continuing to partnership with you both.
Joe Scantlebury named Next CEO of Living Cities
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BisNow says: Some Cities Are Doing MWBE Programs Right. Others Aren’t, And It Shows
The City of Memphis was featured in an article by BisNow highlighting the progress made in Memphis within supplier diversity and equitable economic development strategies compared to other cities of its' size.
The Office of Business Diversity and Compliance is proud to be recognized yet again on a national stage. Way to go Mayor Strickland and Team OBDC!
Read Entire Article Here
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Congratulations to local business owner, Dr. Christina Rosenthal. Dr. Rosenthal was awarded a $25,000 enhancement grant by the Coalition to Back Black Businesses.
“The Coalition to Back Black Businesses has impacted our business tremendously! The initial grant allowed us to meet financial obligations and the Ureeka Coaching Program has been a priceless resource for the long-term sustainability of our business. With the enhancement grant, we plan to recruit team members and invest in trainings to diversify our service mix.”
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Congratulations all of the local entrepreneurs, leaders and professionals that made 2021 Power 30 list.
These individuals have exemplified the spirit of greatness that makes the city of Memphis a more progressive and desirable place to live, work, and play. Their power moves have contributed to making our people, our businesses and industries, and our communities a better place, thus creating a positive and lasting impact on the great city of Memphis. Thank you.
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Mark your calendars for the next MBDOC Meeting on August 11th.
The next Minority Business Development and Oversight Commission (MBDOC) meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 11th at 11:30 in the City Council Room and will be aired online here.
MBDOC Board Commissioners:
Shelley Baur, Tyree Daniels,
Carolyn Jackson, David M. Schuermann
City Councilwoman: Rhonda Logan
OBDC Community Ambassadors:
Cheryl Pesce, Phillip Rix, Roby Williams, Rory Thomas
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 The Competitive Bidder’s Prep Accelerator is Back!
The Office of Business Diversity & Compliance launched its first business services city-wide program in 2016 called the Competitive Bidder’s Prep Accelerator (CBPA). This Fall 2021 we will be reviving this program and we are looking to recruit and invest in 20 commercial companies with aspirations to actively bid as primes with the City of Memphis but are in need of guidance and technical support through this program.
Now accepting applications with classes starting in October!
#WeMeanBusiness
Congratulations
Jalien & Valesia
Congratulations to OBDC Intern, Valesia Johnson and her fiancé Jalein Mason on their upcoming wedding Saturday, August 7.
We wish them the best in their nuptials.
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It isn’t easy to spend a lot of time planning for a life of entrepreneurship on your own, especially if you find it complex and confusing. Joann Massey, Director of the City of Memphis Office of Business Diversity and Compliance, interviews entrepreneurs, governmental and quasi governmental leaders, as well as economist who have successfully created or helped to grow small businesses locally and globally. Each month "The We Mean Business Podcast" will pull back the curtain on compelling and beneficial stories for you, "The Entrepreneur".
Tune in here and bookmark for future episodes.
#WeMeanBusiness
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Memphis COVID-19 Updates
Stay up to date with Memphis COVID-19 updates and current CDC recommendations here
Keep up with Mayor Strickland's daily COVID-19 updates here
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For our MWSBE Spotlight this month we want to recognize Cheryl Pesce of Cheryl Pesce The Lifestyle Store. Cheryl Pesce was born and raised in rural south west Arkansas. Her role as a pharmaceutical sales representative with Hoffman La-Roche Labs and Baxter International eventually brought her to Memphis. Today Mrs. Pesce owns and operates Cheryl Pesce The Lifestyle Store, a designer handcrafted jewelry and luxury home goods store located at 374 S. Grove Park Road inside of the Laurelwood shopping center. Within the store, shoppers can find multiple lines, including master metal smithing, stones and fossils carved by the earth and sea. Cheryl Pesce is a family operation which travels beyond jewelry and enters into the realm of true art.
The Lifestyle Store was also recognized in the NY Times as one of the 100 Black Businesses You Would Love. Check it out here.
Thank you Cheryl Pesce for continuing your entrepreneurial efforts in the City of Memphis!!
To learn more about the Cheryl Pesce The Lifestyle Store click here!
#WeMeanBusiness
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- THE DREAM CENTER EVENT VENUE, LLC
- CITY HOMES RENOVATIONS, LLC
- BLUFF CITY HANDLING dba BLUFF CITY HANDLING - STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS & LOGISTICS
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- SWEEP N SWIFT CLEANING & JANITORIAL SERVICES, LLC
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 OBDC
This workshop is for City of Memphis Registered/Certified Vendors (MWSBEs)
'I'M CERTIFIED, WHAT'S NEXT?" - ‘I’m Certified’ is a workshop focused on advancing certified M/W/SBEs for contracting opportunities with the City of Memphis, quasi-governmental agencies, and non-governmental entities. Certified Vendors will learn how to manage their contacts with the Office of Business Diversity and Compliance, Office of Purchasing, Oracle Representatives and B2G Representatives.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Learn the basics of budgeting to manage your company's finances more efficiently! Join us in person at the Entrepreneurs Network Center!
Description: Zig Ziglar said, "If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time." Business Budgeting is vital to managing financial success, especially in the post Covid environment. This workshop will highlight the benefits of budgeting, how to stay on track with your business goals, and make better financial decisions that hit the mark.
Topics Covered:
* How to create a working framework for budgeting
* Tools and Resources to make it easy
* How to make solid decisions with the numbers
* How to stay on track during the year
Workshop Leader: Adrienne Foster, Owner, Foster Financial Management
Bio: Adrienne Foster has over 20 years of professional accounting experience. Because of her passion for seeing people realize their dreams, she created Foster Financial Management in 2008 to help small businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals achieve their financial goals through outsourced bookkeeping services, accounting technology training and personal financial counseling.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Nos ayudará a identificar claramente áreas de oportunidad y mejora que permitan establecer un curso de acción.
Así como poder trazar una hoja de ruta orientada al autodesarrollo, y la comprensión de otros observadores para mejorar o estrechar lazos.
It will help us to clearly identify areas of opportunity and improvement that allows setting a course of action
As well as being able to draw a road map oriented to self-development, and the understanding of other observers to improve or strengthen ties
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
TSBDC
Thursday, August 5 - 9:00AM-11:00AM
Location- Entrepreneur Network Center (virtual webinar)
Learn how to utilize Shopify and get free support!
Welcome to Shopify! In this session, we will provide an introduction to the Shopify platform, what we do, what we offer, and how it can help you take your business to the next level.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Thursday, August 12 - 9:00AM - 11:00AM
Location- Entrepreneur Network Center (virtual webinar)
This introductory course is designed for individuals who are considering self-employment or are at the beginning stages of starting their business. This session helps aspiring entrepreneurs assess their abilities to lead and manage a company, as well as evaluate market and sales potential for their products/services.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
MAMCA
Friday, September 24th & Saturday, September 25th
Friday, October 1st & Saturday, October 2nd
Location- Entrepreneur Network Center (virtual webinar)
$449.00
All Virtual
Registration and Payment Information
For more information contact
Stephanie Alexander
901-636-9300
Click here for application
Thursday, August 26 - 10:00AM - 1:00PM
Location- Entrepreneur Network Center (virtual webinar)
Estimating is essential in the world of construction. Award winners in construction, Campbell and Ford Construction will instruct an estimating workshop. This workshop will teach the basic knowledge of estimating. You must have some knowledge of blueprint reading. Please have the following items when (virtually) attending the class:
Calculator
Note Pad
Architectural Ruler
Cost to attend class $20.00
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
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Joann Massey, Director
Carol Kelley, Executive Assistant (City Hall)- EBO Data Coordinator
Compliance
Andrew DeShazo, Esq., Compliance Manager
Sukita Johnson, Esq, Contract Compliance Analyst
Annette Crump, Administrative Assistant (Compliance)
Valesia Johnson, Intern
Certification
Standley Brady, Esq., Certification Manager
Tabitha Veazey, Certification Analyst
Business Services
Taylor Tagg, Business Services Coordinator Sr.
Guadalupe Reyes, Business Services Coordinator
Ashley Robinson, Operations Mrg. & Outreach & Engagement
Dante Robichaux, Creative Strategist
DJ Baker, Intern
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
-Aristotle
Contact our office for assistance at bdcinfo@memphistn.gov or 901-636-9300
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