January 2010

Dear Valued Corporate Member:

Welcome to a new year!

This year will cap the first decade of the millennium and we look forward to making it an impactful, successful one. To accomplish that, we need your continued membership and support.

As we emerge from a recession that rattled the state, the nation and the world economies , we embark on building better, stronger businesses and alliances. VMSDC vows to help you make that happen. Using our extensive network we will continue to align you with innovative, market-leading suppliers. Through our programs, you will meet forward-looking, solutions-driven entrepreneurs with the capacity to contribute to and even drive your success.

Virginia is Open for Business
As always, VMSDC remains entrenched in the Commonwealth’s pro-business culture and urges you to preserve your link to our network. For the fourth straight year, Virginia ranked the best state for business by Forbes.com. It’s no coincidence that Altria Client Services was also named VMSDC’s top corporate member for the fourth year in a row. Your participation in VMSDC engages you in the state’s positive business environment and exposes you to best practices.

Your Branch Office
From you, we ask commitment and participation. To you, we promise to continue to serve as your corporation’s satellite supplier development office. We will continue to certify minority businesses, develop suppliers, research new programs and plan networking and educational events while you do what you do best: run your business.

For example, in 2009, we embarked on our new executive education program, a “boot camp,” with our partner the University of Richmond’s Robins School of Business. We will also continue to ensure that your network extends beyond the Commonwealth as we remain active leaders in the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), as evidenced by my role on the NMSDC board and National Chair of the Presidents. Last June we brought in council presidents from around the nation which put an additional spotlight on our area’s resources.

In Good Company
In addition to Altria’s steady involvement, we welcomed board member MeadWestvaco’s new headquarters to Richmond this year as the company snagged our Raising the Bar award for dramatically increasing its participation in the Council and with minority suppliers. (Between 2006 and 2008, the company increased its contracting with minority firms 25 percent each year!) Again, we supported member Owens & Minor in its annual Healthcare Supplier Diversity Forum, which is integral to our efforts to promote involvement in the still burgeoning healthcare industry, which accounts for 16% of our country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

This coming year we will continue the tradition of bringing to you tailored events such as Virginia Business Opportunity Fair (VBOF) that allow you to showcase your company as well as connect with like-minded corporations and talented suppliers.

Each one, bring one.

Of course, we glean our strength and ability to deliver these services from you. You can help us provide these services and participate fully in the recovery by:

1. Renewing your membership,
   
2. Actively participating in our events,
   
3. Using our unparalleled network of Certified Minority Business Enterprises,
   
4. Supporting our educational and networking initiatives, and
   
5. Encouraging—no insisting—on a friend, colleague or partner joining our network.
   

We remain most appreciative of your continued membership and support of our mission. You are the Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council.

Here’s to a prosperous, profitable 2010!

Sincerely,    

Tracey G. Jeter, APR
President & CEO
Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council