Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development

Metrolina RING Meeting
2024-04-18 08:30, 2024-05-23 08:30 - 10:00, 2024-07-18 08:30 - 10:00, 2024-09-19 08:30 - 10:00, 2024-11-21 08:30 - 10:00 UTC
Metrolina RING meetings will be held on the following dates:

Thursday, April 18th, 2024
Thursday, May 23rd, 2024
Thursday, July 18th, 2024
Thursday, September 19th, 2024
Thursday, November 21st, 2024

Please Register Here

MLP (Midlands, Lowcountry Pee-Dee) RING Meeting
2024-04-18 12:00 - 13:00 | 4013 West Beltline Boulevard, Columbia, SC, 4013 West Beltline Boulevard, Columbia, SC, 29204, United States
This is an in-person event: 4013 West Beltline Boulevard, Columbia, SC

Future Events:

March 21 (12pm) (Register Here)
April 18 (12pm) (Register Here)
May 16 (12pm) (Register Here)
June 20 (12pm) (Register Here)
Sept 19 (12pm) (Register Here)
October 17 (12pm) (Register Here)

Piedmont/Triad RING Meeting - April '24
2024-04-23 12:00 - 13:00
Join us on April 23rd for our next Piedmont-Triad RING Meeting. This is a virtual event. Once you register, a link will be sent to you for the meeting.

At this meeting, The lovely Aregnaz Mooradian will be talking about the various programs offered by the SBA (U.S Small Business Administration.) and provide guidance on how to access these services, so you can be armed with information to confidently start, grow or expand your small business.

Since September 2021, Aregnaz Mooradian (ah-deg-nahz moore-aid-ee-yun, or, Ari) has been serving as Deputy District Director with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) North Carolina District Office in Charlotte. In this capacity, Aregnaz is a partner to the District Director, and works for small businesses through expansion of SBA’s programs and services. Prior to this role, she was Lead Business Opportunity Specialist with SBA, working to support a portfolio of 8(a) certified firms in navigating the federal small business procurement space.

Before joining SBA, Aregnaz worked with the Unites States Peace Corps in Uganda, East Africa, where she provided operational support to a local microlender. She started her career in California, serving as Manager of Volunteers for a Los Angeles based non-profit providing academically focused after-school programs.

Aregnaz holds a graduate and undergraduate degree from the California State University, Long Beach.

Please register here: site.eventmatches.com/PiedTriadRING

Upstate RING Meeting
2024-05-01 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-06-05 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-07-03 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-04 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-02 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-11-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
The Upstate RING comprises a ten-county area, including Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson, along the I-85 corridor in South Carolina. Manufacturing, distribution, logistics, and technology are all prominent business industries in the upstate and are changing dynamics of jobs and influencing the way entrepreneurs are starting, growing, and acquiring businesses. With several automotive and aerospace related companies headquartered in the upstate supported by a strong system of higher education, it is considered one of the strongest manufacturing sectors in the United States, making it a popular hub for entrepreneurs of all ages and backgrounds.
We welcome corporate partners and MBEs to join out monthly meetings (1st Wednesday @ 11am) and learn more about the many opportunities for networking, professional development, business growth and capacity building.

Wednesday, April 3, 2024 | Register Here
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 | Register Here
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 | Register Here
Wednesday, July 3, 2024 | Register Here
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 | Register Here
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 | Register Here
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 | Register Here

Register for Upstate RING Meetings Here

Sonoco Strategic MBE Supplier Business Conference
2024-05-14 08:00 - 2024-05-15 15:00 | Harris E Deloach Center, Coker University, 451 E Carolina Ave, Hartsville, 29550, United States
Sonoco believes that to achieve our goals relating to sustainability, it is critical that we establish a capable, qualified, competitive and diverse team of suppliers.
Strategic Supplier Business Conference Agenda

To register, please visit: https://site.eventmatches.com/SonocoMBE2024

MLP (Midlands, Lowcountry Pee-Dee) RING Meeting
2024-05-16 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-06-20 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-17 12:00 - 13:00
When We Meet

We welcome you to join our community and connect with our Corporate and MBE members through our monthly meetings and any networking events scheduled. Our goal is to create an environment that fosters solid relationships and provide growth opportunities within South Carolina and surrounding areas.

March 21 (12pm) (Register Here)
April 18 (12pm) (Register Here)
May 16 (12pm) (Register Here)
June 20 (12pm) (Register Here)
Sept 19 (12pm) (Register Here)
October 17 (12pm) (Register Here)

2024 Milliken Momentum Supplier Diversity Event
2024-05-22 08:00 - 15:00 | 920 Milliken Road, 920 Milliken Road, Spartanburg, SC, 29303, United States
We are thrilled to announce our Second Annual Milliken Momentum Supplier Diversity Conference will be held this May.
Milliken believes diversity is key to our success. Having a diverse supplier network enables us to understand the needs of our customers, tap into new ideas that add value to our business, and upholds our values and commitments.
This event and your participation is critical to our ability to grow diverse business partnerships. This event provides a unique opportunity for small and diverse owned companies to engage and connect not only with Milliken, but also with our Tier 1 supply base.
This year we are expanding our event into a full day of activities including tours of the Milliken property, focus on sustainability education, panel reviews, and learning sessions for participants.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-milliken-momentum-supplier-diversity-conference-general-admisssion-tickets-837471649247?aff=oddtdtcreator

Piedmont/Triad RING Meeting
2024-06-25 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-24 12:00 - 13:00
The Piedmont RING comprises Raleigh-Durham and the surrounding areas. This area is a powerhouse for many large technology and pharmaceutical companies in North Carolina and many minority-owned businesses that support these large companies. We encourage you to join our monthly meetings, connect with corporate and MBE members, and assist with our mission of growing strong minority business participation in the Raleigh-Durham area.
When We Meet

We welcome you to join our community and connect with our Corporate and MBE members through our monthly meetings and any networking events scheduled.

April 23rd – 12pm-1pm / Register
June 25th – 12pm-1pm / Register
September 24th – 12pm-1pm / Register
November 19th – 12pm-1pm / Register

Doing Business Together – VA Corporations & MBEs
2024-07-09 11:00 - 12:00
The Virginia RING’s demographic makeup and location offer a diverse mix of opportunities for MBEs and corporations looking to do business in the Commonwealth. We are committed to providing the resources needed to foster partnerships between the business community, CVMSDC, and NMSDC that enhance the value of becoming a member or partnering organization.
When We Meet

We welcome you to join our community and connect with our Corporate and MBE members through our monthly meetings and any networking events scheduled.

Tues., July 9th, 2024 @ 11:00am | Register

BMW Supplier Diversity Xchange
2024-08-29 | GREENVILLE CONVENTION CENTER
S.C. BMW Manufacturing and BMW Purchasing and Supplier Network Americas will host one of the nation’s largest supplier diversity events on August 29, 2024, at the Greenville Convention Center. Renamed the Supplier Diversity Xchange, the 11th annual event is an opportunity for women-, minority-, and veteran-owned businesses to participate in a day of professional development and to network with BMW’s Tier 1 suppliers.
“In a highly competitive market, creating a workplace that values and respects diversity adds value throughout the organization, sparks innovation, and improves productivity,” said Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. “For more than a decade, our Supplier Diversity Xchange has been opening doors for minority-owned businesses across the country. Cultivating a more diverse and inclusive workplace brings the richness of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives necessary to grow a sustainable and innovative organization.”
Last year’s event includes 240 exhibitors and more than 2,300 registered attendees. Throughout the day, participants will have the opportunity to attend breakout sessions on professional development topics and drive BMWs at the BMW Performance Center.
REGISTER HERE: https://www.bmwsupplierdiversity.com/

Norfolk International Airport - Business Opportunity Outreach
2024-09-23 09:00 - 15:00 | Norfolk International Airport, 2200 Norview Avenue, Human Resource Conference Room A, Norfolk, VA, 23518
This event will highlight the SBSD certification process, available small business resources through SBTRC, NAA procurement process and NAA Capital Improvement Program.
Attendees can network with current project primes and key decision makers within Norfolk Airport Authority.
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

CVMSDC: Lunch 'n Learn with Ahold Delhaize and Food Lion
2024-09-24 12:00 - 13:00 | https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QTE1qiZISQyFKZ75RkLvKw
Learn about opportunities with Ahold Delhaize and Food Lion.
Ahold Delhaize USA, a division of global food retailer Ahold Delhaize, is part of the U.S. family of brands, which also includes five leading omnichannel grocery brands: Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford and Stop & Shop. When considered together, the companies of Ahold Delhaize USA comprise the largest grocery retail group on the East Coast and the fourth largest in the nation, serving millions of omnichannel customers each week.
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QTE1qiZISQyFKZ75RkLvKw

2024 Regional Government Purchasing Expo
2024-10-16 08:45 - 15:30 | Henrico Sports & Events Center, 1 All Star Boulevard, Glen Allen, VA, 23059, United States
REGISTER TODAY!
Register by October 8th 2024
Cost:$25
Purchasing and Construction representatives from Chesterfield County, Hanover County, Henrico County, and the City of Richmond will present purchasing information, purchasing construction information, and construction project updates. Network with the end-users, Purchasing Buyers and Project Managers.
When: Wednesday October 16th
Where: Henrico Sports & Events Center, 1 All Star Boulevard Glen Allen, VA 23059
Schedule:
8:45 Check-in and Light Breakfast
9:15-11:30 Purchasing Q&A With Directors and networking with Buyers and representatives
1:00-3:30 Purchasing Construction Q&A With Directors and networking with Buyers, PMs and representatives

For more information:
Annette Ross, Supplier Relations Manager
Email: ros096@henrico.gov
Tel: (804)501-5689
Mission
To professionally procure all goods and services essential to Henrico County and Henrico County Public Schools, and to ensure the integrity and efficiency of the procurement process in an environment that is fair to all qualified suppliers.
Vision Statement
The Purchasing Division is committed to ensure the integrity and efficiency of the procurement process in an environment that is fair to all qualified suppliers.
Values Statement
The Purchasing Division is guided in procurement procedures by several established values. These guiding values include but are not limited to:

Conducting all procurement in accordance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA) and the Henrico County Procurement Manual policies and procedures.
Maximizing and encouraging fair competition, and providing interested and qualified suppliers with an opportunity to offer their products and/or services to the County.
Obtaining the highest quality goods and services for all of our customers through the practice of innovative purchasing techniques, constant market research, and diligent contract negotiations.
Performing with the highest degree of ethics and integrity.

About Us
The Purchasing Division provides a centralized purchasing system for general government and schools to comply with statutory requirements, as well as to assure the purchase of all goods and services needed by all departments and agencies are procured at the most economical price. The division is also charged with the responsibility of conducting periodic sales of surplus items which are no longer needed by the County or the school system and disposal of unclaimed merchandise and personal property collected by the Division of Police.

Governance
The Purchasing Division conducts public purchasing in accordance with the Code of Virginia, Title 2.2 Chapter 43 – Virginia Public Procurement Act and the Code of the County of Henrico, Virginia, Chapter 16 – Public Procurement.
Location
The Purchasing Division is physically located at:
8600 Staples Mill Road
Henrico, VA 23228
The Purchasing Division mailing address is:
Henrico County – Department of Finance, Purchasing Division
PO Box 90775
Henrico, VA 23273

Office Hours and Main Contact Number
Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday
Main Phone Number: (804) 501-5660
Fax Number: (804) 501-5693

Virginia RING Meeting
2024-11-12 11:00 - 12:30
Join Us Tues., Nov. 12th from 11am – 12:30pm (Teams Virtual Meeting)
Connections: VA Corporations & MBEs
Corporations Presenting:

Barton Malow (Construction)
Richmond International Airport

MBEs Presenting:

Quality Moving Services
Buckingham Greenery
AMAREN Chauffeured Transportation
and Management LLC
JLGOV LLC
Glean LLC
Rapid Strategy

Registration: We will send all MBEs an invitation

Equipped for Change Webinar
2024-11-15 12:00 - 13:00
Navigating Your Next: Shifting from Service Provider to Organizational Leader
SPEAKER
Keisha A. Rivers
Chief Change Officer, The KARS Group LTD
This session is designed to provide strategies and insights to equip business owners to make the shift from working “in” their business to thinking strategically and working “on” their business. Growing and scaling a small business requires a fundamental shift in the way business owners and entrepreneurs think about and operate within their companies and organizations. This session will outline the foundational mindset shifts required; uncover specific strategies business owners can implement and create an action plan to apply, build and sustain their shift to create long-term success.
cvmsdc.org
Register Here: linktr.ee/cvmsdc

MBE Summit '24: Inclusive Responsibility
2024-12-04 12:00 - 2024-12-05 17:00
More details to come. Register online at https://site.eventmatches.com/2024MBESUMMIT

Piedmont/Triad RING Ugly Sweater Social
2024-12-12 15:00 - 17:00
Join us for an Ugly Sweater Holiday Social hosted by the Piedmont/Triad RING of CVMSDC! Celebrate the season with good company, festive vibes, and your best (or worst!) holiday sweater. The event will be held at ZincHouse Winery and Brewery (6225 Wake Forest Hwy, Durham, NC 27703) on December 12th from 3-5pm. There is no cost to attend, so come ready to mingle, enjoy refreshments, and embrace the holiday spirit. We look forward to seeing you there!

Piedmont/Triad RING Meeting
2025-01-21 12:00 - 13:30
The Piedmont RING comprises Raleigh-Durham and the surrounding areas. This area is a powerhouse for many large technology and pharmaceutical companies in North Carolina and many minority-owned businesses that support these large companies. We encourage you to join our monthly meetings, connect with corporate and MBE members, and assist with our mission of growing strong minority business participation in the Raleigh-Durham area.
When We Meet

We welcome you to join our community and connect with our Corporate and MBE members through our monthly meetings and any networking events scheduled.

RING Meeting – January 21st at 12:00 pm: Prosperity in Unity: A Fireside Chat on Diverse Communities featuring Tammie Hall-Roberts / **Virtual Meeting via Teams** / Register Here
RING Meeting – March 18th at 12:00 pm / Location TBD
RING Meeting – May 20th at 12:00 pm / Location TBD
RING Meeting – July 22nd at 12:00 pm / Location TBD
RING Meeting – September 16th at 12:00 pm / Location TBD
Ugly Sweater Holiday Social: Date/Location TBD
