National chair offers advise, outlook for MBEs

MBN USA recently talked to James Staton, who has been reelected as chairman of the National Minority Supplier Development Council’s National Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee, to find out how the NMBEIC faired in 2007 and what its plans are for this year. Staton is also president of Debriants Office Services Inc.

MBN USA: Looking back over the past year, what would be successes and accomplishments that occurred in the minority business development space, if any? Expand.

Staton:We formed a standing committee chaired by Rachel Humphrey to form commodity groups. Corporations typically follow this practice so it only makes sense that each NMBEIC have a structure that mirrors this practice to a large extent. The Georgia, Florida, Carolinas, Alabama and Minnesota councils have adopted this practice. In addition, we have given two presentations to the NMBEIC leadership detailing the methodology for creating and maintaining joint ventures.

MBN USA: Looking at 2008 as the chairman of the MBEIC, if you had to forecast a 2008 plan what would that look like for the minority business community and what would be a recommended strategy for minority business success and growth?

Staton: I would recommend a process of collaborative innovation that would include: wide-scale increases in capability, building these capabilities through the NMSDC affiliate councils, delivering these enhanced MBEs to the corporate professionals and conducting workshops between specific corporations and MBEs through industry groups.

MBN USA: What does the MBEIC overall agenda look like for 2008? What might the minority business councils expect to see on local levels?

Staton:We will see more MBE CEO development programs that will include such things as personalized programs developed from unique surveys. We will help assess strengths and weaknesses and solutions for improvements. The programs will also include assessment of certified MBEs. These programs will be enhanced by providing more availability online.

MBN USA: United Parcel Service was named the NMSDC Corporation of the Year for 2007. What are some of the characteristics that set them apart from the other corporations enabling them to receive this coveted recognition? For corporations that would like to position themselves to reach this goal, what are some of the things they might do to be considered for this award?

Staton: The choice is based on a quantitative analysis of 10 key areas of performance. Points are assigned for each answer. Here are some of the issues considered: Does the company encourage joint ventures? How many MBEs has the company mentored over the past year? How many new opportunities were created for business owners during the last year? How much money was spent with MBEs? What percentage of increase is this over the previous year? Is there a documented DBU in place?

MBN USA: As a minority business owner, what would be the best way for me to grow my business but at the same time also support my local minority business council and its agenda?

Staton: Get fully engaged in your local council. Join committees that align with your business interests. Become a leader and provide solutions. People do business with people they know and like. They must accept you before they will accept your presentations.

MBN USA: In 2007, did the minority business community grow, was it flat or did the number decrease? Can you share your thoughts on the reason for the current state of minority business?

Staton: I can’t speak to the exact numbers, however, as small business people, we are impacted by what happens to the larger businesses we serve. When big business gets a cold, we get pneumonia. The solution lies in our size; we must provide innovative solutions to our corporate business that bring value. We must run our businesses with the same successful principles as Fortune 500 CEOs.

MBN USA: 2008 is a political year. How can minority businesses play a key role in the 2008 elections? How will the 2008 elections impact the minority business community?

Staton: Vice President of NMSDC Steven Sims and I have written a letter to the council presidents and MBEIC chairs urging them to create a bi-partisan voter registration programs that will enable us to act from a position of power, not supplication. For example, council presidents could then walk into the office of a mayor or congressman and introduce themselves with the fact that they represent some 350 MBEs that have 4,700 employees and 4,100 voters.

MBN USA: In closing, is there anything you would particularly like to convey to the minority business community as the MBEIC chair for 2008?

Staton: The NMSDC remains the best opportunity for MBEs to have dialogue with the corporate community. We must work with our leadership to fully realize the mission. Our community, families and country’s economic well-being is at stake. A strong middle class ensures the opportunity for all to realize the American