Cimarron Express Inc. - Glenn Grady
March 31, 2008
Founded in 1984 by current President Glenn Grady and Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing Jim Shepperd, the Genoa, Ohio-based Cimarron Express Inc. has identified a market secret of which many companies are in constant pursuit – a niche. Soon after its formation, the contract truckload carrier developed a noticeable stronghold in servicing the automotive industry, successfully developing solid working relationships with the Big Three automakers – Ford, Chrysler and General Motors – and Honda and a host of first- and second- tier automotive suppliers. Read more
Q&A with Frito-Lay’s Group Manager Supplier Diversity Jean Lacefield
March 31, 2008
MBN:When did Frito-Lay form its supplier diversity program?
JL: Frito-Lay Inc. formed its supplier diversity program in 1983 when our senior leadership executed their vision of improving the economic wealth of the ethnic business community. For almost a quarter of a century,we remain committed to inspiring well being in our suppliers and the communities we serve. Read more
Q&A with AT&T’s Supplier Diversity Executive Director Joan Kerr
March 30, 2008
MBN: When did AT&T form its supplier diversity program?
JK: We are celebrating the 40th anniversary of our Supplier Diversity Programs this year.Our programs began in 1968, and have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supplier diversity leadership since their inception. AT&T has helped pioneer the inclusion of diversity-owned businesses and is widely recognized for its world-class programs. Read more
Karen Taylor, Reliant Energy
March 30, 2008
It was late 2001 when news of the Enron collapse captivated the media and created marketplace anxiety, as global concerns mounted over the potential effects of the conglomerate’s demise. Thousands, in some capacity, were touched by the calamity, prompting senior executives to focus their attention on the impact to the marketplace, the energy industry and their own companies’ futures. Reliant Energy, however, did not allow the backlash to divert attention from an intense commitment to diversity. Read more
Minority insurance brokers, firms could ‘pave the way’ for more MBEs
March 30, 2008
Where insurance once held little opportunity for minority insurance professionals and minority business enterprises, the only way to go now is up. According to Tom McLeary, a 30-year insurance veteran, owner of Endow, and past chair of the National Minority Supplier Development Council’s National Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee, there is major growth potential for minorities and MBEs in the insurance industry. Read more
Nationwide follows vision to ensure diversity among suppliers
March 30, 2008
In a politically correct world where feeling good sometimes outweighs good business sense, Nationwide’s commitment to supplier diversity goes beyond doing the right thing to making a smart business decision. Read more
MBN USA, Robert Johnson talk on the realities facing minority business
March 30, 2008
Robert Johnson is regarded as one of the nation’s leading African-American entrepreneurs. Don McKneely, founder of MBN USA magazine recently sat with Johnson for a casual yet insightful conversation about the history of BET, the effects of politics on minority economic development and the mindsets minority business owners must embrace if they are to rise in the mainstream economy. Read more
Robert Johnson takes on the status quo, urges MBEs to think bigger
March 30, 2008
If nothing else, Robert Johnson is savvy. Best known for founding and crafting BET (Black Entertainment Television) in 1979, he perceived, ahead of the crowd, that the emerging prominence of urban style, music and culture would make good television. His 20/20 foresight paid big dividends when he sold BET to Viacom for $3 billion in 2000. Three years later, he put up $300 million to launch the Charlotte Bobcats, an NBA expansion team. Read more
Tier I suppliers, diversity drivers and lots of good ideas
March 30, 2008
“Safety, quality, cost and supplier diversity … those are our priorities,” explained Jim Holloway, Toyota’s assistant general manager for purchasing, as he opened up a session especially designed for Tier I suppliers during the company’s Opportunity Exchange. Read more
MBEs urged to chart strategies, seize opportunities
March 30, 2008
Knowledge is power. Recognizing this, Toyota used the Opportunity Exchange to empower minority entrepreneurs with information on the economic landscape, business marketing strategies and other matters important to them. Called “Today’s Economy: Maximize Opportunities, Minimize Threats,” the discussion and question-and-answer follow-up were moderated by Avis Yates Rivers, president and CEO of Technology Group, Inc., an information technology solutions provider. Read more
