V OLUME 8, ISSUE 2

F ALL 2008 AMP HELP DESK: 617-720-3359 F AX: 617-727-4527 M/WBE Talk EMAIL: AMP@OSD. STATE.MA. US WEB: WWW. MASS. GOV/AMP One Ashburton Place, Room 1017, Boston, MA This Issue...

The Director’s Corner— Gladymar Parziale The Director’s Corner 1

The Commonwealth of cepted the challenge to toward achieving M/WBE In the Spotlight 1 Massachusetts Affirmative keep the program sound so participation in the Com- AMP FY09 Kickoff 2 Market Program (AMP) fires the transition is seamless to monwealth procurement. up Fiscal Year 2009 with our customers. I would also Jazzy Sportswear 3 the FY09 Kick Off Event. We Please know that I like to take A Shining Star on AMP 3 had a record attendance of am deeply commit- this opportu- Contracts over 330 people from agen- ted to the program. nity to thank Wi$e Up 4 cies and the vendor com- Looking ahead we everyone that munity. The feedback we are at a time that has offered DMH Take on AMP Training 4 have received is very posi- efficiency and col- words of sup- State Peer Match Program 5 tive and we are already laboration has be- port. Special planning next year’s event come critical due the gratitude to AMP Intermediate Training 5 to be bigger and better. The current economic Ellen Phillips AMP Wins Award 6 new year also brought crisis. I would like to and Ellen changes to the program. expand services Gladymar Parziale, Bickelman for After eight years of heading through partnering Acting Executive trusting me to AMP Monserrate Quinones, with subject matter Director do the job. Upcoming Events... better known as Monsi , experts from differ- The AMP Busi-  AMP Legislative Breakfast— said her goodbyes to lead a ent areas. It is important to ness Advisory Board for new endeavor as the Direc- continue providing educa- November 18 at the Mass. State guiding me through the House, Great Hall tor of Equal Opportunity and tional sessions to address planning of the Legislative For Details on thise and other upcoming Diversity for the Department business topics that will aid Breakfast and advice. Our of Correction. To ensure our M/WBE vendor commu- events, visit www.mass.gov/amp and click sponsors – without them on the AMP Program Services page. continuity I have been ap- nity become more competi- we would be unable to put pointed by the Deputy State tive in the market place. We out these great events. Purchasing Agent, Ellen will continue to work closely The OSD staff for their will- Phillips, as the Acting Ex- with SOMWBA and the Op- ecutive Director. I have ac- erational Services Division (See “Director’s Corner” cont. on page 6.)

In The Spotlight: Successful Case Histories of Minority and Women Business Entrepreneurs - Michael Kaye, AMP Business Advisory Board

The second edition of nesses and also AMP Depart- through hard work, persistence, the book, “In The Spotlight, ment Coordinators, OSD Con- and the support that is available Farewell... Successful Case Histories of tract Managers and procure- from the Affirmative Market Pro- The Affirmative Market Program Minority and Women Business ment officials working together gram, these dreams became would like to say Congratulations Entrepreneurs”, was presented to meet the common goals of reality. Case histories were also and Farewell to our former Executive at the FY09 Kick-Off “Meet The the Commonwealth, Executive told how departments such as Director Monserrate Quinones. Vendor” event at the Massachu- Order 390 and small busi- (DCAM), Division of Capital Asset Monsi recently accepted a position setts State house, Great Hall of nesses throughout the State of Management and Mainte- as the Director of Diversity for the Flags on September 16, 2008. Massachusetts. nance, conducted outreach Department of Correction. Monsi This expanded edition high- The book told stories of programs, created joint ven- worked tirelessly for the AMP for the lighted nineteen case histories individuals who started their tures and partnering opportu- past eight years. We wish her well in of Minority and Women Busi- business from a dream. Then, (See “In The Spotlight” cont. on page 6.) her new position. Minority and Women Owned Businesses—Speed Marketed Their Businesses at the FY09 AMP Kickoff

The Affirmative Market Program’s big- gest networking event of the year took place on Tuesday, September 16th from 9:00 to 1:00 p.m. in the Great Hall at the State House in Boston. Over 330 attendees participated, including over 175 M/WBE Certified Vendors.

The M/WBE’s came to meet and market “All of it will be their businesses to the Commonwealth AMP Co- ordinators, OSD Procurement Management Team useful, but in Leaders/Directors, and Prime Contractors on Gladymar Parziale, AMP Acting Executive Statewide Contracts who are looking for part- particular ‐ Director, with Ellen Bickelman, State Pur- resources for chasing Agent SOMWBA listing, nerships early in the Fiscal Year.* We all know that one on one face time with examples of actual these purchasers is hard to come by so situations to meet this once a year one stop marketing op- portunity was a benefit to all. AMP requirements,

spreadsheets for We were honored to have Lt. tracking vendors Governor Timothy P. Murray join us as this year’s key note speaker. Executive progress toward Office for Administration and Finance Secretary Leslie A. Kirwan presented AMP contract special awards to numerous depart- The Affirmative Market Program FY09 Kick Off in the requirements.” ments for their AMP Benchmark Achieve- State House, Great Hall, Boston ments. In addition, special AMP awards were presented to vendors that have helped make the program a success. A Special Recognition Award was - Recent AMP for presented to Patricia Vacca, of the AMP Business Advi- Department sory Board for her outstanding work with the BAB Men- Training toring Program. Participant *For those who are new to the state purchasing system, AMP Coordinators are individuals appointed by their state agency to track M/WBE purchasing. OSD Procurement Team Leaders Maria Gonzalez, AMP Business Coordi- are responsi- nator with Ellen Phillips, Deputy State ble for manag- Purchasing Agent ing procure- ment groups that establish statewide contracts for defined commodity and ser- vice classifications. Statewide Contractors are vendors who have competitively bid and have been awarded a statewide contract. Jonilee Rossi, President & CEO CQ Personnel with Maria Gonzalez, AMP Business Coordinator

Page 2 Volume 8, Issue 2 Vincent Williams President & CEO of Jazzy Sportswear Promotional Company Shares his “AMP Success Story” Jazzy Sportswear Promo- active certification with to discuss business rela- tional Company provides a SOMWBA and attend the tions. In July 2005, I also wide array of promotional workshops Affirmative received a call from Ad- products for which brand- Market Program spon- vizex Technologies indi- ing is an essential compo- sors so I could familiarize cating that they had re- nent. The company pro- myself with the proc- viewed Jazzy’s profile vides its customers fast, esses of doing and would one-stop-shopping through business with like to meet a proprietary subscription the state. She with me. service with links to multi- also indicated Since the initial ple premium and apparel that there are meetings, both manufacturers. The com- other opportuni- Direct Energy pany was established in ties that are not and Advizex 1997 on the 4 A’s of busi- state contracts have called ness: acknowledgement, associated with upon me for appreciation, affirmation AMP. many of and assurance. their promo- In 2005, I Vincent Williams, President tional items In 2003 Jazzy received received a & CEO Jazzy Sportswear needs an email from AMP regard- phone call from ing contract opportunities Direct Energy. I also fostered busi- “The interaction and with the State Agencies. I “We received your ness relations with Mar- immediately picked up the tha’s Vineyard Transit discussion with peers phone and called the num- information from SOWMBA and reviewed Authority and Nantucket ber listed and spoke to from other agencies Transit Authority. I look Monser- your profile,” the caller said. “We and the ideas shared rate forward to continuing Quinones. would like relationships with all of to meet by the instructor on After a these organizations to brief intro- with you provide them the quality creative means of because duction, services they expect and there is a she asked deserve. accomplishing amp if I had fit for what your com- I offer deep grati- goals. GREAT received tude to the AMP for their any con- pany SESSION ‐ REALLY tracts from SOMWBA since does.” dedication in providing the platform for State his certification. I replied After submitting a ENJOY IT!” Agency and Corporation that I had not! She then quote, I was soon on my to recognize W/MBE and indicated I should keep an way to Connecticut to - Recent AMP for meet with SOWMBA staff MBE. Department

A Shining (WBE ) Star in our Statewide Contracts! training A Shining (WBE) Star in our Statewide Contracts! participant

Each month, Women’s Business asks readers for nominations to create a top 10 list in a par- ticularEach category. month, Women’s In the October’ Business Issue asks they readers present for the nominations region’s leaders to create in recruitment. a top 10 list Followingin a par- isticular one ofcategory. the dynamic In the professional October’ Issue readers they presturnent to forthe top-notch region’s leaders in recruitment. Following searchis one of and the placement dynamic professional expertise. Joni readers Lee Rossi turn toPresident for top-notch & CEO search and placement exper- MacPhersontise. Joni Lee Group/CQRossi President Personne & CEOl, SOMWBA MacPherson WBE Group,certified. SOMWBA WBE certified. “Joni’s business model is based on helping women achieve success.suc- She maintains relation- shipscess. Shewith maintainsthe candidates relationships she places, with encourag the candidatesing them she and places, sometimes placing them in new jobsencouraging years later them as andthey sometimesseek to climb placing the corporate them in new ladder. jobs Joni years has integrity and stamina. She’s latera great as rolethey model seek tofor climb other the women: corporate She’s ladder. confident, Joni haspoised integrity and ar ticulate, and her track record speaksand stamina. for itself.” She’s Kathy a great Alpert, role moPresidentdel for other& CEO women: Postmark She’s Press con- fident,Congratulations poised and Jonilee,articulate, you and make her ustrack proud. record speaks for itself.” Kathy Alpert, President & CEO Postmark Press Congratulations Joni Lee, you make us proud. Joni Lee Rossi President & CEO CQ Personnel

M/WBE Talk Page 3 Wi$e Up—Maria Gonzalez, Business Coordinator

The Affirmative Market owners learned valuable in- flexible workplace policies Program and the U.S. De- formation from the presenter, and/or programs. partment of Labor – Ms. Jameel Webb-Davis of The next workshop (2nd Women’s Bureau teamed up Start Money Smart. Most of of the series) is scheduled to host a three part series of the vendors commented that for November 6th, 2008 workshops to explore the Ms. Webb-Davis made the from 9:00 am until 12:00 world of financial security learning of financial issues pm. Please pre-register via and retirement savings clear, precise and interesting. email at called Wi$e Up for minority Ms. Jacqueline Cooke, [email protected] and women owned busi- Regional Administrator for . nesses (M/WBEs) . the Women’s Bureau pre- For questions pertain- The first workshop of sented the second part of the ing to Wi$e Up, please call the series; Money Basics workshop called Flex-Options me at the AMP Help Desk th took place on August 14 . to encourage business own- 627-720-3359. “Hearing about Several women business ers to enhance or implement other DMH Take on AMP Training — Georgette Tanner departments August 21, 2008, she was back tively use Comm-Pass to stay challenges to Ms. Gladymar Parziale, in Boston, training thirty-three connected with RFR availability Acting Director of the Affirmative (33) DMH vendors of the impor- and activity. On this same day, meet AMP Market Program (AMP) and tance of thoroughly addressing Gladymar trained 13 DMH pro- Deputy Director of the Affirma- the Affirmative Market Program curement staff on AMP Plan com- goals, the tive Market Program, should section of the RFR. She empha- ponents, told them about the now be dubbed: Affirmative sized each section of the RFR; tools that should be used through- handouts, and Market Program TRAINER EX- but her main message was out the process, and how to TRORDINAIR. “Make it Real” Don’t try to sell a evaluate the AMP plan. Again, on finally having a Between August 19, service or product you may not September 17, 2008, Gladymar 2008 and September 17, be able to deliver. delivered her marathon training to training session 2008, within less than 30 days, On September 8, 2008, seventeen (17) additional DMH Gladymar, or as she likes to be Gladymar was at Westborough vendors, and/or potential ven- for AMP.” called Glad, single handedly State Hospital, Rodriquez Audito- dors, in Westborough again. conducted six (6) separate Af- rium, delivering the message of DMH appreciates both Gladymar firmative Market training ses- Executive Order 390. She told and Maria taking time from their - Recent AMP sions for the Department of another 16 DMH staff, associ- busy schedules to deliver this Mental Health and its vendors. for Department ated with the procurement proc- training. Gladymar traveled across the ess to be “vigilant” when review- Training Commonwealth, from the West- During each training, whether to ing all aspects of responses to an DMH staff or vendors, or potential participant ern Massachusetts Area to the RFR; however, pay particular Southeastern Area. She began vendors, Gladymar offered truly attention to how the prime con- helpful resources including web- her DMH training marathon on tractor will work with a M/WBEs August 19, 2008, at the sites for Affirmative Market Pro- in executing the Contract. Look gram (AMP) www.mass.gov/amp, Agency’s Central Office, refresh- for the dollar amount a prime ing the memories of 15 DMH Operational Services Division plans to, or has recently spent (OSD), www/mass/gov/osd, and staff on the importance of stimu- with a subcontractor. She ex- lating economic growth of M/ COMM-Pass (Online Solicitation plained how benchmarks are Services) www.Comm-Pass. WBEs as outlined in Executive established and the value of Order 390. DMH is gearing up working with SOMWBA certified The Department of Mental for a procurement session vendors and subcontractors. On Health gives many Kudos to Ms. unlike it’s seen in at least three September 9, 2008, it was ven- Gladymar Parziale for her tireless (3) years. The next day, August dor and DMH staff training in 20, 2008, she was in Taunton, determination and commitment Northampton, Massachusetts. to training the Department’s staff, briefing twelve (12) vendors Maria Gonzalez, AMP Business vendors, and potential vendors. from Southeastern Massachu- Coordinator, trained 16 vendors setts, on the nuisances of bid- on the Affirmative Market Pro- She has prepared us well. Thank ding on a state RFR, particularly gram process and how to effec- you Gladymar!! And thank you a DMH RFR. The very next day, Maria!

Page 4 Volume 8, Issue 2 State Peer Match Mentoring Program Part II—Patricia Vacca, AMP BAB

The Commonwealth of tice” in the Nation for generating bi-partisan support; for the way in greater depth the coopera- Massachusetts Affirmative Mar- tive effort of the State to State ket Program (AMP) has been that AMP trains and works with various state agencies, for the Peer Match Program. Meet- recognized as having the “best ings were held with the Mis- practice” program and was se- level of participation from the M/ WBE community in the AMP Pro- souri State Purchasing Agent, lected the first Mentor State by Jim Miluski, with Trent Sum- the Insight Center for Community gram, as well as for the Mentor/ Protégé program, an AMP Board mers, Assistant Commissioner Economic Development in its of Administration in the Mis- 2008 State to State Peer Match initiative which is one of the old- est, largest, and most consistent souri Governor’s office, with Program. Mentor/Protégé Programs in the managers of the Missouri certi- As a first step in the state to United States. fication process, and with the state process, staff members staff of the Missouri Office of ʺProgress is the from the Missouri Office of Sup- Due to this nationwide recognition, Patricia Vacca from Supplier & Workforce Diversity. plier & Workforce Diversity, Direc- An additional meeting activity of to‐ tor Angel McCormick Franks and New England Office Supply (NEOS), a member of the AMP was also convened where Assistant Director Roxana Flores, Patricia Vacca spoke success- day and the as‐ along with Program Managers Business Advisory Board, was invited to speak in Kansas City at fully to a forum of statewide from the Insight Center for Com- minority vendors from Missouri surance of to‐ munity Economic Development, the National Convening of State Minority and Women Business to encourage them to join what Tim Lohrentz and Melissa Ramos, will become their Business morrow. ʺ came to Boston in May to confer Development Agencies spon- Advisory Board. with the Affirmative Market Pro- sored by Insight Center for Com- - Ralph gram staff and Business Advisory munity Development. The Affirmative Market Board to learn about AMP busi- A follow up visit was made Program looks forward to con- Waldo ness practice by Gladymar Parziale from the tinuing to assist the State of Missouri as they improve op- By this recognition, Insight AMP and Patricia Vacca from the Emerson Board to Missouri this past July. portunities for minority and acknowledges that the Massa- women-owned businesses chusetts AMP has the “best prac- This second step continued within their state.

AMP Intermediate Training—Maria Gonzalez, Business Coordinator

On October 9th the Inter- keting of your business to depart- and James McClain, Compli- mediate Procurement Work- ments, AMP language on RFRs ance Officer for DCAM led the shop was a huge success and benchmarks. Construction & Design break- thanks to the help of Tina Urato, Dick Mordaunt, Procure- out session. Procurement Coordinator ment Director at OSD talked Gerry Scott, Director Civil MEMA, Barbara Miller, Director about Statewide contracts, the Rights and AMP Coordinator of Training, Outreach & Quality procurement process, and strate- from the Department of Mental Assurance, and Dick Mordaunt, gies for vendor participation on Retardation covered contract- Director of IT & Office Procure- statewide contracts. Barbara ing with Health & Human ser- ment for the Operational Ser- Miller, Director of Quality Assur- vices and POS’s agreements. vices Division. ance and Training, provided an The feedback via email A group of 35 vendors overview of commodities and from the attending vendors was which included SOMWBA certi- services for state wide contracts. very positive and high marks fied vendors active on statewide Following Joan Matsumoto, Direc- were given to all presenters. contract were provided with tor of e-Procurement Systems information covering commodi- shared with the audience infor- ties, services, construction and mation on how to navigate design. COMM-Pass step by step. We put together a group The break-out session for of experts to address each con- Commodities & Services was led tracting area. My presentation by Dick Mordaunt and Barbara covered an overview of the Af- Miller. Miguel Fernandes, Direc- firmative Market Program, how tor of Contract Compliance with to establish partnerships, mar- the Mass. Highway Department

M/WBE Talk Page 5 Director’s Corner

(Continued from page 1) more important to be dili- gent and get involved in all ingness to work with us and the training and networking enthusiasm to help. Last but opportunities available to not least, I would like to you. I encourage you to sign Gladymar Parziale thank the AMP team, Maria up for our next big event Acting Executive Director Gonzalez and Donna Fleser; The Legislative Breakfast they work tirelessly to en- scheduled for November 18, Affirmative Market Program sure our services are deliv- 2008 at the State House. One Ashburton Place, Room 1017 ered timely and with utmost Sponsored by the AMP Advi- Boston, MA 02108 quality. Their commitment sory Board this activity fea- and passion is commend- tures a presentation on the Help Desk: 617-720-3359 able. They are true assets to role of AMP and the expan- Fax: 617-727-4527 sion of opportunities for all E-mail: [email protected] this program. M/WBE in Massachusetts The AMP Team Now you may ask what Donna Fleser, Gladymar Parziale is ahead for us. Take com- within the Commonwealth's and Maria Gonzalez “Opening Doors and fort in knowing that is busi- Procurement Process. This is an opportunity you cannot Creating Opportunities ness as usual. Through these times of financial miss! for Minority and Women- downward it has become I hope to see you there. Owned Businesses.”

In The Spotlight (Continued from page 1.) nities and identified work that ward to continuing and expanding will be even larger – more stories, Come visit us at resulted in surpassing their M/ contracting opportunities for the more details and case histories www.mass.gov/amp WBE benchmarks. M/WBE business community”. showing how M/WBE’s have These case histories also Ellen Phillips, Deputy State helped the Commonwealth, their resulted in over one thousand Purchasing Agent, Operational communities and other M/ jobs being created while show- Services Division wrote – “I am WBE’s, their companies and the ing cost savings to the Common- especially proud to read letters people associated with them. wealth procurement budgets. from M/WBE businesses who This Third Edition will also have an Ellen Bickelman, State feel so strongly about the out- expanded section highlighting Purchasing Agent, Operational reach, training and advocacy the how AMP Department Coordina- Services Division wrote – “The AMP program provides. And, that tors, OSD Contract Managers and companies in “In The Spotlight” they took the time to acknowl- State Procurement Officials have highlight the importance of sup- edge the AMP through, given more opportunities to Mi- porting and expanding contract “In The Spotlight”, speaks vol- nority and Women-Owned Busi- AMP opportunities with certified Mi- umes to the overall success of nesses in public procurement. nority and Women Owned Com- the program.” If you have a Successful Sponsors Needed panies. The quality of their work, I am now working on the Case History or ideas for the Third commitment to excellent cus- Third Edition of “In The Spotlight, Edition, please email Michael The AMP hosts several tomer service and product and Successful Case Histories of Mi- Kaye at Mi- events during the year and service innovation is impressive. nority and Women Business En- [email protected] . The Commonwealth looks for- trepreneurs”. The Third Edition is always looking for sponsors. If your company would like to provide a The AMP is now an “Award Winning” Program sponsorship and be recog- nized in our marketing ma- On September 25, 2008, the Affirmative Market Program was the terials, please contact recipient of the “2008 Government Advocacy of the Year Award” Gladymar Parziale at 617- which acknowledges and recognizes the outstanding achievements of 720-3166 or at minority business owners and to honor corporations, agencies and fi- [email protected]. nancial institutions that support minority business development. This award was presented by the Massachusetts Minority Contractors Asso- Thank you. ciation and the Associated Minority Business Enterprises of New Eng- land. Congratulations to the Affirmative Market Program for an out- standing job with promoting and advocating for Minority and Women businesses in the Commonwealth’s procurement process for goods, services, construction and design.