Emergency Meeting Minutes

Florida Advisory Council on Small and Minority Business Development

EMERGENCY MEETING MINUTES February 11, 2010 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Welcome & Introductions: In attendance were Chairman Malik Ali (FMSDC), Alyce Zahniser (Zahniser & Associates), Franklin Cross (City of Tampa), LaRae Floyd (Broward Health), Ben Harris (President of FAMBEO), Cheryl Gonzalez (Florida Gulf Coast University), Alison Jimenez (Dynamic Securities Analytics, Inc.), Andrew Magazine (Office Depot), Cliff Li (Asian-American Business Owner), and Jerry Cartwright (Florida Small Business Development Center Network-Pensacola, FL). Also in attendance were Torey Alston (OSD) and Denise Wright (OSD), who recorded the minutes.

Discussion on OSD’s Executive Director Resignation:  Ms. Gonzalez stated this meeting is very important to the Council and sought feedback on what the Council could do with respect to communicating needs and perspectives to Secretary Linda South. Mr. Cartwright stated he could talk to the Interim Advocate of SBRAC.  There was discussion of the Council’s role with Secretary South and OSD.  Gonzalez asked the Council to send a resolution or letter to Mr. Alston for the work he has done and the exceptional progress he has made as Executive Director for OSD. The entire staff was commended.  Ms. Zahniser and Ms. Gonzalez stated if they are asked, they would consider applying for OSD’s Executive Director.  Mr. Alston gave a brief overview of the Executive Director’s job description. He stated the position should be someone who is a salesperson, someone who can build relationships with the legislature and the Governor’s office. He said this will be a very important legislative session and Senate Bill 1612 has been introduced by Senator Lawson which will allow OSD to fully automate the recertification process. He mentioned MatchMaker is coming up and hopefully on Monday we will announce the hotel along with all details moving forward. Mr. Alston said the position really needs to be someone who can come in and hit the ground running. He commended the OSD staff for a job well done.  The tenure and expectations of the OSD Executive Director were discussed.  Chairman Ali asked OSD staff to arrange a call with the Secretary to determine if they could assert themselves into the Executive Director’s selection process.  Chairman Ali stated he would feel uncomfortable suggesting anyone for the position. He said he would feel more comfortable helping to establish guidelines. He stated he has been asked to call the Secretary and have a conversation with her to determine how the Council can participate in the process. He will then forward feedback to the Council via OSD.  Regarding the letter of commendation for Mr. Alston, Chairman Ali asked for assistance in preparing the document. Gonzalez and Zahniser agreed to help.

FLORIDA ADVISORY COUNCIL ON SMALL AND MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT