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"OMSDC SELECTS THE OUTSTANDING MINORITY BUSINESSES OF THE
YEAR AND THE OUTSTANDING CORPORATION OF THE YEAR" 

The Oklahoma Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. (OMSDC), together with the dinner sponsorship of OGE Energy Corporation and title sponsorship of ConocoPhillips, held its 21st Annual Minority Business Leadership Awards Dinner on October 6, 2011, at the Downtown Doubletree Hotel in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The OMSDC recognized the Outstanding Minority Businesses of the Year and The Corporation of the Year. These Outstanding Business Awards were given to minority businesses that have distinguished themselves by demonstrating excellence in service and business performance. The awards were given in four classes: Class 1, annual sales less than $1 million; Class 2, annual sales between $1 million and $10 million; Class 3, annual sales between $10 million and $50 million and Class 4, sales greater than $50 million.

Natural Evolution, Inc. was the "Class 1" award winner. Natural Evolution, Inc. is a Native-American owned company located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Natural Evolution is an electronics recycling company. Natural Evolution’s capabilities include recycling anything with a circuit board – however, they do not accept items with bio-hazards, flammable liquids or Freon at this time. NEI operates at a 98% Recycle rate, all of their materials are recycled within the US & Canada including glass & circuit boards. All hard drives are sanitized or destroyed. Data security is non-negotiable. They offer asset resale & revenue sharing.

Cherokee Data Solutions was the "Class 2" award winner. Cherokee Data Solutions is a Native-American company based in Claremore, Oklahoma. Pamela Huddleston Bickford founded Cherokee Data Solutions in November of 2001 specializing in technology and office supplies. In the last five years, Cherokee Data Solutions has been blessed with numerous awards and industry recognitions. The most prominent being named the National Minority Supplier Development Council Class 1 Outstanding Supplier of the year. CDS utilizes over 600 manufacturers to source products and serves over 500 customers nationally. In addition to a full line of medical supplies and medical goods, CDS was recently named the 10th Fastest Growing Promotional Products Company in America.

I.S. Technologies, LLC. was the "Class 3" award winner. I.S. Technologies, LLC. is an African-American-owned business based in Oklahoma City, OK and was founded in 2002 by the Owner & CEO, Mrs. Iva Salmon, as a provider of information technology and training services to the federal government. IST was certified by the Small Business Administration in August 2001 as a small, economically disadvantaged business (SEDB) 8(a) program participant. In addition to business management and staff support functions, the company has three operations divisions aligned with their core lines-of-business: Training Services, Systems Engineering, and Information Technologies.

Cust-O-Fab, Inc. was the “Class 4” award winner. Cust-O-Fab, Inc. is a Native-American company based out of Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Cust-O-Fab Inc. engineers, designs, and fabricates equipment for the oil refining, gas processing both upstream and downstream, and chemical industries. Cust-O-Fab fabricates some of the largest equipment that is currently seen in oil refining and petrochemical industry. CUST-O-FAB, Inc. has complete thermal and mechanical design capabilities. Utilization of the latest computer, laser printing and drafting techniques available, as well as the most innovative shop production equipment, assure the fabrication of a quality product. They utilize advanced welding technologies and CNC automatic drilling capacity; all with an emphasis on customer satisfaction.

ConocoPhillips was selected as the Outstanding Corporation of the Year. This award recognized the OMSDC corporate member that has distinguished itself through commitment and dedication to strengthening Minority Business Development. Hubert Jones, Director – Supplier Diversity Global Procurement Services, accepted the award on behalf of ConocoPhillips.

A brief summary and slide presentation was given on each of the Outstanding Minority Businesses and the Corporation of the Year. James E. Clingman, Author and Syndicated Columnist, one of the nation’s most prolific writers on Economic Empowerment, and Adjunct Professor at the University of Cincinnati served as the guest speaker for the event. Karen Larsen, News Anchor for KJRH Channel 2 served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening. Karen Larsen is currently anchor of Channel 2 News at 5:00 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

The Oklahoma Minority Supplier Development Council promotes business relationships between major corporations and minority businesses through a number of outreach programs and activities designed to promote information exchange and effective communications. The OMSDC is one of 37 regional purchasing councils nationwide. “OMSDC is proud to Celebrate 35 Years of Service to Oklahoma’s Minority Entrepreneurs” 1976-2011.

For more information about the OMSDC, contact Debra Ponder-Nelson, President & CEO at (405) 767-9900.

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“Corporations and Minority Businesses: Working Together – Winning Together"

OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE PROMOTES MINORITY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

The 33rd Annual OMSDC Business Conference & Opportunity Fair was held July 21-22, 2011, in Oklahoma City at the Clarion Meridian Convention Center. The theme was: “Corporations and Minority Businesses: Working Together – Winning Together". This hallmark event brought together, in one location, corporate, government and minority business representatives for the purpose of establishing business alliances and partnerships. The Title Sponsor for this event was ConocoPhillips.

The conference provided an unparalleled opportunity for minority businesses to make numerous sales calls to large major corporations, government agencies and other minority businesses. Minority businesses took center stage and showcased their products or services to the largest major corporations in the state of Oklahoma. Major corporations were able to identify and explore business opportunities with the largest and most diverse group of minority suppliers in the state of Oklahoma. The conference provided opportunities for all who attended to make new contacts while enjoying a variety of motivational, educational and networking events.

The Business Conference and Opportunity Fair is the premiere event of the year for the Oklahoma Minority Supplier Development Council. The OMSDC planned a stimulating line-up of events which included, a Welcome To Oklahoma City Reception, Seminars and Workshops, a Power Luncheon and the Annual Business Opportunity Fair. The seminars and workshops included topics on: How to Win and Perform Government Contracts, Social Media – How to Survive In the Social Media World, Future Trends in Supplier Diversity, and The Business Case for Minority Supplier Development. Ross Swimmer with Cherokee Nation Businesses, LLC. served as the keynote speaker for the power luncheon.

Ross O. Swimmer is the Special Trustee for American Indians at the U.S. Department of the Interior. Swimmer attended Oklahoma University, where he received both his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees.

The OMSDC is a privately funded, non-profit 501(c)3 organization established in 1976. It is through programs, services and advocacy that the OMSDC assist corporations and public sector agencies in creating a business environment that promotes access and increases opportunities for minority-owned businesses. The OMSDC has been promoting minority businesses in our state for over 35 years.

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21st ANNUAL OMSDC GOLF TOURNAMENT

                                                          
Title Sponsor: ConocoPhillips

The 21st Annual OMSDC Golf Tournament was held May 27, 2011, at the Forest Ridge Golf Club located at 7501 East Kenosha in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Minority Supplier Development Council (OMSDC) brought together minority business enterprises (MBEs) and corporate representatives from across the state of Oklahoma for a day of golf and networking at this event.

The OMSDC is an organization of major corporations and minority-owned businesses that share a mission to increase and expand business opportunities and business growth for minority business enterprises.

The goal of the event was to create an environment where MBEs and corporate members can make new connections and build relationships that will result in business opportunities while enjoying a day of golf.

For more information on the Council call the OMSDC office at (405) 767-9900 or visit us online at: www.omsdc.org.