New York State Brings Together World Leading Technology Companies and State MWBE Firms for the Third Jumpstart

Related Media

Dr. Melodie Mayberry-Stewart, NYS CIO and Director of the Office for Technology

• Buffalo Technology Sector MWBE Jumpstart Event
• No description.

BUFFALO, NY (05/15/2009)(readMedia)-- On May 14, 2009, Governor David A. Paterson, the New York State Chief Information Officer/Office for Technology (CIO/OFT) and the Empire State Development Corporations' Division of Minority and Women Business Development (MWBD) hosted the third Technology Sector Minority- and Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) JumpStart Event in Buffalo, New York. The event was co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples, Senator Antoine M. Thompson, University at Buffalo, Upstate NY Minority Supplier Development Council, Canisius College Woman's Business Center, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The Technology Sector MWBE JumpStart Event connects MWBE firms with leading global IT companies and helps facilitate strategic and lasting business partnerships. The event is designed to connect minority- and women-owned technology solution providers with key technology companies serving New York State.

New to the event was a "speed-matching" opportunity developed to provide 15 minute one-on-one meetings between MWBEs and major technology vendors who had services and capabilities that complement each other.

"As our state confronts a profound period of economic crisis, it is even more important that we increase the State's supplier diversity," said Governor David A. Paterson. "MWBE's are a major source of economic opportunity in our communities and events like today's MWBE Jumpstart help foster new relationships which will create jobs and stimulate New York's economy."

During the third Technology Sector MWBE Jumpstart Event, more than 120 MWBE firms networked with more than 50 of the world's leading global technology companies and New York State agencies representing the largest purchases of IT goods and services. New York's global technology vendors had the opportunity to meet companies that can help them achieve their MWBE goals, as well as interact with New York State CIO and Director for the Office for Technology, Dr. Melodie Mayberry-Stewart; MWBD Program Executive Director Michael Jones-Bey; New York State Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples; New York State Senator Antoine Thompson , and Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.

"The supplier diversity of our communities is one of our states greatest assets. MWBEs are the fastest-growing business segment with approximately one million in New York State alone," said Dr. Melodie Mayberry-Stewart. "Today, we are here to ensure MWBE companies have an equitable opportunity for procurements in both the public and private arenas. It is these types of public/private partnerships that will grow and stimulate our economy."

"I am looking forward to the State utilizing our local MWBEs, in order to help meet its commitment to supplier diversity. This jumpstart event is a great opportunity for Buffalo MWBE technology solution providers to establish relationships with major technology corporations. It was a pleasure to meet such a diverse group of suppliers, vendors and companies that will bridge the gap. Buffalo is a city that is steadily growing to meet the changing global economy, and this event has highlighted some of the capabilities that we have to offer," said Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples.

"It is important for women and minorities to get a fair chance to do business with the State of New York and become certified. This event provides a great opportunity to give MWBE's availability to technological services," said Senator Antoine Thompson.

"I strongly support New York State's commitment to increase the level of minority and woman owned business participation in technology ventures in Buffalo and across the state," said Mayor Byron W. Brown. "As Mayor, I have always supported and encouraged minority- and women-owned business enterprises to grow and expand in our city. My administration works closely with minority- and woman-owned businesses, providing technical support and other services as they seek to grow their businesses and bid on public and private sector contracts. The more successful our small businesses are in marketing their services, the more small businesses help grow Buffalo's economy."

At the event, Dr. John B. Simpson, President of the State University of New York at Buffalo delivered opening remarks welcoming attendees to the University Campus. Dr. Simpson also discussed initiatives to increase diversity at the University of Buffalo including the Educational Opportunity Program which provides an avenue for admission and means of support for students who have not reached their full academic potential due to barriers in their educational, economic, or personal background.

The highlight of the event the keynote by David H. Segura, Founder and CEO of VisionIT, one of the largest and fastest growing minority firms in the U.S. During his remarks, Mr. Segura inspired MWBEs with his story and insight critical VisionIT's success.

"VisionIT was built on the desire to increase the level of participation of minorities and women in the IT arena, so it is an absolute pleasure for me to be a part of this milestone event," said David H. Segura. "Events like this are vital in helping these firms get off the ground and establish the momentum needed for future success. It is my sincere hope that the VisionIT story will not only inspire these businesses, but also give them invaluable insight on the unique challenges and opportunities they face as MWBE's," said Segura.

During his closing remarks, Michael Jones-Bey, Executive Director of the New York State Division of Minority and Women Business Development discussed the importance of the Jumpstart conference. "What we see here today is extraordinary. Some people wondered if the private sector would embrace Governor David A. Paterson's call for increased supplier diversity. Today's conference provides evidence the dominant firms that provide technology solutions to state agencies are actively engaged. As a result of this initiative we are seeing these major corporations working to increase opportunities for qualified minority- and women-owned firms through joint venture partnerships, subcontracts, distributorships, and reseller agreements. We will continue to work with Dr. Melody Mayberry-Stewart and the state agencies to ensure we expand MWBE opportunities as the state procures technology related goods and services," said Michael Jones-Bey.

Under the direction of Governor David A. Paterson, and in partnership with the New York State Division of Minority and Women's Business Development, CIO/OFT is committed to ensuring all segments of the community have equitable opportunity to participate in technology procurement contracts. CIO/OFT has set a goal to raise the level of minority- and women-owned business involvement in state technology purchases to 15% by the end 2009 and 20% by the end of 2010. Today, 23 major technology firms have voluntarily pledged to help achieve these goals.

For additional details on the Technology Sector MWBW JumpStart Event or the CIO/OFT supplier diversity program visit http://www.oft.state.ny.us/OFT/MWBE.htm.

For additional information on the New York State MWBE program visit nylovesmwbe.ny.gov.