CAMSC October Newsletter – 2013 Fall Issue

A Letter from the President

As the year slowly winds down, I reflect on CAMSC’s many successes of 2013. It was an exceptional year for the number of new suppliers certified. We credit much of this growth to our corporate members for showcasing some great opportunities that have captured the attention of our current suppliers and attracted the attention of new suppliers. Keep up the great work. As well our corporate member numbers continue to grow. The message is very clear Supplier Diversity in Canada is good for business. 

There were so many successes that it is hard to capture all of these. Suffice to say that while 2013 was a very positive year, we anticipate that 2014, our 10th year anniversary will be worth the wait…

CLICK HERE to read the full message.

Council Highlights

CAMSC Congratulates the 2013 Business Achievement Award Recipients:

The CAMSC Business Achievement Awards Gala recognizes and celebrates the outstanding successes and achievements of aboriginal and minority owned businesses as well as honours Canadian corporations who are champions in diversifying their supply chain to reflect their local community and customer base. CAMSC’s Business Achievement Awards was held on Thursday, September 26th at the Arcadian Court, in Toronto. CLICK HERE to view all the winners and to read more.  

Click here to view more pictures. You can also review some of the more inspiring moments of the evening, click here to watch.

CAMSC invited to participate in PWGSC Roundtable

The government has been proactive in gathering stakeholder input as they were designing and rolling out its new tendering platform, Buyandsell.gc.ca  Most recently in Sept., the federal government under the auspices of the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME) conducted a roundtable discussion with key stakeholders groups to gather input regarding federal procurement. The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada (seated second from the left) was in attendance as was Leonard Jean-Pierre, TeamRecruiter.com , a CAMSC certified supplier.

CAMSC Events – Save the Date

Regional Forum – Opportunities in the Corporate Supply Chain – November 21st, 2013, Calgary, AB

The Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC), along with Johnson Controls, TD Bank, TELUS and United Rentals invite Aboriginal, minority and women-owned businesses to learn more about their commitment to supply chain diversity, emerging project opportunities, key requirements and next steps to doing business with them. For more information and registration, click here.  

CAMSC Holiday Mingle – December 5th, 2013, Toronto, ON

The Annual CAMSC holiday celebration returns; our way to thank our members for continued support and highlight plans for 2014. More information to follow soon.

Diversity Procurement Fair – April 15th and 16th, 2014, Toronto, ON

Each year, the Diversity Procurement Fair aims to support supply chain diversity by connecting aboriginal and minority owned business to major corporations through the delivery of ‘access to success’ and best practice workshops, strategic sourcing round tables and one on one meetings between suppliers and purchasing managers. SAVE THE DATE for this great event. 

Success Stories: 

Creativity and Persistence pay off for Ptah Design and Merck: 

A valuable initial meeting at the CAMSC Diversity Procurement Fair and a dose of polite persistence were instrumental in a successful relationship and contract award for Ptah Design with Merck Canada. Click here to read this amazing success story of two CAMSC members.  

CAMSC Certified Supplier Wins Largest Contract Awarded to Diverse Supplier by TO2015

The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) is pleased to announce it has awarded a signage and installation contract to Toronto-based Forward Signs Inc. – its largest diverse supplier contract to date. Read the full story here.

Other Events:

TELUS RFx Workshop– October 25th,  Toronto, ON

As a CAMSC Certified Supplier, you’re invited! TELUS is hosting a free half-day workshop focused on best practices when responding to corporate RFxs. At this workshop, you will learn everything you need to know about the RFx process, from writing one to dealing with common pitfalls. RSVP by Friday Oct. 18. For more information click here.

Supplier Diversity Program Launch– October 23rd, Toronto, ON 

The Hebron, Hibernia and Hibernia Southern Extension (HSE) Projects will share information about the Supplier Diversity Programs they have implemented. For more information, click here.

TO2015 Overlay Commodity Vendor Information and Networking Forum – October 30th, Toronto, ON

On Wed. Oct 30th, TO2015 will be hosting an “overlay” supplier information session. TO2015’s Overlay department is responsible for the temporary construction of its venue for Games-time use. Click here for list of Overlay goods and services, and to register (by October 21st).

2013 NMSDC Conference and Business Opportunity Fair – October 27th to 30th, San Antonio, TX, USA

This year’s Conference will deliver the most up-to-date information on minority supplier development. Speakers at plenary sessions and workshops will share information on successful approaches and strategies for global competition. (Click Here)

Metis Conference and Trade Show – November 5th and 6th, Winnipeg, MN

The Metis Economic Development Fund (MEDF) and Louis Riel Capital Corporation (LRCC) are hosting a Metis Business Conference & Tradeshow entitled: “Building Employment, Training, and Business Partnerships”. The event will focus on providing value to entrepreneurs through a number of focused business workshops, a large and diverse array of businesses at the trade show, and much more. Click here to learn more.  

CAMSC’s Recently Certified Suppliers

Got Innovation? Click Here to see CAMSC’s newest aboriginal and minority owned businesses.

CAMSC New Corporate Members

To view the full list of  CAMSC’s Corporate Members, Click Here

Diversity Business Marketplace

Recently Published Bids:

• Transportation – FTL, Canada/US
• Supply of General Hand Tools
• Supply of Printing Services
• Data Cabling Supply & Installation
• Supply of Credit and Collection Services
• Supply of Waste Management Services

If your company meets CAMSC certification criteria, enhance your visibility to more than 60 major Canadian and US corporations that are looking for Aboriginal and minority-owned businesses to include in upcoming opportunities.  Take a trial run, register at no cost in the Diversity Business Directory.