The Council hosts the NMSDC national conference in Dallas, TX.
The Council enlisted more than 400 volunteers to assist with the hosting efforts for the National Minority Supplier Development Council’s Conference.
During 2005, the Council continued to provide innovative programing, business connections, training and development and advocacy. The success of the Construction Advisory Council and Construction Industry Group led the way to the creation of other industry groups within the Council. With nearly 800 MBEs, consolidation of supply chains and economic pressures, the emphasis turned to creating more ways for MBEs to do business with each other and create strategic alliances. The Industry Group concept was implemented with as many as nine such groups – Construction, Professional Services, MarketingPlus, Food & Beverage, Information Technology, Energy, HealthCare, Telecommunications and International. As technology and telecommunications merged in the marketplace, so did the Industry Groups morph to meet the marketplace opportunities. The Council became instrumental in championing regional and national focused industry groups.
In 2006, the Council implemented a Public Plan Room at the Council’s offices, housing more than 1500 physical plans annually.
Board Chairs Duane Elledge (Wyndham), Cheryl Stevens (Energy Future Holdings), Dennis P. Miller (JCPenney) would put their own stamp on the direction and success of the Council. Challenges to the board to do deals with minority owned businesses, emphasis on “best of class” processes and staff training, and further financial accountability and stability, helped ensure the growth and commitment of the Council.