Denver, CO, September 13, 2016– The Business Alliance Forum was designed to provide educational workshops and recognize the accomplishments of Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council (Mountain Plains MSDC) certified MBEs and Corporate Members during the Awards Ceremony. Attendees were given access to informative workshops discussing trends in minority business from both financial and industry perspectives. The 2016 Regional Awards Ceremony took place during the luncheon recognizing exemplary individuals and companies within the Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Western Missouri regions.
Along with informative workshops and the acknowledgement of outstanding companies & individuals, event participants were given the chance to network at the “Strategic Partner Row” featuring representatives from a handful of the Council’s strategic partners in the Denver metro area.
“The Council couldn’t be happier to see the first Annual Business Alliance forum assist not only local members of the Council, but individuals who had traveled in for the event with identifying local resources to help them build bridges. Bridges that will help them connect, cooperate and collaborate with professionals in the Denver business community.”
– Belinda Hooks, Market President – CO/NE
Mountain Plains MSDC 2016 Regional Award Winners Announcement
Corporation of the Year: [Tie] CenturyLink and Xcel Energy
CenturyLink -CenturyLink is a global communications, hosting, cloud and IT services company enabling millions of customers to transform their businesses and their lives through innovative technology solutions. CenturyLink offers network and data systems management, Big Data analytics and IT consulting, and operates more than 55 data centers in North America, Europe and Asia. The company provides broadband, voice, video, data and managed services over a robust 250,000-route-mile U.S. fiber network and a 300,000-route-mile international transport network.
Xcel Energy – As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to across eight Western and Midwestern states, including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., Xcel Energy Inc.’s operations include the activity of four wholly owned utility subsidiaries that serve electric and natural gas customers in our eight states. The Colorado subsidiary, Public Service Company of Colorado provides electricity to 1,431,055 customers and natural gas to 1,361,381 customers.
Advocate of the Year: Michelle D. Campbell, Campbell Litigation, P.C.
Michelle D. Campbell – Michelle believes as a Business Advocate, there is an inherent responsibility to lend a helpful hand, and or an introduction that will systematically change an MBE’s business. It is her experience that access is key and providing one on one business coaching, and mentorship enables a successful platform for the vendor or MBE.
In addition to the Mountain Plains Council, Michelle is heavily involved in the business community and participates in several business advocacy organizations such as the Minority & Women’s Chamber Coalition and is the Co-Founder of the Colorado Diversity and Inclusion Think Tank.
Council Champion: Elizabeth Ojeda, City and County of Denver
2016 marks the first year a Council Champion was acknowledged at the award ceremony. This award is given to an individual who has gone above and beyond to assist the Council in executing critical activities. The individual who receives this award is an advocate of the Minority Business Community and never hesitates to do what they can to get the job done. Council Champions typically work behind the scene, going unnoticed. Their time, dedication and resources have proven to be invaluable to the Council.
Elizabeth Ojeda – Thank you Liz for your continuous and unconditional support as the Mountain Plains Council Volunteer Coordinator over the years. You and your team of volunteers have been a tremendous and imperative part of the successful execution of the Council’s events. We could not do it without you!
MBE – to – MBE of the Year: Gilmore Construction
Gilmore Construction – Gilmore Construction was established in 1997 and has become known in the industry for their consistently high standards and reliability. Gilmore specializes in design/build, pre-construction, construction as well as interiors & finishes across a variety of industries including Corporate, Education, Healthcare, Government, Historic Renovation, Multifamily Residential, Retail, Recreational and Transit. Some of their signature projects include U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Gymnasium, Worldport at DIA, ConocoPhillips Niobrara Field Office.
Supplier of the Year (Class 1): The CE Group
The CE Group –The CE Group provides Architectural Engineering Services including HVAC & Plumbing Engineering Services (Mechanical Engineering). Their portfolio includes institutional, community, medical, and commercial building projects. As LEED Certified professionals, their philosophy is to apply the most environmentally responsible approach and appropriate systems for each project. They have received awards from various groups in recognition of their outstanding work such as the Energy Conservation Award from Boulder County and the Cogeneration Project of the Year Award.
Supplier of the Year (Class 2): Whayne and Sons Enterprises
Whayne and Sons Enterprises, Inc.– Established in 1982 and incorporated in 1987, Whayne and Sons Enterprises, Inc. DBA Whayne Enterprises is a privately owned company dedicated to delivering the finest quality professional janitorial and facility services. They serve a diverse, nationwide base of Clients and have the capability to service any size of facility year-round. Whayne Enterprises has recently expanded to offer maintenance services to major airlines. Customized service, great communication, creative problem-solving, management’s direct involvement and accessibility have been keys to their success.
Supplier of the Year (Class 3): Gilmore Construction
Gilmore Construction – Gilmore Construction also received the 2014 Supplier of the Year Award for Class 3. They were nominated once again in 2016 for their continued outstanding service to our corporate members as well as the greater business community. Gilmore Construction supports many public-outreach initiatives and nonprofit organizations. They are big believers in the importance of advancing and strengthening the construction industry through continual education, skills training and professional networking.
The mission of the Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council is to provide Corporate America and Government entities with greater access to the goods and services of Minority-owned business in order to develop lasting and mutually beneficial business relationships. As an affiliate regional council of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) serving Colorado, Kansas, Western Missouri, and Nebraska we provide a direct link between Corporate America and Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Native American owned businesses.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Jennifer Malpiede Pomponio at (720) 370-3367 or email at jennie@mpmsdc.org.
