Sessions
The Power of the Affiliates: Harnessing the Networks of the Regional Councils (Breakfast Keynote)
9:10 - 9:55 AM
Join us as we delve into the Power of the Affiliates, exploring how these valuable connections can drive growth and success for your businesses and corporations.
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Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock the full potential of your affiliations and accelerate your business success. Together, we will harness the collective strength of our network to forge new paths for growth and opportunity.​​
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Moderator:
Vernice Lewis
Exelon
Terence Clark
NYNJMSDC
Peter Hurst
GNEMSDC
Sharon Pinder
CRMSDC
Donna Ruff
WRMSDC
Cash Flow Management (MBE Workshop)
10:05 - 10:50 AM
Workshop focusing the following:
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Mindset shifts entrepreneurs makes when they become a business owner.
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Define what is cashflow management and why it is important.
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Discuss the differences between positive & negative cash flow.
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Introduce 2 key reports: the profit and loss statement and the balance sheet.
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Explain several best practices to help improve cash flow.
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And finally, we will wrap up with 7 steps to creating a cash flow budget.
Sofía C. Nicot
Bank of America
Kiea Hutty
Bank of America
Enhancing Profitability Through a Diverse Supply Chain (Corporate Workshop)
10:05 - 10:50 AM
In today’s ever-changing business landscape and economy, the ability to adapt and thrive hinges on the robustness of a company's supply chain. This program is designed for supply chain professionals who are eager to explore and leverage the profitability that comes from a diverse and inclusive supply chain strategy. We will delve into the tangible benefits of diversity within supply chains, focusing on how it drives profitability, innovation, and resilience.
Rodney Davis
Turner Construction
Brian K. Oglesby
EMSDC
Marcia Wallace
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Unlocking Growth: The Power of a Strategic Capability Statement (MBE Workshop)
10:05 - 10:50 AM
Join us for this dynamic workshop on developing a concise, one-page capability statement and leveraging it to grow your business.
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What You'll Learn:
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Crafting Your Capability Statement: Learn how to create a compelling, one-page document that effectively communicates your organization's strengths and unique selling points.
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Strategic Utilization: Discover how to use your capability statement strategically to attract new clients, partners, and opportunities.
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Expert Insights: Benefit from the expertise of industry leaders Chuck Stefanosky and Gene Waddy as they share practical tips and real-world examples.
Chuck Stefanosky
Independence Blue Cross
Gene Waddy
Alpha Business Solutions
Funding for Growth Presented by The Rockcreek Group (MBE Workshop)
11:00 - 11:45 AM
Join us for an insightful session where we present an overview of the Exelon-funded Community Impact Capital Fund, highlighting its mission to support underserved communities. We will also explore opportunities for accessing capital through debt financing, providing strategies for businesses and organizations seeking growth and impact.
Justin Clayborne
The Rockcreek Group
Why Business Owners NEED to Know About Patents & Trademarks (General Workshop)
11:00 - 11:45 AM
"Step into the world of intellectual property and discover the power of patents, trademarks, and copyrights! These legal safeguards are not just abstract concepts, but tangible tools that can propel your business to new heights.
Discuss patents, trademarks, and copyrights for your business, clarify terminology and misconceptions, explain how inventions and patents protect innovations, advise on protecting branding, and emphasize avoiding infringement of others' patents and trademarks, especially in the US"
Ramon Urteaga
PatentXL Law Firm
Humanity-Centered Design + AI: How to use artificial intelligence to create new products or service or improve existing efforts (MBE Workshop)
11:00 - 11:45 AM
Join CEO of SkillBuilder.io and Professor of AI at Carnegie Mellon University, Adam Paulisick, for a 45-minute hands-on workshop on how AI can enhance problem-solving through humanity-centered design. This session will explore the powerful role AI can play in defining key stakeholders, crafting compelling storyboards, generating innovative ideas using a creative matrix, and prioritizing product features before launching your next product or service. Attendees will leave with practical ways and strategies for integrating AI into their service design processes to create impactful, customer-centered solutions. Attendees are encouraged to bring laptops or tablets with access to ChatGPT, Claude, or similar (pro plans preferred but free is possible to participate).
Adam Paulisick
Founder & CEO
maad labs
Radical Collaboration by Myth (General Interactive Session)
12:15 - 1:15 AM
Be prepared to actively participate, share ideas, and embrace new perspectives. Radical collaboration often involves challenging traditional approaches and fostering open, innovative dialogue, so come with a willingness to explore and contribute.
Kristen Angelucci
Myth
Matt Goold
Myth
For All Ages: Managing Multi-Generational Teams (MBE Workshop)
1:25 - 2:10 PM
There are four generations of people working together in our workforce today. Because of generation gaps, many leaders are challenged with balancing workstyles and values across generations. In this discussion, we explore how to understand these differences, speak to be heard, and garner agreement and harmony so work gets done efficiently.
Edina Brown
Corporate Leadership
& Relationship Facilitator
Engage to Elevate: Stakeholder Engagement for Brand Strategy & Community Building (MBE Workshop)
1:25 - 2:10 PM
In this session with MYTH, discover the "what" and "why" of stakeholder engagement, encompassing methods from surveys to focus groups. Explore how to implement these strategies, identify the right participants, and ensure the process is conducted equitably and effectively. Gain practical how-tos and strategies for engaging stakeholders, which they can immediately apply for both internal and external purposes—ranging from company culture surveys to brand awareness research.
Kristen Angelucci
Myth
Matt Goold
Myth
Cultivating Growth Locally & Globally: Engaging in Business Around the World (MBE Workshop)
1:25 - 2:10 PM
Learn about how to utilize EMSDC’s newest resource as operator of the World Trade Center of Pittsburgh and partner in the global WTC network. This resource offers businesses unparalleled access to international markets, fostering connections and collaborations that can drive growth and innovation.
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Whether you're a small startup looking to expand your footprint or an established company aiming to diversify your market presence, this session provides valuable tools and support to help you navigate the complexities of global trade.
Brian K. Oglesby
EMSDC
Thomas Young
World Trade Center of Philadelphia
Thriving Through Change: Navigating the New Supplier Diversity Landscape (General Plenary Session)
2:20 - 3:05 AM
In an era of rapid change around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), organizations must stay ahead of evolving legal frameworks and societal expectations. This moderated session is designed to equip leaders, HR professionals, and DEI practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of how recent legal developments impact DEI initiatives.
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​This session will provide insights into integrating current legislation with effective DEI strategies, ensuring compliance while fostering an inclusive organizational culture.
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Stacy Hawkins
Rutgers Law School
Lloyd Freeman
Buchanan Ingersoll
& Rooney PC
Dr. Erica Patterson
Philadelphia Gas Works