42nd Annual Small Business Development Conference

5801 Southfield Freeway,Detroit MI 48228

13 March, 2023

Description

This conference provides FHWA regulatory and industry updates, informational and motivational sessions, speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities for DBE's and small business owners. There is NO FEE to register! Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Detroit-Dearborn, 5801 Southfield Freeway, Detroit, MI 48228 To reserve a hotel room: contact the hotel at 313-982-3983/800-222-8733, or you can send an email to Mimi Sion at [email protected]. Mention the code DBE Room Block to receive the reduced rate of $133.00. The deadline to reserve your hotel room and receive this special rate is February 20th, 2023. If you have any questions, please call the Office of Business Development (OBD) at 517-335-1708. **Accommodations can be made for persons with disabilities and limited English-speaking ability. Large print materials, auxiliary aids, or the services of interpreters, signers, or readers are available upon request. Please call the OBD office to make a request at least seven days before the conference. AGENDA:Day One - March 13th: “Getting to Know You”!11:30 a.m. Vendor Set-Up at Hotel 12:00 p.m. Registration Begins 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Vendor Show: Vendors will include government & local municipalities, service providers, suppliers, associations, and other small businesses to help small businesses develop and grow. 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Supplier Stakeholder Room 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Trucking Stakeholder Room 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. DBE Stakeholder Meeting 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. Mix & Mingle Networking Reception Day Two - March 14th: “Maximizing Growth”!7:30 a.m. Registration Begins 8:00 a.m. Networking & Breakfast Buffet 9:00 a.m. Welcome to the 42nd Annual DBE Small Business Development Conference from MDOT Leadership, Region Engineers, and FHWA Leadership. 10 – 10:15 a.m. Break 10:15 – 11:30 a.m. Morning Breakout Sessions: 1. OJT Summit; OJT Summits provide an opportunity to empower, train, and educate trainees about the OJT Program and working in the Highway Construction Industry. Summits may also provide an opportunity to address problems that trainees may encounter with their career or employer and provide for improvements to MDOT’s OJT Program. Presented by Kevin Hryniewiecki & Tony DeBardelaben, Office of Business Development 2. DBE Tech’s/What Happening Statewide - Maintenance Contracting Opportunities at MDOT; presented by: Ann Williams, Office of Business Development/Detroit Office 3. LEBS Update; Leading Edge Business Solutions will share their approach, charge, and challenges in performing an analysis of MDOT’s DBE and Small Business market. Presented by: Ebony Alexander, Office of Business Development 4. All Things Consultant; Panelist will discuss a variety of topics from the Consultant Mentor Protégé Program, Small Business Program, Surveying Classification, and other related topics. Presented by: Nick Sundberg, Office of Business Development and Ron Brenke, ACEC 5. MITA Session – Real Talk with the Primes 11:45 a.m. General Session, Lunch Buffet, and Presentation of OJT Graduates. Keynote Speaker: Gail Perry-Mason 1:45 – 2:00 p.m. Break 2:00 p.m. Afternoon Breakout Session #1: 1. DBE Certification & Prequalification Overview; This session provides an overview of the DBE certification and prequalification process. Presented by: Crystal Griffin, Office of Business Development 2. All About the Membership (MMSDC, MITA, ACEC, MDTA, NAMCE, COMTO, SWBDA, NABWIC, GLWBC); Presented by: Crystal Smith, Office of Business Development 3. The Small Business Playbook; Presented by: Ben Cunningham, CPA 4. TBD 3 – 3:15 p.m. Break 3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Afternoon Breakout Session #2: 1. Service Matters (customer service, documentation, responsiveness); This session explores the importance of customer service and provides tools to provide service that will help you maintain current customers and attract new ones. Presented by: Crystal Griffin, Office of Business Development 2. Building a Thriving Business; Presented by: JoAnn Brooks, JSSB Consulting, LLC. 3. Project Management – Knowing Your Lane and When to Get Help; Presented by: Nicole Dungey, Office of Business Development 4. How to Improve Your Credit Score; Presented by: Lance Petway, Vice President, United Wealth Education 4:30 p.m. Conference Wrap Up and Closing Remarks.