Florida Department of Management Services



Meeting MinutesWednesday, February 1, 2017Members In AttendanceCheryl Gonzalez (University of North Florida)Michelle Andrewin (Palm Beach School District)Janet Harris-Lange (Agenda Dynamics, Inc.)Johnny Helms (Lumbee Resource Management Group)Eduardo Louimiet (Uber Ops)Mariana Lugaro (United Data Technologies)Barbara Rhodes Melvin (First Florida Integrity Bank)Jay Narang (GDKN Corporation)Staff In Attendance from the Department of Management Services Hue Reynolds, Executive Director, Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD)Donna Williams, Marketing Coordinator, OSDCarmen M. Claudio, Administrative Assistant, OSDAllison Rudd, Stakeholder Relations Coordinator, OSDThe Advisory Council did not achieve a quorum during this meeting. Chair Gonzalez deferred to Vice Chair Narang to serve as Chair for this meeting in an effort to help with transition of leadership.Minutes of January 4, 2017 Meeting No corrections were provided for the meeting minutes. Michelle Andrewin confirmed that she volunteered to serve on the Bylaws Committeee. Public CommentsNoneOffice of Supplier Diversity Update Director Reynolds provided a brief update, including a reminder to send names of individuals who could serve on the Council to fill the three current vacancies. The Supplier Diversity Exchanges for 2017 are scheduled for Pensacola on February 7, with 134 registered to attend. This includes 96 small business and 38 state, local, federal and other agencies. In addition, the Supplier Diversity Exchange will take place on March 2 in Jacksonville. Current registration numbers were 122, with 90 small businesses registered to attend. The OSD Annual Report is due on February 1, and Director Reynolds will provide a copy to the Advisory Council when completed. Other events where OSD will participate or host, includes the webinar on certification with the City of Port St. Lucie on February 9. In addition, OSD has teamed up with Florida State University to offer a Wednesday Workshop Series to help small businesses. The first workshop will be held on February 15 in Tallahassee. Council member Eddie Louimiet asked about the upcoming Florida A&M University event in May. Director Reynolds explained that OSD participates in this activity and will circle back with him when FAMU begins planning such activities.Vice Chair Narang also inquired about the intended outcome/result of the Supplier Diversity Exchanges. Director Reynolds explained that these events serve as a networking opportunity for both the vendor community and the local/state/federal agencies. These types of events can help foster working relationships for future procurement opportunities, and also pave a way for small businesses to get to know each other as well. By hosting such events, OSD hopes to increase awareness of government contracting opportunities, increase certification and encourage small businesses to participate in government contracts.Council Chair/Vice Chair’s Update Chair Gonzalez stated that she has shared information contained in the Annual report to the Governor’s office, House Speaker and Senate President. She looks forward to the work of the Council this year and will continue serving more as a member as leadership transitions. Vice Chair Narang stated that he recently attended the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council meeting in Miami. He is currently a board member of this entity and will continue to talk about the Advisory Council’s work. Commentarian William J. Lake of Taul, Inc., presented information on Capital Formation and Crowdfunding. He highlighted areas of HB 275, an act relating to intrastate crowdfunding. The bill information was not provided before the meeting, Mr. Lake encouraged Council members to review the it. Council member Johnny Helms asked for clarification about the “investor.” Mr. Lake explained that this law can take different paths, with one option being stocks and another approach being bond issued. It can be paid over a series of time, with a loan for the company by one investor or multiple. The bond offering comes back to the individual. Mr. Lake explained that you can structure your offering in such a way that you can still maintain certification. Vice Chair Narang thanked Mr. Lake for his presentation and asked that information abou the bill be sent to OSD for distribution to Council members.News Articles and LinksVice Chair Narang is still seeking volunteers to provide an article for inclusion in the OSD newsletter. He thanked Council member Augusto Sanabria for his submission for the February issue. Committee ReportsEmerging Trends and Research, Barbara Melvin, Chair: The Committee met on January 17. No quorum was achieved; however, discussion included what the Committee has been doing thus far. The goal for this year is to make a list of recommendations for changes in the Chapter 287. By-Laws, Brian Williams, Chair: A meeting was scheduled for the Bylaws Committee on January 18. No quorum was achieved and the Chair Williams asked that DMS General Counsel review his suggested edited version of the bylaws. Old Business Vendor Ombudsman with the Department of Financial Services has been invited to speak to the council on March 1. AnnouncementsVice Chair Narang asked that prior to the next Council meeting that OSD request each Council member to attend as is required of them in their duties. This will help facilitate achieving a quorum and action items may be voted on in the future. Next Scheduled Council Meeting: March 1, 2017 ................
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