Certification/Recertification Application
Certification/Recertification Application

Are You Engaged: Top 3 Ways to Maximize Your NMSDC Certification

The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) defines a minority business enterprise (MBE) as a “United States citizen who is Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, or Native American. Ownership by minority individuals means the business is at least 51% owned by such individuals or, in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51% of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals (i.e. the management and daily operations are controlled by those minority group members).”

NMSDC certification is all about “advocating access to the American Dream for MBEs” and advancing economic equity. If you read our recent blog, “How to Get NMSDC Certified,” you know that, to begin the certification process, you must apply through the regional affiliate closest to your headquarters. There are 23 councils across the country, but MBEs in Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware that meet the criteria for certification can apply here through the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC).

If you are currently taking the first steps in the certification process, are newly-certified, or even if you’ve been with us for a while, you may be wondering how to make the most of this distinct credential. Here are the top three ways to maximize your NMSDC certification:

  1. Attend EMSDC Events
  2. Stay Connected and Engaged
  3. Get to Know Your EMSDC Team

And if you’re still on the fence, read the “Top 3 Reasons Why Your Business Should Be NMSDC-Certified.”

#1. Attend EMSDC Events

Throughout the year, EMSDC hosts a variety of signature events to initiate growth and opportunity through Supplier Diversity channels. These typically include a Super Matchmaker each January, EmpowerHer and ROAR (Return On All Relationships) Conferences in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the ever-popular EMSDC Golf Invitational, and the highly-anticipated Choice Awards, among others. To reap the benefits, you should attend each and every one of these events!

In addition, you should consider attending the National Conference & Exchange, held each year in the fall. This is another great opportunity for you to not only connect with individuals in your local area, but also to network with Corporates and MBEs around the country. After all, people do business with people they know, like, and trust! With that said, understand that building relationships takes time and commitment (for example, many budgets are set one to two years in advance). Again, to make the most of your certification, you need to consistently show up!

#2. Stay Connected and Engaged

To maximize your NMSDC certification, it is important to stay connected. Be sure to sign up for EMSDC (or your Regional MSDC) and NMSDC emails, so you don’t miss out on news, events, and key opportunities. You can also keep up and keep the conversation going by liking and following EMSDC on our Social Media networks, including:

And please don’t hesitate to engage with us on Social Media. Our marketing team loves seeing your post reactions, shares, and comments, and we want to hear from you!

#3. Get to Know Your EMSDC Team

Know that our dedicated EMSDC team is here to help you! If you need assistance, please reach out to:

  • Brian Oglesby (President/CEO)
  • Tricina Cash (Executive Vice President)
  • Jan Fleishner (Sr. Director – Business Certification/MBE Services)
  • Meg Markley (Sr. Director – Administrative/Technical Services)
  • Alea Bunch (Director – MBE Services)
  • Brittany Rivera (Director – Programs & Business Administration)
  • Kira Cofield (Marketing Manager)

Our individual contact information can be found here, or you can email info@emsdc.org with general inquiries.

The mission of the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC) is to stimulate and support economic development with minority-owned businesses throughout Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware, in an effort to initiate growth and opportunity through Supplier Diversity channels. As an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), we certify and connect MBEs with member corporations that are committed to supplier development and want to purchase their products, services, and solutions.