Black Expo to feature business events July 10-14

Many events are part of the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration’s Business Conference. Workshops are free and open to the public. However, seating is first-come, first served. Registration at www.indianablackexpo.com is recommended.

Monday, July 10

Mayor’s Breakfast
This event includes business development, diversity highlights, award recognition and award networking.
Keynote Speaker: Mayor Joe Hogsett
Emcee: Ericka Flye and Marc Mullins, WRTV-Channel 6
Time: 8:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m.; check-in begins at 8 a.m.
Cost: free; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; register at www.indianablackexpo.com
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Sagamore Ballroom 3-5
Sponsors: KeyBank, WRTV – Channel 6, Eli Lilly and Company, OneAmerica, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana University Kelley School of Business, Indiana State University, Vectren Corporation, Indianapolis Airport Authority, Indiana State University, AT&T, Finch Constructors, Inc., and First Electric Supply

City of Indianapolis – Project Pipeline: Building B2B Connections in Central Indiana
In this workshop, information regarding several upcoming multi-million dollar projects with lots of contracting opportunities for the minority/women/veteran and disability-owned business community will be provided. Projects to be discussed include: city of Indianapolis/Marion County Criminal Justice Complex; IndyGo’s Red Line Rapid Transit system; IU Health and several others.
Facilitator: Debra M. Simmons Wilson, managing principal, Engaging Solutions LLC
Presenters: William Shrewsberry, city of indianapolis project manager/owner’s representative, Shrewsberry & Associates LLC; John Andrews, vice president, business development & marketing, Shiel Sexton; LaTeeka Washington, Red Line project analyst, IndyGo; Bill Edwards, director of community relations and inclusion, AECOM Hunt; Tyler Blank and Dan Fetz, preconstruction managers, F.A. Wilhelm Construction Company; Derrick Casson, certification manager, Indiana Department of Transportation
Time: 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Cost: free; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; register at www.indianablackexpo.com
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Room 237
Sponsors: KeyBank and WRTV-Channel 6

Growing and Sustaining Your Business
Many businesses are eager to compete with larger companies who have more resources and capital. Every business owner, no matter the size of the company, desires to survive and grow in their industry. Highly qualified and successful panelists will educate workshop participants on how to compete and thrive in today’s competitive market. Topics will include access to capital, partnering and mentoring, and becoming a disruptor to position your company to win.
Facilitator: Lisa M. Purichia, partner & director of entrepreneurial services, Sponsel CPA Group LLC
Panelists: Juan Gonzalez Sr., vice-president of business banking, Key Bank; Colonius Thomas, assistant vice president of retail banking, KeyBank; Frank Davis, president, Circle City Rebar LLC; Michele Howell, vice president of business development, AON; Reggie Henderson, vice president & general manager of energy solutions, Telamon; Mike Thibideau executive director, Indiana Construction Roundtable
Time: 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m.
Cost: free; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; register at www.indianablackexpo.com
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Room 234
Sponsors: KeyBank and WRTV-Channel 6

Indy Chamber Entrepreneur Service – One Page Business Plan
Bankers require them. Business educators advocate for them. Consultants make their living writing them. And venture capitalists won’t give you the time of day without one. But most entrepreneurs or small business owners can’t or won’t write a business plan; it’s just too difficult. Until now! This hands-on workshop will walk you through this easy process and you will leave this course with a draft business plan in your hand.
Presenters: Denise Herd, founder and president, Herd Strategies
Time: 2:15 p.m.- 3:45 p.m.
Cost: free; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; register at www.indianablackexpo.com
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Room 237
Sponsors: KeyBank and WRTV-Channel 6

How to Bring Your ‘A’ Game
Have you ever wondered how to be impeccable in your career? This session was developed to inspire individuals and provide practical application in transforming one’s mindset to continuous development. It will focus on identifying healthy habits for development, uncovering the integration of our lives, our careers and our development.  Another focus will be on empowering you to own, drive and be accountable for continuous learning and growth. By the end of the session, you will feel inspired and motivated to be unapologetic for stepping outside of your comfort zones and having tangible ways to pursue your journey to personal and professional success.
Presenter: Joy Fitzgerald, chief diversity officer, Eli Lilly and Co.
Time: 4 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Cost: free; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; register at www.indianablackexpo.com
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Room 234
Sponsors: KeyBank and WRTV–Channel 6

Professional Networking Reception
The Professional Networking Reception provides an opportunity for businesses and aspiring executives to mingle and share ideas about professional development, career paths, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Hear from Myasha “Mya” Smith, the first African American in the McDonald’s Next Generation program to become an approved owner/operator in the Indianapolis region.
Keynote speaker: Myasha “Mya” Smith, owner/operator, McDonald’s
Time: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Cost: free; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; register at www.indianablackexpo.com
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Hoosier Corridor, Level 2
Sponsors: KeyBank, WRTV-Channel 6, and National Black MBA Association-Indianapolis Chapter

Tuesday July 11

Accessing Contracts with Indiana State and Federal Government
In 2017, the state of Indiana was rated No. 1 in the government category by U.S. News & World Report’s “Best States” ranking. This session is an opportunity to meet with representatives from Indiana to learn about Indiana contracting opportunities and the process needed to secure state and federal contracts. The Indiana Department of Transportation will share information on major transportation-related contract opportunities across the state. An Indiana Secretary of State’s office representative will provide information on how to position your firm to do business in Indiana using the INBiz portal.
Facilitator: Deborah Oatts, president, Nubian Construction Group
Presenters: Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson; Stanley Judson, director of account management and sourcing operations, procurement division, Indiana Department of Administration; Samantha L. Spergel, director of real estate production, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority; Rickey Clark, manager, office of public involvement/communications, INDOT; Holli Harrington, director of supplier diversity, Indianapolis Airport Authority.
Time: 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
Cost: free; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; register at www.indianablackexpo.com
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Room 234
Sponsors: KeyBank and WRTV-Channel 6

We Are State Educational Institutions – Centers of Economic Opportunities for Indiana Businesses
This session will provide information on expectations and requirements to do business with Indiana’s State Educational Institutions. Each panelist will share their vast years of experience in the fields of procurement, contracting, and physical facilities. This valuable information will assist any business searching for critical information regarding doing business with these institutions.
Presenters: Rob Halter, executive director of purchasing and supplier diversity, Indiana University; Daniel Martens, director of procurement services, University of Southern Indiana; Roger Hassenzahl, director of purchasing services, Ball State University; Kevin Barr, director of purchasing, Indiana State University; Doran Moreland, executive director of statewide diversity and community outreach, Ivy Tech Community College; Robert Underwood, strategic sourcing specialist, Purdue University
Time: 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: free; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; register at www.indianablackexpo.com
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Room 235
Sponsors: KeyBank and WRTV-Channel 6

Leadership through Effective Communications
Leadership is the ability to influence others. The influence that one can exert based on job title or specialized expertise is limited. We are always presenting ourselves and our ideals to others. Some of us are naturally gifted communicators while others have difficulty relating ideas to another individual or audiences. The most effective communicators are those who have built upon their natural strengths to develop personally effective styles. This workshop will show CEOs, top executives and managers how to communicate more effectively, how to build rapport quickly, and how to influence your employees and clients.
Presenter: Dr. John Oda, president & CEO, Oda Research International
Time: 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m.
Cost: free; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; register at www.indianablackexpo.com
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Room 237
Sponsors: KeyBank and WRTV-Channel 6

Governor’s Award Reception
The governor will present the Sam Jones Trailblazer Award; Reverend Charles Williams Community Service Award; Achievement in Civil Rights Awards: Community Impact Award, Up and Coming Leader Award, Civil Rights Legacy Award; Champion of Faith Award; Achievement in Education Award; Achievement in Business and Entrepreneurship Award; and Achievement in Health and Wellness Award.
Keynote Speaker: Gov. Eric Holcomb
Time: 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Cost: invitation only
Location: Indiana Convention Center, 500 Ballroom
Sponsors: Indiana Family & Social Services Administration and Indiana Civil Rights Commission

U.S. Housing and Urban Development and Small Business Administration Resource Workshop – Federal Partnerships for Entrepreneurs
HUD and SBA will collaborate to provide detailed steps on the process to obtain federal contract opportunities, including a description of HUD Section 3 and SBA HUBZone programs. Roundtable Q/A sessions with small-business lenders offering loans in the $5,000 to 100,000-dollar range to existing and new small businesses will be available for workshop attendees.
Facilitator: John Hall, field office director, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development
Presenters: Phillip Shelton, U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development; Sharon Harvey, SBA economic development specialist; Andy Klee, housing program specialist, HUD
Time: 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Cost: free; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; register at www.indianablackexpo.com
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Rooms 231-232

Thursday, July 13

WTHR-TV Channel 13 Employment Opportunity Fair
The 29th Annual Employment Opportunity Fair is one of the largest job fairs in the state of Indiana with hundreds of employers participating and thousands of individuals seeking employment opportunities. Many employers interview on-site. For a list of employers participating in this year’s EOF, visit https://www.indianablackexpo.com/summercelebration/eof-registration/.
Cost: Free for job seekers
Dress Code: business attire
Location: Indiana Convention Center, 500 Ballroom
Time: Noon-6 p.m.

Friday, July 14

Managing Assets for Institutional Investors and Access to Capital
The panel will share their experiences with managing institutional assets for different types of investors: pension funds, foundations/endowments, etc.  Attendees will also hear information on how small businesses can access sufficient credit and capital to grow their organization.
Host: David B. Girton
Presenters: Steven Sanders, CEO & chief investment strategist, StoneRidge Investment Partners; Keith Smith, managing partner, Parkview Capital.
Time: 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m.
Cost: RSVP only to kina@mccannsconsulting.com
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Room 237•