Desai Communications wins Supplier of the Year Award 2011, Category 2

As a departure from our series leading up to the
Event Marketing Summit 2011. I want to share
with you some good news and thank the folks that
made it possible.

Last Thursday, April 28th, 2011, we were awarded the Supplier of the Year 2011, Category 2 (1-10 million annual revenue) by the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council (GNEMSDC) at their annual Awards Dinner held at the Aqua Turf Club in Stonington, Ct. It was a great "shot in the arm" for
all of us here at Desai. It is a confirmation that we are moving in the right direction and we are transforming for relevance.

We are a woman owned and minority-owned company. Many corporations understand the importance of supporting small busineses growth, hence they embrace local and regional organizations such as the GNEMSDC and it's national organization, the National Minority Business Development Council (NMSDC) and the Women's Business Economic National Council (WBENC), in an effort to insure the vitality of the two largest and fastest growing groups within the small business sector, the women and minority businesses.

Big guys helping out little guys is not a new concept. It is part of the American legacy. When Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard were working out of their garage, it was Disney that took a chance on this fledging company.  But it is not a faceless corporation that steps up and helps small businesses become household names like HP. It is the people within those corporations that become our champions and follow their gut and/or their hearts and take a chance on us. And if the stats are right, we don't let them down. Over 70% of all innovation comes from small businesses with
under 12 employees!

As I think back to our 32 year history, I remember Barry Duvall, the banker. I could still see him standing in the middle of our family room/production area. We were in business only a few years. He appreciated our honestly and gave us the financing we needed to outgrow our home/office and move into a building. Or Patty Kaiser, the Xerox Graphics production Manager, that gave us one of our first slide duplicating jobs. She later would come after work and teach me how to spec. printing jobs.

Hence, the most compelling reason for this blog post. To thank the folks that made that difference to Desai Communications and me in the last few years. (I can’t go back any farther, this post is already too long!) These are the folks I would have applauded and thanked on the podium last Thursday night, had I not been speechless.

So a BIG applause to great examples of dedication and love:

Larry Wooten, Pitney Bowes: Thank you for believing in us. Your understanding of the role diverse small businesses have to the health of our nation is clear by the way you continue to forge ahead on our behalf. You are steadfast and unstoppable. You are a great ally and beautiful human being.

Lynette Schenefield, RBS Citizens: You are new to the Supplier Diversity arena, but your vision and drive has allowed you to open doors of opportunities that others take years to accomplish, if at all. Thanks for supporting Desai by introducing us to your marketing, relocation and banking experts.  A very  big thanks for introducing us to Herbie Joliceur and Nya at the Stamford Citizens Bank branch. When our bank of decades let us down, Herbie and Nya showed up with the financing and expertise to help take us to the next level. I will never forget Herbie saying, “Don’t worry Sandra, you have the right banking team behind you now.” We are forever grateful. I was so touched by your story of your volunteer work in New Orleans after Katrina and how it inspired you to get involved in Supplier Diversity. You are one class act!

Jamie Crump, United Rentals: You too are a trailblazer, implementing supplier diversity when you arrived at United Rentals.  Thank you for the awesome opportunity of designing your program's brand and it's tagline. I also want to thank you for spreading the word of our capabilities throughout your media channels. And for reaching to us every time you have a relevant RFP. Your enthusiasm for supplier diversity is contagious!

Richard Bellas, VP Strategic Sourcing, PepsiCo: Thank you for believing in Desai and identifying us as a vendor to develop.

Christopher Knox, former Director, Supplier Diversity PepsiCo: Thank you for reaching out to us when you took the helm of Supplier Diversity a few years back. It was nice to be called in and be asked, "What can I do for you?" And also for starting the ball rolling and bringing greater PepsiCo participation to the Greater New England Minority Supplier Diversity Council (GNEMSDC). And last but not least, for getting us in front of decision makers and advocating on our behalf.

Maria Galeano, Supplier Diversity PepsiCo: A big thank you for your diligent fact finding efforts on our behalf so that we could improve our processes and services. And last but not least, for all the running around and for putting up with me!

Brian Baxendale, SCORE, Norwalk Ct (Retired Division President, Pitney Bowes): Thank you for your patience and great counsel. You are elegant and wise. You have been the guiding force of our transformation.

Lori Chatlos, Ct. Dept. of Labor: You are one of a kind. What passion and dedication to supporting and growing small businesses in Ct. Thank you for your incredible efforts on our behalf to provide us with the funding necessary to develop and train our team to compete in this new economy. You are the closest I have been to an Angel!

Chip Janiszewski, consultant from Central Connecticut State University's Institute of Technology & Business Development (ITBD): Another "gift from the universe" Thank you for confirming that the law of attraction is alive, kicking and dynamic. You gave our management team and me faith and hope that transcends excel sheets and creates miracles. You are always positive and have helped us to recognize the possibilities wading in the pool of impossibilities.

And to fellow small business owners out there. You have a big responsibility. You are the backbone of this economy. America is counting on all of us to drive us to a better and healthier future. So whether you get the recognition or not, walk proud and know, you are all winners!