MBE/EDGE Committee Meeting
06/08/2010
Minutes
In attendance: Betty Anzaldua, Lawrence Burns, Shanda Gore, Olivia Holden, Gary Johnson,
Kara Mominee, Dean Monske, Jennifer Pastorek, Lee Russell (guest), Abigail Sangita (guest),
Debbe Skutch, Jacob Studer, Mark Urrutia, Steve Wise
Mr. Burns welcomed all in attendance and guests: Mr. Lee Russell, President of KPGL Global
Energy Resource Group, and an affiliate in the Minority Business Development Center; and Ms.
Abigail Sangita, Mr. Russell’s assistant.
Dr. Gore reviewed the committee minutes from the 5/11/10 meeting.
Dr. Gore stated that if the committee knows of anyone who was not able to attend the April 22
“Building Connections” Informational Forum Event, a video of the entire event will be placed
online on the main Diversity Website, the Minority Business Development Center (MBDC)
homepage, and the Office of Equity and Diversity’s Website.
Dr. Gore asked the committee if they had received the Catalyst Newsletter through their e-mail.
Mr. Johnson asked what the Catalyst is. Mr. Burns stated that it is an online cooperative
e-newsletter that comes out of the UT External Affairs office with the Port Authority, Toledo
Chamber and the City of Toledo.
Action Item: Dr. Gore asked that if you did not receive the Catalyst online then to please let Ms.
Mominee know at kara.mominee@utoledo.edu.
Dr. Gore asked Mr. Burns to provide some information about the purpose of the Catalyst. Mr.
Burns stated that the purpose is to try to communicate to different audiences of all the economic
development initiatives underway in our region and how we are all trying to work
collaboratively. Mr. Burns also included that it is also a way to market ourselves as a region to
interested parties who may be looking for a place to relocate with their business.
Action Item: Mr. Burns stated that if members have any ideas for content or who else to include
then please let him know.
Mr. Johnson asked Mr. Burns if he could fill the committee in about the recent UT Alumni
Magazine.
Mr. Burns stated that the feature for this issue of the magazine is “Diversity at UT”. Many
members from the committee were featured in this issue. Mr. Burns also included that he formed
a group about six months ago called the “Culture Ambassadors” and the idea is to bring together
a variety of people from UT
Action Item: Mr. Burns will send out copies of the Alumni Magazine to the City of Toledo’s
office.
Mr. Burns stated that on June 16, the brand platform for the City of Toledo will be presented in a
beta format.
Action Item: Mr. Burns will present the brand platform at the July meeting.
Dr. Gore asked the committee if they have provided their emails to Mr. Ryan in order to get
updates about future events from the Senator’s office. Ms. Holden stated that she is taking
advantage and has planned to attend an event. Mr. Johnson reported that Ms. Nameth said she
would put links on the Visitor’s Bureau website for events and conventions in the area.
Dr. Gore thanked Mr. Studer for putting the MBE/EDGE list together and also thanked the
committee for their input on the list. Dr. Gore stated that the list will be sent out with a letter that
has been signed by Mr. Burns and Mr. Lehnert to the prime and general contractors.
Mr. Johnson stated that, at this point, $600,000 is firmly committed to the Minority Contractors
Lending Program (MCLP). He is working on going to the state to get another $250,000. Mr.
Johnson reported that an account has been officially setup and funds have been deposited.
Mr. Johnson stated that the MCLP committee has had a chance to take some of the Port funds to
do an experimental loan program with Mandell-Vasquez.
Mr. Johnson stated that the next step will be for the committee to figure out what type of process
to use when they roll the program out. Mr. Johnson stated that PR and marketing needs to be
done for the program as well.
Mr. Wood questioned what process is being used to select contractors to use the program since
there is already a company chosen to participate in the program. Mr. Johnson stated that the
committee decided whether or not they could go ahead and do this before processes were in
place. Mr. Johnson stated that a lot of factors went into deciding whether or not the company,
Mandell-Vasquez, should be a participant in the MCLP. Mr. Johnson stated that the MCLP
committee looked at the history of the contractor and what he was looking for in the program.
The MCLP committee did not provide him loans, but guaranteed a certain dollar amount to his
bonding company.
Dr. Gore asked Mr. Johnson if the program will be up and running for the June 30 event. Mr.
Johnson stated that the program will be up and running, but the money will not be officially in
the account at that time. Mr. Monske stated that it would still be a good time to introduce the
program and let businesses know that it is coming and more details will be coming.
Ms. Holden stated that it is very important to develop bylaws for the MCLP program. Mr. Burns
stated that a selection committee will be formed. Mr. Burns stated that any entity that puts money
into the MCLP program will be asked to sit on the selection committee.
Mr. Burns asked Mr. Russell to provide information about his company to the committee.
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Mr. Russell introduced Ms. Johnson. Ms. Johnson stated she recently joined Mr. Russell as his
executive assistant and is also training as a consultant. Ms. Johnson is currently assisting Mr.
Russell on KPGL’s strategic plan.
Mr. Russell stated his company, KPGL Global Energy Resource Group, is located in the
Minority Business Development Center (MBDC). KPGL is one of the few minority-owned
renewable energy companies that focus on distributing biomass. KPGL’s main focus is focusing
on biomasses in tire derived fuel. KPGL’s focus is to help clients sustain themselves and clean
the environment, and help people find jobs. KPGL is a legal certified registered lobbyist firm
with the Secretary of the House and Secretary of Senate of the United States Government.
Mr. Monske asked Mr. Russell how the University is helping with his company. Mr. Russell
stated that it is helping mostly with public relations, marketing and exposure of his company. Mr.
Russell stated that the relationship with UT is great because it is located in a hub zone, and has
helped KPGL and has also helped to bring in more clients.
Mr. Johnson asked if being in the MBDC has helped Mr. Russell from a synergy standpoint to
help further his company or other companies in the MBDC. Mr. Russell stated that a project is
being worked on with Oona Temple and Tom Bebley and are looking to launch in conjunction
with The University of Toledo.
Dr. Gore provided information on the June 30 Center for Biosphere Restoration Research
Outreach Event. This event will take place from 5-7 p.m. in the Memorial Field House
Auditorium room 2100 on main campus. If you know of any companies that would benefit from
going, please invite them. Dr. Gore stated that there is a 15% EDGE requirement for the project.
Mr. Burns thanked everyone for attending.
The meeting concluded.
The next meeting will be on July 13, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. in the Scott Park VIP room.
Please mark your calendars with the following 2010 MBE/EDGE Committee meeting dates:
July 13 at Noon
August 10 at Noon
September 14 at Noon
October 12 at Noon
November 9 at Noon
December 14 at Noon
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