MBE/EDGE Subcommittee Meeting
08/11/2009
Minutes
In attendance: Lawrence Burns, Shanda Gore, Jennifer Pastorek, Lorie Sarnes, George Robinson,
Gary Johnson, Debbe Skutch, Megan Reichert-Kral, Kara Mominee, William Brennan, Shaun
Murray, Morris Jenkins, Tom Bebley, Mark Urrutia, Calvin Brown
Ms. Pastorek stated that she and Ms. Sarnes attended a meeting where the MBE tracking
software was discussed. Ms. Pastorek still has concerns with the user-friendly ability and price of
the software, but is hoping to find out how TPS’ is going. Ms. Sarnes and Ms. Pastorek are
awaiting quote information and details of the tracking system.
Action Item: Ms. Pastorek will have both the quote and details of the tracking software for the
next meeting.
Dr. Gore asked about contractor companies having the ability to mark MBE on a UT
questionnaire for tracking purposes. Mr. Robinson is awaiting an answer from the City of Toledo
about their form.
Action Item: Mr. Robinson will provide how MBE tracking is handled and will make it
available at the next meeting.
Ms. Skutch presented about the Center for Family Business. Mr. Urrutia questioned the lack of
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce members and African American Bureau members in the center.
Ms. Skutch stated that she would love to collaborate with these organizations in order to improve
diversity within the Center.
Mr. Burns suggested that internships from the College of Business may prove as good
experience for both company and individual in the incubators. Mr. Urrutia suggested a work
study program for the receptionist or other workers.
Action Item: Dr. Gore and Ms. Mominee will meet with the Associate Dean in the College of
Business in order to set up a distribution method to find the interns.
Ms. Reichert suggested the Engineering Tech Building on Scott Park campus be the new space
for the MBE Incubator. This will allow for more space and storage. Everyone thought this
opportunity was a great idea.
The tentative open date (ribbon cutting) for the incubator will be September 30.
Mr. Brown joined the meeting and asked how “early start up” is defined. Dr. Gore stated that the
incubator is meant for those companies with business plans and established enough to afford
minimal rent amounts. She clarified, if a business would like to grow then they can apply and if
the company likes their location they are at now, then they will be able to apply for incubator
services.
Mr. Burns and Dr. Gore asked Mr. Brown if the Incubator form could be modeled after his own.
Action Item: Mr. Brown will send to Ms. Sarnes and Dr. Gore.
Mr. Burns included that we will begin working with CCI on the creation of the Incubator
website.
At conclusion of the meeting, the group took a tour of the new site for incubation.
The meeting concluded. Next meeting will be noon, September 8, 2009 in the Scott Park VIP
Room.