MBE Input Committee Welcomes Regional Leaders in New Structure
MBE Input Committee Welcomes Regional Leaders in New Structure
To address the diverse needs and geographical spread of Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) across Florida, the FSMSDC’s MBE Input Committee has appointed four Regional Vice Chairs. These newly created positions are filled by leaders of MBEs in each region:
- Central Florida Regional Vice Chair Carlos Quiñones of Display America, Inc.
- North Florida Regional Vice Chair Steve Mohan of Extra Companies
- South Florida Regional Vice Chair Nelson Penalver of Postal Center International
- West Florida Regional Vice Chair Andreas Gruson of FleetGenius, LLC.
These four Regional Vice Chairs serve under MBE Input Committee Chair Abel Herrera of IT Data Solutions. This new structure for the committee enables each region to receive tailored support and representation. MBEs can expect more in-person networking events across each of the four regions, as well as more opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Integrating MBE Perspectives
The MBE Input Committee aims to ensure that MBEs’ voices and perspectives are heard, considered and integrated into the Council’s initiatives and strategies. The committee has four major goals:
- MBE growth through revenue growth and more opportunities to compete for and win contracts.
- Increased MBE-to-MBE spending through opportunities to buy from each other, teaming agreements and subcontracting opportunities.
- Increased MBE engagement through more in-person events, including socials, lunch and learns and CEO roundtables.
- Ensuring that MBEs are procurement-ready, with capability statements, insurance, accounting systems, standard operating procedures, access to capital and more.
A representative of any certified MBE company can join MBE Input Committee Meetings/CEO Roundtable, which are scheduled for the first Thursday of every month from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM. For more information, please call (305) 762-6151.
Meet the New Regional Vice Chairs
MBEs are also invited to contact their Regional Vice Chair:
Central Florida
Regional Vice Chair Carlos Quiñones is Founder and President of Display America, which works in the trade show and live events industry. Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Quiñones took ownership of a similar company in 2003, laying the foundation for Orlando-based Display America.
North Florida
Regional Vice Chair Steve Mohan is Founder and President of Extra Companies, a staffing agency that services the healthcare, financial and logistics industries.
South Florida
Regional Vice Chair Freddy Latour is the Senior Account Executive of Solo Printing, a provider of color lithography and is one of the nation’s largest minority owned printing companies.
West Florida
Regional Vice Chair Andreas Gruson Founder, Chairman and CEO of FleetGenius, which provides sustainable waste compactor and container solutions.
New Structure Inspired by MBE Feedback
The new leadership positions were created after feedback from MBEs and corporate members. Hererra, other members of the MBE Input Committee and Council staff worked with MBE Input Committee Advisor Kevin Williams, a member of the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council Board. Williams had already helped that organization implement a similar structure for its MBE Input Committee, of which he is Past Chair. Williams is CEO and Co-Founder of SMART cities technology company TekConnX, a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business.
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