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DGS - SMALL BUSINESS COUNCIL MINUTES
(Approved at the Small Business Council Meeting held on March 6, 2007)
December 12, 2006
Call to Order: Rita Hamilton, Deputy Director, Procurement Division and Council Co-Chair Betty Jo Toccoli called the Department of General Services (DGS) Small Business Council (SBC) meeting to order at 1:05 p.m.
Attendance: The meeting was attended by the following DGS representatives:
Rita Hamilton (Chair); Russ Guarna (Alt. Chair); Eric Mandell; Rose Schembri (SBC Liaison). Members of the SBC who were present: Betty Jo Toccoli (Co-Chair);John Arena, James Brady, Rich Dryden, John Eskel, Paul Guerrero, Martin McGartland; Heather Miller, Linda Sarno
The following SBC member participated in the meeting by teleconference:
Randall Martinez
The following members' absences were excused: Janet DeZonia, representing SAC Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Renee White Fraser, a new member who is representing National Association of Women Business Owners - Los Angeles.
Special Guests: Sam Wallace, Business, Transportation and Housing Agency,
Andrew Chang, Chief Deputy Director; Ron Joseph, Director
Opening remarks and comments: Ms. Hamilton welcomed members and attendees from the public and noted this was the first meeting with Betty Jo Toccoli as her co-chair. The DGS has been working very hard to expand the roster of council members, and we are encouraging nominations to expand membership. Ms. Hamilton welcomed new members and introduced John Arena, Metropolitan Water District, representing the Los Angeles Asian Business Association, Heather Miller, who replaced Dave Long with Squaretree (AeA); Linda Sarno, representing the Asian Business Association of Orange County.
As this is the last meeting of the year, Ms. Hamilton reminded the attendees that meeting dates and locations for 2007 have been announced and are posted to the DGS/SBC website. She gave thanks to every council member for participating over the past year, and encouraged more participation in the future. Rita was pleased to announce after signing the two-way reciprocity agreement with Metropolitan Water District in Los Angeles earlier this year, we are getting much interest in signing other reciprocity agreements as well. Just by having this agreement alone, we will ultimately increase our small business certification by at least 3,000.
Co-Chair Betty Jo Toccoli remarks - She appreciates the fact that sacrifices were made to join us here today. She hopes members are excited about 2007. We can look back on 2006 and see how much we have accomplished. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.
Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes (September 20, 2006): Motion made to approve the minutes. Ms. Toccoli seconded the motion, minutes were approved.
Business, Transportation and Housing Agency - Small Business Contracting Efforts (Sam Wallace): Mr. Wallace updated the Council and public attendees on the Executive Order (EO) S-11-06 that the Governor signed in July, and he said the Small Business Advocates were a starting point for the EO. He shared his Agency motto; the State is open for business with small business. There are over 4,000 certified firms with CalTrans. It is their goal to increase funding per year, and the dollars that are committed to specific funding. Mr. Wallace extended his sincere appreciation of strong support during the Collaboration Conferences to Rosario Marin, Agency Secretary, Rita Hamilton and Eric Mandell of the Procurement Division. He has personally delivered over 46 presentations within the last five months. CalTrans has been a co-sponsor with DGS at the recent statewide meetings. A mentor/protégé effort is also underway and BTH is working to develop a partnership with the Workforce Development Agency.
He announced that Sunne Wright McPeak, left her position as Secretary on
December 8, 2006, and Barry Sedlik has been appointed Acting Secretary.
Mr. Wallace will be attending the Advocates meeting at the DGS on December 14th and will continue to work on advocacy and monitoring goals. Ms. Hamilton shared the focus of the meeting will be to tell advocates how important their role is, and that their participation is key to the success of the small business community.
Randall Martinez, SBC member, representing NORCAL, raised loan guarantee and bonding issues that are critical to small businesses. Mr. Wallace stated the mechanics are being worked out, language is being developed, and they hope to rollout statewide next year.
Sam Wallace recognized Paul Guerrero, SBC member, was awarded the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Advocate of the Year. Mr. Guerrero commented that we also need to work to streamline the permit process.
Charter Revision/New Member Recruitment (Eric Mandell): Mr. Mandell noted changes were made to the preamble, and on page two, Item E, Standing Committees, committees have been consolidated. SBC Member, Rich Dryden, asked if his affiliation with the DVBE Alliance would meet the criteria as described in the charter since he is not a small business enterprise owner or a small business trade association. Based on the Council's interpretation of the charter, it was determined the terminology is broader versus defined and he would meet the criteria. Clarification was also made in the draft that members would serve a 2-year term, and there would be a maximum of 25 members. Ms. Toccoli seconded the motion of approval. Charter was adopted as presented in meeting packet.
Recognition Award Presentation to Ron Joseph (Betty Jo Toccoli):
Betty Jo Toccoli, Co-Chair, announced that Ron Joseph, Director, would be retiring at the end of the year. She wanted to take this opportunity to publicly thank him for his efforts and recognize his excellence in the small business community by presenting him with a plaque of special recognition from the DGS Small Business Advisory Council and DVBE. Mr. Joseph was honored to receive this award. He gave thanks to Rita Hamilton and her support of small business and her way of getting things done. He also thanked Ms. Toccoli and the Council for their contributions and he will leave with a great deal of pride. Mr. Joseph also thanked the members of the SBC for their efforts over the years.
Small Business Recruitment Video (Eric Mandell): The video was shown and Mr. Mandell noted that DGS is in the process of editing parts of the video with the new DGS logo, added Governors' footage, and a few clean up items. The video will then stream from the DGS PD Website. Staff will also be creating business card DVDs of the video to hand out at events.).
SARA Awardees - Update (Eric Mandell): On October 26, 2006, the DGS hosted the 7th Annual State Agency Recognition Awards (SARA). The event honors State departments for outstanding achievements in advocating for and contracting with Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (SB/DVBE). A panel of judges, representing SB/DVBE businesses and the State of California, selected winners for their best practices and creativity. The following awards were presented: Governor's Award" DGS, Procurement Division, Office Supply Team. Gold Award Winner: Department of Consumer Affairs, Best Practice: "Customer Service, Education and Outreach". Silver Award Winner: Department of Rehabilitation, Best Practice: "Maintaining Statewide Small Business and DVBE Goals". Bronze Award Winner: California Military Department, Best Practice: "Education and Outreach".
Recap of Outreach Events/MOU with MWD (Eric Mandell): Some of the highlights of the year were the Collaboration Conferences and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed at one of the events. Mr. Mandell and his staff continue working on the calendar for 2007. A minimum of 7 events has been planned for next year. Ms. Hamilton commented these events are not just DGS events; there are multiple agencies that participate. Ms. Toccoli asked how many people on the Council went to the conferences, and encouraged participation from members. Thanks were given to Paul Pendergast, a small business, who was instrumental in planning these conferences with PD and the co-chairs thanked him for his participation. There was a motion from Betty Jo Toccoli to send him a letter of appreciation on behalf of the SBC. Eric Mandell seconded the motion. The Council sent him a thank you letter.
Mr. Mandell stated that his proudest moment during this effort was the signing of the MOU in Los Angeles. John Arena, Metropolitan Water District (MWD), and a new member of the SBC, spoke about the MOU. He feels the strength of the MOU lies in partnership with the State of California and MWD. He thanked the DGS for planning the Collaboration Conferences. Eric Mandell expressed thanks to the California DVBE Alliance and their role to bring attendees to these conferences.
Mr. Arena noted that approximately 4,500 businesses would qualify under our guidelines. MWD wants to make sure these businesses know that personal information will be shared. All bid language will include State of California language. MWD did 74 events last year on outreach, and they want to promote the State. He is proud to be a part of the Council.
James Brady, SBC member noted a conflict in attending the Collaboration Conference and another small business venue, and the importance of the master government calendar. Eric Mandell mentioned the Small Business Administration keeps a very good calendar. It was also noted the DGS name has to be prominently displayed at conferences.
On-line Certification - Update (Gloria Anderson): An on-line demonstration has been scheduled with Rita Hamilton on December 19, 2006. SB/DVBEs can apply on line, and in February, roll out of recertification will begin. Backlog is now 13 days, and we can process in a few days if they are in a bid situation. BIS due to go live in 2007.
Gloria Anderson, Manager of Small Business was introduced to the SBC. She is very happy to be in this new role. Annual Reports - DGS is turning around these reports and we are trying to give them the tools to report accurately. 871 certified DVBEs. SBs 12,480 as of this morning. SB 11,609 (SB only).
Committee Reports (by Committee): Construction Committee - Met today. Action 72 is completed, as well as 39 and 15. Item 6 needs clarification.
Outreach/Education - Met on November 20, 2006 to discuss Dennis Trinidad's report to the Governor. Legislative side - Gloria Anderson met with the committee and Dennis Trinidad.
Process Committee - needs a chair now that Elisabeth Brinton is no longer a SBC member.
Action item - Rose will resend subcommittee lists to all. Any members, who are interested in joining committees, please send an e-mail to Rose: rose.schembri@dgs.ca.gov.
Discussion Items from Council (Council Members): Paul Guerrero mentioned the importance of TACPA/EZRA. Eric Mandell mentioned this is covered in the presentation on "How to do business with the State." Gloria believes it is required language in the contracts. Ms. Toccoli suggested Randall Martinez' committee would be able to address this issue.
James Brady, SBC member suggested guest speakers from the UCLA Anderson School of Management speak at the Collaboration Conferences. He thinks a training program is needed for small businesses once they are awarded a contract.
Public Comment Period (open to the public, members will not comment): Don Zweifel, a Construction Sub-committee member - met today at the Construction Meeting. He mentioned SB 115 compliance and the DGS were discussed. He shared that a group will be formed to address those issues. He is concerned with Ron Joseph's departure we the need for his successor to stay with the program.
A small business member spoke to thank DGS and the efforts for the timeline being streamlined for certifying. He would like to see the IT procurement businesses attend the conferences.
Heather Miller, a new alternate member, added that a collaboration arrangement with more IT procurement professionals is needed. She encourages IT managers to participate in these conferences. Ms. Hamilton said we can build forums at the GTC to include these professionals.
Jerry Blanchard (small business) - has been awarded 6 contracts with the State. His daughters are going to college because of the awards, and being certified. He thanked DGS.
Todd Lewis (small business) asked how the State is meeting the small business participation goal. He was advised the 05/06 numbers are at the Governor's Office and have not been released yet. The 04/05 goal was not met. The 05/06 report is due to the Legislature on January 1, 2007.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:55 p.m. |
