The Northwest Mountain MSDC Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

As National Hispanic Heritage Month unfolds, we embrace the rich history and the impact of Hispanic culture that has made its presence felt in our region. This month isn’t just a time to commemorate traditions and heritage, but also an opportunity to recognize the incredible contributions of our Hispanic Minority Business Enterprises to our economy.

The Northwest Mountain MSDC takes pride in our certified Hispanic MBEs. Their dedication, innovation, and growth have not only driven their businesses but have also significantly improved the economic landscape. They are a driving force behind growth, job creation, and innovation in our communities. In 2022, our Hispanic MBEs generated nearly $1 billion in revenue, leading to new opportunities and the employment of millions of individuals across the Pacific Northwest Region. Their success not only inspire but also highlight the potential that diversity and inclusion bring to the marketplace.

Join us in celebrating these inspiring achievements during Hispanic Heritage Month, and explore a comprehensive list of Certified Hispanic MBEs within the region HERE.

27th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser & Silent Auction

On Wednesday, August 23rd, the Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council celebrated the 27th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser & Silent Auction at the Golf Club at Redmond Ridge in Redmond, WA. The event was a resounding success, uniting the community, MBEs, and Corporate and Public Agency Members in support of the MBE Scholarship fund!

Through your participation and powerful endeavors to bolster our MBEs’ educational journeys and enhance minority business growth, the Council raised an impressive $14,984.19. The overall funds raised truly signify the incredible dedication of our supporters, sponsors, members and partners.


Congratulations to this years tournament, contest, raffle and silent auction winners:

1st Place: The Trio Group Team: Jeff Quint hosting Erik Haag and Chris Goodman from Meadow Park Golf Course and Leon Titus from BCRE

2nd Place: Greater Pacific Industries Team: Ben Zhang, Travis Pozega, Mel Cutter and Carter Gray

3rd Place: Seattle Mariners Team: RJ Sanchez, Oliver Roy, Austin Benson and Jeff Higgins

Congratulations to our Straight Drive, Closest to the Pin, Long Drive, Mega Putt, and raffle winners:

Mel Cutter, Deepak Tak, Christina Millan and Anne Hidaka (x2)

Thank you to our annual sponsors and title event sponsor: T-Mobile, guest and auction contributors for making this a great event for everyone involved. Below you can view a gallery of photos from the event, captured by Mike Nakamura Photography.

Washington State Department of Transportation Upcoming Virtual Meetings

Washington State Department of Transportation – NEWS

Headquarters – 310 Maple Park Avenue SE – Olympia, WA 98504-7314 – 360 705-7000

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July, 2023

 

Contact: Nina Jones, Office of Equal Opportunity, 360-947-6788

Proposed interim overall triennium goal methodology for under-represented firms

WSDOT to host virtual public meetings and teleconferences July 25 and August 1

 

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Transportation is proposing an interim overall triennium goal methodology, for disadvantaged business participation, on all federally funded projects and is accepting written comments on the proposals through Tuesday, August 15.

The proposed interim goal methodologies are available at:

Please note that the overall triennium goal set forth in this methodology, which remains 19%, will continue until the completion of our current disparity study estimated to be completed in Fall of 2023. The goal is for Federal Fiscal Years 2024-2026.

A new methodology will be drafted, vetted and WSDOT will revise the current triennium goal and once again allow opportunity for public comment.

The purpose of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program is to create a level playing field for firms owned and operated by disadvantaged individuals wanting to participate in federally assisted highway, transit, and aviation programs. To qualify as a DBE, a firm must be a for-profit business that is at least 51 percent owned by an individual or individuals who are women, part of a federally recognized racial minority group, or otherwise socially and economically disadvantaged. Qualifying firms must be certified by the Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises to participate in the DBE program.

WSDOT is inviting contractors, labor and trade organizations, small and disadvantaged businesses, and others interested in working with the agency to attend one of its upcoming informational meetings regarding the proposed goal methodology.

WSDOT has scheduled two public meetings to take comments, both from 2 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25 and Tuesday, August 1. These meetings will be held in person and via teleconference. Individuals interested in attending need to register in advance by emailing Nina Jones at jonesni@wsdot.wa.gov.

Details about how to participate will be provided upon registering.

Comments on the proposed interim methodology will be accepted until 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 15, and can be mailed to:

 

Nina Jones

Business Diversity and Inclusion Manager

WSDOT, Office of Equity and Civil Rights

P.O. Box 47314

Olympia, WA 98504-7314

Or submitted via email to:  jonesni@wsdot.wa.gov.

 

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WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state’s transportation systems. To learn more about what we’re doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos, news, and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at www.wsdot.com/traffic/ or by dialing 511.

 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information

Accommodation requests for people with disabilities can be made by contacting the WSDOT Diversity/ADA Affairs team at wsdotada@wsdot.wa.gov or by calling toll-free, 855-362-4ADA (4232). Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may make a request by calling the Washington State Relay at 711.

 

Title VI Statement to Public: It is WSDOT’s policy to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise discriminated against under any of its federally funded programs and activities. Any person who believes his or her Title VI protection has been violated may file a complaint with WSDOT’s Office of Equal Opportunity. For additional information regarding Title VI complaint procedures and/or information regarding our non-discrimination obligations, please contact OEO’s Title VI Coordinator at 360-705-7090.

 

 

Press Release: Karla Malacon Appointed President & CEO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

Contact: Jeffery Bartley, NWMMSDC

Phone: (253) 243-6959

Email: jbartley@nwmmsdc.org

 

 

Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council Appoints Karla Malacon as President & CEO

 

 

Seattle, WA — The Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council (Council) announced the appointment of the new President and CEO, Karla Malacon on June 7, 2023, at the Business Conference and Leadership & Advocacy Awards event.

Karla has worked for the Council since 2017 when she joined the team as the Manager of Certification and MBE Services before spending a couple of years as the Manager of Corporate Services, Marketing and Communications. Karla was promoted to Manager of Operations in 2020 before accepting the position as Vice President of Operations in 2022. Karla took on the Interim President and CEO role in February 2023. Karla is a Washington local and graduate of the Michael G. Foster School of Business at the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in business administration focused in marketing and international business.

Her innovative approach and dedication to the Council’s mission to, “Foster an environment that develops equitable opportunities, creating economic value” make her the right person for this role. “The Council Board of Directors unanimously voted to name Karla Malacon as our President and CEO,” stated Angela Battle, Sellen Construction, Board Chair for the Northwest Mountain MSDC. “We were very pleased with her work during her interim over the past few months which made this decision very easy to make. Under Karla’s leadership, we are excited to see what the future holds for the Northwest Mountain region.”

Karla will continue to advance the Council’s supplier diversity efforts throughout the region, forging new connections, and driving progress for Minority Business Enterprises. Please join us in celebrating Karla’s promotion and the start of the Council’s next chapter of growth!

 

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Jeff Bartley, Manager of Corporate Services, Marketing and Communications at (253) 243-6964 or email jbartley@nwmmsdc.org.

About the Council

Founded in 1978, the Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to drive economic value by equalizing opportunities. As an affiliate of the National MSDC, the Council certifies minority-owned businesses and provides access to supplier development, supply chain inclusion, networking events, and formal introductions. The Council serves the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Press Release: 2023 Leadership & Advocacy Awards Winners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

Contact: Jeff Bartley, NWMMSDC

Phone: (253) 243-6959

Email: jbartley@nwmmsdc.org

 

 

Northwest Mountain MSDC Recognizes Excellence in Performance for 2022

 

Seattle, WA — The Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council (NWMMSDC) awards corporate and individual supplier diversity leaders annually. On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, the NWMMSDC celebrated the achievements in advocating, promoting, and contracting with Minority Business Enterprises for 2022. These business professionals drive the NWMMSDC’s mission to “Foster an environment that develops equitable opportunities, creating economic value” year over year.

 

The Advocacy Awards were presented to individuals who displayed an unwavering commitment to the development of Minority Business Enterprises.

2022 Advocacy Award Recipients:

John A. Gilmore Award: Ben Zhang, Greater Pacific Industries

Robert L. Ryan Award: Kate Kleyman, McKinstry

Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney Award: Brenda Nnambi, Sound Transit

 

Leadership Awards were presented to Minority Business Enterprises that demonstrated excellence in performance and delivered exceptional value to their customers in the private and public sectors.

2022 Supplier Leadership Award Recipients:

Class 1 Supplier of the Year | Annual Revenues up to $1M dollars: OpConnect, Inc.

Class 2 Supplier of the Year | Annual Revenues between $1M – $10M dollars: Pivotal Consulting, LLC

Class 3 Supplier of the Year | Annual Revenues between $10M – $50M dollars: Greater Pacific Industries

Class 4 Supplier of the Year | Annual Revenues above $50M: Zones, LLC

 

Leadership awards were also presented to the Private Sector Corporations that commit and live the practice of Minority Business Enterprise inclusion.

2022 Corporate Leadership Award Recipients:

Regional Corporation of the Year: McKinstry

National Corporation of the Year: Starbucks Coffee Company

The Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council congratulates all the winners for their outstanding achievements and their commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the Northwest Mountain region.

 

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About the Council:

Founded in 1978, the Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to drive economic value by equalizing opportunities. As an affiliate of the National MSDC, the Council certifies minority-owned businesses and provides access to supplier development, supply chain inclusion, networking events, and formal introductions. The Council serves the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

 

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Karla Malacon, President and CEO, at (253) 243-6959 or email kmalacon@nwmmsdc.org.

NWMMSDC Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month

AAPI list 2The Northwest Mountain MSDC proudly recognizes Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month throughout the month of May. This month-long celebration is a testament to our commitment to honor the rich culture and profound impact that has influenced the Asian/Pacific Islander community. Moreover, we take this opportunity to recognize and showcase the exceptional AAPI Council Certified MBEs who continue to make a positive difference in the Northwest region.

To further highlight the presence of the Asian and Pacific Islander community, we have compiled a comprehensive list of over 100 Asian and Pacific Islander Certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs). These exceptional businesses have not only made significant contributions to the Council but have also played a crucial role in bolstering the entire Northwest economy. As Certified MBEs affiliated with the Northwest Mountain MSDC, AAPI firms have collectively aggregated a revenue of $1.6 Billion as of 2022.

We are excited about the future and our ongoing efforts to collaborate with all Minority Business Enterprises. Join us in recognizing and celebrating the achievements of the Asian and Pacific Islander community as we work together to drive innovation, economic growth, and success!

Click here to view the list of Council Certified AAPI Minority Business Enterprises.

Seattle Kraken Announce Bristol Bay Wild Market as New Vendor

The Climate Pledge Arena and Seattle Kraken announced that the Bristol Bay Wild Market will join 12 other marketplaces in the Climate Pledge Arena, with wild and sustainably sourced seafood. Bristol Wild Seafood Company, a subsidiary of the Bristol Bay Native Corporation, is a minority-owned Alaska seafood company and Seattle Kraken partner – bringing Alaska cod and Bristol Bay sockeye salmon to the Market.  The Bristol Bay Wild Market was recognized as one of the top 10 Indigenous experiences in 2022!

This partnership is very significant because of the opportunity it provides fans from all over the world to learn more about the role that MBEs can provide to the country. Having this platform allows the BBWM to spread awareness of their culture and providing education and awareness to the masses about forward moving initiatives within our food supply.

If you are interested in more information about the Bristol Wild Seafood Company, follow one of the links below:

Bristol Wild Seafood Company
Bristol Bay Native Corporation

Aprende y Avanza Education Program

This program was developed under the supervision of the Department of Labor and Industry and the course can be taken in English or Spanish, which is a first in Washington State. We encourage all Members, MBEs and business contacts to take this course so they can avoid penalties involving compliance with Washington State labor laws.
After you register upon taking the first course, individuals will receive a $25 digital gift card from DoorDash so they can enjoy some good food as they are learning. (There a limited number of electronic DoorDash gift cards, so please take advantage of this promotion as soon as possible!)
This is a program offered by The Northwest Mountain MSDC in partnership with the Seattle Latino Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. We also invite you to register yourself and your staff so you can take advantage of this learning material as well as enjoy a nice meal courtesy of Door Dash.

For more information and enrollment click here. 

Leadership Transition Update

The Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council (Council) is proud to announce that Fernando Martinez, President and CEO, Northwest Mountain MSDC, will join the National Minority Supplier Development Council’s (NMSDC) Executive Leadership team in a newly created and essential position as Senior Vice President of Network Success. Fernando has spent the last 14 years at the Council advocating for the ethnic minority business community and looks to bring his ideologies and passion to the National Council.

We’re excited to announce that Karla Malacon has been promoted to Interim President & CEO for the Northwest Mountain MSDC! Karla has been an integral part of our team for the last 6 years, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see her take on this new challenge. Karla has proven to be a dedicated and hardworking member of our team, always going above and beyond to ensure the success of the Council while representing its values both internally and externally. Her experience and expertise working in Marketing, Operations and Certification make her the perfect fit for her new role.

We look forward to making a smooth transition as we gear up for a busy rest of the year. Join us in congratulating Karla and Fernando on their new endeavors!