Connecticut and New England Minority Supplier Councils Merge

The boards of the New England Minority Supplier Development Council (NEMSDC) and the Connecticut Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC) have agreed in principle to merge the two regional affiliates of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).

The merger between these two nonprofit organizations will result in one NMSDC council consisting of 250 corporate members and 400 certified minority owned business enterprises (MBEs). Corporate members include some of the largest for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations in the six-state region. The certified MBEs in the merged council have combined sales of close to $2 billion. Pending final approval by both boards, the merger will become effective January 1, 2009.

The newly merged council will be known as the New England Minority Supplier Development Council and will have its administrative offices in Hamden, CT. The new President and CEO of the NEMSDC will be Dr. Fred McKinney. Dr. McKinney has served as the President of the CMSDC since 2001.

Chairperson of the newly merged NEMSDC, Kristen Hickey of Aetna, offered: "The merger will create a stronger organization that will more effectively and efficiently accomplish its mission of building strong MBEs throughout New England."

According to James Sturgis of the Stop and Shop Supermarket Company and vice chairperson of the NEMSDC: "The merger presents New England-based corporations and MBEs with an opportunity to be aligned with one of the most dynamic minority supplier development councils in the nation."

The mission of the New England Minority Supplier Development Council is to significantly increase procurement opportunities for certified minority business enterprises.