BE READY Masterclass - Buyers Discuss Procurement, Process, and Projects.

Masterclasses in Gaining Access to Multi-Billion Dollars Available
to Businesses with Preferred Vendor Status

The Henry County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council is presenting a series of BE READY breakfast masterclasses targeting small and micro business owners and operators to help them prepare for 2022 opportunities to grow as a preferred vendor. From being ready to pivot during a pandemic to weathering supply chain issues or surviving record inflation, this series of three critical focus areas will provide guidance and options for strengthening small businesses and enabling them to ‘Be Ready’ in any circumstance. This 3-series information build will provide small businesses in Henry County with an understanding of the qualifications criteria, the processes, and resources that will help them create a foundationally sound business poised for longevity and prosperity.

Chamber Small Business Council: Brandon Hutchison, Vice-Chair Economic & Community Development, Atlanta Motor Speedway; Kena Ceasar, SBC Chair, Ameris Bank; Barbara Ingram, Chamber Liaison, Brenda Landers, High Priority Plumbing; Morelle McCrary, RAM-Tech PC Solutions; Lincoln Parks, Web Mobile Fusion

Organizing Committee: June Wood, ARC; Josh Fenn, HCDA; Vickie Irwin-Avery, The Southern Company, The Honorable Carlotta Harrell, Chair, Henry County Board of Commissioners

May 3
Aligning and Vying for Supply-Side Opportunities. Be Ready.
Government entities, corporations, preferred vendors, and contractors will purchase billions of goods and services from businesses in 2022. Attend this session to learn about the areas of opportunity from the State of Georgia, the City of Atlanta, Henry County, and the many corporations throughout the state that purchase goods and services to meet their project goals and sustain operations.

Attend this session to learn what it takes for your business to become a qualified supply-side provider, with resources that can help you ensure a successful process. Learn the difference between contracting and sub-contracting and the benefits of each. Learn about the resources available to help you get your back-office functions in order and ready for growth.

Master Class Presenter

Dana Lemon, Business Owner
W. D. Lemon & Sons Funeral Home
Board Member, Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
BIO

May 10
Opening Doors and Windows with Business Certifications. Be Ready.
In Georgia, a wide disparity exists in business revenues earned by ethnic minority-owned businesses (12.2%) compared to non-minority-owned businesses (87.8%). Certification of ethnic minority owners of small and microbusinesses is a proven method to help close the revenue earnings gap. Through certifications, ethnic minorities gain access to a share of the billions of dollars spent annually by government organizations as well as public and privately-owned companies as well as universities, hospitals, and other buying institutions.

Attend to gain an understanding of the opportunities and how the path to becoming certified will strengthen your business.

Master Class Presenter
Stacey J. Key, Chief Executive Officer
Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC)
BIO

May 17
Buyers Discuss Procurement, Process, and Projects. Be Ready.
Panelists will answer questions related to their specific procurement processes and share information about their diversified supply chains, and insight into the successes of small businesses competing in their systems.

Moderator
Shar'ron Russell
Community Development Manager
Georgia Power Company
Bio