March 2015 Community Newsletter
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The March 2015 newsletter from Tabor 100 highlights various initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration among minority-owned businesses, with emphasis on pursuing strategic partnerships to create economic opportunities. It features updates on members' achievements, ongoing efforts in education funding reform, and community recognition for members Leslie Jones and Alexis Oliver. The newsletter also covers Seattle's recycling requirements for construction materials and upcoming meetings for Tabor 100 members.
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One of the terrific education partners for Tabor 100
is the League of Education Voters [LEV], where I
participate on the Board and represent community
and business interests. LEV put together a wonderful
vision document, which you can access via this URL:
http://educationvoters.org/way-forward/
Here are some key points from the introductory page:
“Washington’s policymakers have spent much time,
money, and intellectual capital trying to overhaul
our state’s education funding system—multiple task
forces, studies, work groups, legislative efforts—
and yet, we lack a plan for ample, equitable, and
stable funding. In addition, our definition of “basic
education”—what this funding system is supposed to
pay for—doesn’t go far enough to prepare our kids
for college or career.
The Washington State Supreme Court found that
the state was violating its constitutional obligation to
amply fund basic education in the McCleary v. State
of Washington funding case. Lawmakers were given
a 2018 deadline to fix how we fund basic education.
The passage of Initiative 1351 to lower K–12 class
sizes statewide magnifies the intense pressure on
the Legislature to determine a viable funding plan for
public education. Though the 2018 deadline looms,
the Court found the Legislature in “contempt of
court” last fall, giving them until the end of the 2015
legislative session to make significant progress on a
funding plan. While the funding issues are paramount
to the Court, this time frame provides a unique
opportunity to reflect on what our kids really need
from our public education system to succeed.
A new definition of basic education must address
one of the critical and more pernicious challenges we
face statewide: a growing achievement gap between
low-income kids, kids of color, and English Language
Learners; and their white, more affluent counterparts.
Too many kids, particularly low-income kids, arrive at
kindergarten already behind. At the other end of the
education spectrum, all data point to the need for a
postsecondary degree or certificate in preparation for
the jobs of today and tomorrow.
We know there is no single policy solution that will
close the opportunity and achievement gaps for
Washington students.”
You, Tabor 100 members, have a role to play as a
business person and concerned citizen: These kids
are YOUR future, too. Consider becoming more
aware of education issues and policies, and more
active in speaking up for your views with school
district board members, city council members, and
members of the State Legislature. We are halfway
through the current session, and many education
bills are being considered. Opportunities will come
your way to advocate for them, one way or the
other – and these will be important choices and
important leverage points. If you want to have a say
in workforce development – education issues are a
critical place to start. Don’t drop the torch when your
turn comes up!!
KEVIN WASHINGTON
Education Chair
► ► Washington Students: Doing Better by Them](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2015-03newsletter-150324201347-conversion-gate01/85/March-2015-Community-Newsletter-3-320.jpg)
March 2015 Community Newsletter
- 1. Get the newsletter online and stay connected through social media! OLLIE GARRETT President of Tabor 100 March 2015 A Personal Message from Nate Miles 2 Doing Better by Washington Students 3 Leslie Jones and Alexis Oliver are Recognized 4 Regional Contracting Forum Success 7 The northwest economy is roaring, new buildings and new opportunities are cropping up everywhere, and our region is leading the country in many important business categories! New funds from state and local governments are plentiful and Tabor is contacted regularly by businesses interested in working with our members. They view us as a good place to create “strategic partnerships.” We are committed to making the most of these “good times.” I mentioned at the last meeting that the Board has been pursuing funds for technical assistance to Tabor members and while I don’t have a lot to report now, we are hoping to have a new initiative underway soon. We want everyone to prosper. My vision is a simple one – put as many Tabor members to work as possible by helping them get the work, maintain it and keep it. Ultimately, we want to see Tabor members grow and give back to their families and the community. We must all be on our “A” game. My request of you is that you make the term “strategic partnership” your mantra and jump at the chance to work with others. Some are not big enough to take on certain projects and must partner with another firm or two to do the job. Some are big enough, but we don’t always have the right mix of experience and expertise so we will have to work with others to deliver the complete package. Embrace your competition and look for ways that you can collaborate seeking a pathway that benefits both of you. Next year at this time, I am hoping that you are working with your competition and creating prosperity together. I realize there is a time to compete and a time to collaborate. I know that there are times you cannot work “with” the competition, but I ask that you figure out whether it is better for you to work with them or compete against them. You never know –a “strategic partnership” may be good for both of you. Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
- 2. 2 A very special Thank you to Joseph Small, Ebony Office Interiors for sponsoring the March General Meeting breakfast. A MESSAGE FROM LONGTIME TABOR MEMBER, NATE MILES First and foremost, thanks for all your abundant prayers and well wishes – I can feel the love and am getting stronger and stronger every day! I am deeply grateful for all of my family and friends who are supporting me on this healing journey. I’d also like to send a big shout out to the amazing team at Swedish! My surgery was very successful, and the doctors continue to believe that the tumor was a benign meningioma. The nurses and physical therapy teams here at Swedish have been so helpful in my recovery – they are amazing people, nothing short of angels. I was able to transfer to a regular room today and will be focused on physical therapy for another week or so. Should all go according to plan, I will be heading home the following week for the remainder of my recovery. Thank you for all the beautiful and breathtaking flowers and gifts. While I am grateful for your thoughtfulness, rather than send me additional flowers, please consider making a donation to the Pleasant-Miles Scholarship at Whitman College (note Pleasant-Miles in the comments box at www.whitman.edu/give/scholarship). We have been receiving a lot of flowers, which has posed some challenges for other patients with sensitivities, so please consider an alternative gift via scholarship donation. This charity is very special to our family. Alternatively, you may make a contribution to one of your favorite charities in my name. As I’ve been resting and recovering, I’ve had an opportunity to follow the recent horrific scenes throughout the media. Political tensions and race related activities of today’s youth that we believed were long gone and ready to be buried are now resurfacing and calling for our attention. We must continue on with our meaningful work, as there are so many focus areas in changing our world. We need to find better ways to come together as human beings and bring positive impact to our youth and leadership. I’m looking forward to recovering soon and getting back into my higher purpose, and ask that you will all continue to be with me on this journey. Thank you again for your support, prayers and being a part of my life. More to come soon! Stay informed via my Facebook page (www.facebook. com/nate.miles.146) – we will post updates there. UPDATE ON SEATTLE RECYCLING REQUIREMENTS Wood from remodeling, demolition, and new construction is the latest addition to Seattle’s recycling requirements. Find out where to recycle and find tipping fees consistently lower than garbage disposal rates. No Landfilling of Selected Construction Materials Since 2012, Seattle City Council has directed new requirements to keep building materials out of landfills for construction jobs involving a Seattle building permit. The City’s building department (Department of Planning & Development) and solid waste utility (Seattle Public Utilities) have complementary procedures to increase salvaging, deconstruction, reuse, and recycling. Hundreds of projects have already complied with waste diversion planning and reporting during 2014, when these requirements took effect. Wood without paint or preservatives joined the “Don’t Landfill” list as of January 2015. Already prohibited from landfilling and required to be recycled are: Scrap Metal; Cardboard; Asphalt Paving; Concrete; Brick; New Gypsum Wallboard. You can fill out the forms manually or online; to download them or fill out, go here: Waste Diversion Plan and Salvage Assessment and Waste Diversion Report. More information is available at www.seattle.gov/util/CDWasteManagement or contact Gabriella Uhlar-Heffner at 386-9772 or Shirli Axelrod at 684-7804.
- 3. 3 One of the terrific education partners for Tabor 100 is the League of Education Voters [LEV], where I participate on the Board and represent community and business interests. LEV put together a wonderful vision document, which you can access via this URL: http://educationvoters.org/way-forward/ Here are some key points from the introductory page: “Washington’s policymakers have spent much time, money, and intellectual capital trying to overhaul our state’s education funding system—multiple task forces, studies, work groups, legislative efforts— and yet, we lack a plan for ample, equitable, and stable funding. In addition, our definition of “basic education”—what this funding system is supposed to pay for—doesn’t go far enough to prepare our kids for college or career. The Washington State Supreme Court found that the state was violating its constitutional obligation to amply fund basic education in the McCleary v. State of Washington funding case. Lawmakers were given a 2018 deadline to fix how we fund basic education. The passage of Initiative 1351 to lower K–12 class sizes statewide magnifies the intense pressure on the Legislature to determine a viable funding plan for public education. Though the 2018 deadline looms, the Court found the Legislature in “contempt of court” last fall, giving them until the end of the 2015 legislative session to make significant progress on a funding plan. While the funding issues are paramount to the Court, this time frame provides a unique opportunity to reflect on what our kids really need from our public education system to succeed. A new definition of basic education must address one of the critical and more pernicious challenges we face statewide: a growing achievement gap between low-income kids, kids of color, and English Language Learners; and their white, more affluent counterparts. Too many kids, particularly low-income kids, arrive at kindergarten already behind. At the other end of the education spectrum, all data point to the need for a postsecondary degree or certificate in preparation for the jobs of today and tomorrow. We know there is no single policy solution that will close the opportunity and achievement gaps for Washington students.” You, Tabor 100 members, have a role to play as a business person and concerned citizen: These kids are YOUR future, too. Consider becoming more aware of education issues and policies, and more active in speaking up for your views with school district board members, city council members, and members of the State Legislature. We are halfway through the current session, and many education bills are being considered. Opportunities will come your way to advocate for them, one way or the other – and these will be important choices and important leverage points. If you want to have a say in workforce development – education issues are a critical place to start. Don’t drop the torch when your turn comes up!! KEVIN WASHINGTON Education Chair ► ► Washington Students: Doing Better by Them
- 4. Creating Opportunitities for YOU! Together, Tabor 100 and the Minority Business Advisory Council will be: Learn more about MBAC by visiting www.MBAC-WA.org. • Creating opportunities for minority-owned businesses • Promoting initiatives that impact economic development • Building a stronger minority community with more opportunities On Friday, March 20, the Seattle Medium newspaper saluted long-time Tabor 100 members, Leslie Jones and Alexis Oliver, as two of “50 Community Women Trailblazers and Role Models for Equal and Civil Rights.” Leslie serves as the Director of Sound Transit’s Diversity Programs Office working to champion diversity, inclusion and social equity. “I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award,” said Tabor 100 President Ollie Garrett. “Leslie’s commitment to us as a people and minority businesses in general, is outstanding.” Alexis Oliver, Director of the State Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprise and a seasoned Tabor 100 member, was recognized for her commitment to equal rights and noted for her tireless advocacy for people of color. “Alexis’ has always been someone we at Tabor have relied on in Olympia,” Garrett said. “In her role in the Governor’s Office, at DSHS and now at OMWBE, Alexis has championed the needs of minority businesses in Olympia and throughout the state.” Tabor 100 is proud to call both Oliver and Jones members of the organization and applaud the Seattle Medium for its recognition of them and other women “trailblazers” who have distinguished themselves in the equal and civil rights arena. Congratulations to all of the women honored in the ‘Trailblazers / Role Models’ category. HENRY YATES Public Affairs Chair ► ► Tabor Members Leslie Jones and Alexis Oliver are Recognized By the Seattle Medium Newspaper
- 5. On March 12 and 13 at the Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council Annual Business Conference and Awards Dinner, Tabor members Frank Lemos and Alexis Oliver, were recognized for leadership in their respective fields. Alexis Oliver, Director of the State Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprise, was presented the Champion Award for being a public employee who creates business opportunities and advances the development of MBEs. “I am pleased that Alexis is getting the recognition she deserves for all her efforts to promote minority businesses”, stated Ollie Garrett, President of Tabor 100. Long-time former Tabor Board member Frank Lemos, owner of LDC, Inc., an engineering, land surveying and land use planning firm, was awarded the John A. Gilmore Award for being a Minority Business Enterprise advocate for fellow MBEs. Lemos served several years as Chair of Tabor’s Government Affairs Committee and in other Tabor 100 Board capacities. He recently left the Government Affairs post, but continues his advocacy at all levels of government. “Tabor 100 recognized Frank and his commitment to social justice at our Gala last year and we are pleased that he is being honored by others,” said Ollie Garrett, President of Tabor 100. “I have worked closely with Frank and know first hand how much he sacrifices to promote social justice. He is very deserving of this award.” ► ► Minority Supplier Development Council Lauds Tabor Members HENRY YATES Public Affairs Chair
- 6. 6 Recognizing Tabor’s impact on minority business in the Puget Sound region, Congressman Denny Heck (D-Olympia), invited Tabor to meet with Maria Contreras-Sweet, Administrator of the National Small Business Administration. Heck and Regional SBA Administrator Calvin Goings facilitated the meeting in which Contreras-Sweet answered questions about SBA lending practices for minority businesses. Tabor encouraged her to streamline loan processes and adjust lending limits, especially for those coming from or investing in lower income communities where minority businesses tend to operate. PICTURE: Left to right -- Calvin Goings, Congressman Heck, Maria Contreras-Sweet, Tim Strege (Factory Business Incubator) and Tabor Public Affairs Chair Henry Yates. ► ► Reach Global Markets with the SBA CALVIN GOINGS SBA Regional Administrator Today, 98 percent of American companies that export are small businesses, but more than half of our exporters are only selling to one foreign market, usually Canada or Mexico. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is here to help more entrepreneurs reach new markets for their goods and services. Trade agreements are critical to helping level the playing field for our nation’s small business exporters, because they have fewer resources to overcome trade barriers and gain market access than larger companies Increases in U.S. exports have generated nearly one- third of our overall economic growth and supported 1.6 million new jobs. Last year, the U.S. exported a record $2.3 trillion of goods and services, an all-time high. One out of every five American jobs is tied to exports. These jobs generally pay better, nearly 20 percent better. SBA has supported $6.6 billion in small business export financing. We guarantee 90 percent of export loans (working capital, line of credit, or fixed-asset financing) on amounts up to $5 million. We also have an expedited approval process on export loans under a half-million dollars. With two thirds of the world’s purchasing power residing outside the U.S., the SBA is acutely aware that trade agreements play an important role in the long-term success of America’s small businesses, and SBA is working to help small business owners across the country grow their businesses in this global economy. Through its network of trade finance specialists located in U.S. Export Assistance Centers throughout the country, SBA provides training and consultation services on trade financing and U.S. government export programs to both lenders and small businesses. For example, KuKuRuZa, a popcorn company elevated their small business through the SBA Small Business Development Center’s Export Readiness Center. Through their assistance, KuKuRuZa was able to open franchise locations in Japan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and South Korea. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to expand your customer base, there’s never been a better time to think globally. Explore www.sba.gov/exporting to learn how take your company international today. ► ► Tabor meets with National SBA Administrator.
- 7. 7 TABOR’S SUCCESS AT THE REGIONAL CONTRACTING FORUM by Henry Yates For the 13th year, Tabor 100 joined more than 100 businesses, government agencies and non-profit organizations as a part of the King County Regional Contracting Forum held at the Seattle / King County Trade and Convention Center. Hundreds of the more than 1300 attendees at the event visited the Tabor table and received information on the organization with some joining on the spot. Tabor’s new Membership Chair, Lisa TompkinsSaadeh, answered questions and provided written information to conference attendees about Tabor’s mission and its 17-year presence in the Seattle area. Tabor 100 is proud to be associated with the Regional Contracting Forum and values its partnership with the many other exhibitors from the public and private arena. This year’s event, the biggest ever, was coordinated by King County and Tabor 100 applauds Sandy Hanks and her team at the County for a “job well done.” The Forum is the only local event that features one-on-one interviews and this year had 64 different Consulting firms and Contractors. More than 700 individual interviews occurred throughout the day with a good number of Tabor members having the opportunity to connect with “primes” and others looking for subcontractors and consultants.
- 8. Lilly and Tabor 100, working together for better health. PRINTED IN USA ©2013, Lilly USA, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. lillyforbetterhealth.com UPCOMING MEETINGS April 25: Tabor General Meeting, 10 a.m to noon. April 29: SeaTac International Airport Dining and Retail Program Redevelopment at 3 p.m. COMMITTEE MEETINGS Education Committee meets after the Tabor General Meeting, the last Saturday of the month from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at The Central. Government Affairs Committee meets on the last Saturday of the month from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., preceding the Tabor General Meeting. The meetings are held at the G.R.E.A.N. House Coffee & Café shop, across the street from New Hope Baptist Church. Please contact any of the Chair’s for more information about their committee. THE TABOR 100 BOARD President: Ollie Garrett President@Tabor100.org Vice President: Brian Sims VP@Tabor100.org Treasurer: Tracey Cruise Treasurer@Tabor100.org Secretary: Sherlita Kennedy Secretary@Tabor100.org Membership: Lisa TompkinsSaadeh Membership@Tabor100.org Education: Kevin C. Washington Education@Tabor100.org Public Affairs: Henry Yates PublicAffairs@Tabor100.org Economic Development: Everette Adams EconomicDevelopment@Tabor100.org Government Affairs: Jamila Johnson GovernmentAffairs@Tabor100.org Fund Development: John Berdes FundDevelopment@Tabor100.org Business Development: Malcolm Waters BusinessDev@Tabor100.org TABOR 100 OFFICE 2330 130th Ave NE #101 Bellevue, WA 98005 425.882.4800 x.107 Staff@Tabor100.org Newsletter Editor: Mel DePaoli mel@omicle.com | 425.440.1099 Webmaster: William H. Dudley WilliamDudley@jcisreal.com 425.917.8288 WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO REACH OUT!