MBE/EDGE Subcommittee Meeting
06/09/09
Meeting Minutes
In attendance:Lawrence Burns, Shanda Gore, Olivia Holden, George Robinson, Mark Urrutia, Jen Pastorek, Matt Schroeder, Tom Bebley, Carter Wilson, Megan Reichert, Lorie Sarnes, Shaun Murray, William Brennan, Betty Anzaldua, Kara Mominee
Mr. Burns opened the meeting with member introductions. New attending members were Ms. Anzaldua and Ms. Reichert.
Dr. Gore reviewed the minutes from the last meeting as well as the action items. She referred to Ms. Holden for her software information.
Ms. Holden explained that National Source Solutions produced a software that can be used to track MBE and WBE. She noted that we can still utilize students with this software. Ms. Pastorek and Ms. Sarnes stated that they will be meeting with Mr. Sykes regarding his software that can be used to track MBE and WBE.
Action Item: Ms. Pastorek willl report on the software presentation at the next meeting.
Ms. Pastorek provided an update about her progress with tracking EDGE and MBE and stated that she will be working with Ms. Sarnes to combine their reports to the State. She stated that she has had success with putting together a tracking system but looks forward to the software presentation.
Ms. Sarnes stated that she has hired a student intern in her office to help her office with EDGE to get up to date. Mr. Urrutia emphasized that the President’s Council on Diversity will want reporting on the MBE tracking..
Action Item:Per Dr. Gore’s request, Ms. Mominee will assist Ms. Sarnes to begin tracking MBE. Mr. Burns emphasized that if resources are needed, he would be glad to advocate for those resources. Ms. Sarnes will not be able to attend the next meeting and will then provide an update of her progress to Ms. Pastorek so that it can be discussed at the next July 14 meeting.
Mr. Burns provided an update on the incubator site. He stated that we need to get the site prepared and gather furniture and computers. Mr. Burns noted that Mr. Bebley has offered his company and services to assist. Heexplained that policies and a business plan will need to be drawn up for the incubator sites. Mr. Burns noted that both he and Dr. Gore plan to work with Ms. Reichert to better understand the needs of the companies that would occupy the incubator. Mr. Burns requested Ms. Reichert to speak about her experiences.
Ms. Reichert stated that she has some flexible space in her incubator at the University but that her location is not on Scott Park. She also stated that Chuck Lehnart has a 10,000 sq. ft of lab incubators. Ms. Reichert emphasized that we not only need furniture and computers for the incubator site, but she recommends to providethem services such as guidance on what to expect and when to bid. She stated that a focus on technology companies may help begin the incubator.
Mr. Bebley asked what individuals would qualify for the MBE/EDGE incubator sites. A discussion concerning the need for the MBE/EDGE incubator to be inclusive with retailers ensued.Mr. Burns suggested that potential incubator tenants be considered on a case-to-case basisby looking at the individual and how the university can benefit by helping them.
Action Item: Further discussion about the incubator parameters will be needed. Ms. Reichert was asked to provide what procedures and/or requirements she has to Mr. Burns and Dr. Gore. A suggestion of those parameters will be brought to the nextsubcommittee meeting.
Mr. Burns then asked if there are colleges that have incubator programs that we could review.
Action Item: Mr. Robinson will get information from HowardUniversity when he visits and bring that to the next meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 1:25 p.m.
KM/SLG