News

Cape Canaveral, FL — IAP Worldwide Services, Inc. participated in and served as one of the Corporate sponsors for the Olympic-themed “Go for the Gold” 29^th Annual Business Opportunity Fair and Conference on August 15-18, 2012. Hosted by the Central/North Florida Minority Supplier Development Council (cnFMSDC), the event brings corporate America and minority-owned businesses together for networking, information sharing, and business pursuits.

Hosted at the Walt Disney World Contemporary Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL, the three-day event included an interactive seminar entitled “The Power of Collaboration.” The panel consisted of corporate members, Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), and government agencies. The interactive discussion covered topics such as forging strong relationships, knowing when not to collaborate, managing conflict wisely, making smart trade-offs, and building collaborative teams.

Ms. Joellen Moore, IAP Corporate Small Business Program Manager, served on the panel, and provided insight into choosing target markets wisely, approaching a large business, and reading and answering solicitations. Ms. Moore also serves as the Vice-Chair on the CNFMSDC Board of Directors.

The Business Opportunities Fair traditionally includes large corporations exhibiting, enabling the buyers of products and services to communicate their needs to the sellers. One highlight of the conference included a twist on the conventional trade fair called the “Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) to Corporate Connection,” which was held Thursday August 16.  In this scenario, the MBEs displayed their capabilities in the forms of products and services while the buyers, including corporations, government agencies, and other MBEs, explored opportunities for buying them.

Mr. Matt Cohen, IAP Sr. Supply Chain Manager, who was one of the representatives at the IAP exhibit, was very impressed with the FMSDC trade fair event. “It was first-rate, with excellent facilities and organization,” he said.  “In addition, we had the opportunity to interact with a large number of potential small business suppliers in a most professional manner.”

Following the theme “Go for the Gold,” Malik Ali, the cnFMSDC President, and his team replaced the traditional ribbon cutting at the Business Opportunity Fair held on Friday, August 17, with an Olympic style opening ceremony.  Flag bearers consisting of the Board of Directors, and other corporate members, an Olympic torch lighting, and music preceded the official opening of the trade fair, followed by continuous networking between corporations and small business.  Corporate purchasing representatives also provided information about their corporations including how to gain their business, tips on marketing, and providing leads for the MBEs and other small businesses in attendance.

FMSDC President Malik Ali emphasized that the success of the CNFMSDC Annual Business Opportunities Conference and Trade Fair is due to corporate participation. Mr. Ali said, “Corporate sponsorship and leadership, such as that provided by IAP, is the keystone for MBE upward mobility in the business world. The participation IAP’s Small Business Program Manager on the Board of Directors and her continued support at Council events (regional and statewide) identifies IAP as a company that is dedicated and committed to small business/supplier diversity.”

For more information about the cnFMSDC and upcoming events, please visit: www.cnfmsdc.org.

IAP Worldwide Services, Inc. is a leading international contractor providing global mission support for commercial industries, the Department of Defense, and other U.S. government agencies. A provider of global operations and logistics services, base operations support services, and professional and technical services, IAP is committed to small business growth and sustainment, awarding over 60.4% of the Company’s subcontracted dollars to small businesses over the past two years.

IAP’s corporate headquarters is located in Cape Canaveral, Florida, and the company employs more than 7,000 people at over 120 locations worldwide. IAP’s website can be accessed at www.iapws.com.