New Certification Director for IMSDC and
New Business Development Manager for MBDA Program Hired
Indianapolis – August 1, 2011. The Indiana Minority Supplier Development Council (IMSDC) has hired De’Anna “Lynn” Kirkland as the new certification director. Prior to joining IMSDC, Lynn worked for Community Action of Greater Indianapolis as a Financial Literacy Coordinator. She also worked as a program manager for the Indiana Association for Community Economic Development and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute as a program manager/grant compliance monitor.
Lynn will be responsible for managing the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification application and review process and is responsible for ensuring that certified MBEs fall within the guidelines of the National Minority Supplier Development Council’s certification guidelines, policies and procedures.
James A. Knight, Sr. has been hired as the business development manager for the Minority Business Development Agency’s (MBDA) Minority Business Center. The IMSDC was awarded a $1.1 million grant earlier this year to operate the Minority Business Development Agency’s Minority Business Center in Indiana. The Indiana Center is one of 27 centers nationwide that was funded by MBDA. The purpose of the Center is to assist minority entrepreneurs with access to markets, contracts and capital and offer strategic business consulting services to facilitate 21st century growth in today’s global economy.
James is a former business owner and certified MBE. He also brings more than 30 years experience with Remy International as a Director of Sales and Marketing and Major Account Executive. The center is staffed with three full-time employees and is located in the IMSDC building at 2126 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN.
About IMSDC
The Indiana Minority Supplier Development Council (IMSDC) is an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), and one of 37 regional councils operating in the United States. The primary mission of the IMSDC is to promote and cultivate successful Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) within the Indiana business community. The IMSDC serves as an advocate for the economic well-being and growth of IMSDC-certified MBEs, while also providing a direct connection for corporations who are committed to purchasing products and services from IMSDC-certified MBEs. The IMSDC is supported by corporate membership dues, contributions, and by funding from the NMSDC. There are more than 150 corporate members and more than 400 certified MBEs as part of the Council.
About the MBDA
MBDA, www.mbda.gov, an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, promotes the growth and global competitiveness of the minority business community, making them better equipped to create jobs, impact local economies and compete successfully in domestic and global marketplaces. With a nationwide network of more than 40 business centers and strategic partners, MBDA assists minority entrepreneurs and business owners with consulting services, contract and financing opportunities, bonding and certification services, building business-to-business alliances and executive training.