BDPA Cincinnati Shares a Road Map to Success: An Entrepreneur's Story w/ ConnXus CEO Rod Robinson

Our community continues to march into a brave new world. The idea of working for a large employer for 40 years to get the ‘gold watch’ at retirement seems like a nostalgic memory. The influence of entrepreneurs in the marketplace is more prevalent today than ever. Jobs continue to shift overseas and the workforce for Fortune 100 companies continues to shrink. All of these trends position the entrepreneur as a major factor in filling the gaps that now exist in the job market.

BDPA Cincinnati chapter, a nonprofit organization made up of racially diverse information technology professionals who advance the careers of African Americans from the classroom to the boardroom, wants to assist BDPA entrepreneurs with programs that allow them to grown in knowledge and influence.

The education and networking process continues on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at the Procter and Gamble Winton Hills Business Center (6105 Center Hill Drive, Cincinnati 45224), when BDPA shares the entrepreneurial story of ConnXus chief executive officer Rod Robinson. As the founder and managing partner of consulting firm Accell Advisors, Rod has worked with Fortune 100 companies to improve or create strategic sourcing and supplier diversity programs. He previously served as Chief Procurement Officer for Cincinnati Bell, where he drove more than $14 million in annual purchasing cost reductions while increasing spending with minority business enterprises by 42%.

Come hear how Rod has taken his expertise and background in corporate America to create profitable businesses as an entrepreneur. His company, ConnXus, is an online service that seeks to revolutionize supplier diversity by making it easy for minority- and woman-owned businesses to connect with corporations looking for diverse suppliers and offering real contract opportunities. Since launching in December 2010, corporate buyer members have posted more than $75 million in contract opportunities for diverse supplier members on the site.

BDPA Cincinnati chapter president Clarence Larcarte said, “There has never been more of a need for what BDPA offers; an opportunity to acquire the skills, knowledge and relationships that will enable you to prosper in this and any other economic climate.”

BDPA stays on the leading edge from innovations in technology, to influencing how businesses are managed, to mentoring a new generation of "would be" entrepreneurs. The chapter meeting on February 16th is free and open to the public. Please RSVP - http://cincy-2012feb.eventbrite.com/ and you are encouraged to bring colleagues, co-workers or friends with you as well!

For more information you can reach BDPA by email (cincinnati@bdpa.org) or phone (513.956-0636).