Message from BDPA Corporate Sponsor: MillerCoors

Norm Fleming

Norman Fleming (senior director, MillerCoors) is a long-time member and supporter of BDPA programs, scholarships and services. He believes that BDPA is filled with information technology thought leaders that are making a difference when it comes to preparing the Black community to win the future in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Norman introduced BDPA to his company ... MillerCoors ... and the corporate partnership has flourished over the past few years. In addition to being a major sponsor at the national level, MillerCoors is working closely with our local BDPA chapters in Chicago and Milwaukee. In fact, MillerCoors hosts many of the public meetings for BDPA Milwaukee chapter!

Norman shared the following message earlier this month:

---

"Great news for MillerCoors. We were named “Outstanding Corporation of the Year” at the 36th Annual National BDPA Technology Conference & Career Fair held August 5-9, 2014 at the JW Marriott Indianapolis. The following BDPA awards/acknowledgements have been achieved during that conference week:

• BDPA “Outstanding Corporation of the Year” - BDPA recognizes exceptional companies that provide African Americans with challenging and fulfilling career opportunities in Information Technology. MillerCoors was recognized as a company who have demonstrated a commitment to BDPA’s mission, people and an understanding that Diversity has a bottom line business case value. Key contributors: Karen Alber (BDPA/SIM CIO Panelist, BDPA Chicago Chapter Award of Excellence), Bill Eismont (Dignitaries Panelist), Carmen Giles (Milwaukee Chapter President), Ashton Clark, Adrienne Williams, Melodi Warren Anderson, Treccy Marquardt-Thomas (BIS summer intern), Dave Hora and BISLT.
  

Carmen Giles & Craig Brown

• BDPA “Comeback Chapter of the Year” - BDPA recognizes chapters across the country that are committed to developing the Information Technology talent pipeline from the “Classroom to the Boardroom.” BDPA Milwaukee Chapter was recognized as the “Comeback Chapter of the Year” for its accelerated growth and commitment to students, members, and corporate sponsors. Compared to 45 other chapters across the nation, BDPA Milwaukee has attracted the highest percent of new members in one year. And, for the first time in its history, the Milwaukee Chapter sponsored eight local high school students in this year’s National High School Computer Competition championship. Key contributors: Carmen Giles (Chapter President), Allen Baylor, Adrienne Williams, Melodi Warren Anderson and Matt Brahm (HSCC Instructor)

• BDPA Dignitaries Panel Discussion on the topic “Executive Presence” - MillerCoors sponsored the IT Senior Management Forum Networking and BDPA Dignitaries Panel Reception. CIOs, CTOs, SVPs, VPs, and senior leaders from Fortune 500 companies, federal agencies, and educational institutions convened during the BDPA conference to learn from top executives on the key “leadership presence” attributes required for aspiring IT and business leaders in their respective careers. The CIO/EVP of Eli Lilly, Global CIO of Deloitte (moderator) and VP of Johnson & Johnson were some of the key members of this distinguished panel. Key contributors: Bill Eismont (MillerCoors Panelist), Carmen Giles and Ashton Clark

• JW Marriott Indianapolis – Point of Distribution (POD) - MillerCoors was the exclusive adult beverage provider of beer/cider products throughout the entire conference at every BDPA corporate reception, post reception party, and the Black-Tie Awards Gala. As MillerCoors recently launched Redd’s Wicked Apple nationally, this brand was the #1 consumed FMB product throughout the National BDPA conference at the second largest JW Marriott in the nation. MillerCoors promoted Wicked Apple, Miller Fortune, Crispin Original, Smith & Forge, Redd’s Apple Ale, Redd’s Strawberry Ale, Summer Shandy, Blue Moon, Peroni, Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Batch 19. And, MillerCoors’ branded glassware was showcased at the receptions. Furthermore, Miller Lite, Coors Light, Blue Moon, Summer Shandy, and Redd’s Apple Ale were also served on draft at the JW Marriott sports bar. Key Contributors: JW Marriott (Amy McNeely), Monarch Beverage Co. (Ashley Searer), MillerCoors (Ryan Tohill, Norm Fleming)
  

Thanks to the MillerCoors team that spent the week in Indy promoting our company. We are proud to be America’s Best Beer Company!"

---

This is an example of the multi-dimensional relationship that BDPA seeks to have with each of its corporate sponsors. We are convinced that BDPA provides a remarkable 'return on investment' for Corporate America. If you or your company would like to learn more about BDPA sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to us by email (corpsales@bdpa.org) or phone, (301) 584-3135, ext. 108.

MillerCoors Sponsors BDPA for Third Year in a Row

MillerCoors is passionate about beer and the beer business. MillerCoors demonstrated its passion for BDPA programs and services when it made the commitment for the third year in a row to become a corporate sponsor ... this time at the Gold Level. The company investment in 2014 supports a number of the events at the 36th annual National BDPA Technology Conference on August 5-9, 2014 in Indianapolis.

Craig Brown

Dr. Craig Brown, National BDPA president stated, "On behalf of the National BDPA leadership team and its stakeholders, it is my honor and privilege to welcome MillerCoors as a Gold Level Sponsor. We thank MillerCoors for their commitment, continued support and contributions. It is the support of sponsors like MillerCoors that allows BDPA to continue forward with our mission to impact our members’ lives through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)."

MillerCoors has a strong leadership team and dedicated, hard-working people who are committed to building great beer brands the right way. The company is focused on creating big ideas and innovations that drive profitable growth and will help create a new era in the American beer industry. Their workplace philosophy is simple: Contribute your best with confidence, grow your career, and together help to create America’s best beer company.

Norman Fleming and past BDPA president Monique Berry

Norman Fleming, MillerCoors senior director said, "MillerCoors is committed to hiring the best multicultural talent in the market, and we know that National BDPA produces the best talent in the Information Technology field."

BDPA is the premier organization for African American professionals in the information technology industry. For almost 40 years, BDPA has fulfilled its mission by bridging the digital divide and providing career growth opportunities for its members. BDPA is also the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in STEM education across the country.

Pamela Sexton

BDPA conference director, Pamela Sexton said, "National BDPA is elated with the sponsorship renewal from MillerCoors. It's wonderful to have a company of this caliber as a trusted partner year after year. I enjoy the collaboration and support provided by MillerCoors during conference planning and throughout the year to bring BDPA forward. Thank you MillerCoors for your continued partnership."

Over 8,000 employees at MillerCoors 8,134 work together as a single team to exceed any challenges or expectations. A number of those employees are active with local BDPA chapters in both Chicago and Milwaukee.

"BDPA and MillerCoors are committed to developing the IT professional from the classroom to the boardroom. BDPA believes this is a ‘Best of Class’ professional development model that our members can benefit from,” stated Carmen Giles, BDPA Milwaukee chapter president.

To become a sponsor like MillerCoors, please contact BDPA Corporate Sales Team by email (corpsales@bdpa.org) or phone (301.584-3135 x108).

Related articles

• WellPoint Joins BDPA as Silver Level Sponsor
• Monsanto Moves Up to Silver Level Sponsor of BDPA
• For MillerCoors, It's The Charge Of The Light Brigade

Norman Fleming (MillerCoors) Wins BDPA Epsilon Award for 'Professional Achievement'

National BDPA annually selects and awards the BDPA Epsilon Award to recognize and celebrate key contributions and accomplishments of its members. The 'Outstanding Professional Achievement' award is presented to individuals who have reached or realized a significant milestone in their career, corporate or otherwise, that is noteworthy. One of the 2013 Epsilon Award winners in this category is Norman Fleming, senior director at MillerCoors.

Norman Fleming Wins 2013 Epsilon Award

Mr. Fleming earned this honor from BDPA because for his numerous impressive career achievements. He has over twenty-six years of deep professional business and technology experience including the following:

• Senior Director of Enterprise Business Solutions, MillerCoors (Present). He oversees a Business Information Solutions (BIS) portfolio of over 600 business systems across the entire enterprise. He is accountable for a $90 million annual budget that supports strategic business planning, portfolio management, project management, business analysis, SAP center of excellence, and most importantly, attracting, developing, and retaining the best diverse employee talent in the US and Puerto Rico markets.
• Senior Director of IT Client Relationship Management, Astellas Pharma (2010). He oversaw business solution areas, provided strategic IT leadership, a broad understanding of how technology can be applied to fulfill business objectives, and led the portfolio process for the Americas region in US, Canada, Central America, and South America.
• Program Integration & Management leader, Deloitte (2008). He designed, led and operated large scale technology delivery programs with a strong focus on predictability, results management, method alignment, delivery, risk, quality and estimation. He also provided an integrated set of advisory and implementation services to CxOs and IT Executive Management.
• Other positions include: IT Leader, Merck; Business Systems Manager, Kraft Foods; Director of Client Services, The New York Times Company and approximately 12 years in various management roles at the Chicago Tribune Company.

He has been recognized by Who’s Who in Science & Engineering, Who’s Who in International Professional Management, and received the highest recognition award at the Chicago Tribune company, the President’s Award.  Mr. Fleming holds many certifications and is active community leader. He also graduated with distinction and earned a MBA in Information Systems and he earned his Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Management.

Norm has been a consistent leader within BDPA.  He served on the national BDPA board of directors for many years.  He also came very close to becoming National BDPA president in 2007. Soul clap to Colleen Mayer for submitting the 2013 Epsilon Award nomination for Mr. Fleming.

You can follow Norman Fleming on Twitter: @NPFleming1016

Related articles

• Subrena Robinson (State Farm) Wins BDPA Epsilon Award for 'Community Service'
• Dr. Shaundra Daily (Clemson University) Wins BDPA Epsilon Award as 'Most Promising Technologist)
• Dr. Kyla McMullen (Clemson University) Wins BDPA Epsilon Award for 'Professional Achievement'

MillerCoors Renews Its Sponsorship of BDPA

We are proud to share that MillerCoors took the steps necessary to become a Gold-Level corporate sponsor of BDPA programs and services.  In addition, we are proud to announce that MillerCoors is also the 'Official Beverage Distributor of the 2013 BDPA Technology Conference'!

You can expect to see MillerCoors with a prominent location in the career fair as well as a corporate hospitality reception that will feature some great MillerCoors adult beverages (what is your favorite?). The company is also supporting BDPA Milwaukee and BDPA Chicago with in-kind facilities donations in CY-2013. Very cool!

Much props to Carmen Giles (MillerCoors corporate champion and the new president of our BDPA Milwaukee chapter) as well as ITSMF member and long-time BDPA leader and supporter Norman Fleming for working with BDPA to grow this mutually-beneficial corporate partnership!

2008-2009 National BDPA Executive Committee

• Founder: Earl Pace
• President: Denise P. Holland
• President Elect/VP-Business Management: Yvette Graham
• VP-Finance: Abraham Joseph
• VP-Member Services: Kim Davis
• VP-Membership Management: Eatonia Williams
• VP-Strategy & Planning: Edwin Sapp
• Immediate Past President: Gina Billings
• Outside Director: Wayne Applewhite
• Outside Director: Norman Fleming
• Outside Director: Betty Hutchins

Please share some love and encouragement for these brothers and sisters who have agreed to provide leadership necessary to take National BDPA to the next level over the coming months and years. Share your testimony about any of these BDPA leaders that you may have worked with in the past ... or simply congratulate them on their new volunteer assignment!

A Class Act: Norm Fleming

Norm Fleming added professionalism and a challenging vision for BDPA's future in his recent run for the president-elect office. The decision was a tough one for the delegates as evidenced by the fact that a second round of voting was necessary before Yvette Graham won the office in a 3-way election that included Betty Hutchins.

Norm took time after the election to share the following thoughts with BDPA leaders around the country,

My Dear Leaders of BDPA,

Words cannot begin to describe the enormous gratitude I have for the love, support, guidance, and cordiality extended to me over the past three months, as I sought to serve you as your National BDPA President-Elect. Thanks to each and every one of you. God has a blessing for you.

We ran a good, clean, professional, and spirited race. We set a high standard that has created a new BDPA precedent, and for that I am most appreciative. Congratulations to Yvette Graham! She will serve this organization with the highest degree of Dedication and Excellence! Thank You to Betty Hutchins! Her passion and intrinsic executive knowledge of BDPA was simply phenomenal.

While I may not have won at the poll, I do believe BDPA won, as we all have raised the consciousness of the members regarding a new direction for BDPA for a new century. May God bless each of you. May God bless BDPA!

-Norm

I will take the liberty to speak for all BDPA leaders in hoping that Norm accepts one of the many offers being made to him by both National BDPA, BDPA Philadelphia chapter and BDPA Education & Technology Foundation. His talents, vision and leadership are too important to BDPA to lose at this stage of our history.

Norm ... please find a place for your prominent talents to be displayed over the coming months and years!