SPECIAL EDITION - MBEConnect

Minority Supplier
Development Council
Developing and Growing
Opportunities for MBEs
For almost three decades, the MidAmerica Minority Supplier Development Council (MAMSDC) has
enhanced the growth and development of minority owned business enterprises (MBEs) through
participation in private and public sector procurement programs. As one of 37 regional councils of
the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), MAMSDC represents businesses
across Kansas and Western Missouri.
The official mission of MAMSDC
is to “Increase business development
opportunities between majority and
minority businesses and to strengthen
our community.” Foremost, the
council aims to facilitate greater
corporate purchasing volume with
MBE suppliers through a robust
and involved network. MAMSDC
continually strives to achieve
excellence and has a history full of
innovation, dedication and hard
work.
History
In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s,
Growth
over the
Years
minorities across the Kansas City
metropolitan area were becoming
increasingly frustrated with the state
of affairs in the city, especially with
the lack of opportunities available
to them in the world of business. In
Kansas City, 29% of the 1.4 million
residents at the time were minorities,
yet very few had access to meaningful
business opportunities. A group
of Kansas City business leaders,
including members of the Civic
Council and Chamber of Commerce,
banded together to create an
organization in order to change
1986: In six months, the
council helps 19 minority
firms get more than $1.2
million in business.
1990: Mainstream
members purchase
more than $78 million
from minority firms;
$32 million locally.
the status quo and create a more
equitable business environment in the
city.
A purchasing council for minorityowned
businesses was one of many
ideas that emerged. That organization
was first known as the Kansas City
Minority Supplier Development
Council (KCMSDC) and was officially
established in 1983. KCMSDC founders
concluded that the Board of Directors
should exclusively consist of corporate
CEOs. Top business executives from
Hallmark Cards, KCP&L, Tension
Envelope, JE Dunn Construction,
1992: Mainstream
members spend
$139 million with
minority suppliers;
$57 million locally.
MBEConnect Profiles | MAMSDC SPECIAL EDITION 7