Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My! Koala Bears to be exact, even though they are not actually bears, Michael Meadows, President & CEO of the Dallas Zoological Society is excited to have them in Dallas. Meadows tells us a little about the Zoo, its residents and how he’s now cleaning up after animals.

KM: Tell me something no one knows about the Dallas Zoo? 
MM: There are several things that come to mind but one of my favorites is that the Dallas Zoo has the most venomous collection of reptiles of any zoo in North America. I love reptiles so I think that is really cool.

KM: What is the newest exhibit/animal to join the zoo?  
MM: Our new Koala Walkabout exhibit, presented by Kimberly-Clark, features koalas and lorikeets, two species which had never been at the Dallas Zoo before. They have been a huge hit with our guests.

KM: What is your favorite thing about Dallas? 
MM: The people. They have a passion for making our community great and are very welcoming to people to move here. That combination is rare in most cities.

KM: Who is your business mentor?
MM: I have a number of great ones because I am always seeking to “raise my game,” but my father Curtis Meadows has always been my most important business mentor. He is a man of great intelligence, extraordinary judgment and unrivaled integrity and character. He is my role model and hero.

KM: What is one thing not to miss at the zoo this summer?
MM: Even thought it opened in 2010, the Giants of the Savanna is my favorite zoo exhibit in the country right now and it continues to evolve and improve. But I have to recommend our bird show, “Soar: A Festival of Flight” because it is seasonal and every show is a little different.

KM: What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
MM: I worked on the custodial staff at St. Mark’s School when I was student there. It taught me humility, the value of hard work, and not to leave a mess for others to clean up.

I recently sat down with Bill Tice, the district manager for Total Wine & More, to learn what reenergizes him, his challenge to develop a strong online presence and how leadership at Total Wine & More engages the staff.

Bill, thanks for chatting with me.  Can you tell us a little about how you came to work for Total Wine & More?  Working with Wine, Beer and Spirits always looked fun for me.  I had a restaurant background so the transition to retail was relatively seamless. 

What particular likes do you have for your position(s) with Total Wine & More?   There is so much passion behind the product from both our customers and team members alike.  I am reenergized on a daily basis just meeting new customers and chatting about the products that we sell.

What challenges do you face as they relate to your company in the foreseeable future?  We are diligently working more towards our online presence.  The ability to order almost anything online will challenge the brick and mortar retailers for years to come.  We need to stay abreast of the needs of how the customer will shop in the next 10 years.

Where do you see Total Wine & More in the industry as a whole, in just 5 years time?  That is a difficult question, our growth in new states remains strong and our business model has proven to be successful in each market we enter.  We have always been careful not to outgrow our resources so I would imagine a steady growth pattern moving forward.

How has the leadership engaged the management and staff to gain prominence in your business sector?  The senior leadership is always looking to improve our product selection and cater to the changing needs of our client base.  They are interested in the feedback from the field personnel and with urgency to those recommendations.

Tell us a little about Provista.

Provista is one of the country’s leading supply chain improvement companies. In a tough economic environment, you can’t afford to pay a dollar more.  Through Provista, you’ll get lower costs on practically everything you need for your day-to-day operations.   We connect our members nationwide to the most competitive and extensive portfolio of products and services available to reduce supply costs, streamline procurement processes and maximize value. Together with Novation, Provista’s supply contracting company, we leverage nearly $40 billion in annual purchasing power to command the best prices on top-name products and services, giving you access to the most comprehensive contract portfolio for business operations, environmental services, facilities management and so much more.

What value can a company receive from utilizing group purchasing?

Immediate cost savings opportunities on indirect spend for products/services used by businesses every day – with no fee or commitment to access.

How does a small-to-midsized company benefit from expense reduction options?

Controlling operational costs is prime focus for businesses today.  All businesses (especially those small-to-midsized) benefit from reducing these indirect expenses.  Because of our tremendous purchasing power ($40B), our portfolio not only offers nationally negotiated pricing but also offers price protection, firm pricing and aggressive terms and conditions that often times may not be extended to the mid-sized businesses.

Why are more companies not taking advantage of this option to help their business?

Participation in a “national” group purchasing organization (GPO) has just recently been available outside of the healthcare industry within the last 5-7 years.   Many local and regional co-operatives have provided some savings opportunities in some contracting/product/service areas but not with the depth and breadth of a portfolio like Provista/Novation with contracts with nationally branded companies.

How can our members get started with this type of purchasing?

The easiest way to get started is via Online Registrationat the Provista website found at www.provistaco.com.  Once there, click on appropriate market for your business, and then enroll with your company information, contact information and TAX ID.  Please remember to reference “DRC” under “referral.”

Once enrolled, you will receive an email confirmation email.  Keep your “confirmation number” for reference if you have to contact customer service.  Within 72 hours, new members will be assigned a Provista Member ID (MID) – this MID will be used for participation verification with suppliers and allows you access to the Provista/Novation portfolio.

Once MID has been assigned, Register for access on the Provista secure website.  Visit https://login.alliancewebs.net/provista/login.asp to view available contracts.

If you would prefer to register over the phone, please contact Provista customer service at 888-538-4662, and let them know you are a DRC member who would like a Provista representative contact you.

What are some of the challenges that a company should be aware of, before embarking on this?

Some contracts have additional tiers offering additional discounts. Many companies are not fully aware of their total indirect spend and often times may overlook aggregation/standardization opportunities…i.e. personal paper products (hand towels, toilet tissue) – multiple departments may be ordering the same product from different suppliers at different prices.

To identify maximum savings opportunities, a customer should look at their annual A/P by category or product to ensure the correct annual spend in each category or product.

A Provista representative along with our supplier partners can assist in helping customers indentify maximum savings opportunities.

For more information, visit www.provistaco.com.

I recently sat down with Yolanda Montes, the Center Manager at Envision Imaging’s Dallas location to learn more about the center and the services they offer.  After speaking with her, I have a clear image of who they are and what they do.  Read on for the details!

Please tell us a little bit about Envision Imaging. What services do you offer? What type of clients do you look for?  Envision Imaging is an independent, locally owned diagnostic center that has been serving the Dallas Community for the past 9 years. Our promise to the community is unmistakable quality and spectacular service.

The center offers diagnostic imaging such as MRI, MR Angiography, CT scan, CT Angiography, and Ultrasound.  We accept Self-Pay patients and provide affordable payment plan options and in network, preferred provider for all major health plans, as well as other health plans.

Tell me about your professional background:  I have 15 years of managerial experience in radiology billing and imaging.  I am driven by analytical thinking and value systems that promote progress, creativity, and mentoring leadership.

My favorite part about doing business in Dallas is…  Meeting and networking with diverse business leaders that help make Dallas economically viable.

What is your proudest accomplishment since joining Envision Imaging?   We were the first Envision Center to perform an MRI on a patient with a revolutionary MRI compatible pacemaker known as the Revo Pacemaker System.

What has been your biggest hurdle when doing business in Dallas?  The level of competiveness within the industry.

What is one piece of advice that you have received as a business leader that you like to pass along to others?  Always be true to yourself, and know success is not only measured in quantity but in the quality of life and values you embrace.

Want to learn more about Envision Imaging?  Click here.

Evergreen, one of the DRC’s newest members, is celebrating a ribbon cutting Wednesday, May 2nd, at their offices in Fort Worth. Evergreen is an organization supporting individuals with developmental disabilities since 1959. Since its inception, Evergreen has grown to serve over 1,000 individuals in six states: Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Kentucky. The staff and volunteers are committed to superior service with programs providing basic needs and life skills. I recently sat down with Edward Johnson, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Western Region of Evergreen, and asked him a few questions in preparation for the celebration.

1. Describe Evergreen in five word or less:   Everyone Matters
2. What is your favorite thing about Dallas?  My favorite thing about this city is the diversity within all areas of influence which provides one with a vast array of opportunities to choose from and thrive on.
3. What is the most unique fact about your organization?   In my opinion the most unique fact about Evergreen is that we not only serve individuals with disabilities over six states but we all have an indelible community connection that enhance ones quality of life.
4. What is the biggest hurdle your face as a business leader in North Texas?  Our biggest hurdle that we face in North Texas is implementing our new strategic goals of transitioning to a nation-wide agency. Since 1959, Evergreen has expanded rapidly with several programs, services and community homes through the United States. We are now focused more than anything on building local relationships and establishing strategic partnerships that will directly benefit the individuals served at Evergreen.
5. How do you use social media in your organization?  We are in the process of implementing a creative Social Media Strategy as part of our rebranding process. Facebook is currently the social media outlet we utilize most and we can be located at: https://www.facebook.com/evergreenministries (Corporate Presence) https://www.facebook.com/evergreenoftexas (Local Presence)

If you are interested in learning more about Evergreen and the programs they provide, please visit their website at www.epmi.org. Or, stop by the ribbon cutting and grand opening between 3-6 p.m., Wednesday, May 2, at 3425 E. Vickery Blvd. in Fort Worth.

Yesterday, the Small Business Advisory Committee heard from three guests on issues important to small businesses; Texas Representative Kenneth Sheets, John Wood, North Texas regional director for Senator John Cornyn and John Gonzales, regional senior director for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Vince Puente, chairman of the committee, moderated the panel.

Several hot button issues were discussed, and the franchise tax and gas prices were the main stays of the conversation. Concerned about these issues?  All the panelists agree that the most important thing you can do is let your representatives know your opinions. The easiest way is to simply email them. Rep Sheets said emails get sorted and counted fasters than letters. He added that emails do not waste paper.

Rep. Sheets applauded the Chamber’s activities by saying, “The Chamber has been a great partner, they have been very active in informing us on the issues that are important to the business community here in Dallas and we’re hoping to continue that in the 2013 session.”

The Small Business Advisory Committee leads programming and engagement efforts for the Chamber’s small business program of work, helping to develop and grow small businesses through networking activities, issues education and leadership development. For more information on the committee contact Kelle Marsalis at 214-714-1901.

I recently sat down with Jason Clayton, Managing Director of MDI Group to find out what’s next for the IT workforce in Dallas. For 20 years, MDI Group has been focused exclusively on providing IT Workforce Solutions that help organizations tackle emerging technology projects and fulfill challenging business objectives. Services range from contract staff augmentation and project teams to contingent workforce management.  Below are the five questions we were curious to ask Jason about what’s next for IT in Dallas.

What was your first job, and what did you learn from the experience?

JC:   My first job was with Aerotek and I learned the value of customer service.

What are you most proud of accomplishing with MDI Group?

JC: I am most proud of the team I have to work with everyday.  They are all very talented professionals.

What is on the horizon for the IT workforce in Dallas?

JC: The IT workforce arena in Dallas is currently in hot demand and I see that trend continuing as our clients all are in need of IT talent for their projects in Dallas.

Why is Dallas a great place to live, work, & play?

JC: Dallas has so many great things here for business, living and playing such as our location, climate and diversity.

What is one piece of advice you would give?

JC: I would offer folks a chance to “pay it forward” more often or to give back to your community and individuals you work and live with.
For more information on MDI Group, visit their website at www.tmdigroup.com or call Jason Clayton directly at (214) 231-7478.

What inspired you to start Earth Day Dallas?

Earth Day has been around since the 1970s, and Dallas has had various events commemorating the day for years. I’ve always been a strong environmentalist, but as I became more and more aware of businesses’ conservation practices in Texas—we are the leader on several environmental fronts—I realized it was time we pool all that knowledge and experience and use it to educate the public in a big way. I wanted to create something that would change lives, influence decisions and inspire people to vote on issues that truly impact our Earth. So with Earth Day Dallas, we’ve brought environmentalists, businesses, government entities and the public together, in one place, to learn and grow from one another in a fun, engaging atmosphere.

What are some ways you encourage people to lead more sustainable lifestyles?

It all starts at home. Recycle as much as possible. Unplug your cell phone charger when you’re not using it. Install double-paned windows. There are so many little things we can all do on a daily basis that, when done on a large scale, can make a huge impact on our footprint as a society. And that’s precisely what we hope to educate attendees on at the festival—the everyday, tangible practices that they can take home and immediately integrate into their own lives.

What does conducting green business mean to you?

Any business can become more sustainable. With internal practices, a business can reduce waste and make a conscious effort to choose products and services that put the planet first. A business can also be actively involved in the community, donating money and employee time to various organizations that promote conservation. And for businesses that are directly involved in environment-related industries (think energy and oil companies), they can make our Earth a top priority and serve as a best-practice model in preservation and protection.

What can attendees expect when they come to Earth Day Dallas 2012?

Attendees can expect to have their eyes opened. I want people to be blown away by the variety and breadth of exhibitors. There really is no other place you can go to have this much information right in front of you, in an engaging, hands-on way. My hope is that people realize how much of a difference every single person can make, no matter their age, profession or current environmental awareness level.

Last year, the festival was named the second largest Earth Day celebration in the country. What are your goals for this year?

Earth Day Dallas 2011 started a movement. We planted a seed in the minds of North Texans. This year, the movement is growing, and it’s amazing to see the increase in interest, from exhibitors to sponsors to volunteers. I want the festival to reach more people and businesses, continuing to educate and inspire them to help save the environment. The way I see it, Texas is already known as the energy capital of America—it’s time we were known as the energy-efficiency capital of America.

Click here for more about Earth Day Dallas.

Just over a year ago I joined a new gym. Last month, as my renewal date came up, I found myself wondering “am I getting a good return on my investment?” Then I dug a little deeper and asked myself a question I already knew the answer to: “Am I giving myself a good return on my investment?”

Like my gym membership, the first year of membership with the Dallas Regional Chamber is exciting and new. There are many opportunities for new members to learn how to be involved and engaged in DRC programs. As companies enter their second year and beyond, we wanted to make it easy for our members to find the information they need to truly take advantage of all the benefits membership has to offer.

Chamber Live 2.0 is a new program launching later this month that will give renewing members the tools they need to ensure their business receives an optimal return on investment. The event series invites current members in their second year of membership and beyond, to learn about engagement opportunities with the DRC.

April 19, members of the Small Business Initiative Advisory Council will host Chamber members for networking at one of Dallas’ finest restaurants.  During the event, participants  will learn more about the Small Business Initiative and how it can help grow their business.

A cash bar and complimentary appetizers will be available during the event.  The first fifty DRC members to register for the event will receive a complimentary drink ticket, and all attendees will be entered into a drawing for fantastic door prizes. CLICK HERE to learn more and register.

I decided to renew my gym membership. It’s up to me to get a great return on my investment and our friends at Equinox give me the tools I need for a healthy lifestyle. Get a great return on your investment by attending Chamber Live 2.0.

CHAMBER LIVE 2.0 at Ocean Prime

4-5 p.m. Thursday, April 19, 2012

no cost to attend – members only

About AMX  Veterans Specialty Services, LLC

Since 1996, AMX Companies has been a construction industry leader in the environmental, industrial, specialty and wireless telecommunications markets. AMX is a full-service construction company providing an extensive range of commercial general contracting and construction management services. Founded by Tony Ross, who was joined by business partner Tom Foley in 2005, the company has a deep understanding of construction industry values. As a self-performing general contractor, we cover the entire construction process, from initial stages to completion.

What are you the most proud of accomplishing at AMX?

My most proud accomplishment at AMX is the hiring of some of the most talented professionals in the construction industry.  I have also successfully introduced Federal Government contracting to an already successful commercial construction company.  AMX now works with the Federal Government and commercial projects primarily in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.  I am well aware that whatever accomplishments have been accredited to me, many of my colleagues assisted.  I treat my employees as colleagues by giving them the freedom and challenges to assist themselves, increase productivity and to ensure a successful business.

Based on  your experience, what advice would you give new professionals entering the marketplace?

This question has many different areas to it.  I will need to give the advice in two parts.

Part one is for the high school age, still living at home and having very few expenses, to become an unpaid intern at jobs that are of interest to you.  Try these jobs out for a few weeks.  If you like it, then set a goal to receive all the education and training possible to obtain that position.  If you just pick a career based on money you have a high probability of not enjoying this career choice.  Remember you will be doing this work for about 40 years and if you do not like it then you will never excel in it.

Part two is for the college or trained new employee.  If you have already discovered your passion and enjoy what you now have the training for your next ideal step is to find a mentor.  This is an individual that already has been in the work force in your desired field and can assist you in meeting with the right people.  They will explain the resume requirements for the field and what stands out for their colleagues.  Your mentor should be a trusted family friend or friend of a friend.   You may become surprised about whom in your family or among your friends; may know that can assist you as you start your working journey.  If you have ever played “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” or believe in the “Six Degrees of Separation”, this rings true with most job fields using your family and friends.

For all new professionals, when meeting with a potential boss ask them questions.  Remember that you are also interviewing them to receive your talents and loyalty.

What was your first Job?

Pic –n- Save, Garland, TX

What is your favorite pass time?

Basketball League