Success Stories
“Understanding the certification process, learning how to work with government agencies, and projecting a better image of myself to corporations, were all great learning experiences. Without this program, I never would have expected to get my foot in the door with a Citizens Bank or Comcast, let alone secure a contract with the Delaware River Port Authority.”
– Sarah Thomas, Sales Representative, American Business Solutions
“Although I’ve been in sales for years, I recently started in a new industry. I used my newly acquired RFP (request for proposal) skills from our roundtable discussions to get a contract with a large company — and it wasn’t even one of the SN supporting corporations. I credit one of my instructors who offered this sage advice: ‘Give me exactly what I ask fory — no pitchesy — nothing else. It’s the best way to ensure doing business again.’ There was a lot of this kind of information picked up in the margins, that was just as valuable as the textbook instruction.”
– Bill Helkowski, Account Manager, U.S. Security Care, Inc.
“I developed an invaluable mentor relationship with an SN instructor from Astra Zeneca, Charles Gillean. He helped me understand a lot of unfamiliar information, learn how to evaluate private and public businesses, and define the best direction for my company’s growth. He emphasized that the most effective calling card today — your company Web site – must be eye-catching and efficient.”
– Dick Mass, Vice President, AllCell Rentals
“We had been working on a few engagements for one of the Supplier Network Supporting Companies, but not until we met their supplier diversity executive at the Supplier Network panel session were we able to realize that our veteran-owned status could benefit the client because of their government subcontracting requirements. One of the other major benefits included interfacing with many top agencies in a short time. In addition, the instructional courses were a great refresher for our current practices and a great source of new techniques, which we learned directly from the procurement officers of the Supporting Companies.”
– Tony Buchanan, Partner, Adagio Consults
“Entrée to our region’s leading buyers is not the complete story of the GPCC Supplier Network. Yes, through the one-on-one networking session at the conclusion of the series, I was able to further develop a relationship with Tasty Baking Company. However, I have also forged relationships with fellow participants, both students and panelists, which have yielded a variety of data on programs that can enhance my business. Through such interaction, I discovered a wealth of relocation incentives offered by the Philadelphia Department of Commerce. The series has been indispensable in my company’s development.”
– Michael Pearson, President, Union Packaging LLC