Left to Right: Karina Garza, Markita Choice, Jacklyn Salazar, Sylvester Hester, Peter Vazquez, Liliana Ospina-Herbstreith

Through its partnership with the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA), Brand Echo led the full execution of the Synergy Prototype Stamping Solutions project, which focused on employer storytelling, digital branding, and talent attraction. This initiative was expertly managed by Kristi Bird, Brand Echo’s Director of Strategy & Experience, ensuring alignment with GEM’s goal of building sustainable talent pipelines for the mobility industry.

Following this success, Brand Echo provided VITEC with tailored talent branding services, positioning the company to better compete for skilled labor and stand out in Michigan’s advanced manufacturing sector.

As part of the VITEC engagement, Brand Echo coordinated a thought leadership interview featuring Sylvester L. Hester –President and CEO of LM Manufacturing and Chairman of GAA Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management – in conversation with Jacklyn Salazar, SEMCA’s Project Manager for Employer Services and a key member of the GEM Talent Resource Network team. Their discussion explored the intersection of employer leadership and regional workforce development-highlighting how programs like GEM are supporting mobility-sector employers like VITEC.

Amplifying Latino Voices, led by award-winning journalist Liliana Ospina-Herbstreith, provided professional video production support for both the Synergy and VITEC projects, bringing GEM’s stories to life with cinematic quality and cultural relevance.

“These two projects are one small measure of the seismic impact GEM is creating across the Southeast Michigan region,” said Jacklyn Salazar, GEM Project Manager for Employer Services at SEMCA. “Our Talent Transformation pillar uniquely supports employers’ talent attraction and retention needs through the Mobility Talent Resource Network and training support. As just one of many service providers in the network, Brand Echo positions companies’ voices through brand positioning, storytelling, success profiles and social media content creation.  We’re excited to watch these businesses grow and prosper in our region.”

“The GEM initiative is about impact—and impact requires narrative,” added Peter Vazquez, CEO of Brand Echo Media Solutions. “Thanks to the vision of our partners at SEMCA, the leadership of Kristi Bird, and the creative strength of Liliana’s team, we’ve helped show what works when employers lead the way in workforce transformation.”

About Brand Echo Media Solutions

Brand Echo Media Solutions is a Michigan-based, veteran-owned marketing and media firm specializing in employer branding, public-private communications strategy, and multimedia storytelling for economic and workforce development.
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About GEM (Global Epicenter of Mobility)

Backed by the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge, GEM unites public and private leaders across Southeast Michigan to reposition the region as a world hub for future mobility innovation through workforce investment, employer collaboration, and regional storytelling.
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About SEMCA

The Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) delivers regional workforce development programs that connect employers with talent and support long-term economic growth across Southeast Michigan.
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About Amplifying Latino Voices

Amplifying Latino Voices, founded by journalist and storyteller Liliana Ospina-Herbstreith, is a culturally driven media production company focused on elevating underrepresented stories and producing high-quality video content that connects, inspires, and informs.

Media Contact:
Peter Vazquez
CEO, Brand Echo Media Solutions
pvazquez@brandechomedia.com
248-481-9400 ext#701
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Brand Echo Media Solutions, a company well-versed in the nuances of strategic marketing, recently achieved a significant milestone by obtaining Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification from the Small Business Administration (SBA). This certification marks a pivotal transition from the former Veterans Affairs (VA) Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) to the broader, more inclusive umbrella of the SBA. The move is not just a change in certifying body but a strategic step that aligns with our ongoing mission to open new doors and embrace expansive opportunities.

Why SBA Certification Matters

Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert)

The shift to SBA certification for SDVOSBs comes with a myriad of benefits and enhancements over the previous VA system. Historically, the CVE’s exclusive focus was to validate businesses for VA-related contracts, limiting the scope of opportunities to VA procurements. The SBA certification, however, is recognized across all Federal agencies, significantly broadening the horizon for procurement opportunities. This cross-agency recognition is invaluable because it not only simplifies the procurement process but also enhances visibility and accessibility to a wider array of Federal contracts.

Enhanced Opportunities and Federal Recognition

With the SBA’s endorsement, SDVOSBs like Brand Echo can now engage more directly with a variety of Federal agencies. This inclusivity fosters a competitive environment where veteran-owned businesses are given priority, ensuring that they are not just competing but are also visible to key stakeholders in significant governmental procurement processes. The SBA’s universal recognition means that certified SDVOSBs are now part of a larger, more competitive pool, enhancing their chances of securing Federal contracts beyond the VA.

Large Corporations Leveraging SBA Certification

Leading corporations like Stellantis, Ford, and General Motors recognize the value of partnering with SBA-certified SDVOSBs. These industry giants are actively integrating SDVOSBs into their supply chains as part of their supplier diversity efforts. By accepting SBA certification, these corporations are not only complying with Federal mandates for diversity but are also contributing to a broader economic impact by supporting veteran-owned businesses. This acceptance has opened up significant opportunities for SDVOSBs to contribute to major projects and initiatives, further cementing the importance of obtaining SBA certification.

The Certification Process: A Learning Experience

As the Executive Director of the Veteran-Owned Business Roundtable, I pursued this certification to gain firsthand experience and insight into the new process. The journey through SBA’s certification process was enlightening, showcasing a streamlined, veteran-friendly approach that emphasizes transparency and support for veterans. This direct engagement not only provided a deep understanding of the bureaucratic processes but also highlighted the SBA’s commitment to improving the business landscape for veterans.

The “Aha” Moment of Certification

Receiving the SBA certification was a profound “Aha” moment, a realization that opened my eyes to the plethora of possibilities now accessible to our business. This moment was not just about recognition; it was a powerful motivator, pushing us to strive for greater achievements and to leverage these new opportunities for substantial business growth. It’s a testament to the hard work and perseverance that define veteran entrepreneurs and a reminder of the doors that can open when the right opportunities are pursued with vigor and vision.

Beyond Business: The Broader Impact on Veteran Entrepreneurs

The value of SBA certification extends beyond mere business benefits. It serves as a beacon of hope and an example for other veteran business owners, illustrating the tangible rewards of persistence and the importance of staying informed about changes in Federal policies. For many veterans, transitioning from military to civilian life includes the challenge of establishing a new career or business. Certifications like these not only provide a competitive edge but also offer a morale boost, reinforcing the belief in the skills, discipline, and leadership veterans bring to the table.

Conclusion: A Stepping Stone to Greater Success

For Brand Echo Media Solutions, achieving the SBA’s SDVOSB certification is not just an accolade; it’s a steppingstone to greater success. It affirms our commitment to excellence and our ability to compete at the highest levels of Federal contracting. More importantly, it stands as an example to other veteran entrepreneurs that with the right tools and resources, substantial growth and success are within reach. We encourage all eligible veteran business owners to explore this certification, as it opens a new chapter of opportunity and achievement in the entrepreneurial journey.

Through strategic foresight and dedication, the path forward for SDVOSBs looks promising, filled with potential for growth, development, and significant contributions to the nation’s economic fabric.

A veteran and active community member, Vazquez heads up a company that “creates strategies and implements data acquisition processes in order to develop effective marketing campaigns using both web and mobile technologies that result in clients achieving a much higher return on their investment.” The marketplace is constantly changing, and Brand Echo wants to help its clients tackle it every step of the way.
Written By: Silvia A. Mansoor
Source: Detroit MBDA Business Center Website

Stick to the Basics

The key to a successful capability statement lies in your ability to determine what’s important enough to include and what’re better off ignoring. You want to include just enough information to prove why your company is the best choice for the job. The person who will be tasked with reviewing your capability statement will likely have more than a few of these on his or her plate. Present them with a novel, and you’ll likely lose both their attention and their business. It’s a good rule to keep your statement to a single page. Any more than this, and you run the risk of being overlooked.

Ensure it is relevant to the customer

Examples of relevant information you may want to include are:

• Brief company statement
• Core competencies
• Previous experience
• Reasons your company is different
• Company credentials
• Affiliations
• Point of contact

When including this information, it’s absolutely essential that not only it be brief, but relevant to the contract you are pursuing. Your company statement should describe only pertinent details, past experience should only be with similar tasks, and only relevant credentials should be listed. The goal of a capability statement is provide a snapshot of your business. If they’re interested, they’ll likely visit your website for more detailed information or contact you from the information provided on your statement.

Keep It Simple And Clean

Determining what information to keep and what to throw out is only half the battle. The information must be presented in a logical and simple manner. Hand over an eyesore, and it will likely find the trash can. A good capability statement is best divided into sections that group relevant information together. For instance, your company statement and core competencies should be placed together, followed by your list of previous work, and finally, what sets your company apart from the competition. Avoid large graphics, since they’re distracting and take up much needed space. Graphics for affiliations are fine as long as they are kept small and orderly

What Makes You Different Compared to the Rest

Capability statements are all about standing apart from the crowd. Before your business can do this, your capability statement needs to command attention. It needs to be short – no more than one page in length – and properly showcase your company’s abilities. You want to draw interest without putting the reviewer to sleep. Keep your information relevant to the work you are bidding on, and format it to look clean, professional, and organized. If they want more information, they’ll know where to find you.

A Quick History of Google Algorithm Updates

This is not the first time that Google has updated their algorithm and it certainly is not going to be the last. There have been a few main algorithm updates Google has made over the years, most notably the Panda and Hummingbird updates. The Panda update made its debut back in 2011 and put an emphasis on ensuring that quality content made its way to the top of search engine rankings.

Hummingbird was another update and debuted in late 2013. This took things further in terms of content and how users interact with the search engine. With Hummingbird, Google made their search engine much smarter in being able to understand phrases that user’s typed into the engine and matched them up with the best answers and results based on those phrases.

Turning Their Attention to the Mobile Arena

Google is now turning their attention to the mobile arena with their next big algorithm update that is due April 21, 2015. Think of just how many people out there have a smart phone with access to the Internet. There are more people with an iPhone or Google Android phone these days than those that do not have one of these devices. The goal of the new algorithm update for Google is to give these users the same great experience that users have on a desktop. Google wants to place websites with optimal mobile experiences at a premium and connect users on mobile devices with the best experiences and content possible.

How to Get Your Business Ready in a Nutshell

• Step One: Verify your Website is Optimized for Mobile

So as a business owner, what are you to do in order to get ready for this next big algorithm update? Your starting point should certainly be taking a look at the way in which your website is presented in the mobile space. This starts by optimizing your website for mobile so that it can be viewed and navigated easily on any device. Start by validating your site with Google’s mobile friendly test tool  to make sure your site’s resources such as images, CSS, JS are also crawlable.

• Step Two: Measure Existing Content and Create Engaging Content – Consistently

Content is always king for Google so optimizing your content for mobile is important. Do some work around load times on mobile devices for your site and also analyze site traffic to see which type of content is popular among mobile users. You may find that you need to adjust your content to better cater to this user base. From here, it is all about monitoring and being aware of where you stand in the search rankings and adjusting as necessary.  Use Google’s FREE Keyword Planner tool to identify the top queries and top pages in mobile search with the “Mobile” filter of the Search Queries report.

• Step Three: Ensure Visitors are Able to Easily Find What They are Looking For

Google wants to make the user experience on their search engine as seamless as possible. Their goal is to connect users with quality content fast. With their Panda and Hummingbird updates, they made great strides with this for desktop and laptop users. The next revolution is now set to arrive in April 2015 with the mobile space due for a shake-up. As a business owner, it is important to ensure that your business and web presence is ready to take advantage of the opportunity at hand.

Is your Brand’s Website Mobile Ready?

If you you are not sure, make sure to give Brand Echo a call and within a few minutes, we can tell you if your website has all the elements and functionality to be completely marketable on both desktop and mobile devices. Plus, we will even provide you with a FREE Website Analysis that will provide your next steps in ensuring your business is found by potential customers.

Click the Image to Watch the Video

Here is a recap of the video interview with Camilo Suero, Executive Director of the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recently and Reginald E. Humphrey, Senior Manager, Supplier Diversity at General Motors Global Purchasing & Supply Chain. In their conversation, Brand Echo captured Reggie discussing the success in Supplier Diversity at General Motors and the impact of driving ideas that benefit their customers, employees, communities, suppliers and dealers.

They also discussed the following topics:

• GM’s Success in Supplier Diversity & the Impact of Driving Ideas
• Value Propositions & Differentiators: The Importance of Knowing Where You Fit as a Supplier within GM’s Diversity program
• How to Achieve Long-term Success as a Supplier
• Understanding GM’s 5 Point Supplier Development Program

Here is a little secret you probably will not notice by watching the video, but believe it or not, this video was shot at two different times. Due to Reggie’s busy schedule and eliminating the need to schedule an entire day of production, Brand Echo first recorded Reggie and shortly after, recorded Camilo.

Vazquez has made Brand Echo Media one of the fastest-growing branding solutions companies in the region.  When he created Brand Echo Media, Vazquez wanted to focus on creative content and unique distribution methods. At the time, he saw a need within the Hispanic community to introduce his marketing techniques to the minority business owners, helping them to navigate the sometimes confusing online landscape of  creative media, web development, marketing, and brand message distribution.

Brand Echo Media Solutions prides itself on creating content that engages online visitors, allowing them to learn more about the various products and services being offered. By focusing on the needs and desires of a target audience, Vazquez and his team are able to design and develop campaigns and events that engage and educate, such as his upcoming webinar series titled “Google Plus for Business”.

Brand Echo Media Solutions is a certified Minority and Service-Disabled Veteran owned, an all-inclusive and integrated interactive advertising agency that prides itself on developing and implement advertising campaigns that stand apart from their client’s competitors.  To learn more about Brand Echo Media Solutions, send them a message or give them a call toll free at (888) 593-2338.

Create a viable Google Plus for business strategy

The competition on Google Plus is still not so tough and therefore it is a good time to get a head start so you can keep ahead of competition. The large number of users makes it a perfect choice for online marketing that can be used to its fullest potential. Create a business page for branding purposes, spread your business word, offer specials and discounts across the world and in your neighborhood. Whether you aim to enhance your Local, Global or Global presence, this Social giant will generate leads and sales totally free of cost. Your viable strategy includes link building and content optimization tactics.

Google Plus for business and content optimization

Write crisp content and use links from your site with anchor text. Google likes anchor text that uses a keyword from your website. Write blogs and articles or drop links from your site on the mega social platform. Add the G+ button on your site, so visitors can add themselves to your social network. The content that you use on Google Plus needs to be keyword enriched and has to be relevant to your products/services. Focus on keywords that you use on your site so Google gives you credit and elevate you to top of SERPs.

Become an authority fast!

Try to develop content for Google Plus as if you would optimize a website. On the ‘About’ section, describe your business in detail and include important information, keywords, and links pointing back to your site. Try to establish yourself as authority by having more followers and add industry specific entities only. The more users have you in their circles the more reliable you are, and it takes time and effort to get these types of results. This effort will help you lead others in your niche so it’s best to set up your business circles and communities without delay.

Produced by Peter Vazquez Brand Echo, video production by BLVD and animations by Brand Echo. Captioning provided below.