By Peter Fretty

When James Staton recently became the chairman of National Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee, he did so running on the platform that it was time for a change, and that it was going to take a group effort to achieve.

“At least in theory the objective facing this committee is very simple. We need to create wealth in the minority communities through growing economically viable businesses,” he said. “A recent census study by a number of our corporate members indicates we number 85 million citizens and control $1.2 trillion. As business owners we are the gateway to these markets; wise corporate members know their supplier base must reflect these markets.”

The purpose and mission of the MBEIC is two-fold, explains Staton. First, the group needs to provide advice and guidance regarding the programs operating under the auspices of the National Minority Supplier Development Council. In addition, it needs to successfully facilitate and conduct other activities that the committee adopts in the furtherance of its goals to enhance minority economic development, provided such actions do not impair the 501(c) (3) tax exempt status of the NMSDC.

Today and tomorrow

However, like any progressive leader, Staton thoroughly understands that in order to proactively move forward it is crucial to look at current status before setting out to make changes and meet goals. “The good points are that we have leadership that shares common goals and agenda,” he said. “However, the bad points are that the economy is down, the MBEIC organization has significant retooling to do to reach its goals and we are not ethnically diverse.”

To meet its objectives, the new NMSDC MBEIC organization is taking a phased approach to meet its objectives. In the long-term the group hopes to build local companies that can compete both nationally and globally. Intermediately, it intends to select and rapidly build companies selected using objective criteria while building others to the point to qualify. In the short-term, it will create a CEO roundtable while encouraging teaming and involving more business of various ethnicities. “At the local levels, we also need to work to address and resolve any issues of concern ideally to the mutual long-term benefit of all involved parties.”

Staton told MBN USA that it is his personal objective to lead the MBEIC and NMSDC to its natural position of being the first stop of all aspiring and growing minority businesses in each council. “A rising tide brings all ships home,” he said. “Hopefully, forward-looking business leaders will join us in improving the economic fortunes of our corporate and minority businesses alike.”

Learning about the leader

Staton serves as president and chairman of the board of Debriant’s Office Services Inc., an 18-year-old 100 percent minority company based in Charlotte, N.C. The organization is a single source equipment repair company that keeps offices running by providing two types of service — emergency repair and preventive maintenance. The goal of Staton’s organization is to help companies extend the life of their equipment and reduce down time, so their employees can be fully productive. Currently, DeBriants serves businesses in Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Staton has been very active in the material handling industry and has been responsible for the efficient operation of all policies and procedures established by the board of directors of the varying industry groups. Within the limits approved, his responsibilities entailed financial and legal control, operations, personnel, administration and communications. During his tenure, membership nearly doubled and revenues increased by more than 80 percent.

Staton has also held a number of positions in the Pittsburgh area. For instance, he served as plant engineer with Miller Printing Equipment, as an industrial sales engineer with Mechanical Transmission Supply, as president and project director of Staton Associates, as well as a process engineer with General Motors Corporation.