An insult to professional state employees
One of my business principles is to be fearless. It’s impossible to give clear, decisive advice to a client if you’re fearful.
But I fear Mildred Christmas. Mildred Christmas oversees the North Carolina state government’s Division of Purchase & Contract. She has the posture of a drill sergeant and the diction of an English teacher. And even though she’s unfailingly courteous, you know that if you even think of doing something that violates the state’s procurement rules, she will give you The Look – a lowering of the jaw and a simultaneous but almost-imperceptible raising of one eyebrow. You don’t want to cross Mildred Christmas.
Once, when our agency, Capstrat, came in to make a presentation to a state agency, I began to introduce myself around the conference room table. As I gave my name and extended my hand, the nameless recipient nervously looked toward the end of the table to a baleful-looking Mildred Christmas, who said politely but directly: “They are not to give their names to you, Mr. Eudy.”
We lost that pitch. In fact, we’ve lost more pitches for state contracts than we’ve won in the past couple years, much to my chagrin. You wouldn’t know that listening to Dana Cope, head of the state employees association. He has alleged that Capstrat and I have engaged in something called “pay to play.”
Dana is trying to connect two unrelated things. One, Capstrat won the competition for the advertising contract for the N.C. State Ports Authority last April. Second, my wife and I are hosting a political fundraiser for the Democratic Senate Caucus in our state legislature. One has nothing to do with the other. Yet, Dana says it looks like this fundraiser today is the reason Capstrat won the Ports advertising contract four months ago. He is organizing a protest in front of my home during this fundraising event.
I know. I’m scratching my head, too. But think about what the professional employees in the Purchase & Contract offices around state government must be thinking about Dana’s accusations. I can tell you from experience that they do a good job. (I think they made a mistake when agencies other than ours win a contract! ;) ) For the record, I’ve never tried to apply political pressure to win a state contract. But even if I had, the professionals in procurement at state agencies flat wouldn’t let it happen. And Dana’s accusations defame not just me, but they also defame professional state employees like Mildred Christmas who oversee the agency selection process.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first.
Leave a Comment