Ronda Barber

Check out the latest edition ➡️ https://bit.ly/4oxsnUP

A publication of The 912 Group
🖋 Ronda Watson Barber, Publisher

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🔨 Featured Contracting Opportunities

• Design-Build (HVAC Improvements) Roof Replacement – Due Nov. 6
• City of West Carrollton WTP – Due Nov. 6
• Fire Alarm Upgrades Package II Rebid – Due Nov. 7
• Franklin County PFM & Purchasing & EECD Tenant Improvements – Due Oct. 28
• Bomb Squad Robot – Due Oct. 29

Discover more bids and resources at OhioMBE.com.

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🗓 Upcoming Events | October 22 – 29, 2025

🗣 Convos With Crawley & Wilson
📅 Wed., Oct 22 | 6 PM – 8 PM | 📍 Otterbein University Campus Center, Westerville
Join Franklin County Commission President Erica C. Crawley and Administrator Kenneth Wilson for an open community conversation.

🏆 2025 OhioMBE Awards Luncheon
📅 Thu., Oct 23 | 11 AM – 1:30 PM | 📍 Huntington Park, Columbus
Celebrate Ohio’s top MBEs, FBEs & supplier-diversity champions!
🎟 Tickets: buytickets.at/OBDC

💊 Franklin County Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
📅 Sat., Oct 25 | 10 AM – 2 PM | Participating locations countywide

🎨 Paint & Praise (Sisters in Service)
📅 Sat., Oct 25 | 11 AM – 1 PM | 📍 Trinity Baptist Church, Columbus

🏫 Our Future, Our CCS Workshop Series
📅 Oct 27 – 29 | 6 PM – 8 PM | Hosted by Columbus City Schools

✈ New Outreach Event: Columbus Airport New Terminal Project
📅 Tue., Oct 28 | 1 PM – 3 PM | 📍 Mid-Ohio Food Collective, Grove City
Hosted by Hensel Phelps & Elford Construction

🎀 OWCC “Think Pink” Breast Cancer Awareness Session (Online)
📅 Wed., Oct 29 | 11:30 AM – 1 PM | 💻 Zoom
Hosted by the Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce
🔗 Register FREE at WomenInOhio.com

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📢 Submit Your Event for FREE at OhioDiversityNetworks.com

Reach diverse business and community audiences statewide.

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📰 Must-Reads on OhioMBE.com

• Columbus City Schools Board Candidates Respond to Questions on Transparency, Accountability, and the LEDE Program
• Taxation Without Participation
• Is Columbus City Schools Really Committed to Black Vendors? Where’s the Outreach?
• CCS Capital Improvement Dollars — Who’s Really Winning?

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📣 Do you like the Bid Board? Share it!
👉 OhioMBE.com
#OhioMBE #BidBoard #SupplierDiversity #SmallBusiness #OhioBusiness

Today, Thursday, October 23, 2025, we celebrate small-business excellence at the 2025 OhioMBE Awards, presented by the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC).

📍 Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Ln, Columbus, OH
🕚 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Program Highlights

• Keynote: Jeanna Hondel, Ascension Construction Solutions
• Legend Award: Smoot Construction
• Frank W. Watson Advocacy Award: Felix (Columbus Zoo & Aquarium)
• Publisher’s Award: Fortuna Bank
• Recognition of Top MBE, Top FBE, and Top Family Business honorees

📸 Attendees: share photos and tag #2025OhioMBEAwards.
Proceeds benefit the programs of the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC).

🎀 The Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce (OWCC) invites women entrepreneurs, business professionals, and community members to participate in a special online Breast Cancer Awareness Session on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

This virtual gathering — themed “Think Pink: Awareness, Action & Advocacy” — will feature healthcare professionals, survivor stories, and community resources to inspire, educate, and empower women during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

💬 Highlights include:

• 👩🏾‍⚕️ Medical Perspective: Prevention, screenings, and early detection
• 💗 Survivor Spotlight: Real stories of resilience and hope
• 📚 Resources & Support: Local and national organizations available to help
• ❓ Interactive Q&A: Engage directly with speakers and advocates

The session is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

👉 Register at WomenInOhio.com

Let’s come together to raise awareness, celebrate survivors, and take action for women’s health across Ohio.

📢 The Board of Education, City School District of Columbus, Ohio is accepting electronic bids for:

Project: Fire Alarm Upgrades – Package II (Rebid)
Bid Due Date: Friday, November 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

📝 Project Summary:
Columbus City Schools is seeking qualified contractors to provide fire alarm upgrades across multiple sites as part of its ongoing facilities improvement initiatives.

📂 More Information:
Plans and specifications are available through Franklin Imaging.
Bid documents and submission details can be accessed on the District’s website:
👉 http://www.columbus.k12.oh.us/rfp

💻 Submission:
All bids must be submitted electronically via Public Purchase.

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Posted on OhioMBE.com | Promoting opportunities for small, minority, and women-owned businesses in Ohio.

🔨 Featured Contracting Opportunities:

• Design-Build (HVAC Improvements) – Due Nov. 6
• Roof Replacement at Multiple Sites – Due Nov. 6
• City of West Carrollton WTP – Due Nov. 6
• CMAR Services at Demorest Townhomes – Due Oct. 16
• Franklin County Tenant Improvements – Due Oct. 28

🗓️ Upcoming Events (Oct. 15–25):

• Imagine Forward 2025 Conference – Oct. 15, Dublin
• State of Cancer Caucus & Health Expo – Oct. 15, Cincinnati
• 2025 OhioMBE Awards – Oct. 23 @ Huntington Park
• OWCC “Think Pink” Breast Cancer Awareness Session – Oct. 29 (Online)

💼 Plus: New outreach event for the Columbus Airport New Terminal Project hosted by Hensel Phelps & Elford Construction on Oct. 28!

👉 Read the full Bid Board online: https://bit.ly/3La931s

📢 Share with your network and help spread contracting and business opportunities statewide!

#OhioMBE #BidBoard #Procurement #SupplierDiversity #OhioSmallBusiness #MBE #FBE #OBDC #OWCC #HenselPhelps #ElfordConstruction #ColumbusAirport #OhioDiversityNetworks

Building Crafts, Inc., an equal opportunity employer, is soliciting bids from EDGE and ODOT certified DBE, MBE, and WBE subcontractors and suppliers for the West Carrollton WTP Modifications which bids on November 6, 2025. This project is to install a generator, upgrades to Scada system, installation of new pumps and equipment, HVAC modifications, modifications to chemical rooms, and rehabilitation of gravity filter system.  Items of work to be subcontracted or supplied include, but are not limited to the following: seeding and mulching, reinforcing steel supply/erection, concrete, caulking and sealants, miscellaneous metals, doors and windows, painting, HVAC, and electrical. Bidding documents can be examined at Building Crafts, Inc., 2 Rosewood Dr., Wilder, KY 41076 or by calling Madison Paul at (859) 781‐9500 to make arrangements to view documents electronically. Submit quotes by 8 AM on November 5th, by email to mpaul@buildingcrafts.com or by fax at (859) 781‐9505. All DBE, MBE or WBE bids should include a completed Form 6100‐3 DBE Subcontractor Performance Form.

 

The OhioMBE Awards is proud to honor Smoot Construction as the recipient of the 2025 Legend’s Award.

Founded in 1946, Smoot Construction has built a remarkable legacy as one of the nation’s most respected and enduring African American–owned construction firms. With nearly eight decades of excellence, Smoot has played a key role in shaping skylines and communities across Ohio and the country.

From iconic civic landmarks and university campuses to healthcare and transportation projects, Smoot Construction continues to demonstrate innovation, craftsmanship, and commitment to diversity in the construction industry. The company’s dedication to mentoring small and minority-owned firms and advancing supplier diversity has made a lasting impact on the business community.

As a family-owned firm with a tradition of excellence spanning generations, Smoot Construction truly embodies what it means to be a Legend — building not only structures, but opportunities, equity, and progress.

Join us as we celebrate Smoot Construction, the 2025 OhioMBE Awards Legend’s Award Honoree, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Huntington Park.

🎟️ Tickets available at: OhioMBEAwards.com
💼 Proceeds benefit the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC).

We are proud to announce Fortuna Bank as the recipient of the 2025 Publisher’s Award at the OhioMBE Awards. This recognition honors Fortuna Bank’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, advancing equity, and transforming access to financial opportunities in our community.

About Fortuna Bank
Fortuna Bank is a women-owned community bank based in Grandview Heights, Ohio. It was founded with a mission to lift women beyond barriers to financial success and to create a more inclusive banking experience. Fortuna offers personalized services designed to support small businesses, professionals, and individuals through every stage of their financial journey.

With more than 300 shareholders—over 75 percent of whom are women—Fortuna Bank represents a new generation of financial leadership that values connection, collaboration, and community. Under the leadership of President and CEO Ilaria Rawlins, the bank has become a model for mission-driven growth and financial inclusion.

Why We Honor Fortuna Bank
Fortuna Bank stands as an inspiring example of what happens when innovation meets purpose. Its leadership team is redefining what community banking looks like—prioritizing relationships, education, and empowerment over transactions. Fortuna’s commitment to equity, entrepreneurship, and access to capital aligns perfectly with the mission of the OhioMBE Awards to celebrate businesses making a difference across Ohio.

Join us in congratulating Fortuna Bank, the 2025 Publisher’s Award Honoree, for its leadership and dedication to economic empowerment.

Hensel Phelps and Elford Construction invite you to an In-Person Outreach Event for the Columbus Airport New Terminal Project – GMP 9 Public Safety Building Trade Partner Opportunities

📍 Location: Mid-Ohio Food Collective, 3960 Brookham Dr, Grove City, OH 43123
📅 Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
🕐 Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM EST
🔗 RSVP by: Monday, October 27, 2025
👉 Click here to RSVP

Meet with Hensel Phelps, Elford, and Columbus Regional Airport Authority to learn about upcoming contracting opportunities for the new terminal project.
Network with large, medium, and small firms across a range of construction trades, including:
Site Civil • Steel • Concrete • Electrical • Plumbing • HVAC • Low Voltage • Masonry • Metal Panel • Roofing • Flooring • Fire Protection • Framing & Drywall • Paint • Glazing • Millwork • Landscaping • and more.

💬 Featured Representatives:

• Denise Gilliam, Director of Inclusion & Outreach, Elford
• Marrae Bundy, Senior Specialist, Columbus Regional Airport Authority
• Daniel Fils-Aime, Coordinator of Supplier Diversity, Hensel Phelps

🛠️ All qualified subcontractors and suppliers are encouraged to attend.
Subcontracts and purchase agreements over $100,000 will require Payment and Performance Bonds.

💖 Bring a canned good donation to support the Mid-Ohio Food Collective.