Ronda Barber

Columbus Zoo is hosting the May 21 OhioMBE Procurement Fair – Registration is open

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📢 Attention Small Business Owners! 🌟
📍 Join us at the OhioMBE Procurement Fair
📅 May 21, 2024
🏢 Hosted by the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

🦁 Purchasing Department
Got a product or service that can meet the needs of a busy zoo? Connect with our Purchasing team to explore exciting procurement opportunities. 🛒📦

🌳 Events and Promotions Department
Are you in the events industry? Meet with our Events and Promotions department to discuss how your services could shine at our events! 🎤🎉

🔨 Construction Department
In the construction or building maintenance business? Our Construction team is looking for partners like you to help enhance our facilities. 🏗️👷‍♂️

💻 IT/Tech Department
Tech innovators and service providers, our IT/Tech department is eager to meet with you to discuss potential tech solutions and collaborations. 💻🖥️

👉 Register now to secure your 15-minute appointment: OhioMBE.com

🔗 For more information, visit: OhioMBE.com
Let’s make connections that grow your business!

#OhioMBE #ProcurementFair #SmallBusiness #ColumbusZoo #Networking #BusinessGrowth #SupplierDiversity

Ohio Business Development Center Announces May 2024 Workshop Series

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Ohio Business Development Center Announces May 2024 Workshop Series

The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is excited to announce a comprehensive series of educational workshops designed to support and elevate small business owners and professionals in the construction industry. These sessions, held both online and in-person, are tailored to address the specific needs of minority and women-owned businesses in Ohio.

Upcoming Workshops:

  • Certification 101: Understand the certification landscape with our three-part online series on May 7, 9, and 20, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. This foundational course is perfect for those new to business certification processes.

  • Women in the Construction Industry Brown Bag Lunch: Join us in-person on May 16 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Marker Construction for a networking lunch designed to connect women in the construction field. Engage in discussions and share experiences that foster growth and collaboration.

  • Understanding Contracts: Enhance your knowledge of contract law through our online session on May 16 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. This workshop is ideal for anyone looking to grasp the essentials of contractual agreements.

  • LLC Repair Workshop: Correct common mistakes in DIY LLC formations at our workshop on May 23 from 6:00 PM to 7:15 PM. This session will help ensure that your business structure is solid and compliant.

  • COMING IN JUNE – Project Management Basics: Join our four-week online webinar series tailored for new contractors, covering key project management skills like planning, scheduling, and risk management. The sessions are ideal for enhancing efficiency and project outcomes in the construction industry. 

Registration: Open now! All interested participants can register for these workshops at OHBDC.org. These events are essential for any business owner looking to navigate the complexities of their industries effectively.

 

Save the Date: May 16 OBDC Women in Construction Industry Brown Bag Lunch

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🛠️ Attention, ladies in construction! Get ready to build valuable connections at the OBDC Women in the Construction Industry Brown Bag Lunch. Join us on May 16 at Marker Construction for an inspiring afternoon with our special guest, Alison Marker. Dive into discussions, share resources, and network with peers who are shaping the industry. 🌟 Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your career and expand your professional network. Reserve your spot now! Tickets available here: ➡️ https://buytickets.at/OBDC #ConstructionWomen #Networking #Empowerment #OBDCEvent

Today’s CertifyOhio Sessions: Explore State Certifications and Master Single-Member LLC Board Meetings

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Today’s CertifyOhio Sessions: Explore State Certifications and Master Single-Member LLC Board Meetings

Join us today, April 18th, for two impactful online sessions designed to empower small and minority-owned businesses with essential knowledge and skills.

Morning Session: Introduction to State of Ohio Certification and Loan Programs

🕙 Time: 10:00 AM 🔗 Location: Online via Zoom

Highlights:

  • Explore State Certifications: Understand the benefits of obtaining state certifications and how they can open doors to new markets and secure government contracts.
  • Learn About Loan Programs: Gain insights into state-supported loan programs that can help finance your business expansion.

Evening Session: Navigating Single-Member LLC Board Meetings

🕒 Time: 6 pm Join us online via Zoom! 🔗 Location: Online via Zoom

What You’ll Learn:

  • Effective Board Meeting Strategies: Discover how to manage and document your board meetings effectively.
  • Compliance Tips: Get tips on maintaining your business’s good standing through proper compliance.
  • Leveraging Meetings for Growth: Learn techniques to use board meetings as a tool for business growth.

Don’t miss out on these opportunities to enhance your business’s operational and strategic capabilities. Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your existing operations, these sessions are tailored to help you succeed.

🌐 For more information and to register, please visit: OHBDC.org

See you there!

#CertifyOhio #StateCertifications #LLCManagement #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #OhioBusiness

Today Only: Master the Art of Certification Marketing with Experts Terri Wise & Judi Politi

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OBDC is thrilled to invite you to a special online workshop happening TODAY at 11:30 AM – “How to Market Your Certification.” This is your opportunity to gain insights from two distinguished professionals in the field of business and certification.

Guest Speakers:

  • Terri Wise, renowned for her impactful work as the retired CCS Outreach Coordinator, will share her wealth of knowledge in community service and outreach.
  • Judi Politi, a testament to success in the entrepreneurial world, will discuss the strategic nuances of using certification to elevate a business.

This workshop is designed for anyone looking to understand the practical ways in which certifications can be utilized to enhance business visibility, growth, and success. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn from the best, network with peers, and take your business to the next level.

Please visit OHBDC.org to register and for more information.

Columbus Zoo and The Wilds Seek Vendor Quotes for Network Infrastructure Project

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The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, together with The Wilds, is inviting selected vendors to submit quotes for a comprehensive network infrastructure upgrade. This project encompasses the procurement and installation of network cabinets and backboards across various locations within The Wilds, located at 14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732.

Project Scope:

  • Cabinet and Backboard Installation: Vendors are expected to procure specified types of cabinets and backboards, ensuring secure installation both indoors and outdoors across designated areas.
  • Cable Management and Testing: The project includes re-terminating existing cabling, installing a 2U cable management system in network cabinets, conducting comprehensive testing to ensure signal integrity, and addressing any issues identified during testing.
  • Documentation and Quality Assurance: Vendors must provide detailed documentation of all installations and adhere to the Structured Cabling Standards. The quality of dressed cables will be subject to final approval by the Columbus Zoo technology representative.

Submission Guidelines:

  • All quotes should be a single price for the entire scope of work, specifying parts to be performed by the submitter and those to be subcontracted.
  • Proposals must be submitted electronically to Felix Garcia at felix.garcia@columbuszoo.org by 5:00 PM (EST) on April 26, 2024. Please ensure any proprietary information in your response is clearly designated.

Important Dates:

  • RFQ Distribution: April 5, 2024
  • Staff-Led Tour of The Wilds: April 8 – 19, 2024 (Contact bob.mayes@columbuszoo.org to schedule)
  • Question Period: Until April 19, 2024, 5:00 PM (EST)
  • Proposal Deadline: April 26, 2024, 5:00 PM (EST)

This is an exceptional opportunity for vendors to collaborate with the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks on enhancing their technological infrastructure. We encourage all selected vendors to carefully review the RFQ details and submit their most competitive quotes for consideration.

For further inquiries and submission details, please refer to the full RFQ documentation or contact the specified representatives. Let’s work together towards a more connected and efficient future for the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds.

RFQ-Network-Cabinets-The-WildsDownload

The April 4 CertifyOhio Event Highlights

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🚀 Today’s CertifyOhio Event Highlights 🚀

📆 April 4, 2024 – A transformative day for small and minority-owned businesses! The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) invites you to two pivotal sessions designed to propel your business forward:

1️⃣ Certification 101 – Dive deep into the world of business certifications with our online session. Learn the basics and how these certifications can serve as a catalyst for your business’s growth. 🌱 (This class meets on April 9 as well)

2️⃣ Elevate Your Business – Gain valuable legal advice and tips tailored for entrepreneurs. This online session is a must-attend for anyone looking to solidify their business’s legal foundation. ⚖️

📍 Where? Online via Zoom.

🕒 When? Today at 6pm

💡 Whether you’re exploring the certification landscape or seeking to elevate your business with expert legal advice, today’s sessions are tailored to meet your needs. Don’t miss this chance to learn from industry experts, connect with peers, and take a giant leap towards securing your business’s future.

For more details and to secure your spot, visit OHBDC.org. Let’s harness the power of certification together!

🔗 Stay Connected – Follow us for more updates and upcoming events in the CertifyOhio series. Elevate your business profile and unlock new opportunities with us!

#CertifyOhio #SmallBusiness #MinorityOwnedBusiness #BusinessCertification #Entrepreneurship

Today’s Highlight in the OBDC CertifyOhio Series: Certification 101

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Join us on April 2, 2024, for “Certification 101,” a standout session in our CertifyOhio series brought to you by the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC). This online event is designed for small and minority-owned businesses ready to explore the advantages of business certifications.

Quick Details:

  • When: Today, April 2, 2024, at 11:30 AM
  • Where: Online (Link upon registration)
  • Register: OHBDC.org

Certification 101 offers a primer on how certifications can open doors to growth and opportunity. Beyond today’s session, the CertifyOhio series features upcoming events focused on specific certifications, strategies for leveraging certifications, and live Q&A sessions with industry leaders.

Upcoming Classes:

  • Elevate Your Business: Legal Know-How & Practical Tips for Emerging Entrepreneurs on April 4th.
  • Walk-in Certification Assistance on April 8th for hands-on support.
  • Additional events include another Certification 101 on April 9th, a marketing workshop on April 10th, an LLC Repair Workshop on April 11th, and more throughout the month.

Join Us for CertifyOhio: A Month-Long Empowerment Program!

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This April 2024, the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is proud to present CertifyOhio, an exclusive series of events designed to accelerate the success of entrepreneurs and business owners across Ohio. Through a comprehensive array of workshops and sessions, CertifyOhio aims to guide and support you through the intricacies of business certification, legal structuring, marketing strategies, and much more. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your business to new heights. Here’s a glance at what’s in store:

  • Elevate Your Business: Legal Know-How & Practical Tips for Emerging Entrepreneurs (April 2)
  • Certification 101: Multiple Sessions (April 2, 4, 9)
  • How to Market your Certification (April 10)
  • LLC Repair Workshop: Fixing Common Mistakes with D-I-Y LLCs (April 11)
  • Walk-in Certification Assistance (April 8, 16)

Each session is carefully tailored to address the most pressing needs of today’s entrepreneurs, ensuring you leave with valuable knowledge and actionable strategies.

Seats are filling up fast! Visit OHBDC.org today to register and learn more about how you can participate in CertifyOhio. Let’s make this April a turning point for your business.