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At their first meeting of the year, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners selected Commissioner John O’Grady to serve as President of the Board for 2026.

Each year, the Commissioners choose one of their own to serve as Board President, a role that includes presiding over weekly General Session and Briefing meetings and serving as the primary spokesperson for the Board at community events, meetings, and with the media. The Board of Commissioners is the administrative arm of Franklin County government, overseeing county agencies and adopting a budget which exceeds $2 billion.

As President, Commissioner O’Grady will focus on advancing affordable housing, economic development, and workforce development, with a strong emphasis on supporting local entrepreneurs through the County’s Office of Economic Engagement and Community Development. His priorities also include maintaining fiscal responsibility during challenging economic times and working closely with community partners to ensure critical resources are delivered to residents who need them most.

“I’m grateful to my colleagues for the opportunity to lead the Board this year,” said Commissioner O’Grady. “Franklin County continues to grow and evolve, and with that growth comes great responsibility. My focus will be on making thoughtful, fiscally sound decisions that expand access to affordable housing, strengthen our workforce, and support the small businesses and entrepreneurs who drive our local economy. By working closely with our community partners, we can ensure resources are used wisely and reach residents where they can make the greatest impact.”

In addition to his local leadership, Commissioner O’Grady is actively engaged at the national level through the National Association of Counties (NACo). He serves on NACo’s Board of Directors, is a member of the Large Urban County Caucus, and is currently Vice-Chair of the Finance, Pensions and Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee, positions that help elevate Franklin County’s voice on federal policy and funding issues affecting counties nationwide.

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners holds General Session meetings each Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. and Briefing meetings each Thursday at 9:00 a.m. All meetings are open to the public and available online.

Meeting information and access details can be found at: www.commissioners.franklincountyohio.gov/public-meetings.

A full biography of Commissioner O’Grady is available here.

LEGAL NOTICE

ACCESSIBILTY UPGRADES AT RIDGEVIEW MS – PKG 1
ACCESSIBILITY, RESTROOMS, RAILINGS & EGRESS

Electronic bids for the above-referenced project will be received by the BOARD OF EDUCATION, City School District of Columbus, Ohio, Office of Capital Improvements, (via Public Purchase), until Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. More information can be found on the District’s web site at http://www.columbus.k12.oh.us/rfp. The plans and specifications are on file with Franklin Imaging.

Construction cleanup is one of the fastest and most accessible entry points into the construction industry. The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) is launching a 4-week Construction Cleanup cohort designed for startups and early-stage businesses ready to pursue cleanup opportunities.

📅 Program Dates & Time

• Starts: January 14, 2026
• Schedule: Weekly for 4 weeks
• Time: 12:00 PM (Noon)

🔹 What You’ll Learn

Over four weeks, participants will gain practical, real-world insight into:

• How construction cleanup fits into the construction process
• Jobsite safety and expectations
• How to price and bid cleanup work
• How to position your business to get hired by contractors and project managers

This session focuses on hands-on knowledge, not theory — so participants leave prepared to take action.

👥 Limited Cohort: Only 10 Spots

To ensure meaningful instruction and interaction, participation is limited to just 10 businesses.

➡️ Once all spots are filled, registration will close.

🏗️ Program Details

• 4-week instructor-led series
• Part of the OBDC Construction Academy
• Ideal for new and growing construction cleanup businesses

🔗 Learn more and register at OHBDC.org

As 2025 comes to a close, the Ohio Business Development Center invites our community to support the work that strengthens small businesses across Ohio.

Throughout the year, OBDC has helped entrepreneurs access what they need most to grow and succeed — Cash. Contracts. Connections. Through business training, technical assistance, construction education, certification support, and advocacy, OBDC continues to open doors and create opportunity.

If OBDC has helped you secure a contract, make a key connection, access financing, or move your business forward in 2025, please consider making a final, tax-deductible donation.

Your support allows us to continue providing:

• Free and low-cost business classes
• One-on-one coaching and technical assistance
• Construction and certification readiness support
• Advocacy for equitable access to contracts and capital

Tax-deductible donations can be made at:
👉 https://givebutter.com/obdc

Thank you for supporting the work that helps Ohio’s small businesses thrive.

Ohio Business Development Center
Cash. Contracts. Connections.

As we close out the year, we’re offering a limited-time opportunity for businesses ready to be intentional about procurement in 2026.

🔥 Attend 6 OhioMBE Procurement Fairs in 2026 for just $99 🔥
This End-of-Year Sale allows you to secure access to six high-impact procurement fairs before our 2026 price increase.

OhioMBE Procurement Fairs are designed to create direct, meaningful connections between small businesses, public agencies, and prime contractors. This pass is ideal for businesses that understand procurement success is built through consistency, visibility, and relationships.

What’s Included:

• 1-on-1 access to agencies and prime contractors
• Priority registration for all six events
• Major savings before 2026 pricing goes into effect

⏰ Offer ends December 30
This is a limited-time End-of-Year promotion.

👉 Visit OhioMBEProcurementFairs.com to secure your 2026 pass.

Prepare now. Show up consistently. Position your business for contracts in 2026.

As we close out the year, we invite you to support the mission of the Ohio Business Development Center.

Throughout the year, OBDC has worked to help small businesses and entrepreneurs access the resources that matter most — Cash. Contracts. Connections. From business training and technical assistance to construction education, certification support, and advocacy, our work is focused on opening doors and creating real opportunities across Ohio.

If OBDC has helped you grow your business, strengthen your capacity, or make meaningful connections, please consider making an end-of-year, tax-deductible donation.

Your support allows us to:

• Provide free and low-cost business classes
• Offer one-on-one technical assistance
• Support construction and certification readiness
• Advocate for equitable access to contracts and capital
• Serve entrepreneurs and small businesses statewide

Tax-deductible donations can be made at:
👉 https://givebutter.com/obdc

Thank you for supporting our work and helping us continue to serve Ohio’s small business community in the year ahead.

Ohio Business Development Center
Cash. Contracts. Connections.

More than 50 businesses and service providers logged in for the recent ODOT DBE Recertification Session hosted by the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC). The strong turnout reflects the urgency surrounding current DBE recertification requirements and the need for accurate, timely information.

The session featured Lorraine Stevens, who provided a wealth of information on ODOT’s updated DBE certification and recertification process. Attendees received practical guidance, clarification on key requirements, and insight into what firms should prioritize to remain compliant and competitive.

For those who were unable to attend live, the session was recorded and is available for viewing at OHBDC.org.

In addition, supporting materials and helpful resources related to the session are available in the OBDC Resource Folder:

📁 OBDC Resource Folder:
https://bit.ly/3MAq8Tj

OBDC remains committed to ensuring small businesses and service providers have access to trusted information, resources, and support as they navigate certification and contracting opportunities.