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🔨 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.

Elford, Inc. is seeking qualified subcontractors and suppliers — including certified Small & Emerging Business Enterprises (SEBEs) — to participate in the Franklin County PFM and Purchasing & EECD Tenant Improvements project.

📍 Location: Dorrian Building, 369 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215 (Floors 7 & 8)
📅 Bid Due: Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM
🚧 Start Date: December 15, 2025
🏁 Completion: July 10, 2026

This Construction Manager at Risk (CMR) project consists of two tenant fit-out projects for Franklin County offices. Bidders may submit for each project individually or provide a combined proposal if capable of completing both concurrently.

Available Bid Packages

Final Cleaning • Selective Demolition • Custom Millwork • General Trades • Storefronts/Glass & Glazing • Drywall & Acoustical • Flooring • Painting & Wall Coverings • Fire Suppression • Plumbing • HVAC • Electrical, Communications & Safety Systems

Project Requirements

• 20% SEBE participation goal
• Prevailing wage rates apply
• Tax exempt
• Contractors must meet Franklin County’s “Quality Contractor” requirements (see Article 8 of ITB)

📩 To obtain bid documents or for questions, contact:
Aaron Daman – Elford, Inc.
📧 adaman@elford.com

Join us as we honor Ohio’s outstanding small-business and community leaders at the 2025 OhioMBE Awards Networking Luncheon, presented by the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC).

Honorees

• Keynote Speaker: Jenna Hondel, Ascension Construction Solutions
• Frank W. Watson Advocacy Award: Felix Garcia, Director of Purchasing, Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
• Publisher’s Award: Fortuna Bank
• Legends Award: Smoot Construction

🎟️ Limited tickets are still available.
Reserve your seat now: buytickets.at/OBDC

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Location: Huntington Park, Columbus, Ohio

The OhioMBE Awards is proud to announce Felix Garcia, Director of Purchasing at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, as the 2025 Frank W. Watson Advocacy Honoree.

Felix is recognized for his outstanding commitment to supplier diversity and advocacy for small and minority-owned businesses across Central Ohio. In his role at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, he oversees and manages procurement processes, supplier diversity initiatives, warehouse operations, and asset surplus — all while serving as a contributing team leader for the organization’s programs, events, and community-driven initiatives.

Active in the local business community, Felix works to build strong partnerships with local and national organizations, as well as with neighboring municipalities that champion opportunities for diverse and small businesses.

Prior to joining the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Felix spent 25 years in the railroad industry, holding leadership positions in transportation, purchasing, accounting, capital projects, and asset management.

Felix holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Toledo and is a proud member of the Central Ohio Organization of Public Purchasers.

Please join us in celebrating Felix Garcia and his dedication to advancing equitable business opportunities at the 2025 OhioMBE Awards on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Huntington Park.

🔗 Learn more at OhioMBEAwards.com

The OhioMBE Awards, presented by the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC), returns on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Huntington Park to celebrate the excellence and impact of Ohio’s small and minority-owned businesses.

 This year’s celebration will feature:
 Keynote Speaker: Jeanna Hondel, PE, President & CEO of *Ascension Construction Solutions
 Frank W. Watson Advocacy Award Honoree: Felix Garcia, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
 Publisher’s Award Honoree: Fortuna Bank
 Legends Award Recipient: Smoot Construction

We will also proudly recognize the 2025 Top Business Nominees and honor the winners of the People’s Choice Awards, as voted by the community!

Join community leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates for an inspiring luncheon celebrating achievement, advocacy, and opportunity in Ohio’s small business community.

Thursday, October 23, 2025
 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
 Huntington Park | Columbus, Ohio
Get tickets at OhioMBEAwards.com

#OhioMBEAwards #OBDC #SmallBusiness #SupplierDiversity #OhioBusiness #Networking #AwardsLuncheon #PeoplesChoice

Have you seen the latest events posted on OhioDiversityNetworks.com?

From business workshops to networking sessions and community celebrations, there’s something for everyone to connect, learn, and grow.

✨ Don’t miss out — visit today to explore upcoming opportunities!
👉 OhioDiversityNetworks.com

#OhioDiversity #Networking #CommunityEvents #BusinessGrowth