#OhioMBE Publisher’s Note: SMH. I just got an email from the City of #Columbus promoting their upcoming small business conference. Under the leadership of Mayor Andrew Ginther, the conference will focus on #Ohio Municipalities. Really???? Is this just another dog and pony show?
The City of Columbus isn’t providing any contracting opportunities for MBEs in Central Ohio. They fund the Office of Diversity which manages the MBE certification program. This $1 million department (most of the budget goes to staffing) issues MBE and FBE certifications but the City doesn’t have any procurement purchasing goals. So what good is the certification issued by the City of Columbus if there aren’t any goals?
Still waiting for the Council to commission a disparity study. The study would examine whether disparity exists in the City contracting and procurement process, and examined whether minority- and women-owned businesses have received opportunities to participate in public contracts.
Mayor Ginther froze Black business out of City construction projects. As Council President, he introduced legislation that sided with unions over Black businesses. Ironically, all the Black council members blindly followed in line. (I guess the Council Members of Color have forgotten that unions haven’t been too friendly with Black folks) MBE’s can’t work on any City of Columbus construction project unless they become a union shop, provide benefits, retirement plans and an apprenticeship program.
Funny how Columbus is encouraging other public entities to do business with Black companies when they aren’t doing it themselves.
It can’t continue to be business as usual. Taxation without participation is WRONG!!!!!!!
Just my thoughts…rwb
