By Ronda Watson Barber OhioMBE Publisher Ohio’s Inspector General released a report this week outlining that hundreds of EDGE (Encouraging Diversity Growth and Equity) certified businesses didn’t qualify for the program because the State of Ohio failed to keep tabs on their eligibility. The report found that 357 business certified as EDGE businesses have violated…
Category: Publisher’s Note
OhioMBE, Publisher's Note, ronda barber
OhioMBE Celebrates 10 years of Publishing
By Ronda Watson BarberPublisher Hip Hip Hurrah! OhioMBE is celebrating 10 years of publishing. It is an honor to advocate and highlight small businesses, particularly Black-owned businesses in the Buckeye state. I’m a business owner just like my typical reader. I started OhioMBE on a whim and produced the first issue in 10 days. No…
OhioMBE, Publisher's Note, ronda barber
Happy New Year! New Goals! New Successes!
By Ronda Watson Barber Publisher It’s 2019! Just like clockwork, a new year is here. It’s an exciting time. A fresh start. Many people resolutions to grow and develop. What are you working on? How will you expand or improve your business. How will your business make a difference for you personally and the overall…
OhioMBE, Publisher's Note
OhioMBE Shopping Challenge
OhioMBE Shopping Challenge By Ronda Watson Barber OhioMBE Publisher The holiday shopping season has started. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday are approaching. Are you ready? I have been posted a Holiday Shopping Sales Guide on www.OhioMBE.com. Articles posted include: How to sell a ton of gift cards; 50 Best Christmas Small Business…
Breaking News, Publisher's Note
Check out the organizations attending the June 21 OhioMBE Procurement Fair
Get your ticket TODAY for the June 21 OhioMBE Procurement Fair, hosted by Columbus City Schools. Don’t miss your chance to meet with: Columbus City Schools City of Columbus Department of Development Columbus Zoo & Aquarium Franklin County Board of Commissioners American Electric Power is interested in meeting with the following vendors: 33392 Material Handling…
OhioMBE, Publisher's Note
Publisher’s Note: Be an informed voter
Be an informed voter By Ronda Watson Barber Publisher Early voting has started. Those seeking elected office are out canvassing and campaigning asking for your vote. Our votes and dollars have power. Use it wisely. Ask questions. Don’t just check a box because someone has an “R” or “D” behind their name or are…
OhioMBE, Publisher's Note
Publisher’s Note: Wakanda Forever!
Wakanda Forever! By Ronda Watson Barber – Publisher Black Panther fever has hit the planet. The blockbuster film directed by Ryan Coogler and starring some of Hollywood’s elite Black actors have topped $700 million in ticket sales worldwide. Presently, it is the 20th all-time highest grossing movie. Folks are flocking to movie theaters, some in…
Black History Month, Publisher's Note, ronda barber
Publisher’s Note: Celebrate Black History Month
Celebrate Black History Month By Ronda Watson Barber Publisher Black History Month is a time to celebrate the world-wide contributions our ancestors have made. We stand on strong shoulders. Our fore-folks face unimaginable obstacles and they succeeded. They didn’t give up or give in. Through slavery, Jim Crow, Segregation and a Civil Rights Movement, Black…
OhioMBE, Publisher's Note, ronda barber
Publisher’s Note: OhioMBE celebrates nine years of publishing
OhioMBE celebrates nine years of publishing By Ronda Watson Barber Publisher OhioMBE is celebrating nine years of advocating, informing and promoting small businesses. I take pride in publishing Ohio’s largest Black-owned business newspaper. It has been a wonderful journey empowering small business owners with news, information, access and opportunity. I love small businesses. I enjoy…
Publisher's Note, ronda barber
Publisher’s Note: Happy 2018!
Happy 2018 By Ronda Watson Barber OhioMBE Publisher Happy 2018! As you reflect on last year and embark on 2018, what are your goals? How will you grow your business? How will you exercise political power? How will you empower our community? Last year, the themes of my columns were “Advocate! Resist!” The political and…