Tuesday August 09, 2022 | Edition 54
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
at 11:00 AM
WBEC ORV Onboarding Webinar for Newly Certified WBEs

Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 11:00 AM
WBENC / WBEC ORV: How to Become Certified Webinar

Monday, August 29 - Wednesday, August 31, 2022
2022 Catch the Wave Conference – A New Beginning: Connect 2 Reconnect
Griffin Gate Marriott - Lexington, Ky
WBEC ORV Welcomes New Corporate Members
Welcome to the WBEC ORV community! We are excited to have this company join us this year and look forward to collaborating with them. Take some time to get to know our new corporate member by visiting their website.
Resource Opportunities
Hamilton County SBDC is here to support you with Comprehensive business management and education services.
The Ohio University Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is a sub-center of the State of Ohio Procurement Technical Assistance Program. The State PTAC program is a cooperative effort among the Ohio Department of Development, the U.S. Department of Defense, and various local host organizations. This PTAC is hosted and supported by Ohio University. The mission is to provide technical assistance to small businesses desiring to enter local, state, and federal government markets to support economic development and foster the retention and creation of small business jobs. 
The Greater Cleveland Partnership has launched the Business Growth Compass to guide Northeast Ohio small businesses with the resources, solutions, and support they need. Start your journey!
Join WBENC and Walmart for the Walmart Marketplace Mentoring Sessions to learn how businesses big and small have the chance to put their amazing products in front of millions of Walmart customers.
In these sessions, members of the Walmart Marketplace team will spend time discussing the community of professional sellers and how you can tap into an ecosystem of innovative solutions designed to help you grow a successful business on Walmart.com.
Greetings!

We are just 20 days away from this year's Catch the Wave Conference!

We're looking forward to seeing you all in a few weeks on August 29-31 in Lexington as we reconnect and build in person.

This year's conference is extra special to us as it marks Sheila's last Catch the Wave as the Executive Director of WBEC ORV.

If you haven't already, be sure to register yourself and your attendees before Monday, August 22nd.

We have a lot in store for this year's conference and are excited to make new memories with you all.

See you very soon!

-The WBECORV Team

WBEC ORV is here to support our network with opportunities and resources. Visit our website for more information.

We've gone monthly! the MCC Newsletter will now be released on a monthly basis and we want you in it. Don't miss the chance to be featured, please share your ideas, events, awards, and accolades. Contact Events & Outreach Manager, Kathryn Macon at kmacon@wbec-orv.org for more information.

Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter here!
Certification Corner
Recertification Process
The recertification application process can take up to 90 days to complete. Our team has been working diligently to process the applications as they are received. There is a procedure that must be adhered to, and this requires time to be completed.

We recommend setting a calendar reminder to begin the application process 90 days prior to the expiration date. This allows staff the processing time needed and reduces your company’s risk of losing contracts due to an expired certification.

Please note that it takes staff at least 30-60 days and can take up to 90 days to
process your application. If you submit the application less than 60 days from the expiration date, we cannot guarantee your file will be processed by the expiration date.
  
Check WBENCLink
2.0 for updates: If your application has been sent back for additional
documents or a QA for additional information,
please submit all requested documents as soon as possible. A delay in
responding to staff delays your application. 



Please refer to the website https://www.wbenc.org/certification/documentation-required/ if you have questions, you may reach out to the certification team at WBEC-ORV.

NOTE- loans listed on the balance sheet require documentation be submitted for review.
2022 Catch the Wave Conference
Griffin Gate Marriot Golf Resort & Spa Lexington, KY
August 29 - 31 2022
The 13th annual Women's Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley (WBEC ORV) Catch the Wave Conference, is right around the corner!

Register for the event by Monday, August 22, 2022. Secure your spot today!

*The hotel room block has been extended until August, 26th.

You will leave this conference with inspiration and new tools that will make a difference in your personal and business growth. We look forward to seeing you for an exciting 2022 Catch the Wave Conference!

The Catch the Wave Regional Conference brings female entrepreneurs together to network, learn, and gain inspiration from each other. The conference provides networking, training, and access to both women business owners and corporate members from across our region of Ohio, Kentucky & West Virginia.
New Additions to Catch the Wave
We're excited to host our first ever Catch the Wave Golf outing this year on Monday, August 29th! We have several sponsorship options available, please take a moment to review all levels and reach out to Robert Moore at rmoore1@wbec-orv.org with any questions.

If you're not a golfer, that's okay, we have other options for you to take part in as well! We will also be offering a spa day and a bourbon tour at the same time as the Golf Tournament. You can sign up for the bourbon tour on the Catch the Wave website. To sign up for spa services, call the Griffin Gate spa at (859) 288-6175 and use the code WBECORV to receive 10% off of your services. Please note that the Spa Day will only be open to the first 30 people that sign up. Reserve your spot by Wednesday, August 17th.
A White Hot Celebration!
Join us on Monday, August 29th, after the Golf Outing, at our kickoff reception: A White Hot Celebration! This will be an all white affair so pull out your best white outfit and be ready to have some fun! Those with the best accessories will win a special prize, so ladies wear your best jewelry and accent pieces and fellas get creative with your hats, ties, and socks!
Schedule of Events
We have a full lineup of events planned for this year's conference! Click the image below to view our full agenda.
Trailblazer Award Honoree
We are thrilled to have Alice Houston, Owner of HJI Supply Chain Solutions as this year's Trailblazer Award Honoree! With a remarkable career spanning over five decades, she has paved the way for those after her both in business and within the community. Houston is a giant in her hometown of Louisville, KY and beyond, and we are so proud and excited to honor her.
Keynote Speaker
This year's keynote speaker is Holly Wiedemann, Founder & Owner of AU Associates, Inc. Holly has an extensive resume, having been responsible for a wide range of projects throughout her career ranging from renovation, creation, adaptive reuse, and development of affordable housing since 1986. She currently serves on multiple boards including Lexington Center/Rupp Arena Board, the Cleveland Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank, National Housing and Rehabilitation Association, the Triangle Foundation and Fayette Alliance. We are excited to have her as part of this year's conference and look forward to her keynote address on Wednesday, August 31st!
Conference Speaker Lineup
We have a full lineup of amazing speakers ranging from WBEs, Corporate members, and our very own WBEC ORV team members. Our speakers will cover the topics of closing the wealth gap, workplace burnout, and the benefits of certification.
Sponsors

Title Sponsors play a huge role in helping us put on Catch the Wave. Special thank you to this year's Title Sponsors: Toyota, Cummins Facility Services, HJI Supply Chain Solutions, Eaton, & Honda for your support. Come meet them this month in Lexington!
Titanium & Platinum Sponsors
Titanium Sponsor
Platinum sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Diamond Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Mixon's Mall

We will hold a Chinese and silent auction at Mixon's Mall and the proceeds will go to Evolve502, the charity of choice of our Trailblazer, and The Sheila A. Mixon Women's Entrepreneurial Startup Fund, which provides scholarships for our Catch the Wave Conference. BUY AND BUY OFTEN!
Event Management Team
We are excited to have Mother Daughter duo & certified WBEs, Pamela & Lauren Broadus, as our Catch the Wave Event Management Team! Pamela and Lauren own and operate Splendid Events, LLC, Louisville, Ky, and specialize in coordinating events with style and elegance. They have a strong roster of clients that they serve and we are happy to now be part of their ever-growing list. Learn more about them here & come say hello to them at the conference!
WBE SUCCESS STORIES
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Celebrating the achievements of the women that make up our RPO. Congratulations ladies, keep up the amazing work!
Gabrielle Christman, President & CEO of Hunter International Recruiting is featured on the cover of MBE Magazine's latest issue. The feature highlights her commitment to women in STEM & her entrepreneurship journey. Read her feature here.
Chef Liz Rogers, President & Executive Chef of Creamalicious Ice Cream is having a prosperous summer. She recently served as the personal chef to Janet Jackson during the Cincinnati Music Festival, her restaurant Wing Champs was named as the best wings in Ohio, and she was featured in the Black Wall Street Times. Learn more about her & her delicious ice cream here.
Corporate Member Updates
Our Corporate Members are doing great things in the community. Please join us in celebrating their accomplishments!
Dennis Duncan, Supplier Diversity Program Supervisor, Sinclair Community College, was named as an honoree for the Dayton Business Journal's Diversity in Business Awards as an Outstanding Diversity Champion.
Premier Health was named as one of the Top 3 Healthcare Diversity Organizations by the National Diversity Council. This award highlights inclusive communities that are devoted to making the nation a better place. Read more about this honor here.
WBEC ORV Team Updates
Sheila Addresses the National Executive Women's Summit
Our Executive Director, Sheila A. Mixon will be the Keynote speaker at the upcoming National Executive Women's Summit on October 23-26 in Warren, OH.
Learn more about the event & sign up to attend here.
Louisville Water Company Small Business Opportunities
Louisville Water wants to give small businesses a greater opportunity to work with them. As they deliver water to their customers every day, they create jobs for hundreds of large and small businesses. They are looking for suppliers and contractors who can deliver great quality work. If you are a small business, they want to work with you.
 
They encourage small businesses to apply to be a qualified Louisville Water Small Business Equity (SBE) program member. Only Louisville Water SBE program members can bid on certain Louisville Water projects, and Louisville Water will determine what those projects are. Their SBE program generally includes bidding on construction, construction sub-contracting, professional services, or general services contracts for more than $30,000 but less than $250,000. They are offering workshops on the requirements and the application process. Please sign up for a workshop by clicking here.

Visit LouisvilleWater.com/procurement-sbe for benefits of the program, how to apply, FAQs, and information on training sessions.
Bid Opportunities
Active Solicitations
Please visit this website to check all available solicitations and preview the bid without logging in. Remember, you must register to download the bid documents. Registration is free: click this link to register.

If you have difficulty registering, please send your email to procurement@cintimha.com  with your username, email address, first name, last name, organization, and phone number. A confirmation of your registration will be sent to you confirming receipt of your registration.

All responses must be received on or before the date and time indicated on the bid opportunity and sent by email to procurement@cintimha.com.
CVG's invitations to Bid (ITB) may be downloaded from the website under Current Opportunities.
Invitation to Bid and Request for Proposal opportunities are currently available with the KCTCS.

In order to be considered in the Procurement to Payment Department, please submit a sealed bid or proposal by the due date supplied. Please submit via the link below:
The University of Kentucky has released the following Requests for Proposal:

The advertisements for all bids, RFPs, and more can be found here.
RFPs from Fayette County Public Schools are available and can be downloaded by registering here www.fcps.net/bids.  

Invitation to Bid and Request for Proposal opportunities are currently available with Louisville MSD:
The City of Columbus invites you to explore their vendor services opportunities. All open bids can be found on their website under open requests for quotations.
The City of Hillview
The City of Hillview is soliciting sealed bids for the electrical, plumbing and sprinkler system needed at Hillview Annex Building project in Hillview Kentucky.
WBEN Forum's Corner
Welcome to the WBENC Forum's corner! This serves as an opportunity for you to get to meet our forum representatives and hear more about their story. This month, we will hear from representative Tina R. Macon.
Hello everyone! My name is Tina R. Macon and I am the President/Senior Consultant for AllMac & Associates, LLC -- a business coaching and consulting firm providing businesses with practical, cost-effective strategies and tools to address the critical business areas of Conflict Resolution, Human Capital Management, Executive Coaching & Leadership Training.
            
We have been certified since 2016 and our primary area of concentration is in the Professional Services space.
 
I am new to the Forum Leadership Team, as of last fall, and I am a committee member on the Domestic team.
            
Being a member of WBEC ORV has given me the opportunity to grow in my leadership skills and connect with other WBE’s in B2B business relationships. In addition to my involvement on the Forum, I am highly active at the RPO level. I was previously the co-chair of the monthly luncheon committee which allowed me to get to know many WBE’s across the RPO. Currently, I am a member of the WBEC ORV Steering Committee, the co-chair of the Program & Events committee, and a member of the Women of Color initiative.

Participation at the Forum level helps keep our RPO up to date and informed across our national network. I see my role as being a conduit of information as well as an ambassador to help grow and sustain our RPO. WBENC membership and participation at the RPO level has proven to be a necessary investment for my business from both a business growth and professional development perspective. I encourage you to include membership fees in your annual budget, plan to attend the many events and opportunities that the WBEC ORV team work hard to plan and provide, and most importantly, GET INVOLVED!!! Please join me in continuing to make WBEC ORV the BEST RPO in the LAND.
WBENC Forum Representatives
The Women's Enterprise Forum (The Forum) serves in an advisory capacity to the WBENC Board of Directors. The Forum gives input and feedback on WBENC programs and other matters at the direction of the Board. Participation in The Forum offers opportunities for WBENC-certified WBEs to represent all women's business enterprises' voices and engage in networking and development activities with other WBEs, member corporations, and government entities.

WBEC ORV Forum Reps are here to represent you! Feel free to contact them for input, suggestions, and feedback regarding WBENC, WBEC ORV, and other matters relevant to the WBE community.
All WBEC ORV Forum Representatives are listed below: 
COVID 19 - Resources Corner
Our RPO has multiple WBEs that provide COVID-19 related supplies and services. We encourage you to support and share opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
 
Please check out the COVID-19 Resource page on our website to access a list of companies providing COVID-19 suppliers. in this arena. We encourage you to review the list, and if applicable, send your business name and contact information so we can update your information.
 
The WBEC ORV Team is working to identify various support platforms such as webinars and partner resources that can assist you during this difficult time.
About WBEC ORV
The Women's Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley (WBEC ORV) mission is leading through an innovative, collaborative, and engaged group of Corporates, Government, WBEs, and Advocates. We are a catalyst for growth and sustainability by adding more Corporate Partners & WBEs in the Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia region.

WBEC ORV is a regional partner organization of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and provides certification to women-owned businesses in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. WBEC ORV operates under the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati's Business Development and Entrepreneurship through a collaborative effort with WBENC. Click the link below for more information.
Stay connect with us on social media by following the links above or scanning the QR code!
Women's Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley
WBEC ORV is operated by the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio Business Development and Entrepreneurship Department under the authority of WBENC. The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Cincinnati, Ohio.