OLBC President Reece celebrates historic progress on state's minority business inclusion

State Rep. and President of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) Alicia Reece (D-Cincinnati) applauded today’s announcement that Ohio met its Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification goals for the second consecutive year since the program was established over 30 years ago.

“I am proud that we have been able to move a thirty-plus year law championed by the OLBC from goals and aspirations into results and reality for Ohio’s African American and minority businesses,” said Reece. “This record level of investment is historic and demonstrates that OLBC’s advocacy and partnership with the governor and state is leading to a stronger promise of prosperity and economic opportunity for our entrepreneurs and business leaders who create jobs and pay taxes.”

State contracts with minority-owned businesses in 2016 hit a record high with nearly $298 million going to purchase 23.63 percent of eligible goods and services. According to the Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS), “Ohio’s MBE-certified supplier base remains steady with 282 businesses receiving work in FY 2014, 325 businesses in FY 2015 and 316 in FY 2016, which ended June 30.” DAS also says that “during this period state spending with MBE-certified suppliers continued to grow” from $165 million in FY 2014 to $297 million today.