A set of executive orders aimed at instituting a more robust race and gender-conscious program within Cuyahoga County’s procurement procedures were issued Thursday, January 7 by County Executive Armond Budish. The Executive Orders address findings from a 2020 disparity study which revealed that, despite good efforts by the County, there is a disparity between the number of available Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MBE/WBEs) and the number of those firms that have been awarded contracts from the County.

By Jim MacKinnon, Akron Beacon Journal

Halle Jones Capers decided this is a great time to start her own business.

Capers, with a strong background in civil engineering and long active in Akron-area community organizations and events, just formed Halle's Engineering & Design LLC. It's the first minority female-owned firm of its kind in Akron. ("First" has been a theme in her life.)

Ohio State CBCTC

The Ohio Department of Jobs & Family Services ApprenticeOhio program provided the following information on registered construction apprentices in the state of Ohio as of 11/24/2020. The total of Ohio Registered Apprentices in Construction is 13,185.

By Glen Shumate, Crain's 

It's often said that small businesses are the foundation of the American economy. What isn't routinely recognized is the fact that small businesses owned by women and minorities face significant barriers to long-term economic success, namely access to capital and access to contracting opportunities.

Frantz Ward

Glen Shumate, cleveland.com

By Alexandria Boone, GAP Communications Group

CLEVELAND, September 17, 2019 – The Contractors Assistance Association (CAA) has announced the recipients of its inaugural, Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Awards. These unique awards are given to premiere individuals and organizations in recognition of their support of the expansion of Northeast Ohio’s Construction Industry alongside their commitment to its diversity and inclusion programs.

By Rachel Burris, Construction Business Owner

There are several steps that the industry can take to transform the U.S. workforce, and the first of these is to establish and strengthen career awareness and education opportunities. The construction industry rallying behind a public-awareness campaign has the potential to change parents’ opinions and correct misconceptions. 

As a part of Women in Construction (WIC) week, March 3-9, 2019, we are highlighting the contributions of local women in the industry. The following interview is with Janelle Heinle, Project Manager at Regency Construction Services.

What is your favorite part of your job? 

Working with different public and private clients to improve the communities they serve. No two days are the same! 

When did you realize you wanted to work in the construction industry?