Over the last several years, the State of Ohio has made diversifying the suppliers with whom it does business a priority. In Fiscal Year 2015, the state's efforts culminated in record-setting dollars spent on goods and services purchased from MBE- and EDGE-certified businesses. As the state looks to solidify the progress made diversifying its supply base, it is seeking additional certified businesses to provide the products and services it needs in construction and construction-related services, goods and services, information technology and professional services.

To support continued efforts to expand access to state contracts for small, minority- and women-owned businesses, the State of Ohio hosted its annual Ohio Business Expo at the Ohio History Center.

With remarks from:

Gregory Williams, Deputy Director of Ohio Dept. of Administrative Services and State EEO Coordinator
Todd Kleismit, Director of Community & Government Relations at Ohio History Connection
Bob Blair, Director of Ohio Dept. of Administrative Services
Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor, Director of the Ohio Dept. of Insurance
Jeffrey Johnson, Minority Business Development Division Chief at Ohio Development Services Agency