Registration open for career expo

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COLUMBUS — Job seekers and business owners are not able to register for the Ohio Business and Career Expo scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 17, in the Ohio Expo Center’s Cardinal Hall, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus.

This free networking and learning opportunity is geared toward job seekers and business owners who are minorities, women or otherwise socially and economically disadvantaged. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with employers and procurement officials from the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, Ohio Department of Transportation and other state agencies, as well as the Columbus Regional Airport Authority and more. In addition to one-on-one networking opportunities, the event also will include many workshops.

The purpose of the expo is to support the efforts of the state of Ohio and its partners to support equal employment opportunities and efforts to expand access to state contracts for small, minority- and women-owned businesses.

For job seekers, the expo provides the chance to explore career opportunities with more than 45 government agencies, universities and construction trades. In addition, participants will include contractors who work on state and state-assisted construction projects and are interested in further diversifying their workforces. Representatives from construction apprenticeship programs also will be available to discuss opportunities in their fields. In addition, a computer lab will be available for job seekers to start creating a profile on the State of Ohio job posting site, careers.ohio.gov. Workshops will be offered on resume writing, interviewing techniques and application processes.

For business owners, the expo provides networking opportunities for businesses certified through the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise or Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE) programs as well as those interested in learning more about becoming certified.

In addition to networking opportunities with purchasing officials from more than 40 government agencies and universities, attendees can choose from workshop topics that will include financing programs, registering to do business with the state and responding to a state bid request. A computer lab will be available to help business owners begin the application process for MBE and/or EDGE certification, recertification or cross certification. Help also will be available to navigate the state procurement website, procure.ohio.gov.

Admission is free. Parking is $5.

Job seekers and businesses are encouraged to register for the expo, but walk-ins are welcome. To register or learn more, visit das.ohio.gov/ohiobizcareerexpo.

Staff report

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