FC Cincinnati Updates Economic Inclusion on Stadium Project

FC Cincinnati updates economic inclusion on stadium project bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2019/11/22/fc-cincinnati-updates-economic-inclusion-on-250m.html

From the Cincinnati Business Courier:

Courtesy of Populous/FC Cincinnati. This aerial view shows the stadium from the southeast.

https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2019/11/22/fc-cincinnati-updates-economicinclusion-on-250m.html Even though just one-third of contracts for FC Cincinnati’s $250 million stadium have been awarded, the team reported it has awarded nearly $55 million, or 63%, of contracts to companies with minority business enterprise, small business enterprise and women business enterprise certification.

FC Cincinnati president Jeff Berding said the team is striving to lead by example with its commitment to economic inclusion and diversity.

“We want to prove that we are a good neighbor, do things the right way and be an economic driver in our community,” Berding said in a news release.

To date, more than $86.4 million in total contracts have been awarded for construction of the West End stadium. Of that, $54.99 million has gone to companies with MBE/WBE/SBE certification.

The break down by percentage is: 28.7% MBE 29.7% SBE 1/2

5.04% WBE. FC Cincinnati committed to meet or exceed the Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority’s economic inclusion goals in its community benefits agreement with the West End. The inclusion goals for construction spend are 25% MBE, 7% WBE and 30% SBE. In 2020, additional bids will be awarded for work that includes interior studs and drywall, painting, tile, carpet, stadium seating, millwork, metal panels and exterior studs. If interested in receiving bid opportunities for this work, MBE, WBE and SBE companies can register here.

FC Cincinnati and construction managers Turner + Jostin expect to exceed the inclusion goals set in the CBA when the stadium is completed in early 2021. Turner + Jostin are collaborating with the African American Chamber of Commerce and inclusion consultant Jilson Daniels to conduct direct outreach to minority businesses.

Eric Kearney, president and CEO of the Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce, said the organization has assisted the stadium project by providing outreach and advising the team on the needs and concerns of minority-, small, and women-owned businesses.

“We look forward to working to continue providing an inclusive environment and economic opportunity,” Kearney said in a news release.

Additional contracts will be awarded in 2020 for construction of the $250 million, privately funded stadium. The stadium is on schedule to open in March 2021.

Tom Demeropolis Senior Staff Reporter Cincinnati Business Courier

2/2