May 2008, Issue 7

Spring 2008

Contents

Message from the KY DBE Program Manager...

KY DBE Scholarship Programs

Enhanced Bridges Web site

Bridges Project Update

EDI Program Outlines

Calendar of Events

Quick Links

Bridges Project Manager

KY DBE Program Manager

www.kyinbridges.com

KY DBE Program Information

Cerified KY DBE Business Directory

The Kentucky Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) eNewsletter, published quarterly, is designed to deliver valuable information and insights on the Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project (LSIORBP) to its varied team of managers, coordinators, contractors, suppliers and the community at large.

Community Transportation Solutions' (CTS) Kentucky DBE Management team, working with its many community partners, has already achieved amazing success, and this eNewsletter will share those stories along with those relating to the various agencies, organizations, businesses and activities associated with the Bridges Project.

From the KY DBE Program Manager...

The KY DBE Program assisted the Project managers with the update of the Ohio River Bridges Project's Web site, www.kyinbridges.com. The new site includes more interactive information, directories and resources than ever, including an extensive overview of the DBE program, certification, prequalification, EDI programs, meeting schedules and much more.

We have also been pleased with the responses from certified business owners about the value of the Entrepreneurial Development Institute's FastTrac programs. We continue to receive testimonials about the progress business owners have made using business growth planning as an important tool for increasing competitiveness and profitability. The full scholarship for the four-hour Listening to Your Business program and the 10-week GrowthVenture program is available to all certified DBEs.

These business development programs are designed for all small businesses, so even firms that may not have direct opportunities with the Bridges Project can benefit from its programs.

In the process of our work, we have found that the main concern of contractors hoping to partner with certified firms is the stability and strength of the businesses. We hope that DBEs will continue to participate in the programs made available to them.

Helping prepare small, disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned businesses for opportunities in Kentucky is the ongoing mission of the Bridges Project's KY DBE Program; that effort is put forth constantly and consistently during each phase of the Project.

Tierra Kavanaugh Turner

Certified KY DBE Scholarships
EDI FastTrac Programs Benefiting Businesses

"FastTrac GrowthVenture is the best investment of my time I have ever made for my company. I finished the program with tools that will affect the way I manage my company from the very first meeting. Without a doubt, the best program available of its kind. Really!"
Cris Carson, Owner, Robert L. Schmitt Co, Inc.

The Ohio River Bridges Project's Web site has an expanded KY DBE Directory which allows users to initiate searches based on business description, geographical location and KYTC prequalification status.

Bridges Project Update

Downtown Bridge

After months of community input, design team members for the Ohio River Bridges Project have unveiled the recommended aesthetic design elements for the new Downtown Bridge connecting Louisville and Jeffersonville.

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The Entrepreneurial Development Institute

FastTrac Program Outlines

"As more certified businesses participate in the FastTrac business development programs, the sustainability and success of the entire KY DBE program increases.
Strong certified businesses are in high demand with first tier contractors and have the best opportunity for more valuable contracting opportunities."

Calendar of Events

Check out the programs and meeting schedules for certified KY DBEs.