Rock Ohio Caesars LLC (ROC), the owner and developer of urban casinos in downtown Cleveland and downtown Cincinnati, today reported the company has awarded 40.4 percent of construction contracts to certified minority- and women-owned businesses through November 2012.
The contracts total more than $101 million to companies with Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) or Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certifications.
Prior to the start of construction, ROC voluntarily established a 20 percent economic inclusion goal for construction contracts to MBE/WBE companies. Collaboration with the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, Cleveland and Cincinnati elected officials, NAACP leadership, diversity consultants and construction management teams, coupled with ROC’s strong focus, has allowed the casino developer to far surpass its goal.
Through the 14-month project, construction contracts valued at $108.3 million were awarded for the 300,000 sq. ft. Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, with 43.5 percent awarded to MBE and WBE certified companies. The casino opened on May 14, 2012.
In Cincinnati, where ROC is developing a 400,000 sq. ft. casino, total construction spend is estimated at $150 million. Through November, ROC awarded contracts valued at $147 million, with 37.3 percent awarded to MBE and WBE certified companies. The casino is scheduled to open on March 4, 2013, pending Ohio Casino Control Commission licensure.
Today, the project was recognized at the Greater Cincinnati /Northern Kentucky African-American Chamber of Commerce’s annual Corporate Recognition event. Rock Gaming Principal Steve Rosenthal, Caesars Senior Vice President & General Manager Kevin Kline, and Messer-Pendleton Construction representatives Jim Hess and Albert Smitherman accepted ‘Game Changer’ awards for the project’s economic inclusion success. “The developers set a clear mission that local companies and workers would meaningfully participate in this massive development,” said Chamber President Sean Rugless. “Since Day 1 they have changed the game by demonstrating that public and private developments alike can supersede historical boundaries.”
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