Events
January 2023
Results and Transparency Committee meeting
The Results and Transparency workgroup reviews and monitors the projects, workforce goals, and progress in hiring women and people of color on highway construction projects. Meets online.
- Jan. 25, 2023
- 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
- Join the Results and Transparency Committee meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Questions: robbkent@comcast.net
First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification training
Learn how to give first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation and how to use automated external defibrillators. Earn the National Safety Council First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification.
- Jan. 26, 2023
- 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Location: MnDOT Arden Hills Training Center, Shoreview
- Register for First Aid,CPR, and AED Certification training
- Questions: Tracey.Jackson@state.mn.us
DBE Business Academy: Staying out of trouble, course 107 – Prevention
This beginner course is taught from the perspective of running a business as an owner. Become familiar with legal components and ramifications in the construction industry. Learn different parts of a contract, subcontractor clauses, bid qualifiers and more.
- Jan. 31, 2023
- 8:30 a.m. – noon
- Online
- Register for Staying out of trouble, course 107 – Prevention
- Questions: sbaker@imoconsultinggroup.com
February 2023
Finding opportunities
You have registered in SAM and are hunting on sam.gov for bidding opportunities, but that doesn’t mean you will find the right opportunities. Learn how to increase your chances and become a proactive hunter. Learn tips for positioning, websites to search, subcontracting tactics, forecasting of government purchases, places to register, and strategies to deploy.
- Feb. 1, 2023
- 9 - 10:30 a.m.
- Register for finding opportunities (ecenterdirect.com)
- Questions: Christina.nebel-dickerson@state.mn.us
DBE Business Academy: Building a viable business, course 106 – Break-even analysis
Examine the theory of break-even analysis for an investment in a business, a capital investment, and an expansion of business operations. In this course we cover the life cycle of the investment, cash flows, expenses and more. This is a beginner-level course.
- Feb. 2, 2023
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Online
- Register for Building a viable business, course 106 – Break-even analysis
- Questions: sbaker@imoconsultinggroup.com
DBE Business Academy: Becoming successful, course 205 – Accounting with QuickBooks
In this intermediate-level course, learn to use QuickBooks for sales, accounts receivable and accounts payable.
- Feb. 7, 2023
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Online
- Register for Making money, course 205 – Accounting with QuickBooks
- Questions: sbaker@imoconsultinggroup.com
OSHA 10 Certification training
In this two-day workshop, receive an introduction to Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards and regulations and earn OSHA 10 Certification. All certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, Targeted Group Businesses, and Veteran-owned businesses are eligible to attend. Learn OSHA Focus 4 skills: Falls, Electrocution, Struck By, Caught in Between. Learn about personal protective equipment. Focus on highway heavy safety. Gain confidence in a lifesaving emergency.
- Feb. 7 - 8, 2023
- 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Location: American Indian OIC, Minneapolis
- Register for OSHA 10 Certification Training
- Questions: tracey.jackson@state.mn.us
Small Business Negotiated Maintenance and Construction Contracts (NMCs) training
Learn about MnDOT’s Negotiated Maintenance and Construction contracts. Understand what NMCs are and what work types they include. Become familiar with common NMC language and acronyms. Learn NMC process and quote packages. Learn to read and interpret plans. Understand NMC standard specifications, special provisions, prevailing wage and labor compliance. Learn how to quote and bid on NMCs. Learn about insurance, bonding, and procurement. Receive resources and tips, including how to avoid common mistakes on NMCs.
- Feb. 8, 2023
- 1 - 2:30 p.m.
- In-Person: Administration Building, 50 Sherburne Avenue, Room 116B, St. Paul MN 55155
- Register for Small Business Negotiated Maintenance and Construction contracts (NMCs) training (ecenterdirect.com)
- Questions: christina.nebel-dickerson@state.mn.us
Worksite Cooperation Committee meeting
This Collaborative subcommittee identifies worksite issues related to workforce diversity. It develops recommendations to ensure construction worksites are respectful and welcoming to all.
- Feb. 9, 2023
- 9 – 10:30 a.m.
- Link to the Worksite Cooperation Committee meeting will be posted closer to the meeting date
- Questions: nmiller@ultcmn.org
First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification training
Learn how to give first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation and how to use automated external defibrillators. Earn the National Safety Council First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification.
- Feb. 9, 2023
- 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Location: American Indian OIC, Minneapolis
- Register for First Aid,CPR, and AED Certification training
- Questions: tracey.jackson@state.mn.us
DBE Business Academy: Making money, course 204 – Maximizing profit
Learn how to use accounting practices for your business needs. Review general ledger theory, income statements, job costing, payroll, and tax preparation. This is an intermediate-level course.
- Feb. 14, 2023
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Online
- Register for Making money, course 204 – Maximizing profit
- Questions: sbaker@imoconsultinggroup.com
How to bid with MnDOT
Join us to learn the ins and outs of how to look for projects and submit a bid with MnDOT. We walk through the steps to take to prepare for a successful bid submission including how to register as a supplier in the SWIFT system, complete the MnDOT vendor form, find the plan room, and use Bid Express. This session is offered in partnership with Minnesota Department of Administration's PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center).
- Feb. 15, 2023
- 9 - 10:30 a.m.
- Register for How to bid with MnDOT (ecenterdirect.com)
- Questions: christina.nebel-dickerson@state.mn.us
DBE Business Academy: The art of bidding and estimating, course 202 – Bid preparation
Prepare for bidding MnDOT work. In this intermediate-level course, we cover all bid documents, bidding strategies and the effects of economic factors. We’ll explain the differences between bidding on horizontal and vertical construction.
- Feb. 16, 2023
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Online
- Register for The art of bidding and estimating, course 202 – Bid preparation
- Questions: sbaker@imoconsultinggroup.com
DBE Business Academy: Becoming successful, course 203 – Implementing operation strategies
Understand management units and how to identify short-term and long-term goals. Learn how to create a SWOT analysis and its benefits. Discuss MnDOT prequals, handling economic downtime and more. This is an intermediate-level course.
- Feb. 21, 2023
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Online
- Register for Becoming successful, course 203 – Implementing operation strategies
- Questions: sbaker@imoconsultinggroup.com
Drafting a business capability statement
Learn the requirements for a clear, concise, and accurate business capability statement. Work through exercises to identify your business priorities and focus. List your employees’ strengths and resources. Create a business capability statement founded on those priorities and abilities. See good and bad examples of business capability statements. Participants will work through creating several drafts. Receive resources for developing additional capabilities and learn about future classes addressing this. The instructor has expertise in teaching clear, concise writing classes for the public works industry. Join these classes via Zoom, or in person (bring a laptop).
- Feb. 22, 2023
- 8 – 9:30 a.m.
- Attend Drafting a business capability statement in person. Location: PE Services, 4204 Park Glen Road, St. Louis Park MN
- Attend Drafting a business capability statement via Zoom – link will be provided closer to the date
- Questions: Ann.Johnson@peservicesmn.com
Results and Transparency Committee meeting
The Results and Transparency work group reviews and monitors the projects, workforce goals, and progress in hiring women and people of color on highway construction projects. Meets online.
- Feb. 22, 2023
- 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
- Link to join the Results and Transparency Committee meeting will be posted closer to the meeting date
- Questions: robbkent@comcast.net
Designing a business portfolio
Learn what makes a professional and high-quality business portfolio. Receive examples of company overviews, project descriptions, and resumes. Work through exercises to complete documents for your business portfolio. Create a document that describes your company's work and priorities. Assemble lists of completed projects, project details, accomplishments, references, photos, and dollar value. Format this information into a word document and then create a pdf for use in marketing. Create a professional resume and bio for each employee that emphasizes their strengths, abilities, credentials and experience. Join these classes via Zoom, or in person (bring a laptop).
- Feb. 24, 2023
- 8 – 9:30 a.m.
- Attend Drafting a business capability statement in person. Location: PE Services, 4204 Park Glen Road, St. Louis Park MN
- Attend Drafting a business capability statement via Zoom – link will be provided closer to the date
- Questions: Ann.Johnson@peservicesmn.com
DBE Business Academy: Staying out of trouble, course 207 – Contract protection
Understand the laws that affect the construction business. Discuss reducing business liabilities. Gain an understanding of business law, change orders, subcontracts liability, bonds and more. This is an intermediate-level course.
- Feb. 28, 2023
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Online
- Register for Staying out of trouble, course 207 – Contract protection
- Questions: sbaker@imoconsultinggroup.com
March 2023
DBE Business Academy: Strategic visibility, course 208 – Integrating marketing strategies
In this intermediate-level course, focus on types of marketing strategies and how to integrate them. Discuss and prepare a marketing plan and learn the value of using multiple strategies.
- Mar. 2, 2023
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Online
- Register for Strategic visibility, course 208 – Integrating marketing strategies
- Questions: sbaker@imoconsultinggroup.com
DBE Business Academy: Mastering QuickBooks, course 305 – QuickBooks tax prep and reporting
In this advanced-level course, learn how to prepare taxes and reports using QuickBooks.
- Mar. 7, 2023
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Online
- Register for Mastering QuickBooks, course 305 – QuickBooks tax prep and reporting
- Questions: sbaker@imoconsultinggroup.com
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Committee meeting
The DBE committee identifies issues and recommendations related to building capacity, utilization, and sustainability of DBE firms.
- March 7, 2023
- 9:30 – 11 a.m.
- Online: Join the March 7 DBE Committee meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Questions: elizabeth.ennenga@quadecompanies.com
DBE Business Academy: Winning MnDOT work, course 201 – Preparing the tools
Learn useful tools and tips for winning MnDOT work. In this intermediate-level course, MnDOT experts discuss alternative MnDOT contracting methods, small business contracting opportunities, prevailing wage, bid opportunities and how to do business with MnDOT.
- Mar. 9, 2023
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Online
- Register for Winning MnDOT work, course 201 – Preparing the tools
- Questions: sbaker@imoconsultinggroup.com
DBE Business Academy: Making money, course 204 – Making more money
In this advanced-level course, evaluate your business's financial position and generate projections. Compare buying and leasing. Gain an understanding of balance sheets. Learn how to conduct a financial statement analysis.
- Mar. 14, 2023
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Online
- Register for Making money, course 204 – Making more money
- Questions: sbaker@imoconsultinggroup.com
Full DBE and Workforce Collaborative meeting
The DBE and Workforce Collaborative is an advisory group of stakeholders from various industry groups interested in DBE and workforce diversity. The Collaborative’s goal is to increase the diversity of firms and people of color and women participation in the construction industry to reflect the demographics of the State of Minnesota by: Building the future workforce, expanding existing business and workforce skills, ensuring transparency, and connecting people and firms with each other. It is an open group that welcomes the participation of all who support the goal. Any organization or individual committed to the goal may participate by attending a Collaborative meeting. This meeting format is hybrid: in-person and online.
- March 15, 2023
- 9 – 11 a.m.
- In person at CareerForce, 540 Fairview Avenue North, St. Paul, MN 55104
- Online: Join the March 15 Full Collaborative meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Questions: bbjorklund@zanassoc.com
DBE Business Academy: Building a viable business, course 206 – Cash flow forecasting
- Mar. 16, 2023
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Online
- Register for Building a viable business, course 206 – Cash flow forecasting
- Questions: sbaker@imoconsultinggroup.com
Effective proposal writing
You have found an opportunity, now what? Learn how to write a proposal in response to a solicitation. Understand what is being requested and how to develop a successful response.
- March 22, 2023
- 9 - 10:30 a.m.
- Register for effective proposal writing (ecenterdirect.com)
- Questions: Christina.nebel-dickerson@state.mn.us
Results and Transparency Committee meeting
The Results and Transparency workgroup reviews and monitors the projects, workforce goals, and progress in hiring women and people of color on highway construction projects. Meets online.
- March 22, 2023
- 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
- Link to join the Results and Transparency Committee meeting will be posted closer to the meeting date
- Questions: robbkent@comcast.net
Youth Outreach Committee meeting
This Collaborative subcommittee identifies recruitment strategies and educational opportunities.
- March 23, 2023
- 9 – 10 a.m.
- Online: Join the March 23 Youth Outreach Committee meeting via Zoom
- Questions: sylvia.garcia@state.mn.us
DBE Business Academy: Winning MnDOT work, course 301 – A successful submittal
In this advanced-level course, gain an understanding of the components of a successful bid and review the submittal process. Prime contractors will make presentations about their experiences, including what they look for from their sub-contractors.
- Mar. 28, 2023
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Online
- Register for Winning MnDOT work, course 301 – A successful submittal
- Questions: sbaker@imoconsultinggroup.com
DBE Business Academy: Staying out of trouble, course 307 – Construction law and contracts
Understand the legal components of a MnDOT contract, specifications, performance bonds and MnDOT forms. This is an advanced-level class.
- Mar. 30, 2023
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Online
- Register for Staying out of trouble, course 307 – Construction law and contracts
- Questions: sbaker@imoconsultinggroup.com
April 2023
DBE Business Academy: Building a viable business, course 306 – Workflow forecast
Develop the required tools, assumptions, and other considerations you need to determine workflows and critical paths. Understand assessing strengths, weaknesses, limits and potential in your human and asset capital capabilities. Evaluate needs for new or more resources. This is an advanced-level course.
- April 4, 2023
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Online
- Register for Building a viable business, course 306 – Workflow forecast
- Questions: sbaker@imoconsultinggroup.com
DBE Business Academy: Strategic visibility, course 308 – Action plan
In this advanced-level course, set marketing goals and create an action plan to achieve them. Discuss the value of analyzing results within a marketing cycle. Understand how to adjust your marketing strategy as your company grows.
- April 6, 2023
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Online
- Register for Strategic visibility, course 308 – Action plan
- Questions: sbaker@imoconsultinggroup.com
Worksite Cooperation Committee meeting
This Collaborative subcommittee identifies worksite issues related to workforce diversity. It develops recommendations to ensure construction worksites are respectful and welcoming to all.
- April 6, 2023
- 9 – 10:30 a.m.
- Link to the Worksite Cooperation Committee meeting will be posted closer to the meeting date
- Questions: nmiller@ultcmn.org
DBE Business Academy: The art of bidding and estimating, course 302 – Responding to an RFP
In this advanced-level class, learn how to successfully respond to requests for proposals. Understand the necessity of reading all the RFP materials and making a clear response to the criteria. Learn to organize your response around a clearly identified theme to create a stand-out brand. Discuss brevity, focus and how to frame your credentials as benefits to the client.
- April 11, 2023
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Online
- Register for The art of bidding and estimating, course 303 – Responding to an RFP
- Questions: sbaker@imoconsultinggroup.com
DBE Business Academy: Becoming successful, course 303 – Sustainability
In this advanced-level course, prepare an operational action plan. Learn to set and carry out strategies to achieve action plan goals. Discuss how to navigate the ups and downs of owning a business. Discuss how to transition out of the DBE program.
- April 13, 2023
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Online
- Register for Becoming successful, course 303 - Sustainability
- Questions: sbaker@imoconsultinggroup.com
Results and Transparency Committee meeting
The Results and Transparency workgroup reviews and monitors the projects, workforce goals, and progress in hiring women and people of color on highway construction projects. Meets online.
- April 26, 2023
- 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
- Link to join the Results and Transparency Committee meeting will be posted closer to the meeting date
- Questions: robbkent@comcast.net
May 2023
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Committee meeting
The DBE committee identifies issues and recommendations related to building capacity, utilization, and sustainability of DBE firms.
- May 9, 2023
- 9:30 – 11 a.m.
- Online: Join the May 9 DBE Committee meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Questions: elizabeth.ennenga@quadecompanies.com
Full DBE and Workforce Collaborative meeting
The DBE and Workforce Collaborative is an advisory group of stakeholders from various industry groups interested in DBE and workforce diversity. The Collaborative’s goal is to increase the diversity of firms and people of color and women participation in the construction industry to reflect the demographics of the State of Minnesota by: Building the future workforce, expanding existing business and workforce skills, ensuring transparency, and connecting people and firms with each other. It is an open group that welcomes the participation of all who support the goal. Any organization or individual committed to the goal may participate by attending a Collaborative meeting.
- May 17, 2023
- 9 – 11 a.m.
- Join the May 17 Full Collaborative meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Questions: bbjorklund@zanassoc.com
Results and Transparency Committee meeting
The Results and Transparency work group reviews and monitors the projects, workforce goals, and progress in hiring women and people of color on highway construction projects. Meets online.
- May 24, 2023
- 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
- Link to join the Results and Transparency Committee meeting will be posted closer to the meeting date
- Questions: robbkent@comcast.net
June 2023
Worksite Cooperation Committee meeting
This Collaborative subcommittee identifies worksite issues related to workforce diversity. It develops recommendations to ensure construction worksites are respectful and welcoming to all.
- June 8, 2023
- 9 – 10:30 a.m.
- Link to the Worksite Cooperation Committee meeting will be posted closer to the meeting date
- Questions: nmiller@ultcmn.org
Youth Outreach Committee meeting
This Collaborative subcommittee identifies recruitment strategies and educational opportunities.
- June 22, 2023
- 9 – 10 a.m.
- Online: Join the June 22 Youth Outreach Committee meeting via Zoom
- Questions: sylvia.garcia@state.mn.us
Results and Transparency Committee meeting
The Results and Transparency work group reviews and monitors the projects, workforce goals, and progress in hiring women and people of color on highway construction projects. Meets online.
- June 28, 2023
- 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
- Link to join the Results and Transparency Committee meeting will be posted closer to the meeting date
- Questions: robbkent@comcast.net
July 2023
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Committee meeting
The DBE committee identifies issues and recommendations related to building capacity, utilization, and sustainability of DBE firms.
- July 11, 2023
- 9:30 – 11 a.m.
- Online: Join the May 9 DBE Committee meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Questions: elizabeth.ennenga@quadecompanies.com
Full DBE and Workforce Collaborative meeting
The DBE and Workforce Collaborative is an advisory group of stakeholders from various industry groups interested in DBE and workforce diversity. The Collaborative’s goal is to increase the diversity of firms and people of color and women participation in the construction industry to reflect the demographics of the State of Minnesota by: Building the future workforce, expanding existing business and workforce skills, ensuring transparency, and connecting people and firms with each other. It is an open group that welcomes the participation of all who support the goal. Any organization or individual committed to the goal may participate by attending a Collaborative meeting.
- July 19, 2023
- 9 – 11 a.m.
- Join the July 19 Full Collaborative meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Questions: bbjorklund@zanassoc.com
August 2023
There are no events scheduled yet for this month.
September 2023
Full DBE and Workforce Collaborative meeting
The DBE and Workforce Collaborative is an advisory group of stakeholders from various industry groups interested in DBE and workforce diversity. The Collaborative’s goal is to increase the diversity of firms and people of color and women participation in the construction industry to reflect the demographics of the State of Minnesota by: Building the future workforce, expanding existing business and workforce skills, ensuring transparency, and connecting people and firms with each other. It is an open group that welcomes the participation of all who support the goal. Any organization or individual committed to the goal may participate by attending a Collaborative meeting.
- Sept. 20, 2023
- 9 – 11 a.m.
- Join the Sept. 20 Full Collaborative meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Questions: bbjorklund@zanassoc.com
October 2023
There are no events scheduled yet for this month.
November 2023
Full DBE and Workforce Collaborative meeting
The DBE and Workforce Collaborative is an advisory group of stakeholders from various industry groups interested in DBE and workforce diversity. The Collaborative’s goal is to increase the diversity of firms and people of color and women participation in the construction industry to reflect the demographics of the State of Minnesota by: Building the future workforce, expanding existing business and workforce skills, ensuring transparency, and connecting people and firms with each other. It is an open group that welcomes the participation of all who support the goal. Any organization or individual committed to the goal may participate by attending a Collaborative meeting.
- Nov. 15, 2023
- 9 – 11 a.m.
- Join the Nov. 15 Full Collaborative meeting via Microsoft Teams
- Questions: bbjorklund@zanassoc.com
December 2023
There are no events scheduled yet for this month.