Contact:
Judy Rosenberger
(o) 513.386.9947
(c) 513.520.1177
Local Mentor-Protégé Partnership Combines Strengths to Compete
Team Lands $5 Million Solar Project
When Betty M. Owens, president of Ameridian Specialty Services, Inc. began looking for potential firms to partner with in the U.S. Small Business Administration's (US SBA) Mentor-Protégé Program, she knew it had to be the right fit. As a certified minority- and woman-owned business operating in Cincinnati for more than 10 years, Owens recognized her full-service construction company would increase its growth opportunities by partnering with a company that could offer expertise and resources that Ameridian didn't already have.
"I knew that for this type of a relationship to work, both companies need to be committed to working jointly to win and manage projects," said Owens. "I wasn't interested in forming a Mentor-Protégé relationship simply to gain work. It had to be a cultural fit in which each company brought a unique skill set to the table."
That's exactly what she found when contacted by Miller-Valentine Commercial Construction, the design/build division of Miller Valentine Group (MVG). MVG specializes in development, management, brokerage, leasing and financing. MVG has the management expertise Ameridian needs to win projects of large size and scope. And for MVG, the mentor-protégé relationship provides more access to opportunities within the federal sector, as well as expertise in renewable energy.
"We knew from the first time we met with Ameridian that the goals and interests of our companies were a match," said Clarice Hoffer, MVG Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales and Leasing. "In other words, our cultures align. This is an essential element in our vision of a Mentor-Protégé relationship. There was an immediate comfort level. Teaming our expertise and resources not only helps open doors for both of us, additionally it reinforces MVG's corporate commitment to economic inclusion."
In their first competitive bid, Ameridian and MVG were awarded the Dayton Power and Light Company (DP&L) design and construction project of an eight-acre, solar photovoltaic system in southern Montgomery County, Ohio. Ameridian is the prime contractor on this project. The $5 million project is scheduled to be operational in March 2010.
"Three years ago, Ameridian had the foresight to begin researching the solar technology field," said Ed Blake, Senior Partner & CEO, Miller Valentine Commercial Group. "Today, Ameridian has its own Solar and Renewable Energy Division and a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) engineer on staff, Matt Owens. This is particularly important today, given the federal government's growing interest in supporting alternative and renewable energy projects." In fact, the State of Ohio has recently been awarded $14 million in grants through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's State Energy Program. "The mission of our solar and renewable energy division is to provide complete renewable energy solutions for our customers, delivering turn-key solutions providing value to their businesses," said Matt Owens, Director of Engineering, Solar & Renewable Energy Division, Ameridian Specialty Services, Inc.
Ameridian and Miller-Valentine Commercial Construction were accepted into the US SBA Mentor-Protégé Program in November 2009. The US SBA developed its Mentor-Protégé Program to enhance the capability of 8(a) participants to compete more successfully for federal government contracts. Both companies recognize the DP&L project as the beginning of a long relationship. "We're already looking to the future," said Ms. Owens. "Ameridian and MVG realize the tremendous opportunity for growth that this project-and partnership-gives to us."
About Ameridian Specialty Services, Inc.
Ameridian Specialty Services, Inc. is an established, full-service general contracting firm based in Cincinnati, Ohio, specializing in commercial roof installation and maintenance. Among Ameridian's manufacturers' certifications are Firestone, Carlisle, and Tremco.
In July 2009, Ameridian launched its Solar and Renewable Energy Division (SRED). Under the leadership of Matt Owens, Engineer and NABCEP Certified Solar PV InstallerTM, the SRED provides design and installation of commercial solar PV systems, as well as project management, concept through installation and start up. Additionally, SRED provides assistance with grant and incentive applications.
Ameridian also offers 24/7 emergency roofing and construction service and repair, master carpentry and exterior/interior renovation. On site, Ameridian has a full-service metal fabrication shop, allowing for construction of both U.L.-approved architectural roof panels and wall and soffit panels, including commercial zinc wall panels.
Ameridian is certified as a Minority Business Enterprise, Women's Business Enterprise, Small Business Enterprise, and certified under Section 8(a) of the US SBA. Ameridian is a member of the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Sharonville Chamber of Commerce, Allied Construction Industries, Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association, and Greater Dayton Apartment Association.
About Miller-Valentine Group
Miller Valentine Group (MVG), founded in 1963, develops real estate in the Midwest and Southeast regions of the country, with offices in Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio, and Columbia, South Carolina. MVG offers total real estate solutions in the areas of design/build construction, development, management, and financing for both commercial and residential markets. In addition, MVG provides renovation, brokerage and leasing services for commercial markets. Collectively, MVG's divisions provide customers with more than 50 million square feet of commercial space and approximately 10,000 residential housing units.
MVG offers a wide range of commercial products, including office, retail, lodging, healthcare, manufacturing and distribution facilities. Included are an equally wide range of residential products, including multi-family, single family, active adult, and military housing throughout the Midwest and MidAtlantic regions.
The National Association of Industrial and Office Properties awarded MVG the prestigious national "Developer of the Year Award". In addition, Miller-Valentine Construction was awarded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Voluntary Protection Program "STAR" designation, making MVG the first general contractor to receive this designation on a statewide level.
