a publication of kbk enterprises january - june 2015 the...

A PUBLICATION OF KBK ENTERPRISES January - JUNE 2015

The Rhino’s Charge

Going Beyond Bricks and Sticks

2004 2014

101010

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JANUARY — JUNE 2015

3 KBK Receives Hall of Fame

Award

5 Mike Flowers Named

Board Chair

6 KBK Receives Key To The City

THE RHINO’S CHARGE

7 Section 3 Spotlighted On HUD

Website

9 Skyline Focusing On Phase Two

12 Larimer Will Soon Offer

Homes

Larimer Will Soon Offer Homes

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KBK Headquarters - 4249 Easton Way, Suite 220 - Columbus, OH 43219

KBK Receives Hall of Fame Award

Skyline Terrace Focusing on Phase Two

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KBK Enterprises - Pittsburgh, PA

KBK RECEIVES HALL OF FAME AWARD

Keith B. Key, President & CEO of KBK Enterprises was inducted to the MWDBE Governmental Com-mittee Hall of Fame on March 5th. The Hall of Fame, according to Committee members recognizes individuals and or organizations that have demonstrated a strong commitment to the quest of im-proving the economic climate for historically underutilized business enterprises. Key, a Pittsburgh na-tive, has become a major economic force in his hometown through his success of two major residential developments, Garfield Commons and Skyline Terrace. Both commu-nities total close to $300 million dollars in development and have

gained public notoriety for their commitment to MWDBE and Sec-tion 3 employment. Other projects in Pittsburgh include Larimer and also Larimer School. Mr. Key was nominated by two KBK team mem-bers and receiving the nomination came as a complete surprise. Mr. Key was honored to be nominated by his staff members. “Being rec-ognized by my team is a very hum-bling experience. Creating eco-nomic opportunities in my hometown is a privilege that I do not take for granted or lightly. Seeing the community develop at the hands of residents has been an incredible and rewarding process. I am looking forward to seeing

the future phases of Skyline Ter-race.” The conference was de-signed to open doors for busi-nesses and to provide an oppor-tunity for them to market their business to participating organi-zations offering a large spectrum of experience. This year’s theme was Business Opportunities To-day and Tomorrow. Presenta-tions pertained to potential busi-ness opportunities relating to the Almono Project, the Hazelwood Initiative, the Lower Hill Devel-opment Project, the Northside Leadership Conference and the Hill Community Development Corporation.

Amalia Ritter, niece and Eugene Ritter, husband of Faye Obregon Ritter accept the 2015 MWDBE Governmental Committee Hall of Fame Award along with inductee Keith B. Key of KBK Enterprises.

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KBK GUEST PANELIST AT OPPORTUNITY FAIR

Several businesses were on hand that participated in the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council’s (EMSDC) 39th Annual Business Opportunity Fair. This year’s theme focused on “Connecting Relationships, Build-ing Bridges and Gaining Wins.” Approximately 100 com-panies and organizations participated in this year’s fair. Companies ranging from accounting, engineering, tech-nology, construction and printing were a snipet of the diverse group of businesses throughout the Pittsburgh area. These businesses were present to discuss business opportunities with participating minority business enter-prises. Alexander Nichols who serves as EMSDC’s Chief Operating Officer stated that this year’s Opportunity Fair reached its purpose of connecting minority business en-terprises to corporations and buying entities. “Its reward-ing when I see MBE’s and corporate representatives en-grossed in conversation and exchanging contact infor-mation. The four pillars of the council are to certify, develop, connect and advocate. The Opportunity Fair is an example of how we connect,” said Nichols. Keith B. Key, President & CEO of KBK Enterprises, had the opportunity to be a panelist on a discus-sion regarding Hill District opportunities and the Lower Hill Development Project. More specifically the discussion centered around the 28 acre former Civic Arena site and its transformation into mixed development and the development of a hotel, commercial space, office space, residential units and open park space. Mr. Key commented that this was an exciting time to be in Pittsburgh mainly due to the number of jobs, economic development and other wealth building opportunities in the Hill District Community. ESMDC is one of 24 affiliates of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), a nonprofit corporate membership organization that advances business opportunities for its certified Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American business enterprises and connects them to its corporate members.

SUBJECT OF INCLUSION PARAMOUNT AT POWER BREAKFAST When introducing Keith B. Key to the African American Chamber of Commerce Power Breakfast audience, President and CEO Doris Carson Williams called it “a feel good moment.” “He has had such good fortune in doing things the right way,” she said. “He achieved an astounding 50 percent minority participation on (the redevelopment of) Garfield Heights and 53 percent on Skyline Terrace which used to be Addison Terrace. “

Mr. Key who is also currently developing the first phase of the Larimer redevelopment, thanked the chamber saying the organization makes his job a lot easier. Though KBK Enterprises, which includes a development firm, a construction compa-ny, a property management company and a foundation, is based in Columbus, Ohio, Key grew up in the Hill District and Gar-field. So coming back here, he said, was special. “When I won the Garfield bid it was just another deal, until I went to a com-munity meeting and it got emotional when a man stood up and said the $100 million deal was the largest award ever to a

minority business in Pittsburgh’s history—and he used to be my neighbor,” Mr. Key said. “And I looked, and it was Phil Pe-

tite. I hadn’t seen him in 20 years. Ever since then, it’s been more about helping minority firms get a chance to participate.” Mr. Key said as a developer he’s in a position to enforce MWBE goals. “We just don’t hope it happens,” he said. “We make it happen! Sometimes that means sticking with people who struggle from time to time.” Now, however, the problem for Black businesses is different. Pittsburgh, he said, is at the stage where it’s not a question of finding minority businesses. “The problem is—will it be you,” he said.

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MIKE FLOWERS NAMED CHAIR OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Mike Flowers, who serves as Chief Legal Counsel for KBK Enter-prises was recently named the Board Chair for The Board of Trus-tees at Columbus State Community College. The Columbus State Community College Board of Trustees is a nine-member board appointed by the Governor of Ohio for six-year terms. The oppor-tunity to lead a governing body is a great honor, Flowers said. “I appreciate the confidence of my colleagues and I look forward to working with them and the administration to position Columbus State to excel at all levels. I look forward to collaborating with the board in moving the college forward to be best in class.” Mike Flowers is among a great group of business leaders across Ohio. He has been named by Black Enterprise Magazine in its list of the nation’s top lawyers and he is listed in Best Lawyers in America (corporate, mergers and acquisitions and securities law). He is also a member of the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association. He was appointed to the Small Business Advisory Council by Ohio Lt. Governor Mary Taylor.

KEITH KEY HONORED BY OFFICE OF STUDENT LIFE

Keith Key, Board Chair for the Office of Student Life Fund-raising Campaign, was one of five departments who re-ceived an award for reaching their fundraising goal ahead of schedule. The campaign which is part of a larger initia-tive, appropriately named “But For Ohio State” is a $2.5 bil-lion fundraising endeavor that invites those who believe in Ohio State to invest in their students, their faculty, and their potential. The Office of Student Life achieved their $10 mil-lion goal a year and a half ahead of schedule. Ohio State will be ranked number five when the campaign ends in 2016 in total annual private receipts among public universities. Funds from the campaign will be split into several catego-ries, all of which benefit the university. Financial aid, one of the important priorities of the campaign, is one of these categories. OSU produces $110 million for scholarships an-nually, and of that, $37 million is need-based and $73 mil-lion is merit-based. The campaign plans to meet much of its $2.5 billion goal through events held in six different cities; Cincinnati, Cleveland, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. The campaign’s title was inspired from a 2011 quote from Les Wexner, former chairman of OSU’s Board of Trustees and the CEO of Limited Brands, Inc. “But for Ohio State”, Les Wexner would have never been able to go to college.

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KEITH KEY RECEIVES KEY TO THE CITY ON KEITH B. KEY DAY

Pittsburgh native Keith B. Key re-ceived a City Council Proclama-tion and a key to the city on Tues-day, April 14th. Mr. Key received this honor to recognize his eco-nomic development contributions to the city, but more specifically his commitment to MWBE busi-nesses. The day was also officially named Keith B. Key day. This is the third honor that Mr. Key has received over the last year for his contributions to MWBE business-es. Councilman Ricky Burgess and

Representative Daniel Lavelle sponsored the proclamation for KBK Enterprises’ work in both council districts due to their high level MWBE participation and res-ident employment. Mr. Key is ex-pecting the same level of partici-pation with Larimer, a 40 unit rental housing development, the first new development the com-munity has seen in decades. Mr. Key considered it an amazing mo-ment to receive such a prestigious award presented by Councilman

Ricky Burgess, bearing the honor-ary city key and was thankful for the huge support he received from the city. Bestowing the “key to the city” is a very high distinction that dates back to medieval times. A "key to the city" gave an important diplomat or merchant the authori-ty to pass at will. It is a gesture of trust and kindness by the city to esteemed residents and visitors.

Councilman Ricky Burgess presents Mr. Keith Key the Key to the City. Pittsburgh’s KBK staff members were on hand with Mr. Key as he received his award from City Council.

The City of Pittsburgh

Presents

Keith B. Key with the key to the city for his commitment to

Minority and Women owned businesses

Award that was presented to Mr. Key on “Keith B. Key “ Day on April 14th.

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KBK SECTION 3 SPOTLIGHTED ON HUD WEBSITE

KBK Enterprises (KBKE) was one of several businesses selected to feature Section 3 testimonials on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website. The testimonials will be displayed on HUD’s website, HUD’s social media page and newsletters. This is being done in an effort to connect more individuals to local economic em-ployment opportunities. KBKE has garnered significant media attention for its success in Section 3 participa-tion in the redevelopment of Marre-ro Commons, Garfield Commons and now Skyline Terrace, in its effort to create employment opportunities for very low to low income housing resi-dents. A provision of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Act of 1968, Section 3 directs training and jobs to low income residents while helping foster local economic development, neighborhood econom-ic improvement, and individual self-sufficiency. Businesses that certify their company as a Section 3 busi-ness receive benefits that are two fold: awarded a share of HUD funding from construction and non-construction projects every year and preferential consideration for awards on all Section 3 HUD funded projects in which companies have submitted a formal bid. 170,000 jobs were creat-ed through Section 3 from 2009-2014. Additionally $5 billon dollars in funding contracts have been given to Section 3 businesses since 2009.

“Achieved Pittsburgh’s largest number of “Achieved Pittsburgh’s largest number of

Section 3 employment of any other Section 3 employment of any other

project with 71 new hires….”project with 71 new hires….”

Skyline TerraceSkyline Terrace

Marrero CommonsMarrero Commons

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SKYLINE REVITALIZATION CELEBRATED AT RIBBON CUTTING

Thursday, May 14th couldn’t have been a more picture perfect day as the sunshine rolled in to help celebrate the rebirth of a community. Stakeholders, guests and commu-nity members gathered together at the Rib-bon Cutting Ceremony for Skyline Terrace Phase 1. The event took place at the newly named Ella Mae Hillman Center named for the former Tenant Council President Ella Mae Hillman. Featured speakers included, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Councilman Daniel Lavelle, State Representative Jake Wheatley, HACP Executive Director Caster Binion, Chief of Urban Affairs for Mayor Peduto and HACP Board Chair Valerie McDonald Roberts, Assis-tant Vice President Originator of PNC Ryan Edwards, Tenant Council Representative San-dra Almond and President & CEO of KBK En-terprises, Keith B. Key. Keith Key who owns the development company that headed recon-struction of Skyline Terrace commented to the audience, “I’ll never forget where I’m from.” He then held up a piece of history, the actual address plaque of his father’s home at the former Addison Terrace. Now named for the skyline it views, Skyline Terrace was the largest award to a minority business in the history of the City of Pittsburgh. When com-pleted, this nearly $200 million dollar project will encompass 400 units with significant upgrades to public utilities and streets. Phase 1 consist of 186 mixed income units ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms. Just as significant as the bricks and mortar is the social aspect of the redevelopment, with 53% minority and women owned business participation in the construction of the project, $27 million awarded in contracts to minority and women owned firms, and the largest award to a mi-nority general contractor at $50 million. At-tendees had the opportunity to tour the state of the art Ella Mae Hillman Center which is also home to the Property Management Of-fice. Additional amenities includes a Wifi bar, galleria, conference room, kitchen, and great room with a terrace. Much of the space will host community supportive service programs and events for residents of Skyline Terrace. You can read this article by visiting http://newpittsburghcourieronline.com/2015/05/22/city-debuts-skyline-terrace/.

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SKYLINE TERRACE SHIFTING FOCUS ON PHASE 2

With Phase 1 of Skyline Terrace now completed, Phase 2 will begin construc-tion in the summer. With views to the Monongahela River, Phase 2 will consist of 90 units along Bentley Drive. The unit mix will consist of a 1-2 bedroom apart-ment building and 2-4 bedroom town-homes. Both will contain handicap ac-cessible units. 54 units will be located in a single, four story, garden style building with an elevator. The remain-ing 36 townhome style units will be located in 8 buildings included triplexes and quadplexes with separate entrances for all units. Unit square feet ranges will be from 744 for one bedroom units to 1944 for four bedroom units. Amenities will include air conditioning, wiring for digital accessibility and include full size washers and dryers, range refrigerator, disposal, dishwasher, blinds, carpet and tiled bathroom. Phase 2 will be sur-rounded with lots of common green space areas, a pavilion, and open play areas. The site itself has been strategi-cally designed to reduce storm water runoff with the inclusion of storm water basins. With modern amenities and green living features, residents will en-joy low energy costs, premium air in-door quality with energy star three standards. Phase 2 will have access to the 7000 square foot, air conditioned Ella Mae Hillman Center located in the first phase of the Skyline Terrace rede-velopment. Skyline Terrace Phase 1 is the first of a three-phase housing rede-velopment plan in the Hill District. This redevelopment effort is being imple-mented in partnership with Allies & Ross Management and Development Corporation (ARMDC) utilizing tax ex-empt bonds issued by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

Phase 2

Phase I

Site Plan for Skyline Terrace Phase 1 and 2.

Closer view of the Site Plan for Phase 2 of Skyline Terrace. Phase 2 will consist of 90 units. 54 units will consists of 1 and 2 bedroom. The remaining 36 units will be 2, 3, and 4 bedroom townhouses. The site will also contain lots of green space views of the Monongahela River.

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KEY AND CHAMBER ENCOURAGE MEMBERSHIP

The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania (AACCWP) held their Annual Meet-ing and Luncheon on Thursday, May 7th. The Omni William Penn served as the venue for this year’s event attended by government officials, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Mayor William Peduto. Doris Carson Williams, Pres-ident & CEO of the AACCWP, was praised by both officials for the chamber’s great work in advancing black business opportunities. Ms. Williams thanked chamber mem-bers, partners and sponsors. Howev-er she singled out Keith B. Key. “Keith B. Key is our first black-

owned Presidential Roundtable level member,” she said. “He not only ac-tively supports the chamber but wrote all those he does business with locally and encouraged them to join as well.” Keith Key has been a Presidential Roundtable member since 2013 and supports the work and mission of the AACCWP. In fact their involvement enabled KBK En-terprises to have greater leverage on the redevelopment of Garfield Com-mons by connecting with Section 3 resident employees and MBE/WBE contractors and achieving a record number of Section 3 participation. Now the AACCWP is leading the MWBE Advisory Board for Key’s

latest development Skyline Terrace (fka Addison Terrace) to provide contract opportunities on this nearly $200 million development. The ACCCWP is a full service organiza-tion that continuously provides ac-cess and opportunities to over 500 African American business owners and professionals. Additionally, the Chamber’s membership includes other minority groups, over 60 non-profit organizations, 50 majority businesses and 40 major corporate

sponsors. Membership does have its benefits: advocacy to business op-portunities, government procure-ment initiatives, and an annual list-ing in its membership directory.

URA APPROVES FIORE BUILDING FOR PURCHASE

KBK RECIEVES TAX CREDITS FOR ADDISON PHASE 3

On May 14th the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh approved KBK Enterprises’ proposal to pur-chase the Fiore Building, located at 429 Larimer Ave-nue, in the Larimer neighborhood of Pittsburgh. This action will allow KBK to finalize the various financing arrangements, complete the architectural construction drawings for the City Planning Department’s Develop-ment Review process. Once planning and zoning ap-provals are in place, KBK can apply for building permits and start construction, which is anticipated to begin in October 2015 and be completed April 2016. This building is surrounded by our Larimer Phase I develop-ment known as Larimer Pointe. The restored building, that was once a former meat market, will be utilized for KBK Foundation community supportive service and public service activities. The KBK Foundation is the supportive services provider for Larimer Pointe.

Skyline Terrace (fka Addison Terrace) Phase 3 will soon be underway. This redevelopment project was recently awarded over $9,000,000 in tax credits. Phase 3 will be comprised of 52 units of mixed income, mixed finance, family housing. Situated in the Middle Hill Dis-trict, construction of Phase 3 will begin late this sum-mer and consist of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom flats. KBK has also committed to build 14 single family homes while completing Phase 3. The 14 single family homes will be Phase 3b of this development.

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CONTRACTOR SPOLTLIGHT: MA’AT CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Ma’at means truth, power, and or-der. That’s what Ma’at Construction Group is all about. The organization, in accordance to Community Em-powerment Association in Home-wood, focuses on empowering youth and providing an opportunity for individuals to learn a construction trade and earn a livable wage. Jonnie Comer started at Ma’at in 1997 with Community Empowerment Associa-tion, Inc.’s Founder T.Rashad Byrdsong. “He had a vision of start-ing a construction company that would go along with the training program at Community Empower-ment Association and also would be able to put guys who were formerly incarcerated to work,” Comer said. “We shared that vision and were able to start Ma’at and securing

work for those guys.” The construc-tion group focuses on drywall in-stallation and has performed work for KBK Enterprises at Garfield Com-mons, Skyline Terrace, and Larimer Pointe. When the opportunity to bid on projects arise, Ma’at won 10-12 homes at the new Skyline Terrace. The young men that emerged from CEA’s training program were changed by the opportunity they received at Skyline. “I think it im-pacted them, first of all, they really appreciated the work. The wages were great. For a lot of them it was the first time they’d been on a con-struction job of this magnitude. That was pretty ex-citing for them. They were here from start to finish. That was great. They got to see what other trades were doing.”

After experiencing work on this scale, some of the Ma’at employees are seeking opportunities in other trades. “They seem to love the work,” Comer explained. “And then they meet other guys and talk to them about their work. Just because I love drywall doesn’t mean they have to love it. So, some of them want to do plumbing, some want to branch off and be electricians so, the exposure to the other trades, other work, other people, has been great.” Comer proudly represents the com-pany and the young men that worked for him. He touts that these men are not the same as they were when the projects start. They try to prove their gratefulness in the quali-ty of their work.

Above: Ma’at Construction Group’s Johnny Comer. The Community Em-powerment Association (CEA), led by Rashad Byrdsong, will provide job skills training in Phase II of Skyline Terrace. CEA was recently awarded a grant to conduct construction job training with residents. The KBK Foundation will work with Rashad Byrdsong and his team to prepare residents for skilled positions at Skyline Terrace Phase II. Pictured right: Founder of Ma’at Construction Rashad Byrdsong. Ma’at, a full service general contractor, has been providing construction services throughout the Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania region. MA’AT Construction Group LLC is a Minority Business Enterprise, Disad-vantaged Business Enterprise and Veteran Owned Company.

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LARIMER SOON TO OFFER HOMES TO RESIDENTS

Residents will soon occupy new homes in Larimer. The Larimer redevelopment with a budget of about $14 million will include 40 residences, a mix of single family homes, duplexes and about three multi-tenant residences. Now known as Larimer Pointe, the rental homes will be affordable and KBK has worked closely with the Larimer Consensus Group to ensure the new community incorpo-rates several green features. This new development is the first in decades. The Larimer neighborhood is also undergo-ing a master planning process. This planning process is being implemented by the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh through a $30 million grant funded by the U.S. Department of Hous-ing and Urban Development. The devel-opment will reveal its new name some-time later in the year.

Green features will include:

Environmentally friendly lighting and appliances.

Each building equipped with rain barrels attached to downspouts for water that residents can use to wash cars and water grass. Underground pipes and swales being implemented in the design plan for water preservation. These systems

are expected to reduce the amount of water running onto Washington Blvd.

New housing near completion in Larimer. Larimer will receive new streets, sidewalks, parks and green infra-structure and will see as many as 334 newly construct-ed homes over the next six years. These additonal homes are a part of a HUD initiative known as Choice Neighborhoods.

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Be a part of an organization that is “bridging today’s realities with tomorrow’s possi-

bilities.” If you would like to support the work of The KBK Foundation, please send

your tax deductible donation to: The KBK Foundation, 4249 Easton Way, Suite 220,

Columbus, OH 43219, Tax I.D. : 20-8565119. The KBK Foundation is the non-profit,

501 (c) 3, and a strategic partner of KBK Enterprises. The Foundation’s primary fo-

cus are in three areas: Community Development, Economic Development, and Social

Services. Please visit us on the web at www.kbkfoundation.org.

KBK Foundation

NEWS

KBK Foundation News

KBK Foundation Contributes to Darrin Walls Football Camp Darrin Walls, NFL Pro Football star for the NY Jets will be hosting a free football camp, ages 7-17, on July 12th, 10am -2pm at The Neighborhood Academy adjacent to Garfield Commons in Pittsburgh, PA. Darrin is a Pittsburgh native from Garfield and played for the Garfield Gators. This football camp which is part of a larger initiative, The Dar-rin Walls Foundation, strives to provide at risk youth with hope through sports. This free annual football and education camp offers boys and girls an opportunity to hone their athletic skills and develop their minds. The KBK Foundation is one of several sponsors for this excit-ing event for our youth and equally excited to support a former Garfield resident coming home to give back to his community.

KBK Foundation To Offer Support to Garfield Gators and Mifflin Sharks The KBK Foundation will be offering their support this year to the Pittsburgh based Garfield Gators and Colum-bus based Mifflin Sharks youth sports programs. The Gar-field Gators led by Head Coach Bob Jones is comprised of five football teams, ages 5-14 years ranging from the Baby Twerps (5-6), the Twerps (7-8), Termites (9-10), Mighty Mites (11-12) and Midgets (13-14). Last year, three teams had an undefeated season, 8-0, only one team suffered one loss. Four teams went on to play in championship games. The Mifflin Sharks, part of a larger initiative, the Mifflin Youth Association, led by Ron Steward has been in existence since 1973, nearly 50 years. The Sharks are cat-egorized by weight class ranging from 75lbs—180lbs. Both sports programs use mentoring relationships to de-velop youth character, discipline and vision and are well recognized and supported by their communities. Through The KBK Foundation’s contribution, both programs will offer scholarships to local youth that will assist with regis-tration fees, travel and equipment. As part of the Gators ongoing support for The KBK Foundation their jerseys will don the KBK logo this fall season.

a publication of kbk enterprises january - june 2015 the...

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