Every success story can be tracked down to specific traits and actions that can be duplicated. Success formulas can also be called ideas for successful living. There are many names by which we can call the very same thing.

We refer to these ideas for successful living as success formulas because we discovered them through living our lives, but as we progressed, we learned that other successful people embrace them as well. These formulas are universal, because you can’t create them, even though you can discover them.

After the dismal participation by minorities on the Heinz Field, PNC Park and Convention Center projects 10 years ago, it’s a familiar song by now. African-Americans make up about 3 percent of those employed on the Consol Energy Arena  development project. Of that number, 1 percent live in the Hill District. Women also make up about 1 percent.

JOBS VS. CONTRACTS— Clarence Curry of the SEA, left, and Ken Nesbit from the First Source Referral Center, note that employing local residents on arena construction has been difficult despite 23 percent participation by MBEs.

These numbers came out during a Jan. 14 meeting to inform Hill District residents on the arena project. This low employment figure comes despite contractor inclusion being at or near targeted goals.

JAN. 27—The U.S. Small Business Administration will host an 8(a) and HUBZone Certification & Contracting workshop from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Riverside Center for Innovation, 1st floor Conference Room, 700 River Ave., North Side. MBE/WBE and Veteran-owned businesses are encouraged to attend. The workshop is free and open to the public. Registration is requested. For more information, call Marisa Fentzel at 412-395-6560, ext. 109.