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Position Statements-Diversity/MBE-WBE

View all of our position statements.

Diversity

The Builders Association strongly supports diversity in Chicagoland's construction workforce. The Association feels minority communities represent a significant segment of the local workforce that has not been fully utilized by the industry. As a number of industry experts anticipate a labor shortage in the coming years, it is vital that the industry fully use all available resources.

Participating in a minority hiring program such as our Construction Career Opportunity Program (CCOP) can strengthen a company's workforce and demonstrate corporate citizenship. Recognizing and respecting the differences inherent in our society and places of work is an important function of any successful construction company.

 

Minority, Disadvantaged and Women-owned Businesses

The Builders Association encourages its members to work with minority-owned contractors. Our Business Assistance Task Force is committed to implementing programs, services, networking and partnering opportunities for minority contractors to continue to develop their businesses, which in turn will provide a heightened competitive benefit and greater productivity.

The Association's belief is that the building of strong minority-owned firms is advantageous to the entire industry. With contracts for Chicago area projects encouraging commitments to MBE/DBE/WBE firms, it is crucial that those businesses be qualified and competent. Supporting minority contractors by hiring them through a joint venture or other means gives contractors the opportunity to work on a project for which the company may otherwise not be large enough. The Association supports its members in providing those firms the opportunity to bid. If a company is not selected, members are encouraged to explain reasoning and offer advice for future endeavors.