St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers also recognizes Kwame
The St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers recently recognized Clayco as Organization of the Year in its annual Diversity Excellence and Advocacy Awards. Presented on Dec. 15, the award honored Clayco for its hands-on approach to diversity.
“I have never found a construction company that has been this willing to assist minority subcontractors with their development,” Alfred Valentine, president of Valentine Janitorial Services Inc., wrote in a letter supporting Clayco’s nomination.
“You have not thrown money at the issue, but spent the most important resource you have – your time.”
“Through our formalized diversity initiative, we are building our reputation as a company that truly cares about diversity and helping smaller contractors achieve their goals for success,” said Kimberly Cook, Clayco’s general counsel and diversity liaison.
“We are committed to creating a bridge between smaller and larger contractors, advocating for MBE/WBE contractors within Clayco and with our major subcontractors.”
Clayco said its commitment to diversity comes directly from upper-level management. The company works with owners to establish minority participation goals and is working toward 25 percent MBE and 5 percent WBE participation on every project. Clayco requires major subcontractors to have a diversity plan and monitors minority participation throughout
each project with monthly reports.
Clayco also has developed a process that includes one-on-one meetings between the minority firm and Cook, followed by an assessment of the firm’s skills and Clayco’s needs.
Clayco has implemented a formal strategic planning program for MBE/WBE contractors. Held at Clayco’s offices and co-hosted by Todd Weaver of Legacy Building Group, the sessions cover the planning process, SWOT analysis, goals and action plans. Clayco also hosts
subcontractor interest breakfasts to increase MBE/WBE participation, providing detailed information about opportunities available on specific projects.
Clayco is a full-service real estate development, design and construction firm with offices in St. Louis, Chicago and Detroit. It provides design-build project delivery for the corporate, industrial, institutional and residential markets. For more information, visit www.claycorp.com.
Kwame recognized for airport expansion
The St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers also honored the SPK Joint Venture, a partnership of Sverdrup, Parsons and Kwame Building Group (KWAME), and the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport Program Management office for their work managing the $1 billion Lambert International Airport Expansion.
The SPK Joint Venture and Lambert-St. Louis International Airport Program Management office were honored for their use of construction-industry best practices in pre-project planning, zero accident techniques and quality management.
“We are very excited to receive this award from the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers,” said Mike Minges, vice president of KWAME and Program Manager for SPK. “The SPK Joint Venture is making great progress at Lambert (New Runway will open in Spring 2006), and most importantly, is doing it safely and efficiently.”
The St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers (SLCCC) presented three “Outstanding Best Practices in Construction” awards and two honorable mentions. The awards were based on 14 best practices validated by the Construction Industry Institute (CII) to provide savings in cost and schedule. The CII is the recognized principal construction industry forum for improving the business effectiveness and sustainability of capital facilities.
Kwame Building Group is a pure program and construction management firm providing estimating, scheduling, project planning, value engineering and other project management services as an independent advocate for owners and developers. Public and private sector projects include educational facilities, major airports nationwide, light-rail systems, hospitals and government facilities. For more information, visit www.kwamebuildinggroup.com or call (314) 862-5344.
