The St.
Louis Council of Construction Consumers honored five companies
promoting diversity in the construction industry during its annual
awards on Dec. 15.
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“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Paric Corporation, led by CEO and President P. Joseph McKee III, received the “Organization of the Year” for promoting the employment of women and minorities in the work force. “font-family: Verdana;”>
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>In its recent completion of the Peabody Opera House, Paric exceeded the 25 percent goal. Council representatives said Paric’s general contractors break down projects into smaller sizes that are more manageable for less-experienced minority- or women-owned businesses. The company also collaborates with community-based organizations and technical schools to attract skilled minorities and women. “font-family: Verdana;”>
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Raineri Construction, a woman-owned business enterprise (WBE), was recognized as the “Outstanding Minority or Women Business Enterprise.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Despite the depressed construction market that followed the 2008 recession, Raineri has grown rapidly. Today, it employs 50 people, a 150 percent growth over its 2009 staff. During that time, revenues have quadrupled to a projected $30 million in 2011. “font-family: Verdana;”>
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Christopher Bowers of KAI Design & Build and Leticia Lago of Alberici Constructors received the “Diversity Champion” award. “font-family: Verdana;”>
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Bowers provides the minority business enterprise (MBE) contract management and monitoring for KAI’s projects. Council representatives said Bowers hosts pre-bid meetings with subcontractors to network with MBEs and develop relationships before the bid. KAI has consistently had participation between 25 and 40 percent. “font-family: Verdana;”>
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>As diversity coordinator for Alberici, Leticia Lago is responsible for supporting all of Alberici’s departments. She develops strategies to increase participation by women, minority and other disadvantaged businesses, regardless of requirements by clients. As a result, she has continued to help Alberici to meet and exceed participation goals. On the St. Louis Science Center East Expansion project, Alberici achieved 22 percent MBE participation and 12 percent WBE participation. “font-family: Verdana;”>
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>A Lifetime Diversity Advocate Award was presented posthumously for Edward Frazier. As the former compliance officer with the Jefferson City office of the Federal Highway Administration, his responsibilities included affirmation action requirements and the American with Disabilities Act. He championed diversity to provide opportunities for women, minorities and others who have been disadvantaged, council members said. Frazier was an ongoing advocate and supporter of federal funding through MODOT for the construction industry to host Construction Career Days. These programs helped to attract middle school and high school women and minorities to consider construction careers
Best
practices in the construction industry were also recognized by the
St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers during the annual
awards.
