For the first time, the Massachusetts Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABCMA), in conjunction with the Massachusetts Minority Contractors Association and the National Association of Women in Construction, held a Diversity “Meet the Generals” event at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School in Boston, MA on September 17, 2008.
“Meet the Generals”, an event that utilizes the “speed dating” format, provided subcontractors guaranteed face time with general contractors doing business in Massachusetts. One of the stops on the way for subcontractors was a table featuring teachers from Madison Park, John Rich – ABC’s Director of Workforce Development and Kerrick Johnson of the Roxbury Builders Guild. Career opportunities for students were discussed with the subcontractors along with leadership positions on the school’s advisory board.
This event was different from previous Meet the Generals events we’ve held as this was an outreach by our ABC general contractors to meet local minority-owned business as well as women-owned businesses. “Holding the event at Madison Park puts our general contractors in the local community and also increases the awareness of open shop companies working in Boston,” said Jim Abbott, Vice President/Director of Membership for ABCMA. “A partnership event is a real benefit to MMCA and NAWIC and their members because it mixes up the pool of attendees geographically, allowing businesses the opportunity to meet others they ordinarily might not.”
"This was a great event. The many minority and women-owned subcontractors we met were of high quality and good experience. We hope to forge great relationships with a number of them on future projects - public or private." said Amy Thompson West, ABCMA Board Member and Director Workforce & Community Development of Tocci Building Corporation.
Next month, on October 16th at the Café Escadrille in Burlington, ABC is holding a Diversity Dinner to launch our NAWIC and MMCA alliance. There will be a panel discussion that will discuss the need to facilitate greater women, minority and youth participation in our industry at all levels, from government to private employers.