What began as an invitation to speak to a group of minority professionals has developed into what promises to be an ongoing relationship with professionals interested in getting more involved with state construction projects.
The Council of American Minority Professionals (CAMP) held a special program last Thursday in recognition of national Minority Enterprise Development Week. As Director of the State Construction Office, I was asked to address the group regarding upcoming projects and the Governor’s call to engage more historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) in all aspects on the construction process.
CAMP members demonstrated a high degree of professionalism and commitment to their field, as well as a strong desire to see increased participation in the areas of design and architectural engineering. As far as I could tell, the only thing many of them lacked is relationships with project owners.
I urged them to be more present and involved with owners – including state agencies, universities and community colleges – as a means to increase familiarity with their work and reputations. The State Construction Office, through participation in various advisory boards, can help to facilitate such relationships by making qualified organizations better known to state agencies. We also can conduct voluntary pre-selection meetings in which underserved businesses could present their qualifications to interested owners.
Such efforts not only will assist HUBs but also help to ensure that more qualified firms participate in the state construction process – which in turn helps all North Carolina citizens.