<p>Efforts to promote diversity in the construction industry were recognized by the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers (SLCCC) during its annual awards on December 16.</p>
<p>The Organization of the Year for a private owner was presented to Ameren Corporation. The organization was recognized for employing proactive efforts to use women and minority owned businesses and to promote the employment of women and minorities in their own work force and with companies with whom they procure construction services. Flowing from a directive from the President of Ameren, the utility seeks to attain 10 percent overall expenditures with diverse suppliers by 2014. Ameren has exceeded its annual step goals with $150 million in procurement in 2009. The company also requires that prime suppliers provide second tier opportunities for diverse suppliers and to report their direct expenditures to meet this goal.</p>
<p>The Organization of the Year for a public owner was presented to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT). The agency was recognized for pursuing multiple strategies to achieve diversity, both in the use of diversity for contracting and for seeking to employ a diverse work force. MODOT encouraged use of disadvantaged businesses through development assistance, coaching and providing professional consultation for business practices. For work force, MODOT initiatives included diversity recruitment through career fairs, requirements for minority participation in pre-apprentice training and a training academy to develop leadership skills for those who want to move up in the organization.</p>
<p>On the I-64 reconstruction project, MODOT exceeded the 16 percent goal for use of disadvantaged business enterprise by achieving 19.3 percent representing $73 million with 79 companies. For workforce, MODOT exceeded the federal 14.7 percent goal for minority participation by having a work force composed of 19.8 percent minority workers, as well as meeting the goal for women in the work force.</p>
<p>BRK Electric was recognized as the outstanding Minority Business Enterprise. BRK was cited for its growth as a minority owned firm to meet the needs of many types of owners. During its seven years, it has grown from performing small contracts with two Owners to an 18 person staff performing electrical contracting in the commercial, institutional and industrial sectors. As a growing firm in a competitive industry, the company works to implement construction industry best practices in their projects.</p>
<p>The Diversity Champion award was presented to Ray Barber of Washington University and to Shirlyn Myles of the Missouri Department of Transportation.<br />Barber is a project manager with Washington University who has consistently provided opportunities for women and minorities in his projects with both current and prior employers. He has partnered with local union business agents to increase diversity in their apprentice programs, as well as personally mentoring and coaching young minorities. Since 2008, the University has expended over $16 million in minority construction, representing 28 percent of their construction dollars.</p>
<p><br /> Myles is a community liaison officer with the Missouri Department of Transportation. She is responsible for partnerships between MODOT and the St. Louis region, particularly minorities, women and special interest groups. She provides orientation and guidance for both individuals and companies for employment and business opportunities with MODOT and coordinates outreach to professional organizations and state and local agencies.</p>
<p>The SLCCC also recognized best practices in the construction industry during the annual awards.</p>
<p>The St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers (SLCCC) is an organization representing SLCCC provides leadership to improve value, quality and safety in the delivery of capital facilities and maintenance by the St. Louis design and construction industry.</p>
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