Although 2009 presented significant economic challenges, the National Association of Minority Contractors of Oregon (NAMCO) has been successful in assisting its members to maintain their businesses.
The National Association of Minority Contractors has 25 chapters across the country in major cities. In Oregon, NAMCO is made up of 60 Minority contractors who strive for economic parity in contracting opportunities.
A vital part of NAMCO's success is the strength of its partnerships in business, community and government. During the year, the association has built key partnerships for its membership with public and private sector owners, most notably the Association of General Contractors (AGC) and local trade unions.
Minority contractors agree that membership in NAMCO provides many benefits. "The organization has helped us to build relationships and has assisted us to position ourselves for key projects," said Andrew Colas, President Colas Construction, a NAMC Oregon member firm.
In addition to helping members maintain and improve their businesses, some of the major milestones for NAMCO during 2009 involved partnering with AGC on the Oregon Department Of Transportation (ODOT)Industry Team to set guidelines for state projects.
Working with the ODOT Civil Rights Teamm, NAMCO organized quarterly trainings for DBEs to participate. Most recently, NAMCO helped to determine certification compliance, enforce ODOT requirements to increase utilization of minorities on ODOT Projects and target specific geographic projects to increase minority participation.
NAMC Oregon launched and assisted in the blueprint for the Minority Contractors Improvement Partnership (MCIP) and have continued to support its growth.
NAMCO partners assisted in drafting the Clean Energy participation agreement to include minority businesses, and worked closely with MCIP and Multnomah County on weatherization projects. This work includes looking at contracting practices and incorporating some of the Federal Acquisition Requirements into local projects that are using ARRA funding. President Maurice Rahming is also working with the Energy Trust to increase its MBE participation.
In June 2010, NAMCO will host some of the largest minority contractors in the country as the national organization convenes in Portland. Some of those attending the conference include: Thor Construction, the largest African American owned firm doing business around the country and internationally; Shaw Lindquist, the largest Asian American general contractor in the country; and Meyer Fencing, a Native American company that completed a $5 million 24-hour emergency project on the collapse of the Minnesota bridge in 2008.
Learn more by visiting the NAMCO website.
The National Association of Minority Contractors has 25 chapters across the country in major cities. In Oregon, NAMCO is made up of 60 Minority contractors who strive for economic parity in contracting opportunities.
A vital part of NAMCO's success is the strength of its partnerships in business, community and government. During the year, the association has built key partnerships for its membership with public and private sector owners, most notably the Association of General Contractors (AGC) and local trade unions.
Minority contractors agree that membership in NAMCO provides many benefits. "The organization has helped us to build relationships and has assisted us to position ourselves for key projects," said Andrew Colas, President Colas Construction, a NAMC Oregon member firm.
NAMCO members and partners honored at this year's annual event:
Contractor of the Year: Hamilton Construction
Private Partner Project: Legacy Health System
Agency of the Year: Port of Portland
Clean Energy Project of the Year City of Portland: Derek Smith
DBE Contractor of the Year: Pacificmark Construction,
In addition to helping members maintain and improve their businesses, some of the major milestones for NAMCO during 2009 involved partnering with AGC on the Oregon Department Of Transportation (ODOT)Industry Team to set guidelines for state projects.
Working with the ODOT Civil Rights Teamm, NAMCO organized quarterly trainings for DBEs to participate. Most recently, NAMCO helped to determine certification compliance, enforce ODOT requirements to increase utilization of minorities on ODOT Projects and target specific geographic projects to increase minority participation.
NAMC Oregon launched and assisted in the blueprint for the Minority Contractors Improvement Partnership (MCIP) and have continued to support its growth.
NAMCO partners assisted in drafting the Clean Energy participation agreement to include minority businesses, and worked closely with MCIP and Multnomah County on weatherization projects. This work includes looking at contracting practices and incorporating some of the Federal Acquisition Requirements into local projects that are using ARRA funding. President Maurice Rahming is also working with the Energy Trust to increase its MBE participation.
In June 2010, NAMCO will host some of the largest minority contractors in the country as the national organization convenes in Portland. Some of those attending the conference include: Thor Construction, the largest African American owned firm doing business around the country and internationally; Shaw Lindquist, the largest Asian American general contractor in the country; and Meyer Fencing, a Native American company that completed a $5 million 24-hour emergency project on the collapse of the Minnesota bridge in 2008.
Learn more by visiting the NAMCO website.
