Inclusion In Construction Week

In the construction industry, commitment to small business inclusion has led to the growth of many small businesses into very successful larger companies. Relationships, like projects, are built over time, and so are small businesses. Staying focused, being determined, building a legacy, and pride in construction and what we do are just some of the passionate stories we want to celebrate. If you are a small business, we thank you for your commitment to providing opportunities to others as you develop into a successful business.

Action:

• Watch, share, repost videos posted on AGC’s LinkedIn.
• Toolbox talk PDF link below.

Muscle memory is incredibly valuable in construction, helping us perform tasks efficiently and consistently. Just as we routinely receive project and safety updates and instructions, it’s important to regularly revisit and incorporate trainings and discussions around inclusion. 

Action:

AGC is hosting a Positive Jobsite Culture Training presented by Mel Jones, director of Inclusion at Hoffman Construction Company, and Kimberly Sutton, senior manager of Diversity Equity & Inclusion at Fortis Construction, Inc., on October 15 in Lake Oswego. The training is in-person only but will be recorded and available in the future.

• Toolbox talk PDF link below.

The construction industry needs new talent. Otherwise, one of the most vital industries in the world—construction—will continue to face workforce shortages. Pride in building stretches back thousands of years and is still evident today when we see the incredible projects our industry brings to life. More recently, our workforce has been learning the skills, but the pride hasn’t always followed. Today, we want to focus on and recognize the programs (apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship) that are working to bring back that sense of pride and spotlight anyone in our workforce who has completed one of these specialized construction training programs.

Action:

• Watch, share, videos posted on AGC’s LinkedIn.
• Toolbox talk PDF link below.

Getting certified as a small business in the construction industry takes hard work. Small and diverse businesses must first prove their capabilities and deliver quality results, and certification adds an additional layer of challenges.

Action:

• AGC’s Inclusion Council is sponsoring a supplier diversity certification day on at OAME. If you are a COBID-qualifying small business in Oregon and Washington, need to renew or gain additional certifications—disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE), emerging small business (ESB), or veteran-owned small business (VOSB)—and want to pre-qualify with large companies such as Hoffman, Skanska, and Fortis, this day will help you get certified. Use the link below to register.

• Toolbox talk PDF link below.

Today is a day to celebrate, embrace, and appreciate the unique cultural aspects of the communities where we live and work. Each community has different needs, and it’s important to recognize those differences when considering how to give back. We encourage everyone—individuals, teams, and project locations—to take the time to invest in a community project.

Action: AGC’s Inclusion Council has assembled a list of community projects looking for volunteers. Review the list and find one that fits your team. 

Community Volunteer Opportunities link.

• Toolbox talk PDF link below.