| Local group advocates for minority contractors
The National Association of Minority Contractors of Oregon (NAMCO) celebrated its initiation as a local chapter of the NAMC.
As one of the fastest growing minority based trade associations in the Northwest, NAMCO addresses the disparagingly low percentage rate of African-Americans and all minority contractors in obtaining contracts and employment as general and sub-contractors on public construction jobs.
"We have an opportunity to work with large construction companies, as well as, governmental agencies to change these numbers. Our organization will continue working on this issue until it is resolved," says Faye Burch, NAMCO vice president.
At the chapter initiation on March 16, 2007, NAMC President Al Barber, Las Vegas, presented the group with its official papers. Special guest Karmen Fore, Assistant Director for U.S. Congressman Peter Defazio Chair of Transportation, attended the event in his absence. The group's upcoming partnership activities with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and other organizations were unveiled during the event.
“It’s time to get serious, with the support of the National organization and founding sponsor Kaiser Permanente, we intend to build an infrastructure that will give much needed opportunities to minority contractors to build their business by receiving work from public and privately funded construction projects," says NAMCO president James Posey.
The local chapter presented the Outstanding General Contractor award to Bill Bruce of Stacy and Witbeck. "He has proven the ability to incorporate minority contractors into their projects and recognize outstanding accomplishments by minority contractors," sayd Faye Burch, NAMCO vice president.
2007 priorities for NAMCO include:
- Build the technology capability of membership
- Participate in community-based workforce development programs
- Work to develop options for prevailing-wage projects so that non-union members can fully participate
- Provide technical support and training programs where needed to build capacity and enhance performance
- Develop better relationships of trust with union partners
- Develop new and continuing existing partnerships with local business organizations and minority chambers
- Build a bridge with Washington projects and opportunities
- Have a voice in local state and federal issues that impact businesses
Photos by Maileen Hamto
Spring 2007
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