“Providing access, advocacy, and contractor readiness for members.”
The NAMC National Office, in collaboration with the NAMC Dallas-Ft. Worth Chapter, recently held a successful national conference that focused on upcoming construction contracting opportunities for minority contractors. The event also honored exceptional individuals and organizations for their dedication to promoting minority contracting opportunities.
Taking place at Loews Live in Arlington, Texas from September 6-8, 2023, the conference featured a wide range of sessions aimed at empowering minority contractors and fostering diversity and inclusion in the construction industry. Attendees had the valuable opportunity to interact with industry experts and thought leaders, gaining insights and tools to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities in the construction sector.
“The conference attracts hundreds of construction and minority contracting professionals from across the nation, including industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts, eager to gain valuable insights on projects, forge meaningful connections, and influence a diverse future of the industry,” NAMC said in a statement. “The annual event presents a chance for individuals who share a common cause to come together and unite in support.”
Construction workers, electricians, flooring installers, surveyors, and more are engaged in a diverse range of projects, including the construction and demolition of buildings, the development of roads and highways, and the excavation of tunnels and shafts. Their duties encompass site preparation and cleanup, the establishment of temporary structures, and the removal of debris.
When seeking to hire workers, it is advisable to seek out candidates who possess physical fitness and strength. It is also important to exercise caution when considering candidates who may struggle to work effectively in a team environment.
The world of construction workers is an ever-evolving landscape, continuously shaped by diverse projects and complex challenges.
From towering skyscrapers to state-of-the-art infrastructure, their expertise plays a pivotal role in driving progress and innovation in our built environment. In this article, we delve into these unsung heroes’ dynamic realm, exploring their diverse projects’ impact on our cities and communities.
Construction workers embody a unique blend of skill, precision, and dedication. They deeply understand architectural design, structural engineering, and cutting-edge construction techniques. Whether it’s constructing a sustainable green building or restoring a historic landmark, their craftsmanship leaves a lasting impression on our urban landscape.
But it’s not just about the physical structures they create; construction workers also leave a profound impact on the lives of people. Their work brings together communities, providing employment opportunities and fostering economic growth.
Moreover, they prioritize safety and sustainability, ensuring that their projects are built to withstand the test of time and minimize environmental impact. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of construction workers and explore the invaluable contributions they make to our society. From the challenges they face to the innovation they bring; this is a journey into the dynamic and multifaceted profession that shapes our world.
Texas Governor Abbott, Lt Governor Patrick, and State Rep. Carl Tepper, R-Lubbock, have introduced House Bill 54, which aims to prohibit public universities and colleges from implementing affirmative action policies.
Although only one institution, the University of Texas-Austin, currently employs affirmative action, this bill sends a strong message regarding the issue of diversity. Wendell Stemley, the president of the National Association of Minority Contractors and founder/CEO of Black IPO, a San Diego-based program management and construction services company, emphasizes the importance of overcoming obstacles in the lower courts and securing funds for the necessary legal defense costs in the face of well-funded foundation-supported cases opposing diversity.
The playbook being used appears to be a direct assault on diversity. Furthermore, Attorneys General from 13 Republican states have jointly written a letter to Fortune 100 companies cautioning them against utilizing race-based solutions to address historical discrimination, particularly in the context of workforce diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Failure to comply may result in legal challenges for these companies.
However, with its recent 54th celebration in Arlington, Texas, and the inclusive theme of “I am NAMC,” the company prides itself on collaboration in all forms from its guest speakers, networking opportunities, and tradeshow exposition.
Some of the noteworthy sessions included: – Managing Joint Ventures: Sponsored by McCarthy, this session provided valuable insights into joint ventures within the construction industry. – The Competitive Edge of Lean Construction: Led by Jennifer Lacy (Robins & Morton) with panelists Damian Lee (H.J. Russell) and Keyan Zandy (CEO of Skiles Group), this session explored Lean Construction practices and how they can enhance efficiency and productivity. Robins & Morton hosted the session. – Women In Construction Luncheon: This session celebrated the accomplishments of women in construction and featured a keynote speech by Elizabeth Ponce, President/CEO of Picasso Construction. – Providing Equitable Opportunities for DBEs and M/WBEs on Design-Build Contracts: Addressing the crucial issue of equitable opportunities, this session aimed to level the playing field for minority and women-owned businesses.
The membership of the NAMC comprises over 50 distinguished individuals who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, as well as Legacy Contractor Builders. Collectively, these members possess an annual project capacity exceeding one billion dollars on a national scale.
NAMC serves as a representative body for millions of skilled minority workers throughout the United States. NAMC facilitates the development of its members’ capabilities by leveraging a network of local chapters and forging strategic and corporate partnerships. This enables NAMC to provide its members with access to opportunities, advocacy, and training programs aimed at enhancing their contractor development. Subcontractors USA was able to dive deeper into the history behind NAMC with President Wendell Stembley and Demetria Bivens, the Executive Director at NAMAC DFW Chapter. Here are a few things to learn about the association:
- What is the NAMC company about, overall, and the brand?
It’s an association that was started back in 1969 by a gentleman by the name of Raymond Jones and Joseph Debro. out of Oakland, California. And Mr. Jones, when he started this, he was out there really advocating for electricians and more of the self-performing contractors, trade contractors. As you know, we just celebrated our 54th annual did our 54th annual conference. We’re the oldest trade contractor association in the country.
NAMC’s mission is simple, according to Bivens. “Our mission is to really get out there and make sure that our contractors have contract readiness. And to make sure that they can get out there and play in this field correctly.” She added, “We want our contractors to pursue opportunities, execute and win.”
With 21 chapters around the country, each one has its own contractors pushing for a diverse community in the field, partnerships, and projects such as the Data Center with Google, Healthcare, higher education, industrial rail systems, African American Museums in D.C., Heavy highway, the Women’s Business Council, and more.
That growing list has rested on the shoulders of communication. However, cultivation alone is vital to industry. “When we talk about corporate construction, we have to be selective with who we work with because everything is about relationships which is an asset when relying on the quality of work needed,” the consultant emphasized.
“So, if you don’t really have that relationship, you’re just a number. You’re just using an estimator to come up with some numbers, and you become a number.”
She continued, “I always tell our members, any small business I’m working for, you have to have the relationship.”
- What strategies are in place to help ensure that construction projects are completed on time and within budget while maintaining standards?
Schedule, the sequencing, and staying within budget. Safety and quality are the top five things needed. But be mindful of penalties such as liquidated damages.
During the conference’s breakout sessions, numerous topics were discussed in hopes of continued solutions in concerning areas – technology and compensation were atop of that list.
In the realm of technology and its dynamic landscape, it is imperative for associations to adapt to novel programs and partnerships. In this regard, NAMC has established an alliance with Procore, a construction software that aims to optimize workflow. However, the organization faces not only technological hurdles but also financial constraints and timely compensation of employees.
Although unpaid workers can resort to the Workforce Commission or the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division to claim their wages, it is crucial to ensure that they do not have to undertake additional measures to receive their rightful remuneration. During the breakout sessions
“In our industry, the payment system is based on the principle of “paid when paid”, which often results in extended payment periods of up to 90 or 120 days,” the dlb principal detailed. “However, without established relationships, it can be challenging to identify the appropriate channels for payment. In some cases, payment may be delayed due to oversight or incomplete documentation. Therefore, cultivating strong relationships is crucial in this industry.”
Ensuring safety is a paramount consideration in any construction project. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that every year, numerous construction workers succumb to injuries sustained on the job.
In the period spanning 2011 to 2021, Texas recorded the highest number of fatalities resulting from environmental factors, particularly rising temperatures. Notably, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 2121, which became effective on September 1, 2021, and abolished local regulations requiring mandatory water breaks for construction workers.
“With the safety thing because that’s big. You want to make sure that you’re having your daily huddles, your daily safety toolbox talks with your team before they even start the job, identifying those hazards, because it’s important that everybody, the way they come onto that work site, they need to go home looking like that,” she said.
Though accidents and fatalities occur, it is good to know that a business module is executed to help prevent the unforeseen. NAMC has employed what is known as the Lean Journey. The method is used for building a company culture that supports continuous improvement. It involves a long-term approach to daily work that encourages small, incremental changes in process operations to improve quality and efficiency.
Bivens believes it adds to NAMC’s quality of work, “How can waste be eliminated while maintaining respect for individuals?” she described. “The elimination of waste while upholding respect for individuals is achieved through the implementation of lean processes, which involve the use of pool plans to ensure project adherence and the identification of any constraints that may arise during the project.”
One thing is for sure, NAMC truly epitomizes a diverse work culture. “We have really made our mark in this industry. People see that we do have black and brown businesses that work on major projects.”
The Executive Director concluded that NAMC is a powerhouse in construction as an industry tool. “I think that if people who want to expand or build capacity in their business and grow their business and want to build relationships through strong networking, I think that NAMAC will be very beneficial.”
The DFW chapter convenes on the second Tuesday of every month to provide its members with access to prime contractors and project owners in the DFW area. This presents an opportunity for members to establish relationships and gain an advantage in securing projects before they are publicly advertised.
Go to NAMCNational.org to find out how you can be a member, opportunities, and more.
