Rodriguez Named Program Lead to Help Increase Diverse Contractor Partnerships
PROVIDENCE, R.I., June 22, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- As part of the company's commitments to drive economic opportunity and build the capacity of diverse-owned businesses, Gilbane Building Company celebrates 76 new graduates of its Rising Contractor Program. Since being reimagined in 2020, the program has graduated over 270 diverse and disadvantaged businesses.
The Rising Contractor Program is an integral component of Gilbane's economic inclusion strategy, as it offers participants an opportunity to expand their industry knowledge while providing formal mentorship to support their capacity for sustainable growth. The program is designed to foster partnership and promote opportunities to work on Gilbane projects. Gilbane is committed to generating $100 million in awards through 2026 for program graduates.
"Gilbane understands that committing to economic inclusion today means a more equitable, robust construction landscape tomorrow," said Yvette Stevens, vice president and director of economic inclusion. "The expansion of our team is one more step toward achieving our goals and furthering our commitment to economic inclusion through greater partnerships with our clients and trade partners."
To achieve this goal, Gilbane recently named John Rodriguez as the Rising Contractor program manager. With nearly a decade of experience in managing programs aimed at small business growth and development throughout New York City and San Francisco, Rodriguez most recently served the New York City Department of Small Business Services as director of capital access programs, including the Contract Finance Loan Fund and NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund.
As program manager, Rodriguez will work to grow the Rising Contractor Program in both class size and curriculum, engaging certifying agencies throughout the country to tap new participant pools while also broadening class offerings to ensure efficacy and innovation.
"I'm thrilled to join Gilbane and dive right into the Rising Contractor Program," said Rodriguez. "Being a part of this effort is so fulfilling, as we have a real opportunity to grow this program across the country and work on a national level to increase the opportunities of diverse-owned small businesses within our portfolio while also helping them grow within their communities."
The next session of the Rising Contractor Program is scheduled for the spring of 2024.
"The Rising Contractor Program is an easy commitment to make," said Richard Taylor, owner and CEO of ImbuTec, an electrical subcontracting firm out of Pittsburgh and a member of the program class of 2021. "As a program graduate, the relationship with Gilbane gives us credibility with other major players in the market, and the mentor connection is critical to that success."
Through these concerted efforts, Gilbane has made strong progress toward its five-year commitment to generating $4 billion in awards to certified minority- and women-owned businesses (M/WBE), disadvantaged, LGBTBE, and veteran businesses enterprises. As of the end of the 2022 calendar year, the firm reported $951 million in awards, representing 24 percent progress toward its overall goal.
To learn more about the Rising Contractor Program, visit: https://info.gilbaneco.com/gilbane-rising-contractors.
About Gilbane Building Company
Gilbane provides a full slate of construction and facilities-related services – from preconstruction services planning and integrated consulting capabilities to comprehensive construction management, general contracting, design-build, and facility management services – for clients across various markets. Founded in 1870 and still a privately held, family-owned company, Gilbane has more than 45 office locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.gilbaneco.com.
Media Contact
Tara Crawford, Gilbane Building Company, 6179609323, tcrawford@gilbaneco.com
SOURCE Gilbane Building Company
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