We are committed to growing diversity within Gilbane Building Company, as well as with the vendors and subcontractors that we work with. We encourage Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprises (WBE) participation on all of our projects, regardless of funding requirements, and seek to maximize local business involvement without sacrificing quality, time or cost.
Unlike most major construction management firms, we have been working with small business, women and minority contractors, and suppliers and numerous non-profit associations- such as ACE Mentor Program, Rebuilding Together, United Way, and Habitat for Humanity- for more than 30 years. Our corporate goal for disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) participation, regardless of whether it is a contract requirement, is 15% of contract values. We also have many Gilbane members involved with the National Association of Women in Construction, which was founded in 1953 to create a support network for women.
We make this team effort happen by working closely with each owner to establish local inclusion goals for a building program. Many times, Gilbane works closely with third-party consultants that assist with the development of those goals or community groups that monitor the outreach efforts on a regular basis. Our policy towards local participation is much more than a written statement – it has real meaning in the execution of our projects.
Benefits of an Organized Outreach Strategy:
- Positive public relations for client entities
- Community and local job growth that turns into economic stimulus for ongoing success
- Provides educational opportunities for people who need it the most
- Earns clients trust, respect and continued patronage from local residents
- Potential for awards, grants and reduced finance terms on construction loans