ONTARIO, Calif. – In a move to address longstanding inequalities in the construction industry, the Megamix Expo has partnered with Minorea BEM to launch a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering socially and economically disadvantaged businesses. The collaboration will debut at the upcoming Megamix Expo, scheduled for August 7-8, 2024, at the Ontario Convention Center.
The centerpiece of this partnership is the “Business Equality Contracting” corner, a dedicated space designed to provide critical resources and connections for underrepresented contractors. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between disadvantaged businesses and major industry players, including government agencies, utility companies, and transportation authorities.
“Our goal is to level the playing field in an industry that has historically been challenging for minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses to penetrate,” said Andrea Navarrete CEO of Minorea BEM. “By providing access to essential resources and fostering connections with larger entities, we’re working to create lasting change in the construction sector.”
The “Business Equality Contracting” corner will offer guidance on crucial areas such as workforce development, labor compliance, access to capital, safety protocols, insurance, and bonding – all vital components for success in the construction industry.
This initiative comes at a time when the construction industry is facing increased scrutiny over its diversity practices. According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, minority-owned businesses continue to be underrepresented in the construction sector.
The Megamix Expo has established itself as a premier networking event for businesses in the Inland Empire. With this new partnership, organizers expect to attract a wider range of participants, from small, disadvantaged businesses to large corporations committed to diversifying their supply chains.
“We’re not just talking about diversity and inclusion; we’re actively creating opportunities for it to flourish,” said Alexis Salamanca, organizer of the Megamix Expo. “This partnership with Minorea BEM aligns perfectly with our mission to foster meaningful connections and drive business growth in our community.”
For more information about the Megamix Expo and the “Business Equality Contracting” initiative workshop, visit www.megamixexpo.com
The article originally appeared on Business News Week.