The Greater Atlanta Economic Alliance hosted its 8th Annual Supplier Diversity Conference on October 22 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. The one-day conference served as a forum for prime contractors and small, female and minority-owned firms in the construction and transportation industries to network, learn valuable best practices in business development and management, and discover procurement opportunities with the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the City of Atlanta as well as other municipalities, agencies and companies.
Joe Jackson, Alliance president & CEO; David Butler, vice president, Turner Construction Company; Hebrew Dixon, CEO, Circle D Enterprises
Highlights of the conference included the Construction Skills Development Institute Supplier Diversity Awards Luncheon in which businesses and agencies were recognized for their commitment to diversity internally and in their community outreach initiatives. This year’s honorees are DeKalb County Office of Procurement, U.S. Corps of Engineers, Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., Turner Construction, Inc., Blount Construction, Inc., Atlanta Public Schools Capital Projects and EGM Services, Inc.
Also, local area high school students who successfully completed construction internships through the Alliance’s Construction Skills Development Institute were recognized for their interest and involvement in enhancing the local construction industry. These students are involved in their school’s construction-based curriculums at Benjamin E. Mays High School, Crim Open Campus, Douglass High School, Washington High School, North Clayton High School and Tri-Cities High School.
The conference closed with the much anticipated construction expo/reception. Organizations exhibited their goods and services, including upcoming and available procurement opportunities totaling millions of dollars. Construction companies, technology firms, government agencies and many more were on hand to answer questions and provide detailed information to business owners and representatives interested in opportunities.
