Comments on: Where Are DiversityInc’s Black Developer and Builder Stories?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:50:00 +0000

As a black executive with one of the country's largest developers and commercial construction services firm I agree with the statement that there's a lack of diversity in the industry. Perhaps DiversityInc should reach out to other high ranking black executives to garner opinion on how we might collectively remedy this problem. I'd be happy to participate in this effort along with engaging the African American Network Group of CB Richard Ellis.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 06:22:00 +0000

This topic should be explored and developed. As an eco-prenuer and evolving JV partner witha focus towards Green Real Estate Developemnt, I welcome the opportunity to participate and bring content to this message subject.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 06:22:00 +0000

Its interesting that this particular subject has come up, I am a Black contractor and have discussed this issue with a group I belong to (A Black think tank). We’re getting ready to develop and launch a program to get Black contractors to become “certified” minority-owned businesses through the State of California. In our research we have found out that Black contractors are very relunctant to try and become certified, they appear to be “scared off” by the amount of paperwork necessary, the proper insurance, bonding, and financial means in order to perform and government contract. Theres programs that can help these contractors “qualify” financially but, they still need to do the necessary paperwork in order to be considered for certification. Theres plenty of city, county, state and federal government contracts for minority and women-owned businesses (“set asides”), however, Blacks have to make the effort and have the “follow through” in order to land these contracts.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 06:21:00 +0000

Ditto the comment about minority populations w/i the trade industry. Working at a Job Corp center in Albuquerque, NM our population is primarily Native American and Hispanic and our training is largely construction trades. Although, I find the info. in Diversity Mag. very useful and applicable, I have wondered if there might be specific articles pertaining to other than corporate America. Instructing on multicultural awareness is a huge part of the curriculum I teach and I use DiversityInc most of the time. (I'm also a new subscriber) Thanks!!