“Constructing Success” workshop moves to the Metrodome

March 16 event helps women/minority-owned and small businesses compete in large construction contracts

Contact: Bonnie Kollodge
651.602.1357

ST. PAUL--Feb. 27, 2007--Local government, public agencies and businesses are partnering to present the “Constructing Success: Business Skill Development Workshop” for women-owned, minority-owned, and small construction-related firms on March 16 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The 2007 workshop theme is “Getting in the Game” and will focus on providing participants with information and business strategies that they can use to secure contracts on upcoming construction projects such as the Central Corridor light rail project, proposed sports stadiums, and a multitude of private projects in the region.

“Our job is to support these businesses and help them prepare to take advantage of the construction surge that these large public, quasi-public, and private projects represent,” said Wanda Kirkpatrick, Director of Equal Opportunity and Diversity at the Metropolitan Council. “We have a very diverse group of partner agencies supporting this effort, which allows us to provide a variety of networking and skill building opportunities.”

Highlights of the day-long workshop include a pep rally led by Bill Lester, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, workshops by trainers from Dale Carnegie and Leonard, Street, and Deinard, a keynote presentation by former Minnesota Viking Dr. Leo Lewis, and a networking mixer on the Twins’ baseball diamond.

Registration is $50 per person. Interested business owners can register by calling Rocci Lueck at the Association of Women Contractors Minnesota at 763-413-0711 or emailing awcmn@msn.com. The registration deadline is March 9, 2007.

Partner organizations include: Association of Women Contractors Minnesota, Associated General Contractors of Minnesota, City of St. Paul, Hennepin County, Minnesota Ballpark Authority, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Airports Commission, National Association of Minority Contractors, Metropolitan Economic Development Association, Metropolitan Council, Ramsey County, Rani Engineering, Small and Disadvantaged Business Development Council and the University of Minnesota.

Any one who needs more information about the event can call Roderic Southall at the Metropolitan Council at 651-602-1184 or email him at Roderic.Southall@metc.state.mn.us.

The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization in the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Council runs the regional bus and light rail system, collects and treats wastewater, coordinates regional water resources, plans regional parks and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families. The Council board is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Governor.

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