The following was posted recently by Tri-North Builders.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FMI: Laura Gallagher, 442-6336 or 608-558-0662
URBAN LEAGUE PARTNERSHIPS PAY OFF
When it decided to build a new Center for Economic Development and Workforce Training, the Urban League of Greater Madison knew the bar was set high. The goal for participation of women and disadvantaged business enterprises was 22 percent -- one of the largest percentages ever required for a Madison-area development.
"However, we've actually achieved just over 30 percent," says Tom Thayer, President of Tri-North Builders.
When completed in November, the new Urban League Center for Economic Development and Workforce Training will be a gateway anchor to Madison at 2222 S. Park St., just off the Beltline Highway. Besides its own education, employment, and home ownership programs, the Urban League Center will also host other agencies, such as the South Madison Public Library.
The initial women and disadvantaged business enterprises goal was set by the City of Madison’s Department of Civil Rights, Affirmative Action Division, due to the needs of the community and the purpose of the project. The facility will impact diverse populations.
"It's a beautiful project on the south side of Madison, where the roots of most of the black community began," says DeAngelo Jackson, president of Urban Construction, a local-, county- and state-certified minority contractor participating in the project.
Urban League's environmentally friendly, LEED-certified facility is expected to generate $50 million in economic activity in its first five years. But construction itself has had a financial and social impact already, in several ways. For example, Urban Construction, an African American-owned firm, received some of the largest contracts. Moreover, the company is being mentored for growth by Tri-North Builders.
Why boost a competitor?
"Whatever is good for the community is ultimately good for us, too," says Tom Thayer. "We all work here together, and we want to help Urban Construction succeed."
"Our experience with Tri-North Builders has been great," says Jackson. "They assist us with how to run a business and grow as a business." Tri-North also helps Urban Construction with site management, billing and streamlining business practices.
"They want to help us build for the future," says Jackson.
Earlier this year, the Urban League received a $380,000 challenge grant from the Kresge Foundation. Kresge challenge grants are among the most competitive and prestigious grant awards in the nation. Less than $90,000 remains to be raised by Oct.1 to secure the grant and meet the project’s total fundraising goal of $4 million for the building and the education, employment, and home ownership programs that will operate within it.
Kresge challenge grants are an all or nothing proposition -- if the Urban League doesn’t raise the remaining funds, it will forfeit the entire $380,000 grant. Tri-North Builders has already pledged $60,000 to the challenge grant campaign. In addition, with the help of sub-contractors and suppliers, Tri-North Builders has also made nearly $71,000 in other cash and in-kind donations for the Urban League of Greater Madison, for a total of $131,000.
"Our relationship with Tri-North Builders has been more of a co-development partnership from the outset," says Ed Lee, interim Urban League CEO. "It's kind of a unique arrangement for an institution like the Urban League. They've been working very hard to keep us within, if not below, our budget for the project. They've been working with suppliers to get equipment and other items donated or at deep discounts. It's been a really wonderful experience working with Tri-North Builders."
To learn more about the Urban League of Greater Madison's challenge grant program or to make a contribution, visit www.ulgm.org or phone (608) 251-8550. To learn more about Urban Construction, visit www.urbanconstructionadministrationinc.com. To learn more about Tri-North Builders, visit www.Tri-North.com.
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