NAMC-WI responds to WisDOT disadvantaged business report
The National Association of Minority Contractors – Wisconsin (NAMC-WI) on Wednesday responded to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) report on disadvantaged business enterprises after it found disparities for how the study addressed the distribution of state contracts.
Ugo Nwagbaraocha, President of Milwaukee-based construction tools wholesaler Diamond Discs International, has emerged as a leading advocate for contractors of color statewide
Ugo Nwagbaraocha, president of Milwaukee-based construction tools wholesaler Diamond Discs International, has emerged as a leading advocate for contractors of color statewide, lobbying for the state to take a more active role in helping minority-owned firms better compete for federally funded projects.
Tim McMurtry II as organization’s first Executive Director of Infrastructure Business Development
The National Association of Minority Contractors-Wisconsin chapter (NMAC-WI) have hired public affairs and community leader Tim McMurtry II as the organization’s first Executive Director of Infrastructure Business Development.
More inclusive playing field needed for contractors of color, business leader and activist says
When the U.S. Department of Transportation began asking federal, state and local governments to meet goals under its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, the idea was to increase the number of women and minority-owned businesses competing for federally funded transportation contracts.
Nwagbaraocha elected to National Association of Minority Contractors board
Ugo Nwagbaraocha, president and owner of Milwaukee-based Diamond Discs International, has been elected to serve on the national board of directors for The National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC). Nwagbaraocha is also president of the Wisconsin chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors.
Federal infrastructure bill presents opportunities for minority businesses if there’s a commitment from general contractors
The $550 billion federal infrastructure bill, signed into law last November, has the potential to provide significant boosts in business for minority contractors – but it will take persistence.
Diamond Discs Owner Advocates for Diversity in Area’s Business Community
Ugo Nwagbaraocha, who owns construction tools and safety equipment distributor Diamond Discs International, has been on a mission to change the overall business community’s perception of Black-owned businesses in Milwaukee.
Notable Minority Executives: Adonica Randall
Adonica Randall, president and CEO of Pewaukee-based Abaxent, LLC, is the leader of the only technology solutions company that is a certified minority/woman-owned business by an African American.
Notable Minority Executives: Ugo Nwagbaraocha
Ugo Nwagbaraocha, president of Milwaukee-based Diamond Discs International, grew his company during the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to serve as a leader for Milwaukee’s diverse community of business owners.
SBA presents the 2020 Minority Small Business Champion Award
On Thursday, September 10, 2020, the Small Business Administration (SBA) presented its annual Minority Small Business Champion Award to Diamond Discs International President Ugo Nwagbaraocha at Diamond Discs International offices, 9300 W. Heather Ave.
Mitchell, Mercado to guide Supplier Diversity Initiatives
Michels has selected a construction veteran and a community outreach professional to lead our Supplier Diversity program. Brian Mitchell, PE, is Supplier Diversity Manager. Stephanie Mercado is Supplier Diversity Specialist.
Why Many Black-Owned Businesses Are on The Brink
COVID-19 is ravaging many businesses, but historical handicaps have put Black-owned firms closer to the edge.
The Phelps family is building a name in construction
This was an opportunity to change the trajectory of the Phelps’ family career path and create a new legacy for the family name.
Acquisition Creates one of the Largest Women- and Minority-owned Engineering Firms in the Midwest
In a strategic move that will result in one of the largest women- and minority-owned engineering firms in the region, TranSmart Technologies, Inc. has announced its acquisition of Chicago-based EJM Engineering, a company specializing in planning, design, construction engineering and program management of infrastructure projects.
Construction Exec Helps Others on Way Up: James Phelps Jr.
Before an early February meeting, a JCP Construction worker discovered a 2008 business plan from around the time the company was founded. It came off the shelf, and president James Phelps Jr. took a look. He recognized milestones JCP Construction has hit since he helped write the business plan more than a decade ago. Like Phelps, the plan was ambitious.
Call To Action
Another federal appeals court found government programs offering a leg up in highway construction work to disadvantaged businesses to be constitutional.
Message From Wendell Stemley, NAMC President
As a leading proponent for diversity and inclusion in the construction industry, the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) has made advocating for continued improvements to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program a key legislative initiative in 2016.
Balfour Beatty Chief Operating Officer Eric Stenman Talks About Supplier Diversity in a Letter to NAMC President Wendell Stemley
The U.S. economy continues to improve on the heels of the great recession and that’s good news for the construction industry. Supplier diversity, an important and beneficial business practice, continues to grow as the number of minority-owned organizations increase.
Member Spotlight: Hilton O. Smith, Emeritus Namc Board Member
Hilton Smith, Senior Vice President, Turner Construction (retired), became a NAMC National Board member 44 years ago.
NAMC Board of Directors Meeting, Congressional Breakfast, and Legislative Forum – Washington, DC
The NAMC 2016 Congressional Breakfast was held on Capitol Hill on September 15, 2016 at the Rayburn House Office Building.
Member Company Spotlight: Platt Construction, Inc.
Dick Platt’s lifelong dream was to play professional football. While playing for the Marine Corps, he was given an opportunity to try out for the San Diego Chargers and won an offer to play for them, but while playing for the Marine Corps, Dick was tackled and taken down from the side at the knees.