B/ACE SUMMER
FASHION
SAFE SUMMER
TRAVEL
BRIAN Y. UNION CARPENTER LOCAL 11
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B/ACEPODCAST
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Cont
ents
10. Summer
Fashion
12. Juneteenth
Celebration
14. Project on
the Horizon
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16 Know Your Neigborhood
24 Safe Summer Travel
20 Face of B/ACE
Zen and Juice Yoga
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Subcontractor You Should Know
32
Elle’s Love Life
34
Intren’s Construction Education Program
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EDITOR’S NOTE
S
ummertime Chi is finally here! And after a year of isolation, loosening guidelines by the CDC means that the summer we know and love might finally be in reach.
I love to travel, but I tend to stay put during the summer months because Chicago summers are amazing. The city is full of beautiful parks, and the West Loop is home to some spectacular rooftops, perfect for after-work cocktails and hanging out with friends. I may not be traveling as much, but if you’re planning a summer trip, be sure to read this quarter’s article on safe summer travel.
Rachel Ivy Editor-In-Chief www.bacemagazine.com
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Not only are the temperatures on the rise, but construction is ramping up around the city as well. This quarter features the Chicago O’Hare Cargo Facility Project, a project that is a first of its kind. BOWA Construction, Clayco, and d’Escoto, in concert with Aeroterm, became the first African- American owned Prime General Contractor for an airport cargo facility. It’s one of our favorite projects because our community landscape includes all of the City of Chicago.
Speaking of the city’s landscape, check out our new feature entitled, “Know your Neighborhood.” It includes beautiful photography of the places and faces that make up our city’s colorful neighborhoods. This quarter showcases the beautiful Washington Park, which may be the perfect backdrop for this year’s upcoming Juneteenth Celebration. This issue includes great celebration ideas and even a brief history lesson on why this day is so important to African-Americans. But don’t let your summer celebrations end with Juneteenth. This summer, we have plenty of reasons to celebrate. I may even make up a few holidays just to have a reason to get together with friends and family!
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You can support our efforts to help vulnerable members of the construction community.
Construction Cares provides underserved members of the construction industry with the training, financial, and emotional support they need to remain actively employed in the industry.
DONATE
TODAY!
Visit www.constructioncare.org to donate!
CATCHING UP WITH
CONSTRUCTION CARES
From money management tips to Mother’s Day gifts, Construction Cares has been busy this season. We continue to be a resource to members of the construction industry who need assistance by providing education, financial, and emotional support.
HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE HIGHLIGHTS:
We showed some of our favorite moms in the construction industry a little Mother’s Day love by delivering beautiful handmade gift baskets.
And we rolled out a notecard campaign to check in on some of our CEC candidates we haven’t heard from in a while.
Just in time for tax season, we partnered with 10th District State Representative Jawaharial Omar Williams to present our Tax Tips and Budgeting 101 webinar. Experts in money management and tax preparation shared tips to help participants get their finances in order. As the city opens up, we’re gearing up for more great programs and partnerships this summer. Stay tuned!
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Summer Fashion
EDITOR’S
White tees or white button-ups are my favorites in the summer for guys because they are so versatile. But my rule of thumb is don’t pay too much for it. After one use, it may be a wrap, so budget accordingly.
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SHORTS WITH STYLE I am not a big fan of shorts because of my thigh rubbing tendencies! That’s why I love that biker shorts have made a comeback. I rock them with short t-shirt dresses and cute sneakers or dress them up with a linen blazer and heels for a night out.
BASICS ON A BUDGET
PICKS
LOVIN’ ON LINEN This linen blend tank has the perfect hint of sparkle for the girl that likes to shine!
This pastel suit jacket is perfect for the summer. And it’s pink, which is one of my favorite colors!
SUMMER NIGHTS DONE RIGHT
This draped asymmetric shirt puts me in the mind of Lauren Hill’s classic lyrics, “Like a kiss on a collar bone…”
This pink lipstick is awesome. And it’s made by a Black-owned cosmetic line!
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JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
On Saturday, June 19, African-Americans around the country will celebrate Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Although it is the oldest African-American holiday in our country’s history, you may be wondering what the day is all about.
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President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in January of 1863, declaring freedom for slaves in the Confederate states. But that freedom did not apply to slaves in the border states and other areas controlled by the Union.
HOW YOU CAN CELEBRATE
It would be two and a half years later, on June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to deliver the news to slaves there that they were free. Since that time, African-Americans have celebrated Juneteenth as the official end of slavery in the United States. In 1979, Texas made Juneteenth an official state holiday. Since that time, 47 states and D.C. have followed suit and recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday. There has also been an ongoing push in Congress to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.
Slavery is a painful topic for many Americans, but Juneteenth is a time to celebrate. Here are a few ways you and your loved ones can honor the day and keep your party positive. Get Ready to Grill There’s no better way to celebrate Juneteenth than getting together with friends and family. Plan a COVID-safe cookout with food, outdoor games, and have a good time with your loved ones. If cooking isn’t your thing, support a local Black-owned business and order a delicious spread for delivery. Pump Up the Jams June is Black Music Month, a time to celebrate the contributions Black people
have made to music throughout history. This Juneteenth put together a playlist of your favorite artists’ tracks and get ready to dance. From Stevie Wonder to Kendrick Lamar, you have decades of hits to choose from. Honor Our Ancestors Plan a visit to a museum or historical site in your area that celebrates African-American history and culture. Check the website in advance to see if you need to make reservations or purchase tickets.
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PROJECT
ON THE HORIZON CEC is proud to partner with Aeroterm, the Chicago Department of Aviation (“CDA”), Bowa, Clayco, and d’Escoto Construction to drive community hiring for one of their newest projects, O’Hare Northeast Cargo Phase III Facility. NE Cargo Phase III is the third and final phase of a multi-phase air cargo development at O’Hare International Airport. The facility is targeting LEED Silver certification and will consist of 120,000 sf of warehouse, 10,000 sf of office,and includes the construction of an adjacent ~200,000 sf aircraft apron that accommodates two group VI aircraft. In addition to the building and aircraft apron, the project also includes an extension of an existing taxi lane and access road. This project is the result of an unrivaled collaboration between the Chicago Department of Aviation (“CDA”), Aeroterm, and the Bowa Construction partnership team.
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O’Hare NE Cargo Phase III Facility Project
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Know Your Neighborhood:
Washington Park Washington Park is a South Side gem with a fascinating history. The 370-acre park was designed in the 1870s by landscape architects, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, whose other famous designs include New York’s Central Park and the United States Capitol grounds. The park was named for George Washington, the first President of the United States. A statue of his likeness sits at 51st Street and King Drive.
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The surrounding neighborhood, also called Washington Park, was a popular choice for many African-American families to settle during the Great Migration from the South in the 1920s. The area stretches from 51st Street to 63rd Street and from Cottage Grove to the Dan Ryan Expressway. Washington Park is a family-friendly neighborhood full of stunning architecture, including historic limestone and greystone mansions.
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Neighborhood Highlights: Bud Billiken Parade
DuSable Museum of African American History Founded in 1961 by Dr. Margaret Burroughs, the DuSable Museum is one of the largest museums dedicated to Black history and culture in the country. This South Side treasure is home to over 15,000 works of African-American art and historical artifacts. The museum was named for Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, a Haitian trader who is considered the first non-indigenous resident of Chicago.
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One of the largest AfricanAmerican parades in the country, the Bud Billiken Parade was created in 1929 by Robert S. Abbott, founder of the Chicago Defender. Hundreds of thousands of spectators gather for the annual end-of-summer celebration that includes bands, dance teams, and other performers. The twomile parade route begins in Bronzeville and ends in Washington Park. The Bud Billiken Parade has also provided school supplies and scholarships for area students.
Fountain of Time
Lorado Taft’s Fountain of Time sculpture is located at 59th Street and Cottage Grove. The 125-foot concrete sculpture was dedicated in 1922 and commemorates 100 years of peace between the United States and Great Britain after the War of 1812. The sculpture, which symbolizes the passing of time, depicts 100 people of different ages who are separated from Father Time by a shallow reflecting pool.
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FACE
OF B/ACE For Brian Young, education is everything. He is a firm believer in learning as much as he can about many different subjects, a quality that has helped him both in work and in life. The Chicago-native played lots of sports growing up, including football, baseball, basketball, and track. “I even played volleyball for a little bit,” he laughs.
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Brian Young
Union Carpenter | Local 11
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Young got his first exposure to the trades as a 17-year-old senior at Crane High School. A construction company came to his West Side neighborhood with an initiative to hire local residents. The program allowed Young to work with the company replacing windows in apartments throughout the area. He wasn’t thinking about his future at the time, but Young enjoyed the work he was doing. “I knew I was good with my hands, and I got satisfaction from seeing projects through to completion,” he says.
their wings and showed me things step by step. They didn’t want me to mess up,” he says. Young says that some of the best advice he received was to stay focused on his job and take care of his family. “That was some
of the realest life coaching anyone has ever given me,” he says. And for the father of 11 children between ages 3 and 18, spending time with his kids brings him the most joy. “They give me a lot of energy. Being with my family keeps me sane,” he says.
When Young was ready to get his life on track, he decided to apply his skills and his love of learning to a career in construction. He currently works as a roofer but has training in electrical, carpentry, and plumbing as well. Young says his experience in several different trades is a valuable tool to have on any job. “As a carpenter, when you’re reading blueprints, you have to know what the electrical guy and the plumber are doing,” he says. “Of course, you have to focus on your job. But you want to make it easier for the next trade as well.” For the most part, Young says his experience in the trades has been positive. But like many people of color in the industry, he has experienced some racism on the job. Young says he’s grateful for people who took an interest in his career, and he credits two coworkers with helping him learn the ropes as a roofer. “They took me under
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Safe Summer
The pandemic put everyone’s vacation plans on pause for over a year. But now that vaccinations are becoming more accessible and cases are declining, people are beginning to move around again. As things reopen, you may be feeling the urge to hit the road. But before you book your trip, we’ve got the information you need to keep you and your family safe this summer.
Get Vaccinated
One of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get the COVID-19 vaccination when it is available to you. The CDC recommends people avoid international travel until they are fully vaccinated (two weeks after the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two weeks after one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine). But even fully vaccinated people risk contracting and spreading new COVID-19 variants that may arise, making it more important than ever to adhere to the current CDC recommendations for masking and social distancing while you travel. 24 www.bacemagazine.com
Do Your Research If you are planning an international trip, remember that every location has different safety guidelines, and some destinations remain closed to American travelers. Check out the U.S. Department of State website (travel.state.gov) for an updated list of international travel advisories. Failure to follow the country’s guidelines may result in you being denied entry and forced to return to the United States, and those are not the kinds of memories you want to have of your summer vacay.
Protect Yourself While You Travel As you make your travel plans, look for the safest mode of transportation possible. Traveling by car is generally safest because you aren’t directly exposed to as many people outside your immediate household. But if you have to fly, check to see what the airline is doing to keep passengers safe before booking your flight. Cruise ships also pose a higher risk due to people being in close quarters.
When it comes to lodging, consider staying in an Airbnb with members of your household rather than at a hotel. And when you arrive, plan as many outdoor activities as possible. Spending time at the beach or a national park gives you more opportunities to spread out and be safe. And don’t take a vacation from practicing social distancing, wearing masks when you’re not in the water, and keeping hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol with you in case soap and water aren’t available. 25 www.bacemagazine.com
Be Flexible As variant strains arise and the number of COVID-19 cases fluctuates, you need to prepare for any changes to your travel plans. When booking flights, hotels, and rental cars, look for no change fees and free cancellations in case you have to adjust your plans. You should also consider purchasing travel insurance in case someone in your group gets sick while you’re away.
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If You Get Sick After your trip, if you experience any of the symptoms of COVID-19, stay at home and isolate yourself from others. Call your doctor and let them know about your symptoms so they can advise you on the next steps. But if you experience difficulty breathing, be sure to seek medical care right away.
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Zen and Juice Yoga WANTS TO BRING MORE PEOPLE OF COLOR TO THE MAT
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For nearly a year, the COVID-19 pandemic has crippled families across the country who struggle to deal with the impact of job loss, homeschooling, and other issues. As Americans look for ways to manage their stress, more are turning to yoga for relief. The practice of yoga originated in India over 5,000 years ago and is based on a series of physical poses, meditation, and breathing techniques.
Yoga gained popularity in the United States in the 1920s and 30s as Westerners discovered its mental and physical benefits. However, African-Americans are still less likely than other groups to practice yoga today. But Black yoga instructors like Chicagobased teacher Exavier Pope are trying to change the narrative and make yoga more accessible to Black communities.
Pope believes religious and cultural obstacles often keep Black people from practicing yoga. “We look at it as something we shouldn’t be doing. We think it’s only for white people,” he says. He adds that men often view it as a less strenuous form of exercise meant only for women. “If you combine those things, you can understand why some Black men may be skeptical,” he says. But Pope believes that skepticism could cause some men to miss out on something that is both mentally and physically beneficial.
Pope identifies as a Christian, and says he had a limited picture of yoga’s connection to spirituality before starting his practice. He went into his first class expecting to lose weight but says he ended up getting a whole lot more. He started slowly, but he eventually found himself practicing six times a week. Yoga had become a way of life, and he was hooked. He added cardio and strength training exercises to his regimen, converted to a vegan and gluten-free diet, and lost over 60 pounds. “I think
“Rather than yelling or fussing, we just sit. And it has been super beneficial to our relationship.”
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I’m in better shape than I’ve ever been in my life,” he says. “And I can do handstands.” In 2016, Pope took his practice to the next level and became a Registered Yoga Teacher. With his Zen and Juice Yoga classes, Pope has curated an experience that allows him to deliver what he felt was missing from classes he took, including good music. “I try to make it how I get down. The classes are upbeat, we have a DJ, and there’s way more movement,” he says. His yoga practice has helped him off the mat as well. Pope says yoga has given him more confidence and helps him make better decisions, particularly with his children. “I introduced meditation to my kids as a form of discipline,” he says. “Rather than yelling or fussing, we just sit. And it has been super beneficial to our relationship.”
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“Awareness is a beautiful thing.” Pope believes having more teachers of color can help bring more Black people to the mat. He says he never saw Black instructors in the studio and was often the only Black man in any of the classes he took. He wants to encourage more Black men to remove the prejudice they have about mindfulness so they can reap the benefits of a personal yoga practice. “Brothers need to realize that it’s courageous to say, ‘I need help.’” he says. “Awareness is a beautiful thing.” If you want to try one of Exavier Pope’s yoga classes for yourself. Check out Zen and Juice Yoga at mindbodyonline.com. “The classes are upbeat and challenging,” he says. “The chill part is at the beginning and the end. In the middle, we’re going in.”
Check out Zen and Juice Yoga at mindbodyonline.com
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SUBCONTRATOR YOU SHOULD KNOW INTERVIEW WITH CURTIS FLORENCE PRESIDENT, MBE CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY For Curtis Florence, entrepreneurship runs in the family. So it was inevitable that the Tuskegee University alum would find a way to use his engineering and construction management experience to build a business of his own. As President of MBE Construction Supply, he supplies construction materials to contractors across the city.
We spoke with Florence about how he is trying to open doors for himself and other minority-owned firms in the industry and the creative hobby he enjoys with his six-year-old son.
How did you decide to go into business for yourself? My father had his own pharmacy when I was growing up. I used to go there after school and watch him do his thing. He wasn’t making a ton of money, but he had flexibility with his time. I think that’s how I became interested in entrepreneurship. There aren’t many AfricanAmerican construction supply companies, particularly ones run by men. And in a city that does $6 billion in construction, we should have more representation. I already knew the industry, and I
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was familiar with the procurement rules and the processes. It just made sense for me. Who were your biggest supporters in the beginning? I used to work for Cook County in Capital Planning and Policy, which is the department that oversees construction. I put some feelers out while I was there, and some of the companies doing projects there said they would buy materials from me if I started a company. The decision was easy once I knew I had people who would buy from me.
Suppliers need to be able to offer their customers the best price. How have you been able to stay competitive?
dominant in the category I serve. But I also see myself and doing a small bit of general contracting as well.
My margins are skinny right now until I figure out how to get better relationships for my materials. That takes time, so I’ve been operating without a lot of overhead in the meantime. But I also have an engineering background and 15 years of construction management experience, which means I can consult and offer different perspectives on your project.
What do you like to do when you’re not working? During the pandemic, I started making furniture. I posted a bunch of pictures on Facebook of stuff I made with my son over the summer. It was fun because we like building. My uncles did carpentry, and it fascinated me when I was younger. But I didn’t
have time to get into it until now. What advice would you give someone starting a business? You can come across three types of people, people who don’t care if you fail, people who want to see you fail, and people who will go out of their way to help you succeed. Surrounding yourself with successful, supportive people is the key to having a thriving business.
In a recent article, you wrote that general contractors can help smaller minority and women-owned supply companies by paying on time. Why is this such an important issue for you? This is one of the most important ways larger firms can support disadvantaged businesses. Suppliers need to be paid upfront or within 30 days so they are free to buy more supplies for other customers. The faster we can get our money back, the more business we can do. What are your long-term goals for your business? I think supply is the best place for people to start in this industry, even if you’re interested in general contracting. Before you take on things like union dues and payroll, you need to understand the industry. This way, you can build relationships with a lean business. Starting in supply, you get to know what areas are profitable because your customers will tell you what they make on different types of jobs. Over time, I want to be more
CURTIS FLORENCE
PRESIDENT, MBE CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY
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Elle’s
Love Life
Since things ended with Johnathan, Elle has been in these streets. After a brief online encounter, she’s dealt with everything from clingy exes to guys who just want friends with benefits. Catch up with the latest in Elle’s love life. You know you won’t be disappointed! After things ended with Johnathan, I got right back out there, determined not to let one monkey stop the show. Well, Felix decided to jump in my inbox. He wasn’t bad on the eyes, but I’m being open-minded. I should have just deleted his message and saved us both some time. Felix and I never got a chance to have a real conversation
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or meet face-to-face. Honey, that man was a bit too much for me. He sent me a picture of himself every day. He decided that I wasn’t interested in him because I didn’t talk during our video chat. How could I speak when you did all the talking for 30 minutes? Really, Dude? But hey, I was about to ghost him anyway.
A few years back, I was dating this little chocolate thang. We’ll call him Mr. B. We started as just friends and became each other’s confidants. We hung out countless times. We even spent a few nights together without touching each other – that is, until that one night. After that, we became a couple. And things were great until I went out of town. I had a man when I left Chicago. But when I returned, I was single! Mr. B decided that he still wanted to possess me, just not with the responsibility of a relationship. He didn’t want me to go out with other dudes, even though he knew I wanted to be in a relationship. Some young girls may find this stuff Since then, I have been, as my co-worker put it, “in these streets!” cute. But it is unacceptable for a I’ve been living by the motto, “do me and have fun.” And all I can grown-ass man to think that this say is that it has been an adventure. I decided to take a break is ok. Why play with someone from online dating for a while. But a few of my blessed ex’s have contacted me. I know what you’re thinking, but I’m not going to lie, because you don’t want anyone when Mr. G hit my line, I got a bit moist! I decided to play his little else to have what you don’t game. It had been a while, and your girl needed to have some fun. want? Some women want a man so bad that they’re willing to In the beginning, Mr. G had me feeling like I lived on cloud nine. settle for this type of BS. But not But as they say, all good things must come to an end. Mr. G got a your girl. I’m going to keep it bit too clingy. He wanted to possess me without taking on all of movin’! Until next time… me. Most of my ladies will get what I’m saying. For the others, let me break it down for you.
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PARTN PARTNERING
FOR COMMUNITY
Walk down almost any city street, and it is evident that there is no shortage of construction projects in Chicago. But what is not always as easy to see is that members of low-income and highrisk communities are often left out of the hiring process and not considered for projects taking place in their own communities.
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NERING W
alk down almost any city street, and it is evident that there is no shortage of construction projects in Chicago. But what is not always as easy to see is that members of low-income and high-risk communities are often left out of the hiring process and not considered for projects taking place in their own communities. Utility specialty company, Intren is looking to change that trend. With President and Chief Executive Officer Sherina Maye Edwards at the helm, the company is standing by its commitment to promote diversity and inclusion. The company has partnered with Communities Empowered Through Construction on their Infrastructure Institute Construction Education Program that is helping members of underserved communities gain access to construction employment opportunities. The program helps men and women between the ages of
18 and 30 obtain the skills they need to find long-term construction employment to support themselves and their families. Intren staff and consultants facilitate the six-week program with a curriculum that includes a CDL permit, OSHA 10, Flagger, and Estimator training, along with resume writing and interview skills. Participants must have a high school diploma or GED and complete a drug test, background check, and interview for consideration. Intren Manager of Business Development, Cornell Barnett, says the company did its best to design the program with the participants in mind. “We didn’t want it to interfere with their 9-to-5, so we offered classes on the weekends. And we gave them a stipend to help with things like gas and groceries,” he said. Barnett adds that he was pleased to see the group form a bond during their time together. “It was great to see how close the participants got, working side by side and studying together,” he said.
CEC took the lead on screening the program candidates. LaFrancis Ivy, CEC’s Senior Placement Coordinator, believes that the program provides a valuable entry point for people who may otherwise be overlooked for construction jobs. “Intren’s program has provided these individuals with some great skills and connections that can take them far,” she said. For program participant Monique Haynes, the opportunity to gain direct insight from people in the construction industry was extremely valuable. “Members from Intren sat down with us and shared how they got into the business. We learned about programs that can help us move our careers forward. And now we have a lot of credentials under our belts that can help us,” she said. “I want to be in construction no matter what. I want to get my career off the ground.”
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Program Participants
Program Participants
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www.communities4construction.com
Phone: 312-989-3903 Fax: 312-989-3910 Address: 2532 W. Warren Blvd Chicago, IL 60612
The CEC is committed to the community. We believe that every community has qualified candidates who would love to be a part of the ongoing developments around them. We are constantly looking for potential candidates who are currently working in construction or have a desire to be in the industry. If you are looking to join our network, please complete our Online Application at www.communities4construction.com