New SJRMC Facility to Boost Minority and Women-Owned Businesses
September 8, 2006 -- With the construction of its new facility at Edison Lakes, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center will create many opportunities for some of the smallest businesses in the area, once construction begins on the 254-patient room hospital.
Local women and minority-owned contractors will have the chance to participate in construction of the $355 million facility, thanks to a program developed by the facility contractors, M.A. Mortenson Company and Tonn & Blank.
"Economically strengthening this sector of the business community will increase the overall market growth of the region," said Nancy R. Hellyer, SJRMC's President and CEO. "We are thrilled at the chance to be a part of that as we continue to take advantage of opportunities to provide more than quality healthcare to the communities we serve."
The Community Participation Plan will create opportunities for women and minority-owned business enterprises, with the help of outreach programs aimed to build enthusiasm and maintain communication. The plan is not based on figures, but on the idea that participants will have an opportunity to enhance and further their respective businesses.
Mortenson and Tonn & Blank will develop ways to help businesses with limited resources, including providing plans and specifications at no cost. The goal is to achieve 6 percent Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) participation and 6 percent Women Business (WBE) participation.
"Both firms we are using, Mortenson and Tonn & Blank, have had great success in developing and implementing these programs," Hellyer said. "They strive to achieve real lasting benefits to the project and the community."
The new, state-of-the-art Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center at Edison Lakes is being designed with a focus on maximizing patient safety and operational efficiencies. Two multiple-story inpatient towers will provide 254 private in-patient rooms and baths with a hotel-style feeling. The project is expected to be complete by Fall 2009.
For more information, please contact Lori Skora, SJRMC's Vice President of Facilities Plan/Development at (574)-247-8757.
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