New St. Joseph facility to give a boost to minority and women-owned businesses in construction
MISHAWAKA, 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.
The new Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) facility at Edison Lakes will not only provide another quality healthcare option for area residents, but great opportunity for local businesses.
SJRMC contractors M.A. Mortenson Company and Tonn & Blank Construction have created a plan to open up the door for minority and women-owned businesses and workers who wish to participate in the construction of the new hospital.
"We truly want to be part of the community," SJRMC CEO and President Nancy Hellyer said. "Everyone in the area should benefit from this project. We want to see a positive economic impact have a ripple effect throughout the area."
In place to achieve that impact is a Community Participation Plan for the construction of the $355 million facility, which is expected to be complete in 2009. Multiple-story inpatient towers will provide 254 in-patient private rooms and baths with a hotel-style feeling.
Modeled after an Indiana Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) policy for construction projects, the main components of the plan are aimed at maximizing participation and ensuring that businesses have a successful experience that benefits all parties involved.
"Economically, strengthening this sector of the business community will increase the overall market growth of the region," Hellyer said. "We are thrilled at the chance we have to be a part of that."
The plan is not based solely on figures, but on the idea that participants, especially those owned by women and minorities, will have an opportunity to enhance and further their respective businesses.
What is a Minority Women Business Enterprise (MWBE)?
A MWBE is defined as an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company or joint venture that is at least 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more persons who are U.S. citizens and members of a minority group.
To be eligible to participate, a MWBE must be listed with one of the following organizations at the time of bid submittal:
- City, state or federal agency
- Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
- National Women Business Owner’s Corporation
- National Minority Supplier Development Council
Putting the plan into action
The goal of the plan is to achieve 6 percent Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) participation and 6 percent Women Business Enterprise (WBE) participation with the construction of the new hospital.
"Both firms we are using for this project, 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."
To reach that objective, contractors will create more opportunity for smaller, local contractors in several ways. A community outreach program will aim to build enthusiasm for the venture while maintaining communication with MWBE organizations about the project and chances for bid submittal.
Mortenson and Tonn & Blank will also develop ways to help businesses with limited resources, including providing plans and specifications at no cost. To meet WMBE eligibility, partnerships and joint ventures between smaller entities is also encouraged.
Mortenson and Tonn & Blank will monitor the Community Participation Plan, tracking the level of participation and workforce diversity involved.
For more information, contact Lori Skora, vice president of Facilities Plan/Development for SJRMC at (574) 247-8757.
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