As America’s workforce becomes increasingly diverse, the construction industry needs to embrace principles of diversity and inclusion. With projected shortages of skilled construction workers looming, construction companies also have an increasing need to attract new members to their workforces.
In her article, Leveling the Playing Field: Certifying Businesses in the Construction Industry, published in the 2021 February edition of For the Defense, author and Larson • King attorney Caryn Boisen makes the case for business certifications as a way for construction companies to successfully incorporate diversity practices and as a way to level the playing field for non-majority owned businesses.
Examples of certifications include the Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certification and the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification. “Various federal, state, local, and private programs exist to promote these [certified] businesses and increase their participation in contracting opportunities,” explains Caryn. “Progressive construction companies realize that incorporating diversity practices into their operation will increase their profit and market share,” she notes.
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