CU Campuses Partner, More Opportunities for MWL Businesses

By
Office of the Executive Vice President
July 14, 2011

For the past 4 years, Columbia University's Morningside campus Facilities has been introducing its team of skilled project managers to the men and women behind many minority-, women-, and locally-owned (MWL) construction businesses through its monthly Meet and Greet program. On July 14, 2011, the Meet and Greet program was expanded to include the Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) at the first joint MWL Meet & Greet. Held at the Medical Center campus, the program increases opportunities at the University for MWL contractors and helps to advance the University's overall commitment to MWL firms.  

"The Meet & Greets support the University's MWL goals and are an important opportunity for MWL contractors to forge relations with key contacts within the University," says La-Verna Fountain, Associate Vice President, Columbia University Facilities Construction Business Services & Communications.

Columbia University has a long-standing commitment to working with MWL business enterprises, whether by establishing purchasing relationships with vendors, entering into consulting agreements for services, or contracting for construction, renovation, or repair services. The University is committed to having 35% MWL participation in its subcontracting for total construction, maintenance, and repair spend and 40% MWL participation for its work force. Columbia tracks its sub-contracting and labor force participation on all capital projects undertaken by the University.   

"This program is a win-win for both the University and MWL firms. With its success, I'm looking forward to our continued University-wide partnership on additional MWL efforts," says Diana Mejia, Associate Director of Capital Project Management, Columbia University Medical Center. 

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