CONSTRUCTION PARTNERING PROGRAM (CPP)

Partnering programs are composed of pairs of one established and one developing firm from the Twin Cities area. The goal of the Construction Partnering Program, and the new A&E Partnering Program, is to partner developing firms of color and women - owned businesses with larger, established corporations that can provide guidance, expertise and industry connections.

The Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA) manages and facilitates the program along with our partners, the Association of Women Contractors (AWC) and the National Association of Minority Contractors - Upper Midwest (NAMC-UM). The City of St. Paul has provided partial financial support for the CPP since 2007 in the form of a contract for services with MEDA. In 2010, MEDA extended NAMC-UM a subcontract to help MEDA in its management of the Construction Partnering Program. A similar contract was given to the Association of Woman Contractors.

CPP Awards for 2009

Each year the Construction Partnering Program Awards honor companies' efforts to include women-
and minority-owned contractors in their projects. Winners of the 2009 awards included two NAMC-UM
members along with a Partnering Agency.

Partnership of the Year: Bald Eagle Erectors, Eagan, and The Sowles Co., Eagan.

General Contractor of the Year: Shaw-Lundquist Associates Inc.

The Shining Star of Excellence Award: University of Minnesota
 
NAMC and MEDA's Role
• Match established firms with developing women and entrepreneurs of color and help develop the partnering relationships.
• Provide business development services to the partners
• Manage the monthly CPP meetings
• Promote and grow the CPP program

CPP Program Goals
• Develop ongoing, mutually beneficial partnerships between women and entrepreneurs of color and established firms in the construction industry.
• Provide access to projects and contract opportunities for women and entrepreneurs of color.
• Build capacity in terms of revenue and employment.
• Increase the visibility of the CPP program in the Twin Cities area.

Key Benefits to CPP Partners
• Contract opportunities within the partnering relationship.
• Increased access and opportunites for professional learning.
• Increased potential to bid on municipal and private projects.
• Professional growth as a business owner.
• Opportunities to network with businesses throughout the construction industry.