Latino leaders gather to discuss opportunities on The New Wishard project
- Construction, Diversity, News
- August 17, 2010
- admin
On Tuesday, July 27, some of the city’s most respected Latino leaders gathered with the business community to network and discuss contract opportunities available to minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses through The New Wishard project.
The networking session and panel discussion, “Hispanic/Latino Connection: Making the Contract Connection,” was co-sponsored by several stakeholders, including the Hispanic Business Council of the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Commission of Hispanic and Latino affairs, Indiana State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Garcia Construction, Cabello Associates and OfficeWorks. Presenters discussed upcoming bid packages and successful business strategies to help grow companies.
The New Wishard Diversity Team is taking a unique approach to achieving minority-, women- and veteran-owned participation by targeting outreach efforts to specific minority groups.
“During our outreach events we spotlight prominent individuals that represent the audience we are trying to reach,” said Barbara Holder, The New Wishard Transformation Team’s diversity manager. Each of our outreach efforts are spearheaded by a diverse group of community agencies and organizations.”
The highlight of the morning session included inspiring remarks by Dr. Gerardo Gomez, one of the leading surgeons at Wishard Hospital and Indiana University Level One Trauma Center.
“When I moved to this city, I chose to work at Wishard Hospital because of its commitment to serving the community,” said Dr. Gerardo Gomez. “I am passionate about the work of Wishard and am excited about the community’s involvement in The New Wishard project.”
Dr. Gloria Berlanga King, director of multicultural affairs & Hispanic health, along with the New Wishard Transformation Team shared contract opportunites on The New Wishard project.
“We’re here to let you know that we care about the Latino community and your participation on this project,” said Thomas Ringham, associate vice president of facilities transformation for Wishard Hospital.
Several City officials showed their support for the project’s goals for inclusion of minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses, including Carlos May, the City’s newly appointed director of Latino affairs.
“While it’s nice to see all of these business owners and city leaders present, I’d also like to see members of the community attend these events,” said May. “Integration of business owners, city leaders and community members will bring the entire Latino community to the next level.”
May was joined by Greg Wilson, director of the Department of Minority and Women Business Development for the City of Indianapolis, Virgil Madden of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, State Representative John Bartlett, State Representative Paul Bateman and City-County Councillor Angel Rivera.
Danny Lopez, executive director of the Indiana Commission for Hispanic and Latino Affairs moderated a Latino business owner panel discussion, which included panelists Charlie Garcia, president and CEO of Garcia Construction Group and Kathy Cabello, president of Cabello Associates. The panel discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities for Latino business owners.
“For a new business owner, I understand that it’s hard to find time to attend pre-bid meetings,” said Cabello. “But, it is important so that you understand the certification and bid processes and how your company can be utilized.”
The three-hour event included a presentation by Key Bank on financing and bonding and concluded a question and answer forum.
This event was one of a series of continued efforts presented by The New Wishard Transformation Team and the City of Indianapolis to provide information to increase opportunities for minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses on the New Wishard project to achieve the shared participation goals of 15 percent for minority-owned business, 8 percent women-owned business and 3 percent for veteran-owned business participation.