HACIA Chicago – providing tools to ensure equal access to opportunities
The Hispanic American Construction Industry Association – HACIA Chicago – has promoted the growth, quality of work, professionalism and integrity of minority- and woman-owned construction-related businesses within the city of Chicago and across the Midwest for 30 years. By providing the tools they need to ensure equal access to opportunities and advocating for public policy that benefits minority construction firms, HACIA Chicago is pushing the Hispanic community beyond their traditional role in the industry and into leadership positions as top-level service providers.
“Running a business takes a lot of effort, and in order to be successful, individuals have to find the tools and resources to expand their ability to be competitive,” says HACIA Chicago Executive Director Paul Cerpa. “HACIA Chicago provides a host of programs that address these needs, and provides a direct dialogue with the private and government sectors so that they can promote themselves individually and participate in the mainstream industry.”
Q: Who joins HACIA?
A: With more than 300 members, HACIA welcomes all businesses, regardless of the ethnicity of their owners. Members are construction companies, architectural firms, engineers, design agencies, suppliers, and other industry-related businesses, such as law firms, banks and financial institutions.
Q: What are the benefits of membership?
A: Aside from basic services like meetings, membership directory, committees, referrals, online bid information, web-based marketing and access to exclusive savings, members can receive consulting services for private and public construction projects, contractor outreach activities and more.
Q: What technical and supportive services does HACIA offer?
A: We offer minority certification assistance, small business development seminars and supportive services to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), safety training, and workforce recruitment and advancement assistance. HACIA is also embarking on green building and sustainability initiatives, and recently created a committee for LEED certification.
Q: What type of networking activities does HACIA sponsor?
A: We help members establish business networks through a variety of major events, including a golf outing; the HACIA Awards Banquet, the largest construction event in the Midwest; and a scholarship luncheon.
HACIA’s contractor outreach activities, one of the organization’s most popular services, have created success on numerous public and private construction projects. Drawing from its membership and industry partners, HACIA connects builders and developers with trusted contractors and businesses that deliver a full spectrum of quality services.
If a project specifies use of minority contractors, HACIA can reach out specifically to firms certified as Minority-owned, Woman-owned or Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (M/W/DBE). Additionally, HACIA verifies that identified firms are current with certification requirements and in good standing with public agencies.
For more information and a complete list HACIA programs and services, visit www.haciaworks.org or call (31….
Learn construction estimating
HACIA Chicago sponsors The Construction Estimating Workshop each year to help businesses be more successful throughout the entire procurement process, enhance operations and improve their overall competitiveness.
Description: This three-week course consists of hands-on instruction on the techniques, systems and conditions in which profit is the bottom line to all costs. After reviewing the cost-estimating process, participants are divided into teams to work on a real-life project.
Cost: $99 for each attendee. Fees can be applied towards HACIA Chicago membership or renewal.
