Hispanic Contractors of Colorado (HCC)
The Hispanic Contractors of Colorado (HCC) was founded in 1990 to create equal access for minority firms in theColoradoconstruction industry, advocating for diversity and for public policy that supports that goal and allows companies to grow. Focused primarily on commercial and public projects, its member companies include general contractors, subcontractors, design/engineering firms, service companies and suppliers to the construction industry, and public entities.
“What sets the Hispanic Contractors of Colorado apart from other contractor associations is our strong focus on public work and little to no involvement with the private sector,” says Executive Director Helga Grunerud, who serves on a wide variety of external boards and committees representing the interests of the membership. “Our greatest legacy is the growth, quality of work, professionalism and integrity of our members.”
Q: What are the benefits of becoming a member?
Our membership consists of some of the largest contractors in theUnited States and some of the smallest inColorado, and the biggest benefits for both are our monthly dinner meetings. It’s the best way to develop relationships that lead to contracting opportunities. Big firms pursuing public projects send people from their bidding and preconstruction departments. And with anywhere from 50 to 90 people at each meeting, it’s a great way for small businesses to connect with large contractors.
Other benefits include a Group Workers’ Comp Program that offers discounts to eligible participants, breakfasts with general contractors where members have the opportunity to visit their offices and meet key people, breakfasts with community leaders, training sessions and various member resources.
Q: What type of assistance do you provide?
The Hispanic Contractors of Colorado educates companies about the certification process with public agencies and helps them register for e-procurements. Certification is key to being able to work in the public sector. If a company is not certified, the prime contractor/consultant pursuing the public project cannot count the company’s participation on the project. For small companies unfamiliar with email, we provide assistance in securing an email address and learning how to use it. Also, iSqFt has provided a computer, so small companies can learn how to utilize an on-line plans room.
Q: What are some of the challenges facing Hispanic contractors in your area?
Getting bonding, insurance and mobilization costs. When you work for a public entity you typically have to wait 30 days to receive the first payment. Considering companies pay their workers weekly and need to buy supplies, it’s tough to wait a month to receive your first check, and many of them have to rely on their credit cards. We try to have public entities urge their contractors to help out with those costs. As for bonding and insurance, bonding companies are reluctant to bond small contractors, so the regional transportation district has developed a self-insurance program so contractors with contracts of less than $500,000 can money to help with bonding and insurance.
Retainage is another big issue we are working on. In public construction, the general contractor is asked by the owner to withhold 10 percent of the payment until work is complete to ensure the job is completed on time and according to contract terms. Sometimes, this payment is withheld 10 months, a year or even two years. We are trying to pass legislation that mandates the retainage be released in a reasonable time.
For more information on HCC, visit hispanic-contractors.org or call (303) 893-3893.
–By Adriana Sibaja
