11/13/2008
Representatives of the construction industry joined with officials of the Public Building Commission of Chicago today during the PBC’s 3rd Annual Contractor Open House, held at the Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd.
With the theme of “Building a Better Chicago,” the open house allowed the PBC to share with vendors and contractors detailed information about the projects being developed and bid in 2009. The open house also explained the process by which those companies can be a part of these endeavors. More than 200 individuals attended the event.
“Chicago is a truly dynamic place to live, work and play,” said PBC Executive Director Erin Lavin Cabonargi. “The city is changing everyday for the better. The type of change the PBC institutes is beneficial because it provides new and enhanced opportunities for city services. We need qualified construction contractors that are ready and able to perform if we are to be successful in 2009 and beyond.”
The open house featured presentations on new procedures the PBC is using to accelerate its payment system, on project level staffing, on prompt decision making and on the organization’s commitment to expanding opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses.
Also discussed were the processes through which companies can pursue work through the PBC, the pre-qualification of general contractors and the steps for MBE/WBE certification and participation. The presentations concluded with a listing of the projects the PBC expects to bid in 2009, projects which include new schools and new libraries, as well as police and fire stations. A quarterly program forecast was distributed, detailing the schedule for all prospective projects.
The open house gave general contractors an opportunity to ask PBC officials questions about specific issues while allowing potential subcontractors to network with general contractors and PBC representatives. It also provided a forum for learning more about licensing and apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs offered by the city and state.
Exhibitors included the City of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Licensing, the Department of Procurement, the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development, the Chicago Public Schools’ Department of Career and Technical Education (ACE Technical Charter High School and the New Skill Builders program), the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the City Colleges of Chicago’s Dawson Technical Institute.
Download the presentation from this event.
The PBC manages construction and renovation projects for the City of Chicago, the Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Public Library and other sister agencies. Mayor Richard M. Daley serves as the PBC’s Chairman. Additional information about the PBC and its projects is available at the agency’s Web site: www.pbcchicago.com.