RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF OCTOBER 21, 2010
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing the Black Contractors United 29th Annual Awards Dinner
Body
WHEREAS, over 40 years ago, a number of African-American tradesmen came together in a barbershop for fellowship and to share information on the future of the construction trade and their place in it; and
WHEREAS, shortly thereafter, in 1968, the Tradesmen Club was founded based on the same principles; and
WHEREAS, the Tradesmen Club expanded its outreach and partnered with the Chicago Urban League and together designed a plan that would facilitate the matriculation of 110 African-American men into the construction industry; and
WHEREAS, those courageous, optimistic and far-sighted participants, overcame adversity and were mentored by volunteers, including Taylor Cotton, Bob Anderson, and James Pleasant to become successful businessmen; and
WHEREAS, at nearly the same time, the Westside Builders, later known as the United Builders Association, came into existence, affiliated itself with the National Association of Minority Contractors with the purpose of addressing the needs and concerns of African-American Contractors throughout the nation; and
WHEREAS, subsequently, in 1974, Black Contractors United was formed, consolidating the talented and committed members of the Tradesmen Club, the Chicago Urban League, the United Builders Association, and the Chicago Economic Development Community Organization, to name a few; and
WHEREAS, since its inception, Black Contractors United has helped pave the way for unprecedented African-American participation in massive retail, residential/high rise and public works construction projects; and
WHEREAS, through its diligent efforts, the Black Contractor United assisted in establishing the widely accepted employment and procurement goals of 25% spending awarded to minority-owned business and 5% of spending to be awarded to women-owned business; and
WHEREAS, the development of minority business enterprises is in the best interests of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, the State of Illinois and the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, this recognition is evinced by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s adoption and continuing advocacy of a policy which supports the legitimate aspirations of minority communities and businesses within its jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, on October 28, 2010, Black Contractors United will sponsor its 29th Annual Awards Dinner at the Intercontinental Chicago Hotel
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and staff, hereby join in recognizing the Black Contractors United 29th Annual Awards Dinner; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to Black Contractors United.
Dated: October 21, 2010
Approved: TERRENCE J. O’BRIEN, President; KATHLEEN THERESE MEANY, Vice-President; GLORIA ALITTO MAJEWSKI, Chairman, Committee on Finance; FRANK AVILA; PATRICIA HORTON; BARBARA J. MCGOWAN; CYNTHIA M. SANTOS; MARIYANA T. SPYROPOULOS; DEBRA SHORE Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Approved as to Form and Legality: Frederick M. Feldman, General Counsel