St. Agnes Hospital is calling all local minority-owned businesses.
The hospital, which is about to begin a $200 million campus revitalization project, hosted a Minority Contracting Fair on Thursday.
About 100 local women- and minority-owned contracting businesses attended the forum, said William Greskovich, vice president of operations at St. Agnes.
“This is an opportunity for contractors to understand the project and have a scope of what?s expected,” Greskovich said. “This kind of levels the playing field, and it?s a good jumping-off point that explains the project.
“This campus will be bustling with projects over the next five years,” he said. “We want to make sure we use local people for this project.”
Minority-owned businesses are eager to work with St. Agnes and the project?s main contractor, Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., said Wayne Frazier Sr., president of the Maryland Washington Minority Contractors? Association.
“I drive by this hospital every day on the way to work, and I wouldn?t see any minority contractors working here,” Frazier said. “This is special. I want to thank St. Agnes for this.”
The contractors appreciated the opportunity to work on an extensive project that will have a positive effect on the community, said U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md.
“It means so much to us. I get tired of seeing minority-owned businesses stuck on the outside looking in,” Cummings said. “This is a time when people can have jobs and care for their families.”
Construction is expected to start in September and end in October 2012. Projects available to contractors include drywall and metal framing, planting and irrigation, fireproofing, flooring and roofing.
“We have a lot of work to do,” said Cale Christensen, project manager for Whiting-Turner. “We?re looking forward for you all being involved.”
The Governor?s Office of Minority Affairs and the Mayor?s Office of Minority and Women Owned Business Development were present at the fair.
ST. AGNES EXPANSION
>> The hospital?s campus revitalization project includes a new patient tower, the renovation and expansion of the cancer center, renovation of patient rooms and the construction of parking garages.
>> About 85 percent of the campus will be improved when the project is complete.
