FROM THE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR
Welcome to our Summer issue , which we hope finds you and your loved ones healthy and rebounding from what has been and , for many , still remains a particularly challenging time . Recognizing the devastating effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on small and minority businesses , the Contractor Technical Assistance Program ( CTAP ) has continued its Virtual Business Recovery Series to support contractor stability and growth . We ’ ve also been working closely with County leadership to conduct virtual outreach and educational workshops on behalf of our small and minority contractors . These efforts are outlined in our “ CTAP Workshops and Outreach ” overview on page 4 .
The Cherryland Community Center , shown on our cover and our central story on page 6 represents how working together can allow us to overcome significant obstacles while reaching equity and inclusion goals . GSA ’ s Capital Program ’ s Senior Project Manager Monty Boyd took the reins of this beleaguered project and , by encouraging transparent communication and close collaboration between all stakeholders , was able to successfully see it to completion . Read more about this beautiful new community resource for the Eden Area communities of Ashland and Cherryland .
Bjork Construction , Inc . worked on the Cherryland Community Center Project , hiring and training two first-stage apprentices during the process . Jean Bjork , CEO and principal owner of the company , is profiled in this issue and , in celebration of Women in Construction Week , was featured in our March 15th issue of CTAP ’ s Alameda Contractor Weekly . We invite you to learn more about Jean and her advocacy for and mentorship of women and other underrepresented groups within the trades .
We ’ ve also highlighted Marco Manriquez , owner of Mar Con Builders , Inc . and Mario Wagner , owner of Royal Floors , Inc . – both of whom serve as role models for other minority contractors .
All of the contractors featured have benefited in some way from Alameda County ’ s no-cost Contractor Technical Assistance Program – whether from the individualized guidance and technical support our staff provides , attending educational workshops and training , or being part of outreach and networking events . We are committed to reaching and assisting as many local small contractors as we can , so if you or someone you know is a small contractor within Alameda County , reach out to us and learn more about how we can help you gain the technical , record-keeping and financial management skills needed to pursue public works contracts and grow your business .
We round off this Alameda County Contractor Report with an update on the $ 34 Million Dublin Transit Center Project and the four primes currently shortlisted from the Request for Qualifications stage . The Dublin Transit Center is a great example of the many public works projects which also offer opportunities to qualified small contractors in the County . You ’ ll want to get informed about and follow updates on this project !
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