AGENCY SPOTLIGHT : DOUGLAS BOND to finish the project . From her own professional vantage point , Andrea Lowe , principal of Lowe Consulting Group , has observed what a struggle it can be to get primes to adhere to the inclusion of local and underrepresented contractors and workers . She found her experience on the Cherryland Community Center Project refreshingly different . “ Monty was resourceful , asked insightful questions and shared pertinent information at each meeting and everyone worked together to ensure that Alameda County ’ s equity and inclusion goals were not only met but exceeded .”
Detail view of laser cut Cherryland awnings
During construction , four new first-stage apprentices , who typically face significant barriers to employment , were hired –
two by Bjork Construction , a woman-owned company subcontracted to help complete the Project . Jean Bjork , CEO and principal owner of Bjork Construction ( highlighted for Women in Construction week in CTAP ’ s March 15th Alameda Contractor Weekly ), has a long history of hiring and mentoring local workers into long-term careers in the construction industry and is proud of her company ’ s positive impact . “ Through the trades and construction , we are able to help improve and beautify our neighborhoods while providing hands-on training and gainful employment within our communities .” Bjork Construction contributed woodworking , carpentry and other construction skills to the Cherryland Community Center Project .
“ The Cherryland Community Center Project proves that even with unforeseen challenges , it is possible for large-scale projects to meet the County ’ s equity , inclusion and sustainability goals and we want to see a lot more outcomes like these .”
— Supervisor Nate Miley
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