As the Layton team moves forward on the University Health Retama Park Community Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, we’ve surpassed an ambitious diversity goal. Through continued efforts across our organization and on this project in particular, we’ve ensured 40% of trade partners are small-, women-, disabled-, veteran-, and minority-owned business enterprises (SWDVMBE)—setting a new standard for inclusion in large-scale construction projects.
Not only do these diverse businesses account for a large portion of the trade work, they also make up 40% of the project’s overall budget. We’re proud to hit this important target, as it reflects our commitment to empowering small businesses and driving economic growth in the communities we serve.
“From the outset, we recognized that reaching our 40% diversity goal would be challenging and require a concerted effort across our organization,” said Sr. Preconstruction Manager Randall Gunn. “We implemented a comprehensive strategy that included targeted advertising, community outreach meetings, and Trade Partner Equity Program (TPEP) classes. Our aim was to identify and engage every qualified diverse company. We also integrated this 40% target into our bid process, encouraging all potential partners to prioritize diversity in their proposals. These multifaceted efforts were key to achieving our goal.”
Reaching this milestone was no small feat. The supplier diversity team, under the direction of Vice President Cherelle Cortez, implemented a series of strategic initiatives to engage and support SWDVMBE partners. These efforts included the following:
- Trade Partner Equity Program (TPEP) Training: The team provided on-site training to help trade partners understand and meet project requirements. This hands-on approach ensured SWDVMBE partners were well-equipped to succeed on Layton projects.
- Outreach and Advocacy: Layton engaged with community leaders and advocacy organizations to raise awareness about the project. This proactive outreach helped to build trust and open doors for minority-owned businesses in the construction sector.
- Workshops and Communication: The supplier diversity team hosted workshops and collaborated with Layton’s marketing department to disseminate information through various channels, including social media. These efforts were specifically designed to encourage participation from minority subcontractors and increase their visibility in the industry.
These initiatives highlight the importance of building strong relationships within the minority community, demonstrating our commitment to growth and inclusion. By going beyond mere recruitment and actively investing in the success of SWDVMBE partners, we’re creating a more robust and diverse construction ecosystem.
Moving Forward
The collaboration between Layton’s project teams and the supplier diversity team has proven to be a powerful force for positive change in the communities we serve.
Looking ahead, we’re energized to build on this success. Our commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion remains steadfast, as we continue to innovate and expand our efforts. By doing so, we aim to not only maintain Layton’s position as a leader but also to inspire industry-wide change. Our goal is clear: create a construction landscape where supporting SWDVMBEs and fostering community growth are integral to every project we undertake.
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