You might say Asheville is in a construction boom. One look at our skyline alone shows towering cranes with workers bustling below, building, bringing the city to new heights.
In response to this climate of large-level projects, the WNC Diversity Engagement Coalition — of which the City of Asheville is a member — will host Economic Summit Asheville from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 15 at the U.S. Cellular Center, 87 Haywood St.
The summit’s intent is to raise awareness about the amount of construction contracting in our region by local, state, federal and private industries. Discussions will focus on how the more than $3 billion in economic opportunities can impact the local economy and stimulate more diversity and inclusion. Come get information on how minority businesses can connect with large government, prime contractors, design firms, subcontractors and suppliers. This event will also include opportunities for local minority businesses to network with agencies building big projects, such as Mission Hospital.
Target groups include:
- Design and construction firms
- Procurement and purchasing departments
- Private companies with construction projects
- Service industry
- Nonprofits working with labor-force development
- Education leaders (high school and higher education)
The WNC Diversity Engagement Coalition has a subgroup known as the Supplier Diversity Committee with members such as the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, UNC Asheville, A- B Tech, MAHEC and Mission Health, along with other nonprofits and business supports, including Green Opportunities and Sustainable Community Resources.
Did we mention there is an estimated $3 billion in projects coming to our area? Come meet the contractors overseeing construction at UNCA, City of Asheville, Buncombe County, MAHEC and Mission Hospital as well as others
This conference will be a one-day event to assess the economic impact of these many projects and consider new strategies in workforce development, labor needs and training opportunities.
Come learn about how these organizations are working to address minority inclusion and what projects they have coming up.
Attendance is affordable. Individual tickets are $25, an exhibitor booth costs $500. You must register in advance with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. Here is the link to registration.
For more information, call Evon Smith of Sustainable Community Resources at 336-355-8697.