This month, NASBP and the U.S. Hispanic Construction Association (USHCA), a U.S.-based trade association representing Hispanic construction business owners and executives, announced that the two organizations have formalized an agreement to improve the business knowledge and capabilities of the construction business community through outreach and education, so Hispanic-owned construction businesses can enhance their ability to qualify for surety credit.
The USHCA is a non-profit trade association driven by a commitment to the advancement and growth of Hispanic businesses in the construction industry.
Executives of NASBP and USHCA agree that the new alliance will increase each organization’s offerings to their respective members. Frank Lopez (pictured), President and CEO of the USHCA, said, “I am pleased that we have entered this agreement with such a dynamic industry association. Our alliance will facilitate establishment of a variety of collaborative strategies that will increase access to critically important business development resources for Hispanic construction contractors. Such resources will ensure equitable access to capital through financing, bonding and surety. I look forward to much collaboration between us and our respective organizations moving forward this year.”
This past fall NASBP invited Lopez to make a presentation before the NASBP Board and to discuss various ways the associations could liaison. “Over several months of discussions, we realized the opportunities for each other and the value of forming a relationship and jointly pursuing our mutual interests,” said Mark H. McCallum, Chief Executive Officer of NASBP. “We are excited to work with the USHCA in building resources for Hispanic-owned businesses so that they are positioned for surety credit," McCallum said. The bond producer community will be encouraged to become involved actively in each organization’s efforts to assist Hispanic-owned construction businesses, he added.
The agreement describes how the two associations will join efforts to assist Hispanic-owned construction businesses with bonding awareness, education and readiness. In addition, the alliance will advance both organizations’ dialogue about legislation, regulations, and policies that impede Hispanic-owned construction businesses from obtaining bonding. Overall, the alliance expedites both organizations’ exchange of information, expands the knowledge of industry issues facing their respective members, and combines their networks of knowledge and resources for mutual use.
For more information about the U.S. Hispanic Construction Association, visit
www.ushcassociation.com.