On December 14, the Women Construction Owners & Executives, USA (WCOE), a national association representing women owners and executives in the construction industry, and NASBP formalized an agreement to provide mutual assistance and support to improve the business environment for the construction industry through outreach and education.

Established in 1984, WCOE is dedicated to creating a level playing field for women-owned firms in the construction industry and represents large and small woman-owned firms, as well as executive women in policymaking positions with some of the largest construction corporations in the country. WCOE advocates for issues important to women who have entered the non-traditional construction arena. Whether through providing equal access to federal contracting opportunities, opposing onerous federal regulatory burdens, supporting expanding access to business financing, or participating in Congressional hearings, WCOE represents business interests as professionals.

By working together, WCOE and NASBP efforts will be enhanced to be more efficient and effective. With the agreement, the two organizations anticipate that the flow of information will be expedited, industry knowledge of issues facing the members of both parties will be expanded, and two large networks of knowledge and resources will be combined for mutual use.

Included among the benefits of working together will be the ability to address diversity. As cultural, ethnic, and gender diversity issues continue to come to the forefront on legislative agendas, this partnership could not have come at a better time. The surety industry will be able to show their dedication to businesses of all kinds whilst women-owned construction firms will receive the recognition and publicity they deserve.

Executives of both organizations agree that the alliance enhances each organization’s capabilities and offerings to their respective members. Penny Pompei, CAE, National Executive Director of WCOE, stated, “I am delighted that we have been able to seal our strategic alliance partnership so quickly and look forward to combining efforts with NASBP to support and to oppose issues of concern to both of our organizations.”

“We too look forward to nurturing and growing our new alliance,” related Mark H. McCallum, Chief Executive Officer of NASBP. “In fact, we have already translated the words of the agreement into actions,” McCallum said. “NASBP will present on current bonding issues during WCOE’s Annual Congressional and Leadership Conference to be held February 4-7, 2012 in Washington, DC, and we have provided WCOE information about the benefits to its members of the recently introduced federal bill, HR 3534, The Security in Bonding Act.”

For more information about WCOE go to www.wcoeusa.org.

Penny Pompei
National Executive
Director
WCOE, USA