Workplace Diversity
Laron Evans is Diverse Business Manager at Burns & McDonnell.
Michelle Word is Business Diversity Director at Burns & McDonnell.
PUF's Steve Mitnick: What are you up to these days in the areas of utility spend and workplace diversity?
Laron Evans: In our T&D Group, we are making certain that we give more and appropriate attention to include diverse businesses on our projects. That involves working closely with our client account managers, project managers and/or anyone who has control over project activities so that every project has a subcontractor plan that includes a sufficient pool of diverse suppliers.
PUF: Burns & McDonnell is a big contractor, but often you have a bunch of smaller subcontractors, so you have to work to make sure that you've got good balance, right?
Michelle Word: We understand the importance and significance of building and maintaining business relationships with teaming partners. However, we do not want any supplier to believe they are guaranteed work. The United States Small Business Administration encourages prime contractors to rotate suppliers, so that other businesses have an opportunity to compete for work. We agree and comply with those standards.
PUF: Why is this good, and why is it good to have diversity?