Balfour Beatty Construction Recognized For Diversity Efforts With Charlotte Chamber's Belk Innovation in Diversity Award.

Emerging Contractor Program Helps Minority Firms Gain Skills, Experience

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Balfour Beatty Construction has been named the winner of the Charlotte Chamber's 2009 Belk Innovation in Diversity Award for its commitment to helping minority- and women-owned firms in the construction industry acquire the skills and experience they need to succeed and grow.

The award, presented to Balfour Beatty at the Chamber's annual meeting Nov. 16, recognizes Balfour Beatty's ongoing diversity efforts through the firm's Emerging Contractor program. Under the program, Balfour Beatty teams with small building subcontractors and suppliers on projects and provides oversight and instruction with the ultimate goal of positioning them to take the lead role on future projects.

"It is truly an honor to be chosen for this award, especially in a community where so many companies do so much to promote diversity and the growth of small minority- and women-owned businesses," said Bill Blank, president of Balfour Beatty Construction's Southeast Division. "Balfour Beatty applauds the efforts of the Charlotte Chamber to recognize and strengthen diversity as a key component of corporate citizenship."

Balfour Beatty has contracted more than $350 million in project work to small minority-and women-owned businesses in construction since 2001, according to Calvin Stevens, director of community relations and diversity for Balfour Beatty Construction. Providing project opportunities is just the beginning of a six-step partnership designed to help firms take their business to the next level.

The United Minority Contractors of North Carolina previously honored Balfour Beatty for its role in supporting minority contractors, naming the firm "Corporation of the Year" in 2007.

About Balfour Beatty Construction

Balfour Beatty Construction, with Carolinas operations based in Charlotte, has been a leader in the U.S. commercial construction industry for 76 years, providing general contracting, at-risk construction management, design-build, preconstruction, public/private and turnkey services for clients nationwide. The company employs 1,750 professionals, including 464 in its Southeast Division, and is part of London-based Balfour Beatty plc, a leading international engineering, construction, and investment business exceeding $16 billion in annual revenues. For more information, visit www.balfourbeattyus.com.