Largest-ever group graduates NYSAMC contractors class.

The New York State Association of Minority Contractors (NYSAMC) graduated the largest--ever class of contractors from its third series of construction management training at Medgar Evers College.

The classes were a part of the group's responsibilities under the Atlantic Yards Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) to provide technical assistance and education to minority/ women owned businesses. Fifty-seven contractors celebrated their "graduation" from the twice-weekly training sessions which were held over seven weeks at the Medgar Evers College School of Business--classes sponsored by NYSAMC, Bovis Lend Lease, Medgar Evers College and Forest City Ratner Companies.

"This training gives these contractors the knowledge they need to take their businesses to the next level," said Bruce Ratner, FCRC president and CEO. "That's why it was such a crucial component of the small business initiatives that are a part of the Atlantic Yards CBA."

While many minority/women-owned contractors are highly skilled in their own areas of expertise, many have never had proper training on the administrative side of the business.

The workshops were designed to provide MWBE contractors with the answers to these issues and help them to be able to bid on larger jobs. The classes were coordinated by Len Britton, executive director of NYSAMC and his staff along with Dome Edwards, senior manager Supplier Diversity at Bovis.

NYSAMC, along with its partner Brooklyn United for Innovative Local Development (BUILD), signatories to the Atlantic Yards Community Benefits Agreement, negotiated that 20% of construction dollars for the Atlantic Yards project will be awarded to minority-owned contractors and ten percent will go to women-owned contractors.