AGCMN Receives Diversity, Inclusion Excellence Award

Associated General Contractors of Minnesota was honored recently with the 2023 AGC of America Chapter Diversity & Inclusion Excellence Award. Among the 89 state chapters of Associated General Contractors of America, AGC of Minnesota stood out for its work in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion over the past year.

“The award validates our chapter’s commitment to delivering cultural change to the Minnesota construction industry and to how important it is to being intentional about DE&I principles and values,” said Tim Worke, CEO. “Change does not happen by itself or without conviction and dedication to principles. Intentionality is the pathway to successful change, and we are proud that our efforts in the DE&I space have been recognized as exceptional and best in class.”

Factors that influenced the award:

• AGC of Minnesota hired a Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (Yolanda McIntosh) in 2020, committing resources to meeting the challenges of increased diversity in the construction industry head on.
• The creation of a DEI Leadership Council and DEI Committee to foster inclusion among membership
• A DEI Awards program was launched in 2022, publicly recognizing member firms for their DEI successes
• Participation among Minnesota firms in Culture of CARE increased exponentially in the past year.
• Focus and energy put into the issue of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in the construction industry.

“This award serves as a public service announcement that, here in Minnesota, our chapter is a force to be reckoned with,” said McIntosh. “I am so grateful to our staff, members, the DEI Leadership Council, Community Allies, and especially our board of directors for their unwavering commitment and support. It is a true honor for me to serve our members, the construction industry and community in this capacity.”

About AGC of Minnesota

Organized in 1919, AGC of Minnesota is the first recognized chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America. The association is a trusted resource for information dissemination, labor relations, education and training and for advocacy on important industry-related issues. The diverse and collective knowledge of AGC of Minnesota is powerful and impacts the building and highway construction industries throughout the state.