"It's an honor to receive such a distinguished award from the African American Contractors Association," said Vice President of Construction Mark Goeden. "It has been a privilege to work with and support talented, committed and hard-working minority contractors across Chicago. At Related Midwest it's our commitment to engage local businesses and create sustainable opportunities for all entrepreneurs so our communities can succeed and thrive."
Related Midwest is committed to collaborating with local, small, minority and women-owned businesses to create job opportunities and foster growth in the communities that house its developments. Whether working on an affordable, market-rate or mixed-income development, Related Midwest strives to hire local residents to support the economic growth and development of the community. Over the last 10 years, Related Midwest has hired more than 450 community local residents. At Marshall Field Garden Apartment Homes, a 628-unit affordable housing community in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood that recently completed a major redevelopment, over 25% of the full and part-time positions were filled by local residents, including six apprenticeships with the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134.
“Through our work, we’ve been blessed to collaborate with committed allies to create opportunities for hard working minority contractors throughout the country” said Victory Simmons, President of the African American Contractors Association. “Mark Goeden has been an exemplary role model, not only to the minority contractors he’s inspired and advocated for, but to the many large corporations that have a stake in the community. Mark’s unwavering commitment to uplifting local businesses in minority communities is the standard to which we hope all business, political and community leaders will aspire to.
Since 2007, Related Midwest has awarded more than $228 million to minority and women-owned businesses ranging from landscaping to fencing to general construction. In addition to contracting with new and local small businesses, Related Midwest also provides mentorship, business support and training to community entrepreneurs.
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Related Midwest is the pre-eminent developer of luxury condominium and rental homes, master-planned, mixed-use, and affordable housing. Recognized for innovation and market-defining developments for more than 25 years, Related Midwest has reshaped residential living in Chicago through its commitment to community and deep-rooted history of excellence.
The African American Contractors Association is an organization that assists and helps develop African American contractors businesses by creating fair business opportunities for African American owned contracting companies, particularly with the African American community, private corporations, & municipal agencies - city, county, state, federal agencies, & other organizations.
