Ann McNeill, our NABWIC founder and CEO of MCO Construction and Services, Inc., expressed her deep gratitude to the City of Riviera Beach Council for entrusting the team with this pivotal project. "I am so humbled and honored to be part of the team that has won the contract to build Firestation 86. This project is not just about constructing a building but about building lives, families, and communities," Ann remarked.

This project continues the legacy of MCO Construction and its commitment to enhancing community infrastructure, following the successful completion of Fire stations 87 and the award-winning Fire Station 88. The involvement of local and minority-owned businesses has been a key focus, with participation growing from 37% in previous projects to over 50% in recent endeavors.

Ann McNeill, a Riviera Beach native and the first Black female contractor in the State of Florida to engage at this level, emphasizes the importance of these projects for local businesses, especially Black-owned enterprises, which may not typically have the opportunity to work on flagship public projects. "The greatest thing is to drive by and say: I painted that," shared Amon Yisrael from Amon Professional Services, reflecting the profound personal and professional pride that comes with contributing to such meaningful projects.

As we celebrate this new achievement, we look forward to the impact that Fire station 86 will have on the Riviera Beach area—proving that great teamwork indeed makes the dream work. We are committed to continuing our efforts to help build and uplift our community through each project we undertake.

On February 23, 2024, the illustrious Jackie Perry was honored with The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award during a prestigious ceremony held at the JW Turnberry Marriott in Miami. Hosted by The Enrich Mint, this event celebrated the exceptional contributions of eight distinguished individuals, with Jackie standing out for her unparalleled impact on the business and community development sectors.

Jackie Perry's journey as the Executive Director of the Beaver Street Enterprise Center (BSEC) marks a career highlighted by her unwavering commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic diversity. Under her leadership, BSEC has been instrumental in supporting countless emerging businesses, offering them the resources needed to thrive. Her efforts culminated in the center being named International Incubator of the Year in 2013, a testament to her visionary approach and dedication.

Beyond her role at BSEC, Jackie's influence extends through her service on various boards, including the Florida Community College at Jacksonville Business Advisory Group and the First Coast Business Alliance. Her exceptional leadership and advocacy have earned her numerous accolades, such as Jacksonville's Advocate of the Year and the Small Business Administration's Minority Small Business Champion of the Year for North Florida. Moreover, her recognition as one of the Jacksonville Business Journal’s Women of Influence in 2009 and the Small Business Development Center at the University of North Florida’s Regional Resource Partner of the Year highlights her significant contributions to the business community.

In her entrepreneurial ventures, Jackie shines as the CEO of Data Architect and JPerry and Associates, demonstrating her expertise in delivering critical solutions and tailored business support. Her commitment to community engagement is further evident in her roles with the Jacksonville Public Library and the City of Jacksonville's Public Services Grant Council, where she champions diversity and inclusion.

Jackie's extraordinary dedication to community development in Palatka, Florida, has not only earned her the keys to the city but has also underscored her role as a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity.

The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award is a fitting accolade for Jackie Perry, a leader whose career, community involvement, and entrepreneurial spirit have made an indelible mark. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to many, proving that visionary leadership and a commitment to community can drive meaningful change. Congratulations, Jackie Perry, on this well-deserved honor. Your legacy continues to inspire and influence the path forward for generations to come.

On the evening of March 27, 2024, the Philadelphia professional community gathered for an enriching Business-to-Business Networking event at The Enterprise Center located at 4548 Market Street. The event, which ran from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, offered a dynamic platform for professionals in construction and related services to connect, share insights, and explore opportunities for collaboration.

This memorable networking occasion was the result of a partnership among four prominent local organizations dedicated to fostering diversity and growth in the business community. The National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWIC Philadelphia Area), the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC), The Enterprise Center’s Construction Consortium (TEC), and the Small Business Development Center at Temple University collaborated to make the evening a reality.

Participants enjoyed an array of small bites while engaging in meaningful conversations with fellow professionals, setting the stage for future projects and partnerships. The event underscored the importance of building a strong, interconnected business community in Philadelphia, especially within the construction sector and professional services.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the value of such gatherings in promoting diversity, inclusion, and mutual growth. The success of the event has paved the way for future collaborations among the hosting organizations, all of which are committed to supporting the development of diverse businesses in the region.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, making the evening not just a networking event, but a vibrant community-building experience. Stay tuned for future gatherings that will continue to strengthen our professional networks and foster development within our industries.

Participants enjoyed an array of small bites while engaging in meaningful conversations with fellow professionals, setting the stage for future projects and partnerships. The event underscored the importance of building a strong, interconnected business community in Philadelphia, especially within the construction sector and professional services.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the value of such gatherings in promoting diversity, inclusion, and mutual growth. The success of the event has paved the way for future collaborations among the hosting organizations, all of which are committed to supporting the development of diverse businesses in the region.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, making the evening not just a networking event, but a vibrant community-building experience. Stay tuned for future gatherings that will continue to strengthen our professional networks and foster development within our industries.

In a significant achievement that underscores the strength and reliability of local businesses in New Jersey, Flagg Labor, a distinguished name in construction labor support and commercial cleaning services, has been awarded a coveted contract at Newark Airport's new Terminal A. This development, announced on Monday, March 4, 2024, marks a notable milestone in the company's illustrious journey of over 15 years.

Owned and led by the visionary Zakiyyah Flagg, Flagg Labor, also known as Capital Cleaning Services, is set to provide fire watch safety and general labor to VRH Construction, the General Contractor for the Terminal A project. This partnership not only showcases Flagg Labor's expertise and commitment to excellence but also highlights its role as a cost-effective, reliable, and trusted solution in the construction labor support sector.

As Flagg Labor prepares to embark on this new chapter, the company reaffirms its commitment to upholding safety, efficiency, and quality in every task it undertakes.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Zakiyyah Flagg and the entire team at Flagg Labor for this remarkable achievement.

As Flagg Labor moves forward with its latest project at Newark Airport, it carries with it the pride and support of the NABWIC family, eager to witness the continued success and contributions of this esteemed local business.

NABWIC Jacksonville Chapter and Duval County School Board
hosts Inaugural Industry Day at A Philip Randolph Career Academy

Alice H. Parker

(1895-1920)

Alice H. Parker would have been the best contact to have as a design/build subcontractor today. She was an African-American inventor known for her patent for a gas furnace that used natural gas to power a heating furnace which was a revolutionary idea that conserved energy and paved the way for the central heating systems we all have in our homes today¹². She was born in 1895 and died in 1920¹.

In 2019, the National Society of Black Physicists honored Parker as an "African American inventor famous for her patented system of central heating using natural gas." It called her invention a "revolutionary idea" for the 1920s, "that conserved energy and paved the way for the central heating systems"¹.

Want to know more/References:

(1) Alice H. Parker - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_H._Parker.
(2) Alice H. Parker | Lemelson. https://lemelson.mit.edu/resources/alice-h-parker.
(3) Alice H. Parker (1895-?) - Blackpast. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/parker-alice-h-1895/.

Dr. Gladys West is an American mathematician known for her work contributing to the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS)⁵⁶. She was born on October 27, 1930⁵. Her contributions have been hidden for too long¹. Until now, her story has remained untold³.

REFERENCES AND MORE TO KNOW

(1) Gladys West | Biography, Accomplishments, & GPS | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gladys-West.
(2) Gladys West - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladys_West.
(3) Dr. Gladys West and Her Role in Creating GPS - Now. Powered by Northrop .... https://now.northropgrumman.com/hidden-figure-gladys-west-and-her-role-in-creating-gps/.
(4) 100 Women: Gladys West - the 'hidden figure' of GPS - BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-43812053.
(5) Dr. Gladys West, The Black Woman Who Invented The GPS, Gets Honored At .... https://spectacularmag.com/2019/01/18/dr-gladys-west-the-black-woman-who-invented-the-gps-gets-honored-at-the-pentagon/.
(6) Gladys West: the hidden figure who helped invent GPS. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/nov/19/gladys-west-the-hidden-figure-who-helped-invent-gps.

(1) 5 Ways to Use GPS Tracking for Construction Equipment. https://info.rastrac.com/blog/increase-safety-gps-construction-tracking.
(2) Top 6 Ways To Use GPS Tracking for Construction Equipment - Spytec. https://spytec.com/blog/gps-tracking-for-construction-equipment.
(3) Ultimate Guide to Construction GPS - gocodes.mightybox.site. https://gocodes.mightybox.site/construction-gps/.
(4) GPS Control for Excavators: How it works and how it can make an .... https://www.equipmentworld.com/equipment/article/14965397/gps-control-for-excavators-how-it-works-and-how-it-can-make-an-operators-life-much-easier.
(5) How Does GPS Work? | NASA Space Place – NASA Science for Kids. https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/gps/en/.
(6) The Pythagorean Theorem Makes Construction and GPS Possible. https://science.howstuffworks.com/math-concepts/pythagorean-theorem.htm.