Introducing our April 2024 Monthly Newsletter

With a special appreciation to Teresa Maxwell of Skanksa USA Civil for stepping in as our first 2024 Patron (major donor) in January 2024.

Welcome to our inaugural newsletter. Going forward, expect it to be packed with updates and insights to keep you informed and engaged.

But first, some history:

The idea that became the Construction Contractors Alliance, Inc. formed in the autumn of 2022 by Eddie Torres of Phoenix 1 Corps, and a former construction contractor, Käto Cooks.

A third party, Jacqueline Pruitt of Marvella Steel Placers, joined the conversations later with a specific deisre to be the new entity's president. That role primarily supports organizational advocacy and our representation on the California High-Speed Rail Business Advisory Board, the L.A. Metro Transportion Business Advisory Council, and the California Dept. of Transportion Business Advisory Council, and similar entities downstream.

We joined around the agreement that the minimum of what we wanted to see in a construction contractors association was personalized mentoring, advocacy, and education for small, emerging, and underutilized contractors (underutilized business enterprises or UBEs). This was in addition to regular group training sessions covering the basics of the business side of construction contracting.

But we also wanted this organization to be one that served and respected its prime contractor, developer, and awarding agency community by proffering key performance indicators, returns on investments, and measurable performance objectives. The contributions of these important patrons and sustainers deserve at least that.

In December 2022, we drafted the Articles of Incorporation, organizational bylaws, and mission statement. Eddie Torres committed the first funds to the nascent corporation, paying for its registration with the California Secretary of State, our website, and for its first promotional materials. By January 2023, the organization had its Employer Identification Number in hand, along with registration with the California Secretary of State’s office. In early May, the IRS approved our Section 501c3 application approximately one month after receiving it. Our Final Letter from IRS provides our 501c3 exemption date effective as of February 6, 2023.

We are about the business of serving the construction contracting community by curating and delivering capable and committed underutilized business enterprises, underrepresented populations, and underserved communities. We connect seekers with the sought.

As we define them, underrepresented populations and underserved communities include the unhoused, those who are Justice Involved, aged out of foster care, and/or those recovering from or battling addiction. It must be understood that the underutilized, underserved, underrepresented, and under-heard are the oppressed populations and communities to which we are committed. In every meaningful way, WE ARE ALLIES.

The Construction Contractors Alliance is proud to sponsor Dream Big to support women and minority small business owners in scaling their businesses through supplier diversity and government contracting. This opportunity promises a unique business experience and a tremendous relationship-building environment. Join us as we Dream Big together. Stay tuned for updates. Remember: May 23, 2024, City Club Los Angeles.