McHugh Construction has been named Outstanding Majority Contractor of the Year by the African American Contractors Association (AACA). McHugh received the award recently at AACA’s 28th annual gala at the South Shore Cultural Center in Chicago.
AACA’s mission is to advocate for and level the playing field for business development, according to AACA President and Founder Omar Shareef. “Our mission is also to help transform the minds of those wanting to work and to challenge those who have given up to put down the guns and pick up a hammer — a decision that will change the course of their lives forever,” Shareef said. “We teach people how to fish for the rest of their lives not just to give them a fish.”
McHugh Construction has partnered with many of Chicago’s top minority-owned general contracting companies to complete multi-million dollar multifamily, hospitality, and sports and entertainment projects. Some of these firms include Bowa Construction, Brown & Momen, Crea Construction, Powers & Sons Construction and Toro Construction, to name a few.
“Supporting the development of minority- and women-owned businesses is a priority in our teaming approach,” said McHugh President Michael Meagher. “While some firms focus strictly on meeting set quotas for MBE/WBE/DBE participation, we believe we have a responsibility to help build the capacity of our diverse partners, strengthening their businesses and better positioning them to continue to grow.”
In addition to the partnerships forged with minority contractors, McHugh Construction is also committed to connecting minorities and women with careers in the trades through its active role in HIRE360. McHugh Construction is a founding member of the nonprofit organization, which is a partnership of some of the city’s largest developers, contractors and trade unions. Meagher also serves on the organization’s board of directors.
“Between the city’s Invest South/West initiative, the increased infrastructure spending, numerous privately funded individual projects and the city’s multiple developer-led megaprojects, it’s an exciting time with substantial opportunities to build a career in construction in Chicago over the coming years,” Meagher said. “Not to mention that the pay and benefits from working in the trades allow men and women to provide very well for a family. Those seeking to get started on the path to a career in construction should apply at HIRE360Chicago.com.”
