Don Biernacki, senior vice president of construction at Related Midwest, was honored with the 2017 Distinguished Labor Leader of the Year award.
The award, announced at the annual Rainbow PUSH Coalition International Convention, celebrates those who show a exemplary commitment to supporting communities in Chicago by providing local residents with valuable and sustainable job training and career opportunities.
“It’s a humbling honor to receive such a distinguished award from Rev. Jackson and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition,” said Biernacki in a statement. “I was raised to always have an open heart, an eye for fairness and a drive for equality. At Related Midwest, it’s a privilege, and my purpose, to support local businesses and create real and sustainable job opportunities for residents so our communities can succeed.”
Over the past four years, Related Midwest has awarded more than $61 million in contracts to small and local businesses ranging from landscaping to fencing to general construction. In addition to contracting with new and local minority- and women-owned businesses, Related Midwest also provides mentorship, business support and training to community entrepreneurs.