GAEA

Unique networking opportunities are held throughout the year allowing Alliance members to meet with construction industry professionals and decision makers. This networking vehicle facilitates the development of business relationships and a more diverse group of contract bidders. These outreach efforts include career and opportunity fairs, networking activities and advocacy group and educational partnerships.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) has developed the Small Business Transportation Resource Centers (SBTRC) in various regions of the country to expand the DOT's outreach efforts. This national program utilizes Cooperative Agreements with chambers of commerce, trade associations, and business-centered, community based entities to establish SBTRCs. read more.

In an effort to recruit female and minority firm participation and leverage capacity, the Alliance sponsors the annual Sky is the Limit Conference.

The Sky is the Limit is an information forum and networking conference designed to update companies on procurement opportunities in Atlanta and business development strategies for small, female and minority-owned businesses. Attendees participate in contracting opportunities sessions, technical assistance workshops and a power luncheon in which experts discuss best practices for businesses that continue to increase their presence in Atlanta’s construction and transportation industries.

The Annual Supplier Diversity Conference targets small, female and minority owned businesses with a focus on opportunities to participate in the multi-million dollar transportation industry. The conference addresses training and development strategies and highlights building sound, profitable relationships through networking. It features informative sessions, training and development workshops, networking, an awards celebration and a Construction Expo.

The conference objectives are to:

Highlight opportunities for building sound networking relationships for small, female and minority owned businesses.

Enhance capacity and capability of small, female and minority owned businesses through training and development workshops.

A key component of the Supplier Diversity Conference is the Diversity Awards ceremony which recognizes the institutions, corporations, small business owners, agencies and advocacy groups that have been on the cutting edge of diversity.

The Golf Challenge was established to bring construction industry professionals and others together to build new relationships and nurture existing ones in an effort to create new partnerships. The “fund and friend raiser” attracts corporate, agency and civic leaders as well as celebrities to Atlanta’s golf courses with proceeds benefiting the Construction Skills Development Institute. The Annual Challenge’s Shotgun Start signals more than 100 golfers to begin a day of friendly competition along 19 holes. The 19th Hole Celebration, which tops the evening off, allows participants to continue to build new relationships while enjoying a buffet, raffle and silent auction.

Team and individual trophies are awarded to participants who prove masters of the green. Trophies and prizes recognize winners of:

The Longest Drive
The Longest Putt
The Closest to the Pin
The Straightest Drive
The Putting Contest Winner