WCOE was conceived in 1983 by 11 women who envisioned a national association to custom fit their unique business needs in the construction industry. They formed Women Construction Owners & Executives, USA to promote opportunities and business for women-owned firms and policy-making executives in the construction industry.

Today, the association continues to grow, adding members and establishing chapters across the country. WCOE's member-businesses include general contractors, top-level policy-making executives, architects, engineers, construction project managers, subcontractors and other business women and professionals related to the construction industry.

Many women join WCOE for its legislative clout and the strength that comes from one unified voice. The association's legislative network provides a vehicle to impact legislation favorable to business women in the industry. With strategic alliance partners such as Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC),  Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), The National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC), The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), and the American Subcontractors Association (ASA).  WCOE continues to advocate and influence the national agenda affecting women-owned businesses.

ABOUT THE LOGO

WCOE’s existence and purpose, is symbolized in its logo by the Mobius Band, named for renowned German mathematician August F. Mobius. A one-sided surface created by turning one end of an elongated rectangle 180 degrees and affixing it to its other end, the Mobius Band depicts the interdependence and continuum of turning points in the lives of individuals and institutions. For WCOE, it symbolizes the changing direction of women in the construction industry.  Turning Point is the name of WCOE's monthly newsletter.

HISTORY & PURPOSE

On July 2, 1983 in Northern Minnesota, 11 women came together from across the nation to discuss the formation of a new organization to serve women construction owners and executives.

The women were all members of various construction-related groups and organizations. But the feeling among them was unanimous. The organizations to which they belonged were all valuable in some way. Yet none filled the single need to further the goals of women owners and executives in construction.

THE PURPOSE

At that meeting and the next one, in Chicago that October, the same 11 women came together and developed these principles:

• To promote the role of Women Business Enterprises (WBE) in the construction industry.

• To assist women in executive management positions within the industry.

• To provide resources to enhance the professional development of every member.

• To create a legislative network to monitor and pursue legislation advantageous to the business community and the construction industry.

• To encourage professional standards and member responsibility within the industry.

THE CHARTER

On January 20, 1984, the Articles of Incorporation of WCOE, USA, a non-profit organization, were filed in the state of Washington.

Less than one month later, the new WCOE, USA Executive Board held its first meeting in Las Vegas, where the organization’s Bylaws were approved and adopted and its officers elected. The headquarters, where daily operations were to be performed, were located initially in Spokane, WA.

At the Charter Meeting and Conference in October 1984, 69 women signed the WCOE, USA charter. Representatives from the White House, Department of Transportation, Department of Housing & Urban Development, Department of Energy and successful business owners filled the program.

OUR HISTORY

As WCOE members, we will act and make decisions in accordance with these values:

 LEADERSHIP
 We are all leaders in our businesses, communities and within WCOE. We believe leaders should be purposeful and committed. We must communicate and reinforce our direction in order to succeed in the changing environment. We believe it is necessary to be respectful to earn respect. Leaders must accept responsibility for their actions. We demand integrity and professionalism of ourselves. Through our actions, we provide a role model for others. Leadership provides continuity and life for WCOE.

 FINANCIAL STABILITY, GROWTH & RESPONSIBILITY
 We will strategically manage our finances with responsibility and accountability. This means getting the most value for our dollars spent with our future in mind. It also means we will only spend what we bring in. We will effectively manage costs and support revenue enhancing activities. Without the finances to fund our programs and serve our members, WCOE will become immobilized.

 COMMITMENT
 We believe WCOE will make a dramatic impact on women's positions in the construction industry because as an organization we will follow through on our individual and group commitments. Members and those outside our membership will know that they can depend on us. We recognize that everyone cannot always make the same level of commitment due to business, family or other priorities; however once a commitment is made, it can be relied upon.

 PROFESSIONAL & PERSONAL GROWTH
 When we grow personally and professionally, so does WCOE and our respective companies. We believe personal and professional growth builds self-confidence and self-esteem and provides us the tools to gain respect and succeed. WCOE will provide opportunities for members to learn about themselves and how to lead and manage their companies more effectively. We will branch out to learn from others, inside and outside our industry, who can support us in reaching our goals.

 IMPACT & MAKING A DIFFERENCE
 WCOE is not satisfied with the status quo of women's acceptance within the construction industry. To make an impact, we are committed to promoting women in leadership roles; educating outsiders about the successful role of women in this industry; and creating strong role models, mentors and leaders. WCOE will have made an impact when a distinction no longer exists regarding women in the construction industry.