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