The Candidates' Forum will allow for Latino businesses located within the Cook County jurisdiction an opportunity to meet and engage the candidates seeking the Board President's seat. "We at HACIA believe that organizing this forum addresses our members' concerns about the economy and any new opportunities within the construction industry. The public sector, influenced by the Cook County Board, is one of the agencies that have capital projects planned for construction in the near future, making diversity in this area extremely important to the Latino community", stated Paul Cerpa, Executive Director of HACIA.
The Cook County Board President Candidates' Forum is a unique gathering of Latino business owners whose growing local, state and national influence is now of interest to candidates. HACIA continues to take a leadership role in connecting Latino business to the political process.
Founded in 1979 in Chicago, IL., HACIA's mission was to create equal access for minority firms and to prevent discriminatory practices in the construction industry. Since then, HACIA has opened doors of opportunity for thousands of minority owned construction businesses. The organization is one of the largest in the Chicago area for construction contractors, both Hispanic and non. Throughout its history, HACIA has been an advocate not only of Hispanic‐owned businesses in the construction industry but has grown as a valuable resource to majority‐owned firms who seek to include MBE and WBE businesses in their work. Today, HACIA's membership represents over 300 highly qualified construction companies, professional services and construction related services in our industry.
