WE CURATE CONNECTIONS.
About Us
The idea that became the Construction Contractors Alliance, Inc. formed in the autumn of 2022 by Eddie Torres of Phoenix 1 Corps, and a former construction contractor, Käto Cooks.
We joined around the agreement that the minimum of what we wanted to see in a construction contractors association was personalized mentoring, advocacy, and education for small, emerging, and underutilized contractors (underutilized business enterprises or UBEs). This was in addition to regular group training sessions covering the basics of the business side of construction contracting.
But we also wanted this organization to be one that served and respected its prime contractor, developer, and awarding agency community by proffering key performance indicators, returns on investments, and measurable performance objectives. The contributions of these important patrons and sustainers deserve at least that.
In December 2022, we drafted the Articles of Incorporation, organizational bylaws, and mission statement. Eddie Torres committed the first funds to the nascent corporation, paying for its registration with the California Secretary of State, this website, and for its first promotional materials. By January 2023, the organization had its Employer Identification Number in hand, along with registration with the California Secretary of State’s office. In early May, the IRS approved our Section 501c3 application approximately one month after receiving it. Our Final Letter from IRS provides our 501c3 exemption date effective as of February 6, 2023.
We are about the business of serving the construction contracting community by curating and delivering capable and committed underutilized business enterprises, underrepresented populations, and underserved communities. We connect seekers with the sought.
As we define them, underrepresented populations and underserved communities include the unhoused, those who are Justice Involved, aged out of foster care, and/or those recovering from or battling addiction. It must be understood that the underutilized, underserved, underrepresented, and under-heard are the populations and communities to which we are committed. In every meaningful way, WE ARE ALLIES.
Eddie Torres, founding treasurer and first funder
Käto Cooks, founding secretary
Our mission and core values
Our Mission: To curate the growth and development of underutilized business enterprises, underrepresented populations, and underserved communities in construction contracting.
Our Core Values:
Altruism
Integrity
Responsibility
Commitment
Efficiency
Alliance
Our Board of Directors
Kato Cooks, Chief Executive Officer
Nth Bar-Fields, Treasurer
Alexis Eklund, Secretary
Freddie Hanns, Director
Eddie Torres, Director
Carol A. Williams, MPA, Director
Jessie Vidrio, Director