KA Diversity Initiative
Kraus-Anderson is committed to developing a diverse subcontractor and supplier base as well as a diverse workforce.

Subcontractors and suppliers:
(Also see subcontractor section)

KA reaches out to diverse groups to help them overcome their specific challenges, secure work and build their capacity to grow. We are recognized for our efforts in partnering with small businesses, minorities, women, people with physical and developmental challenges, and veterans.

Recently the Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA) recognized Kraus-Anderson and Regions Hospital with its Project of the Year Award for creating construction opportunities for women and people of color on the hospital expansion project. As general contractor for the $179 million Regions project, KA was honored for its creative partnership with Reiling Construction and its encouragement of other partnerships among subcontractors on the project.

MEDA’s Construction Partnering Program (CPP) matches general contractors with emerging woman- and minority-owned firms to mentor and build the capacity of both the owners and the businesses. The city provides partial funding to support the program through MEDA and the Association of Women Contractors.

“We are proud of our partnership with Kraus-Anderson to increase opportunities for women and ethnic minority contractors,” said Brock Nelson, president and CEO, Regions Hospital. “The economic impact of the project includes an estimated 900 construction-related jobs, and more than 13% of the contracts have been awarded to women- or minority-owned businesses.”

The expansion was completed early 2010.

Hiring practices:
(See also career opportunity section)

KA continues to challenge its hiring and recruiting practices to assure that we are creating an environment that embraces people from all walks of life. We understand that diversity strengthens our organization and allows us to serve our clients at the highest possible level.

Our efforts include looking to non-traditional sources for employees; such as Opportunity Partners, which provides personalized employment, housing and educational opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilities, brain injury, autism and other special needs. The Minnesota Rehabilitation Association’s Job Placement and Development Division named Kraus-Anderson Construction Company “Large Metro Employer of the Year” in 2006 in recognition of our efforts in this area.

KA was also recently named a “Patriotic Employer” by the Department of Defense for the company’s participation in Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The organization works with employers to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve component members and their civilian employees.

Project Specific
Kraus-Anderson frequently works with the project owner to assure their specific goals or desires are understood and incorporated into the planning process. For example, our work with Native American Indian projects since 1990 has resulted in $75.4 million in contracts to American Indian trade contractors, and generated 811,165 hours of work for American Indian individuals.