Turner Construction Company 

Turner Construction Company fosters a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in which all employees contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, and have the opportunity to grow. In 2020, Turner established a 10-year vision: to reflect the communities in which they build and to achieve equitable representation at all levels of the company. Their DE&I program includes:

• Publish Equity Audit: Turner analyzed equity within the company and published a DE&I Impact Report. Some of the results show the seniority levels within the company and the ethnicities correlating to those levels.

• Creation of Inclusion Action Committee: A committee was formed on a company-wide level with representatives from all regions, to focus on how to advance equity within the company. Sub committees were formed to focus on aspects such as equity and inclusion on our job sites, advancement/advocacy & mentoring, recruitment, training, and others.

• Zero Tolerance Policy for Racist Acts: Turner takes a formal stance on responding to hateful speech, graffiti, and bias motivated events in their workplace. If bias or hate is reported, the targeted people are cared for, the event is investigated, and work may be suspended to provide training on anti-bias and inclusion. They deliver the message the importance to actively care for others and foster the right environment where people can be at their best, be authentic, and be treated with respect and dignity.

• 21 Day Challenge: Educational videos, articles, or podcasts shared with employees every day for 21 days. The content focused around equity, inclusion, and bias.

With these initiatives and an annual report to identify challenges and celebrate improvements, Turner Construction Company is working to support a diverse and inclusive workforce that positions the company to grow, enhances their presence in diverse markets, and helps build enduring relationships within the company, industry partners, and their clients.

JPMorgan Chase’s Minority Entrepreneurship Initiative

As part of Chase’s commitment to help  advance racial equity, they have launched a new program to accelerate minority small business growth in historically underserved neighborhoods. Through this initiative, small business owners in 13 U.S. cities, including the Bay Area, are matched with a Chase Senior Business Consultant who provides advisory services such as mentorship, business development coaching, and access to community resources.  Chase is focused on building the right business ecosystems to support Black, Hispanic and Latino entrepreneurs and strengthen local economic recovery. To date, over 85 entrepreneurs have been mentored in the Bay Area, like Kamilah Mitchell of Teas with Meaning,  while reaching hundreds of small business owners nationally through their community events and network. Kamilah’s story is one of resilience and courage.. Senior Business Consultants work alongside their mentees to create short- and long-term goals with the purpose of sustainable growth and scalability. Chase mentors pride themselves in establishing authentic relationships with clients and providing solutions that address their unique needs. 

REOPENING SOCIAL DISTANCE SIGNS 

In partnership with Oaklandish, the Metro Chamber is making reopening signs available to any Oakland business or nonprofit free of charge. The 11×17 signs are available for download and printing in English, Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese. You can also receive a professionally printed poster from any Oakland Chamber, Business Improvement District, or City Council office. 

REOPENING GUIDELINES

The Chamber has hosted a series of reopening conversations and briefings in support of the City of Oakland Economic Recovery Advisory Council. Conversations have focused on office, retail, and restaurants. Check back here for future gatherings. Also check out the State of California’s phased reopening guidelines. It’s important to note that Alameda County’s Shelter-in-Place remains in effect indefinitely until updated. Check the County’s website for updates and guidelines.

EMERGENCY RESOURCES 

The Oakland Chamber is updating our resource list on a daily basis. It includes funding opportunities, announcements, financial information and much more. You can also check with the City of Oakland for business and employee resources.