One of Bickerdike's most successful economic development programs is Humboldt Construction Company (HCC). HCC was created in 1981 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Bickerdike to link our development activity to the creation of skilled job opportunities for community residents.

Through a hard won agreement with the Carpenter's Union, HCC gives local low income residents access to otherwise difficult to obtain union apprenticeships and employment, preparing workers for success at living wage jobs beyond our organization. HCC is a member of the Chicago and Northeast District Council of Carpenters.

Humboldt Construction Company is a minority certified (MBE) general contractor. HCC employs 20 to 30 carpenters at any given time, and more than 75 workers have made their way through the apprenticeship program and into skilled jobs elsewhere.

HCC employs local and minority subcontractors, providing free technical assistance to help them develop their businesses so they can provide quality construction services in their trade, build their companies and create more jobs for area residents. Over 75% of the work generated by HCC is performed by these local minority subcontractors. Additionally, HCC prioritizes work with local suppliers in all aspects of its construction work. HCC's work with local subcontractors and suppliers helps keep dollars circulating in the local economies of our communities.

While HCC got its start by acting as general contractor for all of Bickerdike's development projects, over the past decade HCC has diversified its client base, now working for a variety of both for profit and not for profit owners, including both public and private sector jobs. In fact, when HCC performs jobs outside of Bickerdike's target area, a local employment plan is implemented where minority contractors and workers are hired from that community.

HCC is a fully insured company with bonding capacity of $25 million dollars. Over this past decade, HCC has performed over $45 million in construction contracts, including the new construction and substantial rehabilitation of 57 residential and 2 commercial buildings. HCC's impeccable track record of job performance and local hiring make it a centerpiece of Bickerdike's economic development work.

For more information about Humboldt Construction Company call 773-278-8838.