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Building Community in Chicago

A greater purpose. A greater drive.

Our purpose is to Build for the Greater Good, and it is rooted in our belief that the world is what we make it. Here in Chicago, we seek to make an impact beyond the build by partnering with underrepresented businesses, developing the next generation of industry leaders, and showing appreciation for the communities in which we live and work. It’s about partnerships and long-term impact. It’s just the right thing to do. 

Partnerships that Create Lasting Change

UChicago Project Spawns New Business on South Side of Chicago

In partnership with the University of Chicago and local artist Theaster Gates, a new mill was created on the south side of Chicago to harvest wood for the Keller Center project. Local residents were trained in the craft of woodworking and the mill is still open and operating today. 

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Esperanza Health Centers Brighton Park Clinic: Built by the Community

Through all phases of the project, the project team remained aligned with Esperanza Health Center’s mission to serve the Brighton Park community. The project exceeded participation goals and set new standards in the use of local and diverse businesses and the boots-on-the-ground workforce. 

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Annual Diverse Business Meet & Greet Event

Aside from project-specific outreach, the Chicago office also holds a yearly Diverse Business Meet & Greet event to network with Chicago area diverse businesses. 

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You are the REAL DEAL. You’ve set up many young lives in the Laborers and I truly appreciate the hard work you put in for the community - I believe we’ve taken 3 participants as apprentices - more than any other workforce group to date.
FIELD REPRESENTATIVE LABORERS’ LOCAL 32
FIELD REPRESENTATIVE LABORERS’ LOCAL 32

Developing the Next Generation of Leaders

From ACE Intern to Joining the Industry Full-Time

Jesus Avila, field engineer, is a shining example of what’s possible when you connect caring industry mentors with ambitious high school students. Jesus participated in the ACE Mentor Chicago while in high school, was awarded an internship at Mortenson while he attended the University of Illinois – Chicago, and prior to graduation, was offered a full-time job in Mortenson’s Chicago office. Now, Jesus is paying the experience forward as an ACE mentor.

READ JESUS AVILA'S STORY

Data Center Solutions Team and the Mortenson Foundation Supports Local Entrepreneurs

The Mortenson Foundation gifted a $25,000 donation to Opportunity Dekalb for Project Launchpad, an economic program that promotes entrepreneurship and employment in the local community. The program allows DeKalb residents, both adults and youth, to complete an entrepreneurial program to begin their own businesses, as well as support existing locally owned businesses.

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A Year-Round Initiative to
Do Something Good!

Our Chicago team members generously donate their time and money throughout the year. In 2023 our team invested in 114 Chicagoland charitable organizations!
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