Mortenson is a Minneapolis-based, family-owned organization built on strong values, family heritage and a commitment to making a difference in the communities in which we live and work. We have distinguished ourselves by offering services based on our values of trust, teamwork, service, responsibility, safety and stewardship.
These values are shaped by our team members that live them every day—whether it’s our long history of working side-by-side with non-profit customers, our team members who give their time and talents to those in need or providing inclusion opportunities for disadvantaged workers and businesses on our projects. All of these elements contribute to the greater good of the community.
Mortenson has a six decades-strong history working with Minnesota non-profit organizations to develop facilities to support their individual missions. We work closely from initial concept through fundraising efforts and well beyond move-in day. We understand the importance of building support within the community to benefit the project. Our track record of non-profit partnerships includes some of these leading Minnesota organizations:
- Washburn Center for Children
- Junior Achievement Experiential Learning Center
- Minnesota Public Radio
- Northern Star Council Leadership Center
- America Academy of Neurology
- MacPhail Center for Music
It’s important in our industry to provide inclusion opportunities for disadvantaged workers and businesses. It not only serves as an opportunity to mentor and grow members of our community, but supports economic growth. Mortenson’s experience is unmatched in the Twin Cities and we feel so strongly about providing opportunities and maximizing participation, that we now set participation goals on every one of our projects.
Lynn Littlejohn, Director of Community Affairs, is a key resource in developing successful programs that meet the goals established by our customers. This program was introduced more than 20 years ago in Minneapolis, and under Lynn’s leadership it has evolved into a strategic, proactive plan—rather than one that just checks the boxes and submits required forms.
In Minneapolis, the results our program are shown in the numbers. Mortenson has consistently met or exceeded the goals set for workforce diversity and small, women and minority owned business participation:
- U.S. Bank Stadium achieved 31% SWMBE participation (exceeding the 20% goal) and 46% workforce diversity (exceeding the 38% goal)
- Hennepin Healthcare’s Clinic and Specialty Center achieved 33% SWMBE (exceeded the 25% goal) and 41% workforce diversity (exceeding the 38% goal)
- Minneapolis Public Schools also exceeded goals, reaching 51% SWMBE participation (exceeding the 25% goal) and 37% workforce diversity (exceeding the 30% goal)
Our industry is experiencing a paradigm shift. We are broadening our focus and looking for effective strategies to develop our future workforce and filling the pipeline of aging/retiring workers. Mortenson continues to change the perception of the construction industry, in the trades and professional business services.
Mortenson’s Community Participation Program has set a new standard in the industry and has led to positive changes in the communities in which we work and live. We have paved the way in creating a solid process so that inclusion and diversity are a part of every Mortenson project.