It is a rare opportunity when a room filled with more than 50 Professional Architects and MEP Engineers have the opportunity to mix and mingle with high profile elected officials while enjoying a banquet of superb food and drinks complimented by a one-hour credit to their AIA continuation education requirements. Yet, on Tuesday, March 23, 2010, the U.S. Hispanic Contractors Association (USHCA) and Drexel Metals provided exactly that coveted combo to the professionals attending their event held at Austin’s Holiday Inn located at 6000 Middle Fiskville Road.
Drexel Metals President, Brian Partyka, provided valuable information and educational instruction to the attendees at the “Lunch and Learn” seminar, during a comprehensive presentation introducing the latest and most advanced technology regarding Sustainable Design using Metal Roofing. Topics such as environmental benefits, life cycle costs, solar technologies and LEED credits were explained in detail. The attendees, receiving One Credit for Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) and Sustainable Design (SD) AIA learning units, also were able to discuss issues of importance to their industry during the “Meet and Greet” portion of the day’s events. Noted local dignitaries included Texas State Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., State Representative Eddie Lucio, III, City of Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell and Austin Assistant City Manager Rudy Garza.
USHCA Chairman, Frank Fuentes noted that, “The USHCA has long prided itself on bringing the latest, most cutting edge technology to our members and our community. As profound advocates for education and self-empowerment, the opportunity to partner with a nationally acclaimed company, such as Drexel Metals, allows us yet another venue to bring meaningful training to our community while providing an excellent opportunity for open and meaningful dialog with our elected officials”.
Brian Partyka echoed Chairman Fuentes’ sentiments and added that “The opportunity for Drexel Metals to introduce the attendees to such a highly respected and devoted advocate for Hispanic contractors and industry professionals by including The Honorable Alberto Gonzales, former U.S. Attorney General, to our program brought yet another level of commitment and focus to the education and training of the Hispanic construction professional. Mr. Gonzales provided a motivating and heartfelt speech highlighting the Hispanic community’s desire to live and participate fully in this country with his “Achieving the American Dream” insight”.
The “Lunch and Learn” attendees were honored by opening remarks made by Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell. The Mayor told the audience that this event embodied the spirit and commitment of the City of Austin that he was so very proud of. The Mayor noted that not only was Austin friendly to Minority-Owned Business Enterprises, but to all small business as a whole.
This event would not have been complete were it not for the ever humorous and well thought out comments and observations of the event’s Master of Ceremonies, Retired State Senator Gonzalo Barrientos. Using his renowned quick wit and armed with a well-versed and full comprehension of the event’s purpose and impact, Senator Barrientos provided the attendees with a delightful added dimension to the day’s activities.
The USHCA utilized the time well by incorporating an Awards Ceremony to honor three well deserving recipients. The City of Austin’s Assistant City Manager, Rudy Garza was chosen as a co-recipient of the USHCA’s annual AZTECA Award honoring outstanding individuals for their significant achievement as an advocate of inclusion. ACM Garza, pictured below with USHCA Chairman, Frank Fuentes and State Senator Gonzalo Barrientos said, “I am both touched and honored to have been recognized by such an outstanding and well-respected organization as the U.S. Hispanic Contractors Association. While we do the things we do because they are the right action to take, it is a wonderful feeling to be recognized for your efforts”.
The Honorable Alberto Gonzales also received the USHCA’s coveted AZETCA Award. While Mr. Gonzales possesses an impressive professional background and stellar professional credentials, he also has been a tireless advocate for Hispanic inclusion. Mr. Gonzales has never forgotten his heritage as the son of a former migrant worker. His work in the Hispanic community and his achievements as a role model have earned him recognition as Hispanic American of the Year by HISPANIC Magazine and one of The 25 Most Influential Hispanics in America by TIME Magazine.
Event Co-Host, Drexel Metals President, Brian Partyka also was honored as an AZTECA Award recipient. For the first time in the nearly ten years of existence, the USHCA found three most deserving candidates and elected to honor each and every one. Chairman Fuentes said, “Mr. Partyka, for his leadership in empowering Hispanic contractors to grow and prosper both as individuals and as business leaders made his addition as an award recipient an extremely easy decision. Under the leadership of Mr. Partyka, Drexel Metals, in conjunction with the USHCA, are developing a mentorship program for members of the USHCA wishing to expand their current business interest in the Metal Roofing industry. Drexel Metals will provide the knowledge, hands-on training and equipment critical to this rapidly growing yet specialized segment of business. The ability to rapidly expand a qualified, capable pool of well-trained, competent, and hard-working contracting pool will be one of the highlights of our joint program”.
The “Lunch and Learn” program is one of the newest offerings in an ever-increasing array of instructional, educational and informative seminars and workshops offered by the USHCA. Mr. Fuentes said he was overwhelmed by the enormous interest in this seminar and it’s astounding success. He said, “This program is the first in a long line of similar educational seminars the USHCA will provide its membership and members of our construction-industry related community. Look for the USHCA to continue its cutting-edge foray into the ever-increasing training and education needs indicative to our industry. We are just getting started”.
For more information about Drexel Metals visit www.drexmet.com or call 888.321.9630.
