Lumbee Member Owned Business Named National Minority Construction Firm of the Year

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Currents. Discussion »

Azalea & Aaron Thomas
Lumbee

PEMBROKE, NORTH CAROLINA - Metcon Construction of Pembroke has been named the -2011 National Minority Construction Firm of the Year- by US Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency. Aaron Thomas, owner and president, of the construction firm is a tribal citizens of the Lumbee Nation. Thomas was presented with the prestigous award at the recent 2011 Minority Enterprise Development Week Conference in Washington DC.

Found in 1999, Metcon is certified by the North Carolina Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB Office) as an American Indian-owned general construction business. Metcon specializes in commercial building and infrastructure, with complete design-build and construction management capabilities. Thomas recently expanded operations and created new jobs by opening a branch office in Raleigh.

"It was really an honor to represent all native people and minorities as a whole as the US Minority construction firm of the year. I was really surprised by the award because I didn't know we were nominated. We had a good time in DC and met with the secretary of commerce to discuss business and the economy," commented Thomas.

"I guess the only downfall for the trip was we did not get to speak with the president as he did not attend the awards gala on Friday night. I was hoping to talk with him about the economy and our tribes federal recognition bill. Maybe I will get another chance one day."

"Aaron Thomas is an exceptional business leader and a wonderful ambassador to represent the value and excellence of North Carolina's minority-owned firms," said North Carolina Governor Perdue. "He is a leader in every sense of the word and is generous about sharing information and resources with North Carolina's HUB community."

"HUB certification and support has been instrumental to our firm's success," Thomas said. "We value this experience and encourage other HUB firms to take full advantage of available services and programs."

In collaboration with the HUB Office and the North Carolina Indian Economic Development Initiative, Thomas recently led a Statewide Uniform Certification Program training at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. The Statewide Uniform Certification Program ensures that qualified HUB firms are represented in the statewide vendor database and provided notice of competitive bid opportunities, which helps them to keep and grow local jobs.

"About 45 area HUB firms participated in the free workshop," said Bridget Wall-Lennon, HUB Office Director, noting this was one of several HUB workshops offered throughout the year in locations across North Carolina. "Our HUB leaders help to mentor and inspire other firms to achieve success in the marketplace."

In addition to the national award, Metcon recently was honored as "2011 Minority Construction Firm of the Year" by the Atlanta Region MBDA.

"The North Carolina Indian Economic Development Initiative is proud to partner and work to support Metcon Construction and their on-going success. Aaron Thomas, President of Metcon and his entire team have worked tremendously hard to create this very successful Corporation" commented Tony Hayes, chief executive officer of the North Carolina Indian Economic Development Initiative.

"It is very rewarding and gratifying to see Metcon be recognized for their commitment to excellence. They serve as a model client for us to promote in the North Carolina Indian Business community, not just because they are American Indian owned, but more importantly, the value proposition and competitive advantage they bring to every project they produce."

"This is just the beginning for Aaron and his team, you will be hearing a lot more from this very progressive American Indian-owned corporation! "

posted October 19, 2011 7:00 am edt