In the fall of 1987 a group of minority contractors were invited to attend a meeting at the J. A. Jones Construction Company in Charlotte, NC. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss construction of the new coliseum project. The City of Charlotte outlined the guidelines for minority businesses to bid the project. J. A Jones, the prime contractor, was bidding the project and approached the minority sub-contractor firms to form a joint venture. Jones' personnel were assigned to work with the sub-contractors to assist them in forming an organization.

 

The minority sub-contractors held its first organizational meeting in early 1988 at the C. N. Jenkins Church on Statesville Avenue in Charlotte, NC. The late Les Greene, an employee of J. A. Jones, hosted the meeting at his church. Pride Patton provided a sample copy of the by-laws from which the organizational by-laws were drafted. The officers were elected and the Minority Contractors' Organization was formed. The meetings initially focused on the new "Minority Business Enterprise" (MBE) Program which was adopted by the City of Charlotte. From late 1980 until early 1990, prosperity was quite prevalent among minority subcontractors; many were identified and certified by the City of Charlotte to perform sub-contracting work. In. 1994 the Minority Contractors' Organization was renamed the Metrolina Minority Contractors' Association (MMCA). The association did not have a building in which to meet, therefore members of the association assembled at various places in Charlotte.

 

In 1999 the MMCA was afforded the opportunity to occupy a building owned by Bank of America which was located at 418 West Trade Street. With the assistance of the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development, the building was renovated by the members and became the official headquarter for the MMCA and the Minority Contractors' Resource Center (MCRC). Within two years the Charlotte Minority Business Development Center along with other small minority owned businesses leased office space in the building. The facility quickly became a center of activity for construction related projects, training and networking.

 

Bank of America took control of the building at 418 West Trade Street in 2002, and thereby assisted with relocating the MMCA to 125 North Irwin Avenue. The old building was demolished and the site was developed to accommodate high-rise apartments.

 

The organization has accomplished many goals and objectives over the years, and sub-contractors have benefited from the mission and purpose. Now, we are preparing for greater challenges and a more defined focus that will take us in a new direction. We are currently working on strategic plans which will direct us into the future more united, committed and full of hope.