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Construction booming in Grossmont-Cuyamaca College District: campuses undergoing more than $250 million in renovations, creating new jobs for community.

Article Excerpt
The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District has been undergoing a major construction and remodeling boon during the last few years--to the tune of more than $250 million.

And, with the help of the district's outreach program, local contractors are getting a piece of the action. Not that it's been easy.

"There is no magic formula," said Sol Kempinski, the district's outreach manager for Proposition R construction funds, who is involved in business development for Gafcon, Inc., which provides construction and construction management services, in San Diego.

"You just can't say I want more contractors involved. You have to make contacts, meet with the local chambers of commerce, and let them know about the opportunities out there. It's just a matter of rolling up your sleeves and getting the job done."

In June 2003, the district's outreach program was launched to ensure that Proposition R bond funds were used not only to repair, renovate and construct new buildings, but also to create jobs for the local community, said Kempinski.

In the past year, 10 workshops and seminars have been held to help small San Diego-area businesses get accustomed to the rigorous public-sector construction process, everything from a step-by-step explanation of the bidding process to labor compliance laws.

As bids were advertised during the year, he said, hundreds of letters were sent and phone calls made to local contractors, encouraging their participation on the projects.

"Confused by the bidding process?" one flier read. "Bidding for $millions in Prop. R projects is easier than you think! Learn step-by-step how to contract with the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District."

While Kempinski said he's encouraged by the local response to his efforts, "I wish there were more contractors involved. We're trying to impress on them that this is a good way to...

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