At Hill Construction, we take pride not just in the buildings we construct—but in the relationships and values that support every project. That’s why we were honored to participate in the LSU Diverse Construction Contractor’s Forum, an initiative that reflects our core belief: construction should create opportunity for everyone.
Held at Louisiana State University, this forum brought together contractors, university representatives, public officials, and industry professionals to foster greater inclusion in state construction projects. As a family-run construction business rooted in Louisiana, we found it both inspiring and energizing to connect with others working toward a more equitable and representative construction industry.
What Is the LSU Diverse Construction Contractor’s Forum?
The LSU Diverse Construction Contractor’s Forum is a platform designed to help small, minority-owned, veteran-owned, and women-owned construction businesses engage with LSU and its capital development projects. As LSU continues to expand its campus and infrastructure, the university has committed to ensuring that opportunities are accessible to a wider range of businesses, not just the largest or most established firms.
The forum provides:
Information about LSU’s procurement and bidding process
Details on upcoming construction and renovation projects
Opportunities to meet with key decision-makers
Educational workshops on how to become a qualified vendor or subcontractor
Networking sessions with general contractors and state officials
The event also emphasizes capacity building—helping smaller firms strengthen their capabilities, certifications, and readiness to bid on large-scale work.
Why Participation Matters
For Hill Construction, attending this forum was more than a networking opportunity—it was a statement of commitment. We believe a strong construction industry reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. Whether it’s a public school renovation or a new campus facility, every project should involve a range of voices, perspectives, and talents.
Participating in this event allowed us to:
Show our support for inclusive practices in public construction
Share our story and expertise with a wider audience
Identify collaborative opportunities with other contractors and vendors
Stay informed about upcoming capital projects and how to engage with them
Learn more about LSU’s goals and vision for the future of its facilities
Building Relationships That Last
One of the most valuable aspects of the forum was the chance to meet face-to-face with professionals from across the construction spectrum. From university facilities directors to fellow general contractors, each conversation provided new insight into how we can all work together more effectively.
At Hill Construction, we’ve always emphasized relationships over transactions. Events like this one allow us to grow our network with others who share our values—reliability, communication, and commitment to quality.
Some key relationships we explored at the forum include:
Connecting with diverse subcontractors for future project collaboration
Learning how other firms are tackling workforce development challenges
Discussing shared goals with LSU project managers and procurement officers
Exploring mentorship opportunities with smaller, local trade businesses
These connections help expand not only our reach—but our impact.
Highlights From the Event
Throughout the day, several sessions and panels addressed pressing issues in the construction space. A few highlights included:
LSU’s Capital Project Roadmap
Representatives from LSU’s planning and construction departments provided a comprehensive look at upcoming projects over the next 5–10 years. This included building renovations, athletic facility expansions, student housing improvements, and new academic buildings.Certification and Procurement Guidance
Experts walked participants through the requirements for becoming a certified vendor and how to navigate the university’s e-procurement systems. This was especially helpful for small businesses new to working with public institutions.Diversity in Construction Panel
A lively panel discussion featured diverse business owners sharing their experiences, challenges, and advice for navigating the competitive construction landscape. Their stories were both motivating and eye-opening.One-on-One Networking
Attendees had the opportunity to meet directly with university buyers, general contractors, and agency partners. These brief but meaningful conversations helped kickstart new relationships and opened the door for future collaboration.
What We Shared at the Forum
As part of our participation, we also had the chance to introduce Hill Construction to a broader audience. Here’s what we highlighted:
Our experience across commercial, institutional, and public sector projects
Our commitment to hiring and mentoring diverse subcontractors and labor
Our ability to manage both ground-up construction and complex renovations
Our hands-on project leadership and high standards for workmanship
Our track record of on-time, on-budget delivery across Louisiana
By sharing our approach, we hope to inspire confidence and spark interest from project owners and potential partners alike.
Our Commitment Moving Forward
Participating in the LSU Diverse Construction Contractor’s Forum isn’t a one-time event—it’s part of a broader commitment we’ve made to help build a more inclusive construction industry in Louisiana. We plan to continue attending events like this, expanding our network, and actively seeking partnerships that promote equity and opportunity.
Here are a few ways we plan to put our learning into action:
Supporting Local Subcontractors
We’ll continue to prioritize working with local, small, and minority-owned trade partners, especially those who are just beginning to work on larger projects.Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing
We’re exploring ways to mentor smaller firms by sharing resources, offering guidance during the bid process, and helping them navigate certification and compliance.Staying Engaged With LSU
We’re committed to remaining engaged with LSU and other local institutions, monitoring capital project opportunities, and staying responsive to new initiatives.Investing in Workforce Development
As labor remains one of the construction industry’s biggest challenges, we’ll continue to invest in training, apprenticeship, and recruitment programs that reflect the diversity of our community.
Why This Forum Is So Important
Construction is one of the most powerful engines of economic growth. Yet historically, access to that engine hasn’t always been equitable. Forums like LSU’s help correct that imbalance—not through handouts, but through transparency, education, and genuine opportunity.
By inviting more firms into the process and lowering barriers to entry, institutions like LSU are helping reshape the future of construction in Louisiana. They’re ensuring that the next generation of builders, architects, and contractors reflects the full richness of our state’s communities.
We left the LSU Diverse Construction Contractor’s Forum energized, informed, and grateful. It was a reminder of why we do what we do—not just to build buildings, but to build futures.
At Hill Construction, we’re proud to be part of a growing movement that values equity, quality, and collaboration. We thank LSU for hosting such an important event and look forward to continuing the conversation as we grow alongside the communities we serve.
If you’d like to learn more about how Hill Construction partners with public institutions and diverse contractors, or if you’re interested in joining our network of trade partners, reach out—we’d love to connect.
Let’s build something better, together.
