Dear Members, Strategic Partners, Corporate Sponsors, and Friends,

The US Minority Contractors Association (USMCA) STEM Education Foundation is on a mission to change lives-but we can’t do it without YOU. Our annual Swing for Scholarships Golf Outing is just around the corner, and we need your help to ensure that deserving minority and women students get the financial support they need to pursue STEM careers.

This year, we’re striving to expand our scholarships, reach more students in underserved communities, and partner with more trade schools and colleges that support underrepresented students. But we can only achieve these goals with your generous financial support.

Our scholarships provide:
🎓 $500 per year for 6th–12th grade students
🎓 $1,000 per year for college and technical programs
These scholarships are renewable and exclusively support women and minority students enrolled in STEM programs, trade schools, or ABET-accredited colleges.

These students represent the future of innovation, and they cannot be left behind. Your contribution isn’t just a donation—it’s an investment in the next generation of engineers, scientists, and skilled professionals who will change the world.

As a 501(c)3 charitable organization, your donation is tax-deductible (subject to IRS regulations).

🚀 Take action today! Visit www.usminoritycontractors.org/STEM to donate or register for our Swing for Scholarships Golf Outing on Eventbrite.

For questions, call the USMCA office at 847-852-5010.

Your support means everything to these students-and to the future of STEM. Join us in making a difference today!

Exclusive Insurance Solutions for USMCA Members

On behalf of the  USMCA Board of Directors, we proudly announce Mr. Erskin Harris, New Gen Construction LLC and Member of the Georgia Chapter, REIED Division, and AET Division as USMCA April Member of the Month!

Erskin S. Harris is a visionary builder whose life and career embody perseverance, faith, and disciplined execution. With 39 years of experience in architecture and construction and 27 years of entrepreneurial leadership, he has built not only structures but companies, partnerships, and generational impact.

Born on March 17, 1968, in Gainesville, Georgia, Erskin’s journey began with unlikely odds. Diagnosed shortly after birth with irregular brain wave patterns and later identified as dyslexic, early medical projections underestimated his future. Yet what appeared to be limitations became catalysts. Drawing, athletics, and hands-on learning shaped a mind wired for vision, strategy, and execution. Introduced to construction at the age of eight through his father’s company and raised working on a farm, Erskin developed a respect for hard labor, discipline, and delayed gratification. These early lessons formed the foundation of a leadership philosophy rooted in endurance, accountability, and excellence.

After graduating from Gainesville High School, he joined H.G. Pattillo Construction Company, where he later became the first employee to receive a full scholarship. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture with a minor in Construction Science from Southern Polytechnic State University in 1996.

Throughout his career, Erskin has served in nearly every capacity within the built environment from Field Crew Member to Chief Executive Officer. He is the founder and owner of New Gen Construction, along with ventures including Teleport Transportation, Reliable Construction Solutions, and Division 4 Masonry. His leadership spans executive strategy, business development, estimating, project management, and field operations that bridges vision with execution at every level.

In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Erskin currently serves on the NAMC of Greater Atlanta Board of Directors, where he contributes to advancing opportunity, advocacy, and strategic growth within the construction industry. Guided by faith, family, and community, Erskin is an active member of Futures Church and remains committed to servant leadership. He is married to Maria T. Harris and is the proud father of Jessica, Seth, and Maria Jose. A longtime mentor and coach, he believes the greatest measure of success is not what one builds for themselves but what one builds into others.


Erskin S. Harris represents a rare blend of resilience, vision, and disciplined leadership, proving that legacy is constructed the same way great buildings are: with faith as the foundation, integrity as the framework, and service as the enduring structure.

On behalf of USMCA Board of Directors, we proudly announce Mr. Brandon Mason, BCMason Group and Board member of the Tennessee / Arkansas Chapter as USMCA February Member of the Month!

Brandon Mason is a seasoned construction executive and entrepreneur with extensive experience across residential, commercial, industrial, manufacturing, and aviation sectors. Raised on a farm in Nicholasville, Kentucky, in a family deeply rooted in residential construction, Brandon developed an early understanding of hard work, resource management, and disciplined execution—principles that continue to define his leadership style today. His diverse portfolio includes projects ranging from $5 million to $525 million, reflecting his capability to manage complex, large-scale developments from inception to completion.

Driven by entrepreneurial vision and industry expertise, Brandon founded BCMason Group in 2019, positioning the firm as a strategic leader in construction management and project delivery. He earned a degree in Construction Management from Western Kentucky University, where he attended as a full scholarship football athlete. Brandon’s combination of technical knowledge, operational leadership, and commitment to excellence continues to drive impactful projects and foster strong partnerships across the industry.

 We are delighted to invite you to join us for the 34th Anniversary Gala Awards Banquet Celebration of the United States Minority Contractors Association (USMCA). 

The U.S. Minority Contractors Association (USMCA) is proud to share a major legislative milestone that directly supports small and minority-owned construction firms across Illinois.

House Bill 1224, championed by State Senator Willie Preston and supported by Representative William Davis, has passed the Illinois Senate and is now awaiting further consideration. This bill is a significant step toward retainage reform—ensuring that contractors and subcontractors are paid in full upon completion of their work.

Under this proposed law, state agencies and public universities can only withhold retainage if a contractor is not making progress on a project. Once the job is complete, 100% payment for 100% work must be made—providing long-overdue fairness for small business owners across the construction industry.

“This fight is deeply personal to me… I will always stand up for you, fight for you, and advocate for you,” said Senator Preston, a former small contractor himself.

USMCA was proud to be part of the coalition that helped push this initiative forward. We thank Senator Preston, Representative Davis, and all our partners who continue to fight for equity, fairness, and financial protection for our contractors.

“This reform is about equity,” added Luis Vazquez, President of Toro Construction. “It’s about ensuring small minority-owned contractors can compete fairly, get paid fully, and reinvest in the communities we serve.”

We will continue advocating until this bill becomes law—because minority contractors deserve better.

USMCA President & CEO Larry S. Bullock was honored to be presented with the Water and Waste Management [WWM] International Award for his outstanding contributions to the Water and Waste Management International Conference and Construction Build Industry. 

This year's Award was presented by Mr. Chetan Kale, Secretary of WWMI. This award celebrates visionary leadership and those with a shared commitment to advancing sustainable water and waste solutions globally.

WWMI continues to lead the wave of environmental change — transforming waste into worth and championing clean water and energy for future generations.

WASHINGTON, DC (May 30, 2025) – The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) issued the following statement:

On May 21, 2025, in a decisive victory for equity in public contracting, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky granted AMAC, and our coalition partners (DBE-Intervenors) the right to intervene in Mid-America Milling Company v. USDOT, ensuring that our voices and those of the businesses we represent, will be heard.

Just days later, on May 28, the Department of Justice and the Plaintiffs filed a joint motion proposing a consent order that would dismantle the DBE Program, authorized by Congress in 1983 without consulting or notifying the DBE-Intervenors.

In response, on May 29, the newly admitted party in this case, DBE-Intervenors filed a formal Notice of Intent to oppose the motion. We will not stand by while others attempt to quietly unravel decades of progress.

We are in this fight, we have a voice, and we will be heard!

Eboni Wimbush, Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) President & CEO

USMCA STEM Education Foundation’s 19th Annual Golf Outing
📅 Thursday, August 7, 2025
📍 Eaglewood Golf Course – 1401 Nordic Rd, Itasca, IL 60143

Join us for an exciting day of golf and giving back at the USMCA STEM Education Foundation’s Swing for Scholarships Tournament — a fun-filled fundraiser dedicated to advancing education and opportunity for the next generation of STEM leaders.

Whether you're golfing, sponsoring, or cheering from the sidelines, your support helps fund scholarships for underrepresented students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

💥 Highlights Include:

Sponsorship packages available! Showcase your brand while supporting a worthy cause.
📩 For sponsorships or questions, email: info@usminoritycontractors.org
📞 Call: (847) 852-5010 

Support the future of STEM education and gain valuable visibility for your company by becoming a sponsor of the 19th Annual USMCA “Swing for Scholarships” Golf Outing. This high-visibility fundraiser attracts industry leaders, contractors, and community supporters across the region — and we want YOU to be part of it.

We offer multiple sponsorship opportunities to fit every level of support:

🥇 Premier Golf Sponsorships

 Each sponsorship includes marketing perks like signage, logo placement, and the opportunity to contribute promotional items to player swag bags.
 
 📩 Interested in Sponsoring?
Contact us at (847) 852-5010 or email info@usminoritycontractors.org
You may also download the sponsorship packet here or scan the QR code on the flyer to get started. 

Our Official Statement on DEI/DBE National Policy Changes
We understand that these policy changes bring uncertainty and challenges for many. At USMCA, we are committed to standing alongside you and advocating for equity and opportunity. Please read our full statement to learn more about our stance and efforts. 

Jake Pepper, LEED® AP
President, 
Pepper Environmental Technologies, Executive Vice President, Illinois

Pepper Construction
Jake Pepper is a creative problem solver with a focus on Pepper's continued growth in the evolving construction industry. While taking the company into new markets and relationships, Jake remains responsible for Pepper Environmental Technologies, our Quality team and  Integrated Construction Services (ICS). The ICS group is comprised of people who represent some of the most advanced thought leadership in our industry—investigating new technologies, evaluating new methodologies exploring high performance and solar advancements and creating innovative solutions in the field to help our clients realize their vision. In addition, Jake oversees Pepper's Field Supervision leaders and partners with them to drive continuous improvement by using technology in the field. His experience in project management benefits operations by providing integrated platforms designed to bring efficiencies at both the business and project levels.

SUNSHINE STATE CHAPTER LAUNCH!!

USMCA is proud to announce the expansion in the state of Florida. Join us Thursday, December 8th, to discuss how USMCA offers new and exciting benefits for minority contractors.