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Memphis, TN

Fedex Forum Arena Construction

How do you change the workforce development with a new sports arena?

FedExForum, home of the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies and the University of Memphis Tigers basketball team, was the largest public building construction project in Memphis history. Mortenson’s aggressive outreach efforts targeting local and minority businesses secured 25% minority participation and 70% local participation; a major achievement that set new standards in Memphis business and workforce development.

The challenge of scheduling and coordinating the activities of the 1,200 tradespeople on site during the peak of construction was compounded by a massive summer storm that crippled all three tower cranes on the site. As a direct result of the storm, Mortenson was forced to close the project site for two weeks to assess the damage, remove and replace the cranes, and re-mobilize the workforce. Despite a 30-day delay, the project team delivered the project on time and $1 million under budget.

Awards

Creative Visionary Supplier Award - Mid South Minority Business Council, 2003