March 1, 2024

By Lane Kimble

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. — Every successful transportation project relies on a firm foundation of trust and communication between prime and subcontractors, which is built over years.

Many new and small, minority-owned subcontractors are working hard to build those relationships and this week’s gathering in Wisconsin Dells showed the industry is tracking in the right direction.

Wednesday, a number of WTBA member companies received special recognition for those efforts during WisDOT’s 38th annual Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Summit.

“Wisconsin is a leader in how we support our state’s small and emerging businesses,” WisDOT Deputy Secretary Kristina Boardman told the crowd of several hundred people.

The Department awarded five WTBA members with the Secretary’s Golden Shovel award, which salutes companies that go above and beyond contract requirements to support and empower DBEs.

The award session also saluted eight Mentor-Protege Program participants.

“This ‘Program with a Purpose’ is a mutually beneficial business partnership,” Walbec Group shared on social media.  “Our teams from P+D, NEA, and ZTI assist DBE firms in technical and business development. In return, these firms benefit from our years of experience and best practices.”

Click to view a full photo gallery of all award winners

According to WisDOT, the DBE program grew from the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982.  Today, the program supports small and emerging businesses throughout the state by providing technical assistance and mentorship on what it takes to compete successfully for heavy highway work.

“The progress you have all made is remarkable, especially the work of those being recognized today,” Boardman said.  “But we know we still have more work to do to eliminate the barriers that may be holding some DBEs back.  That’s why we’re here today.”

WTBA was also honored to present a breakout session panel on best practices for successful contractors.  Led by WTBA Director of Engineering Matt Grove, the panel included Neil Bakke of Mathy Construction, Eric Bertram of Edgerton Contractors, and Jeff Parisi of Walbec Group.

Congratulations to all the winners – your hard work and support of the DBE program has a hugely positive impact on our mission to build and maintain a robust transportation system.

2024 Golden Shovel Award Winners

• ANASA Traffic Control Services, LLC
• HNTB Corporation
• Hoffman Construction Company
• Jacobs
• Lakeside Engineers
• Zignego Company Inc.

  2024 Mentor-Protege Recipients

  • HNTB Corporation / Spann & Associates, LLC
  • Jacobs / LT Leon Associates, Inc.
  • KL Engineering / M Squared Engineering, LLC
  • Northeast Asphalt, Inc. / Meltz Industries, LLC
  • Payne & Dolan, Inc. / ANASA
  • Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. / Reach Grow Exceed Engineering
  • Zenith Tech, Inc. / Van Zile Contractors
  • Zignego Company, Inc. / Brothers Infrastructure Group Construction