At Force Construction, fostering a culture of inclusion and equal opportunity is central to who we are. Our commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and non-discrimination is woven into every aspect of our business, ensuring that we create an environment where all individuals, regardless of background, have the chance to succeed. Through initiatives like our Opportunity+ Committee and Opportunity+ Week, we are continually working to strengthen this commitment and expand opportunities for our employees and partners. The Opportunity+ Committee, established over 25 years ago, serves as a driving force behind our efforts to uphold EEO standards and promote a diverse, inclusive workforce. It is tasked with ensuring that our policies and practices align with our values, and that we are actively creating pathways for minorities, women, and disadvantaged groups to grow within the construction industry. From quarterly meetings to ongoing program evaluations, the Committee ensures that our dedication to equal opportunity is more than just a statement—it's an ongoing practice. One of the key outcomes of the Committee's work is the annual Opportunity+ Week, which we’ve been celebrating since 2015. This week-long event is designed to raise awareness of EEO principles and highlight the ways in which diversity strengthens our workforce and contributes to better outcomes for our clients. During this week, we host discussions and activities across all job sites and offices, reinforcing our commitment to fair treatment, respect, and opportunity for all employees. It’s an event we look forward to each year, as it reminds us of the responsibility we have to uphold these values in everything we do. How We Measure Success To ensure we are meeting our EEO goals, we use several methods to track and measure progress. These include monitoring our percentage of minority and female hires, participating in the INDOT OJT program to support the training and development of disadvantaged individuals, and utilizing programs like E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. Additionally, we promote the use of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), and other diverse suppliers, ensuring that inclusion extends beyond our workforce and into our business partnerships. We believe that by building a diverse and inclusive workforce, we are not only doing the right thing, but we are also strengthening our ability to deliver exceptional results for our clients. A diverse team brings new perspectives, fresh ideas, and innovative solutions—qualities that are critical to the success of any project. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to these principles, and we invite our clients, partners, and the broader community to join us in this journey. At Force Construction, equality and inclusion are not just policies—they are pillars of how we build a better future.

At Force Construction, we are committed to fostering relationships built on trust, collaboration, and respect—values that are central to everything we do. This commitment was evident during the 2024 Cummins Golf Scramble for United Way, an event that brought together over 200 participants from 57 teams across Southern Indiana. The event provided a day of fun, networking, and, most importantly, support for United Way’s essential programs. As proud sponsors of Hole #3, Force Construction added a unique twist to the competition with our "Chip the Hard Hat" challenge. The "Chip the Hard Hat" challenge encouraged participants to chip a golf ball into a strategically placed hard hat, creating a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved. Our team members, including Brett Siepka, Jackson Lahrman, Jace Rhorer, and Steve Alesia, participated alongside industry peers and partners, showcasing their skills while supporting a great cause. Ashleigh Fisher also played a key role, managing the sponsorship hole and engaging with participants throughout the event. Beyond the fun and competition, the golf scramble was an opportunity to strengthen our partnerships with Cummins, a valued client, and to support United Way’s mission of improving lives across the region. The funds raised during the event will help provide critical resources to families in need, making a meaningful impact in our community. We are proud to play a role in these efforts. Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue our participation in the Cummins Golf Scramble and to explore more ways we can support both our clients and the community. At Force Construction, building strong relationships is at the foundation of everything we do, and we look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the communities where we live and work.

At Force Construction, innovation and collaboration are at the heart of our approach to every project—and these same values guide our community outreach efforts. This year, we were proud to participate in the 2024 CANstruction event to support Gleaners Food Bank. CANstruction is a unique competition that challenges teams to design and build large-scale structures using only canned goods, all in support of raising awareness and resources to fight hunger. Our involvement in this event reflects our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. For this year’s competition, our team joined forces with RE Diamond and Associates to create the "Tree of Hope," a whimsical structure designed to represent childhood joy and resilience. Over the course of several weeks, we worked collaboratively to design and plan the structure, ensuring it not only conveyed an important message but also met the technical requirements of the competition. The event gave us the opportunity to showcase the same blend of creativity and craftsmanship that defines our construction projects. On build day, the Indiana State Fairgrounds was alive with excitement as teams worked together to bring their designs to life. After hours of collaboration, our structure was judged based on creativity, complexity, and the number of cans used. We were honored to win awards for "Most Cans" and "Most Structurally Sound," but the real reward was knowing that our efforts would directly support Gleaners Food Bank’s mission to combat food insecurity. All the canned goods used in the structures were donated, providing much-needed resources to families in need. As we reflect on this event, we are reminded of the importance of collaboration, not just within our own team but with the broader community. At Force Construction, we believe that working together—whether on a construction site or in a community event—leads to better outcomes. CANstruction was a powerful example of how innovation, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose can come together to support a cause that truly matters. We look forward to continuing to participate in events like this, where we can put our values into action for the greater good.

Force is proud to announce a new environmental initiative aimed at promoting conservation and demonstrating our commitment to finding and implementing sustainable practices both at our office and in the field. In line with one of our five core values, "Safety - We are committed to providing the safest possible work environment and to limiting our impact on our planet," we are installing four beehives at our corporate offices. This initiative marks the first step in a broader plan to enhance employee engagement and contribute positively to the environment. Alongside the beehives, we will be developing walking paths and pollinator parks at our office location this year. These additions are designed to create a more vibrant and interactive workspace for our employees, offering them opportunities to connect with nature and each other. Our beehives will be managed by local beekeeper Jonathan Vogt to ensure the safety of both the bees and our employees. The beehive installations are part of a growing movement to support pollinator populations, which are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems. Bees, in particular, play a vital role in pollinating plants that produce fruits, vegetables, and other crops essential for human and animal consumption. By establishing these beehives, Force is taking a proactive approach to help combat the decline in bee populations due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and other environmental factors. The beehives also offer a unique educational opportunity for employees to learn more about bees' essential role in our environment and how even small actions can contribute to global conservation efforts. Additionally, the pollinator parks and walking paths will provide employees with a peaceful space to unwind and enjoy nature during breaks or after work. These areas will be designed with a variety of native plants that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, creating a thriving habitat that benefits both the local ecosystem and the well-being of our staff. Force Construction is excited to be part of this initiative, which aligns with our broader mission to implement sustainable practices in everything we do. By fostering a deeper connection with nature, we hope to inspire our employees to continue making a positive impact on the environment both at work and in their personal lives.

We are proud to announce that Force was honored as General Contractor of the Year for 2023 by the Indiana Subcontractor’s Association at the ISA’s annual Networking Event of the Year on Wednesday, March 6th. As one of 18 nominees, this award recognizes a GC that exemplifies true leadership and sets the highest standards of project innovation, customer satisfaction, and positive engagement with subcontractors. This marks the fifth time in the last ten years that our company has been distinguished with this prestigious award. Karen Walker, President of Force Design, Inc., accepted the award on behalf of the Company and was joined at the event by several other members of our team. While our newest recognition from the ISA, since 2014, we have also been awarded four Excellence in Ethics, two Subcontractor’s Choice, and two Project of the Year. These awards continue to reflect our team’s dedication and hard work, and our commitment to not just constructing projects, but to forging lasting relationships with our partners, the communities we serve, and to making each of our team members a better builder. Congratulations to our entire team, and for demonstrating to others that “ Nobody Builds Better ”!

Columbus, IN – At Force Construction, we recently had the honor of guiding a group of bright, young students from Greensburg Community High School (GCHS) through the Circle-K Fieldhouse at Nexus Park, a project we're immensely proud of. This tour, a collaborative effort initiated by Mr. Aaron Mentz, GCHS's Construction Teacher, underscores our commitment to " Building Better Builders " through our ongoing recruitment and training efforts in the skilled trades. The visit was enriched by the presence of Collin Rigney, Dean of Students, and 23 motivated students from the Construction Class, alongside our dedicated team members: Nexus Job Superintendent Mark Garrett, Director of Construction Operations Devon Broadus, EEO Officer Dale Wernke, and Carpenter Journeyperson Eric Million, who proudly represents our successful alumni from GCHS, class of 2019. During the tour, led by Mark Garrett, our guests were immersed in the details of constructing the Circle-K Fieldhouse and the broader opportunities within the construction industry. We fostered an environment where questions were encouraged, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of the construction process and the various career paths available. Mark Garrett shared his journey in the construction field, emphasizing the importance of dedication, continuous learning, and the drive to "show up every day and put in the effort," which are crucial for success in this dynamic industry. This visit not only showcased the Circle-K Fieldhouse but also highlighted the diverse career opportunities in construction, beyond traditional paths like college or the military. We aim to enlighten students about the rewarding careers in skilled trades and the apprenticeship opportunities available. As we bid farewell, we offered our support to these future builders, sharing business cards and a message of encouragement. It's noteworthy to mention that we currently have four active employees from GCHS who have joined us since 2019, exemplifying the strength of our relationship with the school and our commitment to nurturing local talent. This partnership is a vital part of our " Building Better Builders " initiative, which focuses on developing skilled, knowledgeable, and dedicated professionals in the construction industry. At Force Construction, we're not just building structures; we're committed to building futures, fostering the growth of the next generation of construction professionals through education, training, and hands-on experience in the field.

Columbus, IN – On Friday, February 16th, Force Construction Company, Inc. proudly participated in the inaugural C4 Careers in Building Trades Day, held at Columbus North High School. The event, which ran from 7:45 am to approximately 2:30 pm, marked a significant milestone in our ongoing " Building Better Builders " initiative, aimed at nurturing the next generation of construction professionals. Dale Wernke, our EEO Officer/Project Accountant, and Richard Rouse, Assistant EEO Officer/Human Resources Manager, represented Force Construction throughout the day, with Devon Broadus, Director of Construction Operations, joining for the afternoon sessions. The program consisted of four sessions, each lasting between 60-80 minutes, designed to introduce students to the myriad of opportunities within the skilled trades. After a brief introduction by each participating company, students were encouraged to explore and engage with as many companies as possible. Our primary goal for attending the expo was to guide students, particularly those undecided about their career paths, towards the rewarding opportunities available in skilled trades unions, including Carpenters, Operators, Laborers, and Cement Masons. A special focus was placed on encouraging women and minorities to consider these careers, aligning with our commitment to diversity and fulfilling our On Job Training (OJT) Goal. Throughout the day, our team had the privilege of speaking with numerous students, sharing insights into the construction industry and the benefits of pursuing a career in skilled trades. By providing our contact information, we opened doors for these young individuals to seek guidance, support, and potentially secure future employment with Force Construction, thereby contributing to our " Building Better Builders " initiative. This event underscores Force Construction's dedication to building not just structures, but also futures, by investing in the education and development of aspiring tradespeople. Through initiatives like the C4 Careers in Building Trades Day, we are committed to enriching our community and industry by supporting the growth and diversification of the skilled workforce, ensuring a robust and vibrant future for the construction industry.

Columbus, IN – Force Construction is thrilled to announce our recent sponsorship of the naming rights for two basketball courts at the Circle-K Fieldhouse within NexusPark. This initiative marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to support and engage with our local community in Columbus, Indiana. By sponsoring these courts, we're not just putting our name on a space; we're investing in the health, wellness, and recreational fabric of our community. The Circle-K Fieldhouse, a key component of the NexusPark project, transforms the former FairOaks Mall into a vibrant hub for sports, wellness, and community events. Our logo now adorns two high school regulation basketball courts, symbolizing our commitment to fostering a spirit of community and promoting sports in our area. Our involvement in NexusPark extends beyond sponsorship. As the design-builder, we've been instrumental in realizing the vision of a state-of-the-art indoor sports and event center. Working closely with city and Columbus Regional Health stakeholders, we've ensured that every aspect of the facility aligns with the community's needs, vision, and budget. The sponsorship was celebrated with a walkthrough of the facility, highlighting our dedication to the project and its potential to positively impact the community. With the Circle-K Fieldhouse set to host a variety of local and regional sports events, including the Reebok Classic AAU tournament, we're excited about the opportunities this will bring to Columbus. Our sponsorship of the basketball courts is a reflection of our commitment to building better communities. By creating spaces that bring people together, promote active lifestyles, and support local sports, we're proud to contribute to the growth and vitality of Columbus, Indiana. We look forward to the ribbon-cutting ceremony as part of Mayor Mary Ferdon's State of the City address on March 6, and to seeing the facility become a central venue for sports and community events. This is more than a sponsorship; it's a testament to our dedication to enhancing community spaces through thoughtful design and construction practices.