Desa Exceeding Expectations

Small Business Development & Training

"This training seminar was very resourceful and full of lots of important facts."
"Good information on contracts for construction, useful information."
"The reference book will be a great resource."

--Sampling of participant comments following "Common Sense Construction Law"
 
The Assignment:

Richland County School District One needed a training seminar to help stabilize and strengthen small, women, and minority construction-related business enterprises (S/W/MBEs) by teaching them how to avoid common legal pitfalls. 

Challenges:
  • Many of the small, women, and minority construction-related business enterprises working as subcontractors were experiencing legal and contractual problems that threatened their businesses and hampered their work for the county.
  • Most of the participants had little knowledge of contract and construction laws and their obligations.

How DESA Exceeded Expectations:

  • DESA identified well-known attorneys in the construction law field to lead a workshop that DESA created, called "Common Sense Construction Law."
  • Seminar topics included identifying project/contract risks and pitfalls, preserving your rights, defaults, documenting the right to terminate, and other issues.
  • DESA used a multimedia campaign that included radio and television promotion, direct mail flyers, and web-based messages to promote the one-day seminar.
  • The seminar received high marks from the 50 participants, who represented 21 local construction companies, several professional firms, as well as a financial institution and a law firm.