Central California Builders Exchange

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA BUILDERS EXCHANGE (CCBE) CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION, ENGINEERING (ACE) MENTOR PROGRAM THROUGHOUT CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

FRESNO, Calif., (August 2nd 2010) – The Central California Builders Exchange is seeking Mentors to participate in this year’s ACE Mentor Program. The ACE Mentor Program of Central California is a not-for-profit organization that helps prepare high school students for careers in design and construction through mentoring. This program just completed one of the most successful pilot program years on record. Because of this unprecedented success, the program looks to triple in size and service area for the 2010-2011 year. In line to participate are Design Science, Edison, Duncan Polytechnical, Hoover, Liberty (Madera), Clovis and Kerman High Schools.

A partnership between schools, architects, engineers, construction management companies, trades and professional organizations, ACE awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships to students graduating from programs in California in 2010. The Central California Builders Exchange continues to support and promote these partnerships to further develop a qualified and motivated workforce for the generations to come. The ultimate reward being a sustainable influence on the entire community and building industry as a whole.

Stephanie McShane, Division Manager for local firm A-C Electric, said this about her first year mentoring: “What a rare and wonderful opportunity for these two groups to interface in such a positive way. It enables us to steer some wonderful young minds toward a career in our industry. I will definitely be part of it again next year.”

Participating Companies/Mentors adopt a group of 15 to 30 students for the school year and introduce them to careers in the design and construction industries. Programs in California enrolled close to 1,000 students this year. Students and their mentors meet 15 times a year to work on a design project that is presented at the end of the season. The program concludes with the fundraising luncheon where scholarships are presented to the high school seniors who plan to further their education and pursue careers in these industries.

The Central California Builders Exchange and ACE will hold an information night for all interested parties on August 17 at 4:00 p.m. at the Central California Builders’ Exchange. For Information, please contact: Roxanne Greenwood at 559.237.1831 or Roxanne@cencalbx.com.

About the Central California Builders Exchange
The Central California Builders Exchange (CCBE) has more than 800 members representing the entire spectrum of Central California’s construction industry. The mission of the organization is to serve the construction industry by promoting high ethical and professional standards, providing quality services to its members, and working responsibly within the community for the enhancement of the building industry. CCBE acts as a catalyst to advocate collaboration of the industry, bringing all of the players to the table to work together. Originally formed to act as a liaison between contractors and architects to streamline the bidding process, CCBE has evolved into a dynamic professional association where the needs of the Members are priority.

About the ACE Mentor Program
The ACE Mentor Program was founded by the principals of leading design and construction firms to introduce high school students to career opportunities in the industry. The mission of the organization is twofold: to enlighten and motivate students toward architecture, construction, engineering, and related careers; and to provide mentoring opportunities for future designers and constructors. ACE makes a special attempt to reach students that otherwise may not become aware of the challenges and rewards of a career in the design and construction industry. For more information on the ACE Mentor Program, visit www.acementor.org.

For media inquiries please contact Roxanne Greenwood at (559) 237-1831 or Roxanne@cencalbx.com

# # #