Kathleen Meyer, owner of Meyer Contracting, Inc., Minneapolis, has been named Minnesota Minority Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The award recognizes Meyer for excellence in her field and for demonstrating leadership.

In 1987, Meyer founded Meyer Contracting, specializing in the installation of water and sewer mains. The company also does excavation, grading, drainage and road construction, and provides general construction.

The SBA through the 8(a) program has been instrumental in providing bidding opportunities. Meyer Contracting, Inc. is certified as a minority & woman-owned business (M/WBE) with a variety of federal, state, city and local agencies. On a federal level, the firm is certified as a Small Disadvantage Business (SDB) which is concurrent with 8(a) BD Certification.

Meyer’s customers include the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Corps of Engineers, and the 934th Airlift Wing. Her biggest contract was working on the Hiawatha Light Rail Transit.

While working on the Light Rail, Meyer subcontracted to minority, small and women contractors, including Holte Contracting, Thor Construction, Willis Trucking, Rock on Trucking, Gemtyn Trucking, and Able Trucking. “We encourage inclusion and welcome opportunities for us to work together to grow our companies mutually,” Meyer said.

Meyer is committed to the Twin Cities area. “I feel it is important to give back to the community, and I do this by sharing my career advice and giving encouragement to small emerging businesses,” she said. She is currently on the board of the National Association of Minority Contractors - Upper Midwest Chapter, MN American Indian Chamber of Commerce and past president of the Association of Women Contractors.

Meyer has three children, and her two sons work for her. “Meyer Contracting, Inc. has not only survived, but is a thriving company. I want this to become a multi-generation company,” Meyer said.