CCBC Leans into a Culture of CARE on Bally’s Chicago Casino Job Site
Gerri Harris (center) holds the Culture of CARE award that CCBC and the Chicagoland AGC earned for their efforts on the Bally’s Chicago Casino job site.
It was still dark outside when tradespersons and contractors arrived at the Chicago Community Builders Collective (CCBC) safety trailer for a meaningful, early-morning Toolbox Talk. They enjoyed breakfast and conversation before Gerri Harris, Community Impact and Engagement Lead for CCBC joint-venture partner Gilbane Building, opened the meeting:
"Associated General Contractor's’ Culture of CARE represents how we show up," Harris said. "It's about creating a workplace where everyone is treated with respect and free from harassment, bullying, or exclusion. That standard applies to every person on this project."
Harris reviewed what each letter in CARE stands for:
Commit to hire and pay based on skill and experience
Attract prospective employees by creating inclusive workplaces
Retain high-performing employees by identifying and removing barriers to advancement
Empower every employee to promote a culture of inclusion
Her call to action was clear: “We need to get this message to every employee. Each and every one of us will be professional and respectful. Take that message to your teams.”
Respectability Wins the Day
Trade partners engaged on tenets of AGC’s Culture of CARE at the Toolbox Talk led by Gerri Harris.
The Culture of CARE is an initiative of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) that was created to foster inclusion and belonging in the evolving construction industry. As many experienced professionals retire, the industry is welcoming a new generation of workers—and the Culture of CARE is helping companies create workplaces where all employees can thrive.
“After 27 years in the business, I know firsthand that construction sites haven’t always felt welcoming,” said Karrie Kratz, Vice President and Chicago Business Leader at Gilbane Building. “Creating inclusive and respectful environments isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s essential for the future of our industry.”
The Chicagoland Associated General Contractors (CAGC), the local chapter of the AGC, partnered with CCBC to roll out the Culture of CARE on the Bally’s Chicago Casino project. To date, 950+ individuals from over 22 companies have taken the pledge, including every member of the CCBC and Bally’s Chicago.
The AGC recognized these efforts with its national Culture of CARE Award at its 2025 National & Chapter Leadership Conference. An article about CCBC’s Culture of CARE is featured on Pages 8 and 9 of the Chicagoland AGC’s annual magazine.
“Instead of just signing a pledge, CCBC has taken it a step further,” said Cailin Briody, communications manager for Chicagoland AGC. “The Toolbox Talks are a tangible way to bring the Culture of CARE to life.”
Making a Difference
During the Toolbox Talk, Harris invited attendees to share what the Culture of CARE means to them.
“To me, it means doing your best to acknowledge people,” said Cameron Johnson, Project Engineer with Black Rock Construction, a subcontractor to McHugh Concrete. “It helps to come to work with a smile on your face instead of just looking forward to Friday. It’s also important that we talk to our forepersons. The way we talk to people is going to trickle down from there.”
Miguel d’Escoto, Project Executive with CCBC, emphasized, "Respect goes both ways, no matter your title,” he said. “There is a hierarchy, sure, but we never lose respect for each other.”
Harris reminded the group of two critical facts. First, the construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates of any industry, and second, people who feel excluded are more likely to have accidents.
“People who feel welcome and included are happier and more productive,” Harris said. “It is my honor to take action and advocate for commitments from all team members to build a culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.”
Grant Copeland, who works for Lyndon Steel, shared his experience: “I feel like people are now opening up to building better relationships. Not just ‘How are you doing?’ but ‘How was your weekend? Your day?’ It’s only going to improve mental health for everybody.”
Getting Involved
Evan Page (left) and Cameron Johnson of Black Rock Construction show off the new Culture of CARE T-shirt with the CCBC logo.
After a walk around the job site and taking part in Stretch and Flex, a morning ritual, the group returned to the safety trailer. Before adjourning, Harris unveiled new T-shirts and sweatshirts in the signature yellow reflector vest color with Bally’s Chicago Casino logo on the front, the CCBC logo on the back and the Culture of CARE logo on the sleeve. She stressed to attendees that there is a 24-hour confidential hotline they can call to report concerns that are misaligned with the Culture of CARE commitment.
By the time the meeting was over, Johnson and his Black Rock colleague, Evan Page, had taken the individual pledge.
“It’s good to have a safe place to come to work and not have to worry about stressors or being mistreated,” Page said. “I feel like the Culture of CARE brings awareness. There’s definitely a difference in leadership as well as morale.”
To learn more about the Culture of CARE and to take the pledge as an individual or company, click here.
Toolbox Talk attendees toured the job site and participated in the morning Stretch and Flex.