California producer obtains LGBTBE certification

Lynx Cat Mountain Quarry Operations, an aggregate producer located in Hinkley, California, was certified by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to serve Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual Business Enterprises (LGBTBE), Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Woman Business Enterprises (WBE).

According to Lynx Cat, it is the first producer in the state of California to obtain the certification. The company says the certification is valid for three years and will allow it to help state agencies meet new LGBTBE goals in California.

Lynx Cat says CPUC set a goal in April of 1.5 percent LGBTBE participation in competitive contracting processes with California-based utilities such as AT&T, PG&E and SoCal Edison. As a result of its certification, Lynx Cat says it is now eligible to participate in supplier diversity programs for roadbuilders, utility companies and transportation contractors, as well as local government and state agencies.

Lynx Cat says many of these organizations have specific LGBTBE, MBE and WBE goals to meet. Now, it can fulfill all three categories.

“Certification is important because it helps the construction industry see the value that diverse businesses bring to the marketplace,” says Gina Zatica, president of Lynx Cat. “LGBT women and minorities have historically struggled to break into this industry, and I am honored to be the first aggregate supplier to obtain CPUC’s LGBTBE certification.”

According to Lynx Cat, it has been operating in Hinkley for just under a year providing Caltrans Class II base, riprap, miscellaneous fill and other materials for construction projects.