Vernessa Fountain, Finalist, pictured at Cruz Companies’ Boston Admin Awards Watch Party.A small group of colleagues, relatives, and friends joined Vernessa (center) to celebrate the special recognition.Justin Cruz, Director of Cruz Management (third from left), along with family, staff and friends attended the virtual Watch Party in honor of Vernessa Fountain (center), Boston Admin Awards’ Above the Call Award Finalist.
BOSTON, MA – On Saturday, November 6th Cruz Companies celebrated their long-time employee, Vernessa Fountain for the Admin Awards’ virtual Good as Gold Gala. She was named an “Above the Call” Award Finalist for the Boston Admin Awards. Cruz Management proudly nominated Vernessa in recognition of her exemplary contributions during her 15 years and counting with the company.
Vernessa shares a compassionate and caring work ethic that encompasses Cruz Companies’ core values. She skillfully drives the company through any difficulty with grace, humor, and eagerness to help others. These qualities are what encompasses the ethics and values at Cruz Companies. Vernessa’s selfless nature serves as a driving force within Cruz CARES, the non-profit arm of the organization. Vernessa plays an essential part in providing enrichment resources for tenants, giving back to the community through different activities.
“She goes above and beyond, she inspires and helps others selflessly.” remarked Justin Cruz, Director of Cruz Management. “She is a living example of this award title- above the call. Vernessa brings her best to all she does and brings out the best in everyone she works with.”
The Admin Awards is the Administrative Profession’s highest honor, created nearly a decade ago by the daughter of a retired Executive Secretary. Often referred to as the ‘Academy Awards for Admins‘, the Admin Awards is the first and only public recognition program of its kind in the country that focuses specifically on recognizing and rewarding the achievements, dedication and importance of Administrative Professionals. The Admin Awards currently operates in nine cities across the U.S. including Boston, Chicago, Dallas / Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Pacific Northwest, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Washington D.C.
The Above the Call award is all about providing exceptional customer service both internally and externally and honors the Admin whose job responsibility involves significant interaction with others such as coworkers, customers, vendors, company visitors etc.
About Cruz Companies: Cruz Companies is the oldest and largest minority-owned construction, real estate development and property management firm in the region, responsible for landmark projects and developments for over 70 years. Cruz Companies’ mission is giving back to the community through providing employment and career opportunities to area residents, hiring local minority contractors and businesses, and increasing affordable and market rate housing. For more information, please go to our website www.cruzcompanies.com.
Cruz Companies staff including Director, Justin Cruz (center left) and President and CEO, John B. Cruz, III (center right) gather in front of the final beam on which the American flag, Cape Verdean flag, and Evergreen tree sit.Cruz Management Director, Justin Cruz, and others signed the steel beam before it was hoisted atop the structure.Cruz Companies President and CEO, John B. Cruz III looks on as the final steel beam is lifted by crane to the top of the building structure.
BOSTON, MA – On Tuesday, July 6th Cruz Companies celebrated the progress on one of its newest developments, the Michael E. Haynes Arms Building, with a topping out ceremony. Members of the construction crew gathered at the Roxbury site to commemorate the completion of the building’s steel structure. Guests signed the beam before lifting it atop the structure.
The tradition is meant to honor the safe completion of the steel structure. It is said that an Evergreen is raised to the top along with the beam as a symbol of good luck on the remaining construction. It is standard to also position an American flag on the beam. In this case, a Cape Verdean flag was also present; a nod to the roots of Cruz Companies.
“We have been doing business in the Roxbury neighborhood since 1948. Many of our employees are residents and we believe in strengthening the community in which we work and live,” said John B. Cruz III, President of Cruz Companies. “We are committed to the revitalization of the Warren Street corridor and are grateful to our partnerships that have enabled this development to come to fruition.”
The Michael E. Haynes Arms building, named for the revered Roxbury community leader, minister, and former State House representative who lived adjacent to the site, will be a fully affordable 55 unit mixed-use, mixed-income development with approximately 60,000 square feet of housing and commercial space with underground parking. Situated at a strategic location between Dudley Square and Grove Hall, the building will bring economic vitality and much-needed affordable housing to the neighborhood. Commercial space on the first floor will be the future headquarters of the Cruz Companies, which has had ties to the Roxbury community since its founding in 1948.
About Cruz Companies: Cruz Companies is the oldest and largest minority-owned construction, real estate development and property management firm in the region, responsible for landmark projects and developments for over 70 years. Cruz Companies’ mission is giving back to the community through providing employment and career opportunities to area residents, hiring local minority contractors and businesses, and increasing affordable and market rate housing. For more information, please go to our website www.cruzcompanies.com.
“Walter Williams Endowed Scholarship Fund” honors legacy of local resident, supports students pursuing Construction Management, HVAC&R, Practical Electricity, related programs
John B. Cruz, III, Ingrid Tucker and Justin Cruz pictured at the Cruz Companies 70th anniversary celebration. During the event, Tucker accepted an award on behalf of her father, Walter Williams, and Cruz announced the intent to establish a scholarship in honor of Williams. Photo Credit: Archipelago Strategies Group
BOSTON – The Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology (BFIT) announced the creation of the Walter Williams Endowed Scholarship Fund. The endowed scholarship fund is a result of a generous gift from Cruz Companies and will financially support students from Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan who pursue a course of study in construction management, HVAC&R, practical electricity, or a related program area at BFIT.
The scholarship fund was established in memory of the late Walter Earl Williams, a longtime Roxbury resident and graduate of Boston Trade High School. After serving in the United States Navy, Mr. Williams worked in city government and as a community organizer. Mr. Williams played a key role in establishing the Boston Residency Jobs Policy, a 1983 ordinance which required that major construction projects meet employment goals for Boston residents, people of color, and women construction workers. He served on various civic organizations including the Boston Employment Commission and as director of the Minority Business Office for the City of Boston. Mr. Williams believed that “service was the rent you pay on earth.”
The newly established scholarship will provide financial support for up to two students every academic year who demonstrate financial need and are pursuing a course of study in building trade programs. The initial selection of the scholarship recipients will be notified in the fall semester of 2021.
“The influence of my dear friend, Walter Williams, on the city of Boston extends far beyond his long and successful career,” said John B. Cruz III, president and CEO of Cruz Companies. “He was a passionate advocate for minority businesses and a leader in community development. He saw construction as a great opportunity for wealth generation and career growth. This endowment puts into practice the belief held by Walter: the entire community benefits when everyone has an opportunity to follow their dreams. This is an opportunity for young people of color to not only refine their skills, but to then become business leaders who can then hire people from their communities, too. It’s a domino effect.”
“We are delighted to honor the legacy of Walter Williams through this scholarship at Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology,” said Dr. Aisha Francis, CEO of BFIT. “As a clean tech college specializing in sustainable development and dedicated to providing economic opportunity to minority students, this generous pledge will assure that more students of color from across Massachusetts have access to fast growing careers in the construction field, an area that Mr. Williams was passionate about throughout his life.”
Cruz Companies, headquartered in Roxbury, MA, employs over 70 staff from the Greater Boston region. The company is rooted in community-building, prioritizing the hiring of local, minority-owned small businesses, onboarding local apprentices, and supporting opportunities for residents. The BFIT scholarship fund is just the latest example of the Cruz Companies mantra: “Cruz cares.”
“For the past several years, there’s been much handwringing about how to diversify the trades,” said Mr. Cruz. “Here is a college in our backyard that can help do that but only with continued support. We are stepping up to the plate. I challenge other businesses and organizations to do the same. BFIT is a community resource that my father attended, and I want to afford that opportunity to others like him and my friend Walter.”
Cruz Companies has been able to support the educational dreams of over 15 students since 2007 via the John “Bertie” Cruz Scholarship at Bridgewater State University, named in memory of the company’s founder. The scholarship is awarded to a matriculating minority student each year and may be applied to academic expenses such as tuition, housing, books.
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About Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology
Founded in 1908 in Boston, Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology is one of New England’s oldest colleges of technology. Started with a bequest from Benjamin Franklin and a matching gift from Andrew Carnegie, the private non-profit college offers an affordable education for people seeking technical careers. BFIT is an affordable, urban college serving the Boston region and committed to student success and career readiness in technology fields. Through personalized support, hands-on learning, and industry-informed curricula, BFIT prepares graduates for work, life-long learning, and citizenship. For more information, please go to www.bfit.edu.
About Cruz Companies
Cruz Companies is the oldest and largest minority-owned construction, real estate development and property management firm in the region, responsible for landmark projects and developments for over 70 years. Cruz Companies’ mission is giving back to the community through providing employment and career opportunities to area residents, hiring local minority contractors and businesses, and increasing affordable and market rate housing. For more information, please go to www.cruzcompanies.com.
(John Teixeira of Cruz Companies lights the 20’ tall Cruz Companies Holiday Tree as a small group of staff look on.)
(John B. Cruz III, Justin Cruz and a small group of Cruz Companies staff masked up to honor the annual tradition.)
(Socially distanced caroling at Cruz Companies Headquarters in Roxbury.)
BOSTON – On Tuesday, December 15, 2020, a small group of employees gathered to celebrate Cruz Companies’ 35th Annual Tree Lighting and caroling at the Cox Building in Roxbury. Cruz Companies is typically joined by residents from the community for carolingand spreading holiday cheer. This year the company lit its twenty-foot Balsam Fir in an intimate, socially distanced ceremony.
“This 2020 holiday season has been a bit different than we’d prefer but let’s count our blessings and do our best to enjoy it safely.” said John B. Cruz, III President and CEO Cruz Companies. “We wish our neighbors and friends peace and happiness this Holiday Season and into the New Year.”
We thank our staff for joining us in safelyhonoring the Cruz Companies Tree Lighting tradition: John Teixeira, Rick Jones, Oscar Carlos, Mayfield Accilien, Dan Cruz, Donna Cruz, McCall Cruz, Brandon Banna, Justin Cruz, John B. Cruz III.
Community members are welcome to visit for safe, socially distanced photos in front of the tree. The lights will be onweekdays starting at 4:30 PM with music playing as well.
Cruz Companies values giving back year-round sponsoring local nonprofit events, providing scholarships, and hosting special philanthropic efforts. Most recently, Cruz Management gave frozen turkeys to residents and families of local NICU patients. Next week, the company will be giving away turkeys for Christmas dinner.
About Cruz Companies: Cruz Companies is the oldest and largest minority-owned construction, real estate development and property management firm in the region, responsible for landmark projects and developments. Cruz Companies’ mission is giving back to the community through providing employment and career opportunities to area residents, hiring local minority contractors and businesses, and increasing affordable and market rate housing. For more information, please go to our website www.cruzcompanies.com.
Statement from John B. Cruz, President & CEO of Cruz Companies
As a Black-owned company that has been in Roxbury for more than 70 years, Cruz Companies is deeply committed to the economic and civic life of our neighborhood. Our first development project in Boston in 1972, Taurus Apartments on Humboldt Avenue in Roxbury, still continues to provide affordable housing to this day.
As a Black-owned business with approximately 75 employees, of which 95% are people of color, I have always strived to give back to my community. That is why I took steps three years ago to incorporate this mural as part ofthe redevelopment of this dilapidated site. In fact, this site was in such disarray that the roof had collapsed into the basement; the building was uninhabitable. I signed a cooperation agreement with the City to provide mitigation for this mural and establish an $8,000 budget. Moreover, I met and have had discussions with the original artist about replicating the artwork and incorporating elements of it into the building.
We are committed to employing at least 75% workers of color and 75% businesses of color on this site. We are also bringing an additional 40 permanent employees to this site which will be the new home to Cruz Companies.90% of these people are folks of color. Moreover, we have hired a development team that is 100% Black, including the developer, contractor, management agent, attorney, and architect. We are number one in the city of Boston for providing employment and business opportunities to people and organizations of color.These folks will utilize the businesses and restaurants in the Warren Street corridor and hopefully serve as a role model to young people observing a successful Black firm.
We are committed to incorporating this mural into the design of this development. We are committed, as we always have been, to working with our community.
About Cruz Companies: Cruz Companies is the oldest and largest minority-owned construction, real estate development and property management firm in the region, responsible for landmark projects and developments for over 70 years. Cruz Companies’ mission is giving back to the community through providing employment and career opportunities to area residents, hiring local minority contractors and businesses, and increasing affordable and market rate housing. For more information, please go to our website www.cruzcompanies.com.
Cruz Companies, Inc., donated $2,000 to Randolph Public Schools to support the remote learning of children, including those with special needs.
The funds were secured through Randolph town councilor Ken Clifton’s COVID-19 Relief Initiative.
“I am sensitive to the fact that our children with special needs tend to be more marginalized and this is more so especially during times of crisis and I wanted to help in a meaningful way,” Clifton said. “And so I turned to Cruz Companies, Inc., which has a remarkable history of exceptional humanitarian service and giving to charitable causes.”
The company is a third-generation family-owned business and one of the oldest and largest minority-owned companies in the Northeast, according to Clifton.
“When councilor Clifton approached me, I felt his passion and love for his community’s children in his voice and I felt privileged to answer his call,” said company president John B. Cruz. “As a son of immigrants myself, I feel an obligation to give back and that’s why I created Cruz CARES (Community, Arts, Recreational and Educational Services) which is my company’s social responsibility arm dedicated to charitable causes in the community.”
“Councilor Clifton is an avid supporter of Randolph Public Schools,” said Randolph Superintendent Thea Stovell. “His regular participation in school events and his outreach to various donors on behalf of RPS is admirable. I am grateful for his continued support and Cruz Companies’ generous contribution. This donation makes it possible for us to provide our students with disabilities with remote learning supply packs. These student packages will include materials such as left/right hand scissors, which support the development of fine motor skills and dry erase white boards that promote hands-on learning and benefits visual learners. Contributions from partners and advocates like councilor Clifton and Cruz Companies are appreciated. These resources complement our programs and support the development of our students.”
The financial contribution is part of the councilor’s COVID-19 Relief Initiative which is geared toward supporting residents that have been adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Clifton has collaborated with the Well Jamaican Restaurant to serve residents with cooked meals, co-sponsored food package distribution with E-Flow Beauty Salon, organized virtual COVID-19 panel discussions, produced COVID-19 videos and distributed boxes of gloves and masks to vulnerable residents at various apartments in the community.
BOSTON – On Monday, May11, 2020, Cruz Companiesrecognized National Nurses Week with meal deliveries to Boston Medical Center and Bowdoin Street Health Center. Cruz Companies donated 150 meals to Boston’s first responders and hospital staff. A small token of appreciation for our essential workers keeping Boston healthy during the Covid-19 pandemic.
(Cruz Companies partnered with Restaurante Cesaria to bring fifty delicious meals to Bowdoin Street Health Center.)
(Cruz Companies partnered with Restaurante Cesaria to bring fifty delicious meals to Bowdoin Street Health Center.)
(Cruz Companies displayed 16’ banners outside of their headquarters in Roxbury and at other Cruz properties in Boston. Banners read: Thank you first responders! Thank you frontline workers! The company also planted blue pansies in honor of essential workers.)
During this unprecedented crisis Cruz Companies believes now more than ever in caring for our neighbors. In addition to sending meals to frontline workers, Cruz Companies has made tributes in solidarity to frontline workers. The company planted blue pansies and installed blue lighting at its headquarters, and other properties in Boston.In addition, Cruz Companies has put banners on display at the Cox Building and several other Cruz sites in Greater Boston.
Cruz Companies typically contracts minority owned and small businesses, and the company made sure to enlist such businesses for its frontline appreciation efforts.Chilacates cooked and delivered 100 breakfast burritos to staff at Boston Medical Center on behalf of Cruz Companies. Restaurante Cesaria made and delivered 50 hot meals to staff of Bowdoin Street Health Center on behalf of Cruz Companies.
“With so many small businesses in crisis, wemade sure to hire those still open for food, printing delivery for our Nurses Appreciation Week initiative. In addition to showing appreciation for our frontline workers, I wanted to support to local nonprofits that are also stretching their services and resources.” said Cruz Companies President, John B. Cruz, III. “These local organizations are going above and beyond to assiststudents and families.”
Cruz Companies made over $10,000 in contributions to small businesses andorganizationsserving families across Greater Boston including Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts (ULEM) and Mutual Aid Eastie Fund. The Mutual Aid Eastie Fund is helping individuals and families in East Boston who are suffering from food shortage, lack of access to information and resources (due to linguistic isolation or other barriers), and other financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 outbreak and its economic fallout. ULEM’s Laptops for Learningcampaign helps make laptops available to students of itsworkforce development and training programs who had to transition to remote learning due to Covid-19. Additional support went to the NAACP Boston Chapter and Randolph Public Schools’ Special Education Department.
About Cruz Companies: Cruz Companies is the oldest and largest minority-owned construction, real estate development and property management firm in the region, responsible for landmark projects and developments for over 70 years. Cruz Companies’ mission is giving back to the community through providing employment and career opportunities to area residents, hiring local minority contractors and businesses, and increasing affordable and market rate housing. For more information, please go to our website www.cruzcompanies.com.
The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce will recognize six small businesses for their contributions to the region, their customers, employees, and communities. Each year, the Chamber’s Small Business of the Year (SBOY) Awards acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of Greater Boston’s for-profit companies with fewer than 500 employees.
The Chamber’s SBOY Awards will be entirely virtual for the first time ever. Winners will be given extensive visibility across Chamber communications and social media channels.
Small Business of the Year Award Categories and Honorees are as follows:
Launched out of MIT and Harvard in 2014, Soofa is a female founded company for people with a shared stake in a special place. Soofa creates the neighborhood news feed that connects a community with screens everyone can see and anyone can use.
BSC Group is a multidisciplinary consulting firm committed to supporting New England’s economic growth through the provision of engineering, planning, permitting, landscape architecture, and ecological services. BSC offers client-focused solutions to support transportation, energy, and land development projects. BSC’s capabilities are augmented by the expertise of its affiliated firm, Geonetics, a software consulting team specializing in the development of custom solutions for the engineering and transportation industries.
Stop and Compare is a family-owned and operated neighborhood supermarket established in 1996 to serve the Hispanic and ethnic population of the Boston metropolitan area and other New England communities. Stop and Compare operates stores in the cities of Chelsea and Lynn, Massachusetts and is proud to offer high quality and diverse products at affordable prices to its customers.
Cruz Companies is one of the oldest and largest minority-owned companies in the Northeast. A third-generation, family-owned business, Cruz is a modern firm that values old-fashioned quality and integrity. The John B. Cruz Construction Company is responsible for landmark projects and developments across the region; Cruz Development Corporation produces well-designed homes, maintaining the highest standards of workmanship, and Cruz Management Company, Inc., provides quality residential housing management services.
Proverb is a multidisciplinary branding agency working to shape the images, narratives, and messages that define its clients. Led by Daren Bascome, Proverb has guided revitalized neighborhoods in cities like Washington, DC and Los Angeles in reshaping their image and even helped religious leaders strategize about how to better connect with the millennial generation.
The Urban Grape is an award-winning wine, craft beer, and spirits store located in Boston’s vibrant South End neighborhood. UG is the first store in the world to utilize Progressive Shelving, a unique system of organizing wines by their body, rather than varietal or region. Progressive Shelving allows UG staff to help you pick the perfect wine for customers’ palate by encouraging the exploration of regions, varietals, producers, and price points.
About the Greater Boston Chamber
We are the convener, voice and advocate of our region’s business community, committed to making Greater Boston the best place for all businesses and all people to thrive. We help our members and Greater Boston succeed by convening and connecting the business community; researching, developing and advocating for public policies that contribute to our region’s economic success; and providing comprehensive leadership development programs designed to grow strong business and civic leaders. Learn more at BostonChamber.com.
COVID-19 is causing disruption and widespread concern in the community. We are closely monitoring guidance and recommendations from the Mass Department of Public Health (MDPH) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). At this time, the City of Boston and MA Governor Baker have called for the stay at home advisory to continue through at least May 4, 2020. Cruz Companies’ offices will remain closed to the public until further notice.
It is critical that we protect ourselves and our community, so please stay home unless you need to get essential supplies. We strongly encourage you to continue to follow guidance from our local health authorities, along with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Center for Disease Control (CDC).
If any staff or residents of Cruz properties has a confirmed case of Coronavirus or has come in direct contact with an individual who has a confirmed case of Coronavirus, please email VFountain@cruzcompanies.com for the Cruz Management Offices, or Rlpreston@cruzcompanies.com for Construction and Development Offices.
Containing the spread of the Coronavirus is a team effort, and we ask that each of you do what you can to protect each other as well as the broader community. If you have any outstanding questions, please reach out to Rlpreston@cruzcompanies.com.
While this is an ongoing situation, we are committed to taking steps to protect our residents and staff.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping to keep our communities safe.
