Service Disabled Veteran owned Business program helps launch R.C. Clark Contractors
Service Disabled Veteran owned Business program helps launch R.C. Clark Contractors
Founded by Richard Clark in 2009, R.C. Clark Contractors is classified by the government as a “Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business.” Richard is a service-disabled veteran due to an injury suffered in Vietnam.
The advantage of creating a business through this program is that it makes companies eligible to bid on federal set aside government contracts. To date, the company has completed two contracts and has four more in progress at federal facilities.
R.C. Clark will focus its marketing efforts on jobs in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia.
The business was created during the recession to try and capture some of the projects that the federal government was making available through the recovery plan.
The company provides construction services, and is headed by Richard Clark, who served as the head of Clark Contractors for 25 years. He has vast experience in the construction industry.
The program was born out of an executive order signed by President George W. Bush, known as the 21 Gun Salute initiative. It states that “Expanding business opportunities is one important way to honor the men and women who, throughout history, have served proudly and courageously in our Armed Forces.”
Clark urges other veterans to look into the program. The Internet provides all the tools and information needed to start the process and it will lead individuals into the correct programs and to the people who can make it all happen.
The outlook for 2010 and beyond is good. R.C. Clark hopes to sustain a backlog of projects and expand business by at least 15 percent per year, adding employees and construct a new office for the company.
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Clark Construction looks to the future
A conversation with Cliff Clark
BCDA
How did your company fare during the recession?
CLARK
We saw a 25 percent decrease in our business. Our goal is to maintain the same revenue as 2009 for 2010 and look for growth in 2011.
BCDA
What is the best thing about doing business in Bedford County?
CLARK
The workforce and quick access to major highways are major assets.
BCDA
What makes Bedford County such a special place?
CLARK
The people here, the geography and comfortable lifestyle.
BCDA
What role do you feel businesses need to play in community development? How do they contribute to the quality of life?
CLARK
Good employers bring along decent wages for employees that maintain employees who are devoted to the community and have a vested interest in maintaining the Bedford County area with a higher standard of living.
BCDA
What are some of the things that your employees participate in?
CLARK
We are one of the proud top contributors to the United Way campaign and we help sponsor more than 20 organizations through donations. We also provide labor and equipment to help in community projects.