RALEIGH, N.C. — CertainTeed, a leading North American brand of exterior and interior building products, was recognized as “Partner of the Year” at the Hispanic Contractors Association of the Carolinas (HCAC) annual Gala & Brilliance Awards held in Raleigh, N.C.

In conjunction with the gala, the HCAC Brilliance Awards have existed since 2012 to recognize the success of Hispanic and minority contractors and organizations supporting them. The Partner of the Year Award is given to a company or individual that has gone above and beyond to provide opportunities and resources that contribute to the growth and success of Hispanic construction firms and works closely as an active partner with the HCAC to make it happen.

“It’s an honor and privilege to work with and support our colleagues within the Hispanic community,” said Alex Pecora, director of residential roofing product management for CertainTeed. “We support HCAC’s efforts to celebrate and honor diversity in the construction industry, and we are proud to accept the Partner of the Year Award.”

HCAC Executive Director Lissette Velez said over the five years it has been an HCAC partner, CertainTeed has worked on several initiatives to enable the growth and success of Hispanic firms. This includes providing initiatives and training for small businesses, free training to roofing contractors, bilingual business resources for its customers, informational newsletters and free marketing tools.

“CertainTeed has done an incredible job working to meet the needs of Hispanic contractors in the Carolinas and implementing bilingual resources and certifications in Spanish for them,” said Velez. “The fact that CertainTeed is committed educating contractors on best practices and providing free certifications, even in Spanish, allows Hispanic contractors to better compete and stand out in the marketplace. We thank CertainTeed and its team for their support over the years.”

To learn more about the HCAC or to become a member, visit www.hcacarolinas.org. For more information about CertainTeed’s community outreach initiatives, visit www.certainteed.com.