The Salvation Army’s Kroc Center in South Bend, Indiana will be recognized by the Council for the Advancement of Labor-Management Relations (CALMR) at a luncheon on Friday for an innovative Project Labor Agreement (PLA) that governed construction of the state-of-the-art community center.

A joint charitable effort between the Salvation Army and the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Centers, the center takes a total approach in attempting to positively affect the lives of community members by offering a wide array of education, sports, faith, arts and supportive programs.

Since opening in January just south of the campus of Notre Dame, the center has been helping the South Bend community. During its construction, the PLA provided jobs for local residents. From the South Bend Tribune:

The award is in recognition of the innovative Project Labor Agreement (PLA) under which the Kroc Center was built. The PLA created a diverse work force, provided employment opportunities for local residents and involved minority- and women-owned businesses.

The recognition of the PLA comes as little surprise to those who support them. There are no other types of construction contracts as well known for maximizing a project’s effect on the community by ensuring diversity and local hire.