UMC’s CMAR Symposium Draws Vendors, Large and Small
The future of healthcare infrastructure in El Paso is off to a high-energy start. On March 18, the El Paso Convention Center played host to the UMC Construction Partner CMAR Symposium, and the response from the local industry was nothing short of overwhelming.
More than 50 vendors filled the El Paso Room at the center, eager to learn about the upcoming Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) opportunities tied to University Medical Center’s latest bond-funded expansions. The event served as a critical roadmap for firms looking to participate in high-profile projects, including the new Geriatric Clinic, the Horizon Health Center & Emergency Department, and several other campus improvements.
A Focus on Local Talent
For UMC, the goal of the session was clear: ensure that the tax dollars funding these projects stay within the community by empowering El Paso-based firms to lead the way.
“I am delighted and surprised by the great turnout we had for our event,” said Elisa Martinez, UMC Senior Project Manager for Planning, Design and Construction. “Given our focus on ensuring we have local El Paso companies taking part in our bond projects, having so many local vendors turn out is great news for us and the families of our community.”
Recognizing that large-scale bond projects involve complex procurement hurdles, UMC leadership used the symposium to provide exclusive insights and “pull back the curtain” on the CMAR process. The interactive nature of the session allowed for a deep dive into the technicalities of the upcoming bids.
“Many of these local vendors had great questions for us regarding the CMAR and how to take part in the process,” Martinez noted. “We know that working on major bond-related projects can be complicated, so we used this event to give these vendors exclusive information about CMAR opportunities and how to navigate them with UMC.”
The symposium wasn’t just about construction—it was about accountability. By educating local partners on UMC’s specific processes, UMC is laying the groundwork for projects that are completed on time and to the highest standards.
“We know that El Paso taxpayers have high expectations of us for these projects,” Martinez added. “Finding the best vendors, right here in El Paso, and helping to educate them on our processes will help our projects move toward successful starts while meeting our timelines for completion.”
As UMC moves forward with its expansion, the success of this symposium sends a clear message: El Paso’s construction community is ready, capable, and committed to building a healthier future for the region with UMC.
Note to our community construction contractors:
Patrick Dennis of Hammes Healthcare serves as UMC’s Project Manager for both on- and off-site bond projects. Contractors wanting to work with UMC or needing more information regarding our bond construction projects should reach out to Patrick at:
- Patrick Dennis, (713) 454-4367
- Project Manager (also Regional Vice President, Hammes Healthcare)
