1997 Outstanding Minority Constructor

James L. Harrell

James L. Harrell, has been the president and CEO of Arrow Construction, Inc., of Montgomery, Alabama, since 1984. President of the board of Trustees of the National Center for Construction Education and Research, he has been cited for his "tireless efforts to provide young men and women with professionally rewarding and productive careers within the construction industry." President of the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) for two consecutive years, 1994 and 1995, he was a leader in creating dialogue among all of the construction industry's organizations to inform young people and minorities about the career opportunities available in construction. He has also participated in and cosponsored many workshops for minority and women's business enterprises in conjunction with the Small Business Administration and other federal, state, and local agencies.

Mr. Harrell continues to serve NAMC, a Washington-based organization that represents more than 3,500 construction contractors nationwide. He is currently chairman of the Bonding and Legislative committees, and was recently named by the association to serve as its National Liaison to the Associated General Contractors.

Mr. Harrell's awards include the 1979 and 1989 Outstanding Young Man of America and the 1991 Montgomery Minority Business Development Center Entrepreneur of the Year. He has also received the NAACP Corporate Leadership Award, the NAMC Lifetime Achievement Award, and the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Support Award.

Mr. Harrell is a graduate of Alabama State University and has done graduate work at Auburn University.

Mr. Harrell and his wife, Barbara, have four children.

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