Stakeholder spotlight
William Bowie is the President and CEO of Empower Construction, a minority-owned utility construction company. It focuses on utilities that provide the day-to-day necessities of the citizens of Philadelphia, including power, water and sewer.
Empower Construction is dedicated to building the foundation of equitable access to energy, fostering economic growth, and creating lasting positive impacts.
Opportunities in Philadelphia
William says infrastructure improvements in Philadelphia provide companies with growth opportunities. When government invests in infrastructure, contractors like Empower Construction benefit and can create job opportunities for Philadelphians. Infrastructure projects include the upcoming Bellwether District in South and Southwest Philadelphia, and developments at the Philadelphia International Airport and the Navy Yard.
Philadelphia also has initiatives that differentiate it from other cities, William says, including Mayor Cherelle Parker’s Business Roundtables that will bring city business leaders together to help make the city more business friendly.
The city's tax structure, which includes the double Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT), poses a financial burden for small businesses. Reducing or eliminating the BIRT would allow companies like Empower Construction to scale, grow, and competitively bid for projects.
Collaborating with the IGC
William became a member of the Inclusive Growth Coalition (IGC) to be an example for other small, minority-owned businesses. “I hope to get out that you can be the new kid on the block but also perform at a level of companies that have been around 50-100 years.”
