CME: Build America Roundtable

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CME: Build America Roundtable

June 2026

The 2026 Build America Roundtable on Capitol Hill highlighted how innovation is reshaping the future of infrastructure—and K. Jennings & Associates (KJA) was proud to stand alongside our client, Charles Mann Enterprises (CME), and its partner Johnson Controls in that conversation.

At the Heart of Infrastructure Innovation

On May 14, 2026, public‑ and private‑sector leaders gathered at the Library of Congress for the 2026 Build America Roundtable, “Forging Roads to Build Bridges – Business Innovation is the Key.” Hosted by Congressman Hank Johnson (D‑GA‑04) and Carl Evans, Principal of KEI Marketing & Consulting, LLC, the Roundtable convened congressional stakeholders, infrastructure executives, and small and minority‑owned businesses to discuss how artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced technologies are transforming transportation and infrastructure across the United States.

This wasn’t just a policy discussion; it was a working session focused on how emerging technology can create safer, smarter, more resilient systems—while expanding opportunities for diverse businesses that keep projects moving on the ground.

Celebrating Ten Years of Build America

The 2026 Roundtable marked Build America’s 10th anniversary of congressional and corporate support for small and minority‑owned businesses operating within the Transportation and Infrastructure Industry. Under KEI’s leadership, Build America has spent the last decade convening:

• CEOs and senior executives from Fortune 500 and global infrastructure firms.

• Federal, state, and local government agencies engaged in transportation, infrastructure, and public facilities.

• Private sector businesses seeking scalable, sustainable pathways to growth in complex, capital‑intensive sectors.

These convenings have helped build a shared foundation for inclusive economic development—centering small and minority‑owned businesses in conversations about long‑term infrastructure investment and modernization.

CME, Johnson Controls, and KJA in the Room

For this milestone event, CME was invited to join partner Johnson Controls at the Roundtable as leaders in advanced building technologies and facility services. Mike and Kiisha attended on CME’s behalf, representing both CME’s technical expertise and KJA’s role as a strategic growth, branding, and business development partner.

As CME’s consulting partner, KJA’s presence aligned with our ongoing work to:

• Support CME’s positioning in federal and commercial infrastructure projects through refined branding, marketing, and strategic communications.

• Help CME build and sustain the relationships needed to participate in high‑impact initiatives—from vendor trade days to national roundtables like Build America.

• Ensure CME’s story and capabilities show up clearly and consistently in the rooms where decisions about future infrastructure projects are being made.

For KJA, being alongside CME and Johnson Controls at the Library of Congress was another step in a long‑term partnership focused on growth, visibility, and impact.

AI, Automation, and “The Reset”

Throughout the Roundtable, discussions emphasized how artificial intelligence, automation, and innovation are redefining every phase of infrastructure work—from planning and design to operations and maintenance.

As Build America looks ahead, the initiative is positioning its resources for “The Reset”—a new era of infrastructure development defined by innovation, resilience, modernization, and transformative opportunity. The insights and relationships formed at this year’s Roundtable will help shape that next chapter.

Partnership in Practice

KJA’s work with CME is rooted in long‑term partnership: from revitalizing CME’s brand and digital presence to supporting event participation and business development strategy, we remain focused on creating sustainable growth pathways for this woman‑owned, Washington, DC‑based construction and facility services firm. Our support at the 2026 Build America Roundtable reflects that ongoing commitment—showing up, listening closely, and helping ensure our clients’ voices are part of the national dialogue on infrastructure, technology, and economic opportunity.

As infrastructure continues to evolve through AI, innovation, and automation, KJA will remain side‑by‑side with partners like CME, helping them navigate change, amplify their impact, and build the relationships needed to thrive in this new era.