Tollway agency honored by Black Chamber of Commerce

DOWNERS GROVE - The Illinois Tollway has received the Government Agency of the Year Award by the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce in recognition of the agency's efforts to increase opportunities for African American firms to participate on tollway projects.

The chamber presents the awards to the state agency that has demonstrated commitment to diversity and improving African American procurement participation throughout the state.

"The Illinois Tollway is committed to helping diverse and veteran-owned firms grow and succeed," said Illinois Tollway Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom, who accepted the award on behalf of the agency. "We are focused on moving the needle forward by advancing a robust diversity program that further reduces barriers to participation for small and diverse firms, as well as underemployed individuals."

As of June 30, an estimated 980 unique firms have worked on tollway construction projects since the 15-year, $12 billion Move Illinois capital program began. That number includes 365 firms identified as disadvantaged, minority- or women-owned firms. Of those unique firms, an estimated 532 firms are new to the tollway, and of those firms, 163 are minority or women-owned firms.

In July, the Illinois Tollway's board of directors reaffirmed the agency's commitment to diversity by adopting recommendations from the Tollway's Diversity Report that will reduce barriers for disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned firms, as well as small and veteran-owned businesses,