Illinois Tollway Board Chairman Rivera highlights Tollway efforts to help small and diverse firms at Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce breakfast
Diversity, equity and inclusion remain a top priority for the Illinois Tollway under the leadership of new Tollway Board Chairman Arnie Rivera.
Rivera reaffirmed the Tollway’s commitment to helping small and diverse businesses grow and succeed at a recent Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting. The April 13 meeting in Chicago attracted more than 200 members.
As the largest community of Hispanic business owners across Illinois and the Midwest, IHCC represents more than 100,000 businesses, including more than 2,000 disadvantaged business enterprise firms in Illinois. The chamber is also one of two organizations that works with the Tollway on its Technical Assistance Program; the other provider is Inner-City Underwriting Agency Inc.
Rivera, who serves as chief administrative and equity officer for Navy Pier, was appointed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker in February to lead the Tollway Board in making investments in the state’s economic vitality while ensuring integrity and expanding opportunities.
Rivera comes to the Tollway as the agency continues to invest in the Illinois transportation network through its 15-year, $14 billion Move Illinois capital program. The goal of expanding opportunities is being achieved through these investments in infrastructure.
The Tollway provides opportunities for small, diverse and veteran-owned firms to participate on Tollway contracts through its Small Business Initiative, unbundling larger contracts into several smaller jobs. The agency further provides support and training through its Technical Assistance Program, as well as mentorships and strategic partnerships through its Partnering for Growth program.
More information on Tollway diversity programs is available here on the Tollway website.