Illinois Utilities Business Diversity Council tops $1.25 billion in purchases from diverse business owners

The Illinois Utilities Business Diversity Council (IUBDC) purchased more than $1.25 billion in goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women and veterans last year, a year-over increase of 7.8 percent, the group announced on Monday.

Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Illinois American Water, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas were among charter members that launched IUBDC in 2015. The council strives to foster engagement, collaboration, technical development and information-sharing between Illinois utilities providers and diverse business owners.

“These results demonstrate that our companies are opening doors for more diverse businesses to participate in utility supply chains,” Richard Mark, chairman of the IUBDC Board of Directors, and chairman and president of Ameren Illinois, said. “Partnering with diverse suppliers is not only good for business, it contributes to stronger local and regional economies.”

IUBDC was made possible the state’s enactment of the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act (EIMA), known as the “Smart Grid Bill,” in 2011, and the Natural Gas Consumer, Safety & Reliability Act in 2013, Mark said. Natural gas and electric utilities have undertaken upgrades in the state’s energy delivery infrastructure and have installed new technology that reduces outages, enhances reliability and promotes energy conservation under the measures.

“We’re proud that more diverse suppliers than ever are providing IUBDC members with the high-quality equipment, technology and business support services we need to execute these important infrastructure projects,” Mark said.

IUBDC’s 7.8 percent increase in total spending in 2017 has been attributed to the formation of the Prime Partner Institute, which promotes utilization of diverse businesses throughout the supply chain. Additionally, IUBDC held three events that engaged contractors and potential subcontractors.

IUBDC is currently developing additional resources like a supplier registration and mapping tool and a training library to help diverse suppliers learn about procurement processes.