Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced the recipients of the awards from the 32nd Today's Challenge, Tomorrow's Reward conference. The event aims to recognize achievements that have contributed to the growth and support of minority- and female-owned businesses in 2022.

"At IDOT, we are dedicated to leveling the playing field to help build a diverse, equitable workforce and strengthen communities throughout the state," stated Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. He emphasized their commitment to making transportation in Illinois more inclusive by acknowledging efforts within their contracting community.

The award winners for 2022 are as follows:

- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise of the Year: Kreative Scape, Inc., based in Elgin.

- New DBE of the Year: Western Asphalt, Inc., located in Jacksonville.

- Engineering Firm of the Year: Millennia Professional Engineering Services from Morton.

- Prime of the Primes: William Charles Construction Co., situated in Rockford.

- Roberto Orozco Memorial Award: Jeanette Chavarria-Torres from DCH Construction & Hauling, LLC, Franklin Park.

The two-day conference, sponsored by IDOT's Office of Business and Workforce Diversity, is designed to provide firms with tools and resources for participating in state projects through the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program. This year's event took place on February 15 and 16 and attracted nearly 400 participants representing various prime contractors and subcontractors.

For those interested in next year's conference, registration details will be available at www.idot.illinois.gov.