Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is organizing the 33rd "Today's Challenge, Tomorrow's Reward" conference on February 21 and 22 at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. The event, hosted by IDOT's Office of Business and Workforce Diversity, aims to provide female- and minority-owned businesses with opportunities to connect and develop skills for growth and success.

"'Today's Challenge, Tomorrow's Reward' can open doors that lead to new, exciting paths to grow your business and positively impact your community while helping IDOT make projects more diverse and inclusive," stated Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. He emphasized the significant investment in transportation under Governor Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois capital program. Osman encouraged participation in shaping modern infrastructure for future generations.

The conference includes workshops designed to build skills, seminars on best practices, and networking opportunities for firms interested in doing business with the state through the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program. Topics covered will include work category expansion, funding, training opportunities, payment processes, and credit restoration. Industry leaders and IDOT staff will lead sessions on bidding, participating in, and delivering projects.

Among the speakers is Aaron Davis, a national football champion from the University of Nebraska who is also an author, businessman, and cancer survivor. The event attracts subcontractors and prime contractors from construction, trucking, engineering, and consulting services sectors.

For registration information and additional details about the conference held both in person and virtually visit idot.illinois.gov or click here. Registered participants will receive links to view various sessions including the general session on February 21 as well as keynote addresses on February 22. Walk-ins are welcome during the conference.