Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, LGBT Chamber of Commerce host MWRD for Business Smart Week 2024 Construction Summit

News & Events | August 29th, 2024

Representatives of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) participated in the LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Business Smart Week 2024 Construction Summit at the Federal Reserve Bank Building in Chicago, IL.

The event, held on July 30 and August 1, showcased a lineup of prominent diversity leaders from both the business and government sectors, each of whom provided valuable resources and opportunities for diverse and small businesses to expand and thrive. The theme was “Breaking Down Barriers to Business Equity” and included discussions on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the future of payments.

MWRD Diversity Officers Ouidie Pollard and Susan Schaefer explained the steps for doing business with the MWRD and how to navigate the certification process to becoming a diverse-recognized business entity at the MWRD.

The MWRD’s diversity section focuses on ensuring competitive and equal opportunities for minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned business enterprises when it comes to obtaining MWRD contracts.

“The MWRD is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable business environment where diverse enterprises have the opportunity to thrive,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “Through events like the Business Smart Week Construction Summit, we aim to provide minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses with the resources and insights they need to break down barriers and build successful partnerships with organizations like the MWRD.”

The MWRD will host its annual Diverse Business Summit 2024 on Fri, Sept. 6 at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago. RSVP at https://mwrd.org/events/diverse-business-summit.

“Our mission is to foster an inclusive and fair business landscape where diverse companies can succeed. I strongly encourage minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses to participate in our Diverse Business Summit so that they can gain knowledge and tools to overcome obstacles and form valuable partnerships with the MWRD,” said MWRD Chairman of Finance Marcelino Garcia.

(Top Photo) Susan Schaefer, MWRD Diversity Officer, prepares to greet visitors at the Business Smart Week event.

(Bottom Photo) Misty Brown, Senior Manager, Outreach Programs at the Chicago Transit Authority, gives a presentation during the LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Business Smart Week 2024 Construction Summit at the Federal Reserve Bank Building in Chicago, IL. 

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