IDOT Kicks Off 25th Annual Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Conference: Today's Challenge, Tomorrow's Reward

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider today announced the start of the 25th annual Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward (TCTR) conference at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel & Conference Center in Springfield. The two-day event offers educational workshops, networking opportunities and information on how to get Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) more work on highway construction contracts.

“For 25 years, IDOT has proudly hosted the TCTR event to provide business owners the valuable insight and resources they need to build successful business relationships and partnerships,” Schneider said. “By encouraging diverse, quality firms to work with us, we can address current challenges and work together to ensure our transportation system remains among the best in the nation.”

The workshops cover a range of topics, such as procurement, audit preparation, business plan basics, project management and social media marketing. TCTR also includes “Face Time with the Primes,” a popular event for associations, agencies, subcontractors, prime contractors and IDOT staff to come together, share ideas and discuss potential business opportunities. The conference will conclude with an awards luncheon recognizing outstanding firms throughout the state.

Approximately 300 attendees are registered for the conference with more than 100 different firms throughout the state, representing construction, trucking, engineering, professional consulting and design.

The event is hosted each year by the IDOT’s Office of Business and Workforce Diversity. For more information, visit www.dot.state.il.us/sbe/TCTR/index.html.