FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
CONTACT:
Press@Chicago2024.com
Chicago 2024 Host Committee Announces Business Diversity Advisory Council
Chicago, IL – Today, the Chicago 2024 Host Committee announced the launch of the Host Committee Business Diversity Advisory Council. The Council will make recommendations on best practices for diverse business enterprise involvement and participation in the activities during and surrounding the Democratic National Convention.
The Host Committee Business Diversity Advisory Council will collaborate with Host Committee staff to establish diversity spend goals and advise on Convention equity practices, community engagement strategies, and contract and event execution plans. The Council is co-chaired by the Executive Director for the Federation of Women Contractors, Jaemie Neely, and the Executive Director for the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association, Jackie Gomez.
“The Host Committee is laser focused on ensuring next summer’s Convention highlights and utilizes Chicago’s robust diverse business community,” said Host Committee Executive Director Christy George. “The formation of our Business Diversity Advisory Council is a critical step in ensuring business and individuals from a wide array of backgrounds have a seat at the table where decisions are being made.”
“The Convention provides us with an unparalleled opportunity to engage Illinois’ many diverse businesses,” said Host Committee Senior Advisor Keiana Barrett. “Driving lasting social and economic impact is of the utmost importance for the Host Committee, and the leaders on our Business Diversity Advisory Council will serve as key partners in making that goal a reality.”
“I am thrilled to convene this diverse group of leaders to not only advise on Convention equity practices, but to build the blueprint for future large-scale events that want to engage Chicago’s diverse business community,” said Host Committee Chief Equity Officer Shaunna Sims-Davis. “Together, we will strive to make positive and lasting contributions to communities across the city and work towards achieving our shared vision of maximizing diverse business participation in the 2024 Convention.”
“I am truly honored to serve as Co-Chair of the Host Committee Business Diversity Advisory Council. This appointment represents a significant opportunity to advance the mission of promoting equity and inclusion in the business landscape, and I am excited to collaborate with dedicated leaders in driving positive change,” said Host Committee Business Diversity Advisory Council Co-Chair and Executive Director for the Federation of Women Contractors, Jaemie Neely. “The economic impact of hosting the DNC in Chicago will undoubtedly create new opportunities for businesses, showcasing their proven talents and capabilities to the world!”
“Conventions bring tremendous economic opportunity to host cities and we are thrilled to be able to collaborate with leaders across Chicago’s business community to ensure diverse business enterprises experience their share of the benefits,” said Host Committee Business Diversity Advisory Council Co-Chair and Executive Director for the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association, Jackie Gomez. “This is an exciting time for our city and state and we are ready to work with the Chicago 2024 Host Committee to make history.”
The Council consists of representatives from more than twenty Illinois-based organizations that focus on creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The first meeting will be held on Monday, December 11, 2023 and will include members from the following organizations: Business Leadership Council, Federation of Women Contractors, Native American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, Black Contractors Owners and Executives, Chicagoland Alliance for Disabled-Owned Businesses, Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, Hispanic American Construction Industry Association, Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce, LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, Women’s Business Development Center, Elite Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business Network, Veteran Business Outreach Center, Chicago Women in Trades, Black Contractors United, Chicago Urban League, Springfield Urban League, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Contractors Advisors Business Development Corporation, National Minority Contractors Association, and the Austin African American Business Networking Association.
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