Today's Challenge, Tomorrow's Reward

The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting the 33rd "Today's Challenge, Tomorrow's Reward" conference on Feb. 21 and 22 at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. Hosted by IDOT’s Office of Business and Workforce Diversity, the conference provides female- and minority-owned businesses with opportunities to make connections and develop skills to grow and succeed. “Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward” offers workshops to build skills, seminars on best practices and networking opportunities for firms and contractors wanting to do business with the state through the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program. Conference topics include work category expansion, funding, training opportunities, “getting paid” and credit restoration. Industry leaders and IDOT staff also will be leading sessions on how to bid on, participate in and deliver projects. Speakers include Aaron Davis, a football national champion at the University of Nebraska, author, businessman and cancer survivor. The event is attended by subcontractors and prime contractors in construction, trucking, engineering and other consulting services. Visit idot.illinois.gov or click here for registration information and other details. The conference will be held in person, with a virtual option available. Those who register for the conference will receive links to view the general session on Feb. 21 and the keynote address, award presentation and additional workshops on Feb. 22. Walk-ins are welcome during the conference.