News Releases

Ameren Illinois President Richard J. Mark was presented the Corporate Leadership Award by the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce (ILBCC) during its 10^th Annual Statewide Convention last week in Peoria. The award is presented to an individual who champions diversity within his or her company.

“Our executive team looks very closely at who is selected for our awards,” said Larry Ivory, president and CEO of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce. “Richard Mark was an easy choice. He is accessible, committed, supportive of minority business, and of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce. Richard Mark is also a great humanitarian; always working to positively impact the community. The Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce was proud to present him with the 2015 Outstanding Corporate Leadership Award.”

“I am honored our efforts to build a diverse culture have been recognized by one of the state’s leading business organizations,” said Mark. “As the largest energy delivery company in downstate Illinois, Ameren Illinois has a significant role to play in growing and developing the communities we serve.  Having a more inclusive workplace ensures we not only succeed as a company, but we create opportunities for others throughout our entire region to thrive.”

Ameren Illinois has taken a number of steps to further its position as a leader in diversity and inclusion: 

• Since 2012, the value of goods and services Ameren Illinois has purchased from minority and woman-owned businesses increased by $76 million. To help maintain a steady pipeline of diverse suppliers, hundreds of entrepreneurs, business owners and Ameren procurement reps meet annually to network and identify buy-sell opportunities at Ameren’s Supplier Diversity Symposiums.
   
• Diversity outreach events. In communities throughout Illinois, Ameren partners with local organizations to host outreach events to identify potential new employees with diverse backgrounds.