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Ameren Illinois President Richard Mark Recognized by Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce
Presented Corporate Leadership Award at 10th Annual Statewide Convention

Ameren Illinois President Richard J. Mark was presented the Corporate Leadership Award by the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce (ILBCC) during its 10th 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.
     
  • Illinois Utilities Business Diversity Council. In June, Ameren Illinois joined four other Illinois utilities in announcing the formation of the Illinois Utilities Business Diversity Council. This council is designed to grow business opportunities for diverse suppliers through closer collaboration, technical development and sharing of best practices.
     

Ameren's commitment to diversity and inclusion has also been recognized nationally. In April, Ameren Corporation was named the number one company on DiversityInc's list of top utilities for diversity.  This is the fifth consecutive year Ameren has been recognized among the top five utilities nationally for creating an inclusive workplace, reaching diverse customers and having strong supplier diversity.

About the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce

The Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce is the largest, most active voice for African American businesses in the state of Illinois.  Our objective is to help promote job creation and growth amongst African American businesses.  For more information, visit ilbcc.org.

About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and 816,000 natural gas customers in downstate Illinois, and our mission is to power the quality of life. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com.  Follow us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois and Facebook.

 

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