Illinois commission holds first rail supplier diversity session

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) held its first annual rail supplier diversity policy session to hear from the Illinois Railroad Association and Class Is about their supplier diversity programs.

The session was prompted by a new law that says Class Is may submit an annual report on supplier diversity to the ICC. The law requires the commission to hold an annual workshop to hear from railroads about ways to improve supplier diversity, according to an ICC press release.

The railroad association voluntarily submitted an annual railroad supplier diversity report to the ICC on April 17 on behalf of the seven Class Is operating in Illinois.

On Sept. 5, the ICC held its annual supplier diversity policy session for Illinois regulated utilities, which focused on barriers facing minority-, women- and veteran-owned suppliers. Commissioners raised such topics with the railroads as well, ICC officials said.

"Embracing and encouraging diversity in the supply chain is an effort the commission is dedicated to and is proud to lead," said ICC Chairman Brien Sheahan.