Chicago United drives economic inclusion

Building a stronger economy requires that corporate leaders commit to integrating diversity at all levels of business. During Chicago United’s 4th annual Changing Color of Leadership Conference and Bridge Awards Dinner Nov. 15, 2007, sponsored by BP, the message was clear. Achieving significant sustainable diversity in today’s organizations requires leadership committed to integrating diversity in corporate governance structure, developing a pipeline of future multiracial executive leaders and cultivating multiracial business partnerships.

The theme, Diversity & Inclusion: ACorporate Imperative, was represented by every corporate partner. “Perhaps it is because BP is a multinational concern. I know that whether we are examining corporate governance, executive management or business alliances, a diverse leadership team is essential to meet the demands of the global marketplace,” said Fiona MacLeod, president, BP convenience retail, United States and Latin America.

During the conference, Chicago United introduced the 2007 Business Leaders of Color, 45 Chicago-area business leaders who are highlighted in a special publication that bears the same name and is published bi-annually. These individuals, all highly respected in their fields, are ready for Fortune 1,000 board service. Moreover, they have been highly successful as entrepreneurs and corporate leaders, and they have a proven dedication to community service. They serve in industries that range from marketing communications, broadcasting and human resources to landscape design, technology and banking. They are leaders in major companies, such as McDonald’s, Boeing and Hewitt Associates, and they are CEOs of their own successful enterprises.

Chicago United, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, has witnessed a rapidly changing business landscape in Chicago. Chicago United President Gloria Castillo explained, “We’ve seen companies whose initial interest in diversifying their board and management has paid off and they have become the advocates of change. This is because they attribute a large part of their company’s success to diversity and inclusion.”

During the conference workshops, nationally recognized leaders and experts in the field of diversity explore the most current trends and best practices for creating systemic change within a corporation.

The organization honored and presented their prestigious Bridge Awards to Ronald A. Williams, chairman and CEO, Aetna, Inc., and Robert W. Lane, chairman and chief executive officer, Deere & Co. for their diversity and inclusion efforts. The 2006 Bridge Award honoree Jim Skinner, vice chairman and CEO, McDonald’s Corp. presented the awards to this year’s winners.

In its continual effort to ensure progress and opportunities for minority-owned firms, Chicago United launched its newest program, The Five Forward Initiative. In this initiative, large corporations with formal supplier diversity programs provide substantial opportunities to at least five minority-owned service firms with a history of service to the corporate community in order to achieve greater scale. Even though the initiative was just launched, it is already being championed by Chicago-area corporate executives. Castillo said, “This undertaking is just another example of Chicago United and its members being on the front lines of change to expand opportunities for businesses owned and operated by people of color.”

Chicago United’s member organizations include, BP, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, ComEd, Ernst & Young and Sara Lee Corporation.

For more information about Chicago United, the Changing Color of Leadership Conference or The Five Forward Initiative, contact Chicago United at 312-977-3060 or visit www.chicago-united.org.