IDOT to Host Public Meetings on Target Market Program, New Financing Initiatives

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will be hosting three public meetings this month to obtain feedback on the Target Market Program and to make Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms aware of new initiatives to address their specific financial needs.

The meetings will be taking place at the following locations, beginning at 11:30 a.m.:

• Dec. 14 – Carter G. Woodson Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted St., Chicago.
• Dec. 15 – The Gateway Building, 200 Northeast Water St., Peoria.
• Dec. 16 – East St. Louis Public Library, 5300 State St., East St. Louis.

Earlier this year, Governor Quinn announced the Target Market Program, which identifies state-funded projects for bidding by minority and women-owned firms and encourages eligible firms to become qualified DBE contractors and subcontractors.

At the three public meetings, contractors and subcontractors will be invited to share their experiences with the Target Market Program to assist IDOT with making future improvements to increase participation. Staff with IDOT also will be outlining a new initiative designed to help DBE firms obtain the necessary financing and bonding to qualify for the bidding process.