Illinois American Water increases diverse spend by US$8mn

Founded in 1886, American Water has been operating as a publicly-traded water and wastewater utility organisation for more than 130 years. Being one of the largest and most geographically diverse organisations in the US, American Water employs more than 6,400 professionals serving more than 14 million people in 24 states.

The organisation provides its customers with safe, clean, affordable, and reliable water services. 

Committed to diverse supplier spend

Working with minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and small business enterprises, American Water’s branch in Illinois has attributed more than 28% of its spend in 2021 to diverse vendors. 

“As a company, we are moving progressively in the right direction. Our work with our employees, vendors and community partners is extremely important to our business. We are excited to see where the future leads with our inclusion and diversity efforts across Illinois,” said Jennifer Morrison, Program Director of Supplier Diversity for Illinois American Water.

Partnering with more than 179 diverse suppliers - 14 of which were added in 2021 - the organisation increased its spend by 13% in 2021, spending over US$65mn with diverse suppliers, and increasing its spend by US$8mn since 2020. 

“Our company’s efforts are growing and expanding across Illinois. We know the importance of having diverse individuals on our team and that extends to our external partners,” said Morrison.

In total, US$46mn (54%) of the company’s spend was attributed to Illinois-based businesses - an increase of 21% compared to 2020. 

“We are appreciative of Illinois American Water’s commitment and intentions to provide diversity and partner with companies like ours. Service, quality and delivery are key benchmarks to growing our relationships,” commented Stephen Brock, CEO of Supplied Industrial Solutions.

Future diverse supplier plans for Illinois American Water

Continuing to expand its diversity and inclusion efforts, Illinois American Water launched its Inclusion and Diversity Grant programme in 2021 as well as recently developed a new website highlighting the enterprise's diversity and inclusion efforts. 

Click here to find out more about the participants of the Inclusion and Diversity Grant programme.

Illinois American Water is committed to continuing its growing supplier base of diverse partners, with plans to accelerate its ability to invest and maintain investment projects, infrastructure upgrades and operational needs.

“In 2022, Illinois American Water will continue to focus on growth with an emphasis on sustainability. Strengthening partnerships with new and existing suppliers is a critical goal. We look forward to growing our relationships with existing partners and adding new suppliers to benefit our company and customers,” concluded Justin Ladner, President of Illinois American Water.