The state’s Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI) reported this year that its supplier diversity management portal, built by Rolling Meadows-based VIVA USA, would “streamline” certification processes. Instead, the number of certified businesses dropped from 5,400 to about 2,900 — less than when the agency was formed in 2022.
The CEI blamed the decline partly on VIVA’s system, which cannot automatically import data from other agencies such as the City of Chicago. Businesses must now manually reapply, causing thousands of certifications to lapse. “We are diligently seeking alternatives,” Deputy Director LaTasha Binder said.
Business leaders expressed frustration. “I cannot believe that we did not understand that coming out of the gate,” said Larry Ivory, president of the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce.
The new system replaced one from B2Gnow that had cost the state about $560,000 but met most of CEI’s goals. VIVA’s system, though cheaper long-term, has struggled to communicate across databases — a key function outlined in its original proposal.
CEI Commissioner Bruce Montgomery noted that diversity programs nationally are “in a period of flux,” as President Donald Trump’s administration moves to cut federal funding for DEI initiatives it deems discriminatory.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
