Northstar Lottery Group Awards More Than $15 Million in Contracts to Illinois Minority and Women–Owned Businesses

May 1, 2012 -- Chicago, IL – Northstar Lottery Group, the private manager of the Illinois Lottery, announced today it has awarded more than $15 million in contracts to more than 40 firms owned by minorities, women and people with disabilities (MFDBE) around the state.  With this commitment, Northstar has more than doubled its annual contracting goal for MFDBE businesses since its ramp-up began in the spring of 2011. 

 

“One of the foundations of Northstar’s business plan is to run an inclusive operation reflective of the makeup of Illinois,” said Connie Laverty O’Connor, President and CEO of Northstar Lottery Group.  “We are very proud of our record to date in including Illinois firms owned by women, minorities and disabled entrepreneurs and plan to grow these relationships so we can invest back into local communities.”

 

The contracts awarded to MFDBE firms cover a wide range of critical services for the Lottery, including technology infrastructure; multicultural advertising and communications; promotions; printing; paper and packaging; and field service maintenance and installation. 

 

“From day one, Northstar has remained committed to forming lasting partnerships with qualified minority and female owned companies around the state to help grow Lottery revenues and maximize returns to fund education and the capital fund,” said Rufus Williams, member of the Northstar Board of Advisors.  “At Northstar, diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s ingrained into all of Northstar’s policies and practices.”

 

Commonground, who was officially awarded the multicultural marketing contract for the Illinois Lottery in the fourth quarter of 2011, appreciates the commitment Northstar Lottery Group is making to invest in Chicago's diverse business communities. “From the start we've had the opportunity to play a vital role in their marketing efforts and we look forward to a successful long-term partnership with Northstar Lottery Group," said commonground co-founder and managing partner, Sherman Wright.

 

Beyond its contracting initiatives, Northstar is also participating in the Chicago United Five Forward Initiative, which is aimed at expanding business relationships with local minority firms. By helping minority firms become more competitive, the Five Forward initiative is designed to build a stronger regional economy.

 

“Thomas Services, Inc. is thrilled to have been selected by Northstar Lottery as one of its subcontractors and as one of its partners in the Chicago United “Five Forward Initiative,” said Maurice Thomas, President and CEO of Thomas Services, Inc.  “Through our work thus far with the Northstar team, we have witnessed an incredibly cooperative spirit and unwavering commitment to making the Illinois Lottery one of the best in the business.  We have also benefitted tremendously from their commitment to partnering with our company to ensure that we meet our service objectives.”

May 1, 2012 -- Chicago, IL – Northstar Lottery Group, the private manager of the Illinois Lottery, announced today it has awarded more than $15 million in contracts to more than 40 firms owned by minorities, women and people with disabilities (MFDBE) around the state.  With this commitment, Northstar has more than doubled its annual contracting goal for MFDBE businesses since its ramp-up began in the spring of 2011.  “One of the foundations of Northstar’s business plan is to run an inclusive operation reflective of the makeup of Illinois,” said Connie Laverty O’Connor, President and CEO of Northstar Lottery Group.  “We are very proud of our record to date in including Illinois firms owned by women, minorities and disabled entrepreneurs and plan to grow these relationships so we can invest back into local communities.” The contracts awarded to MFDBE firms cover a wide range of critical services for the Lottery, including technology infrastructure; multicultural advertising and communications; promotions; printing; paper and packaging; and field service maintenance and installation.  “From day one, Northstar has remained committed to forming lasting partnerships with qualified minority and female owned companies around the state to help grow Lottery revenues and maximize returns to fund education and the capital fund,” said Rufus Williams, member of the Northstar Board of Advisors.  “At Northstar, diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s ingrained into all of Northstar’s policies and practices.” Commonground, who was officially awarded the multicultural marketing contract for the Illinois Lottery in the fourth quarter of 2011, appreciates the commitment Northstar Lottery Group is making to invest in Chicago's diverse business communities. “From the start we've had the opportunity to play a vital role in their marketing efforts and we look forward to a successful long-term partnership with Northstar Lottery Group," said commonground co-founder and managing partner, Sherman Wright. Beyond its contracting initiatives, Northstar is also participating in the Chicago United Five Forward Initiative, which is aimed at expanding business relationships with local minority firms. By helping minority firms become more competitive, the Five Forward initiative is designed to build a stronger regional economy. “Thomas Services, Inc. is thrilled to have been selected by Northstar Lottery as one of its subcontractors and as one of its partners in the Chicago United “Five Forward Initiative,” said Maurice Thomas, President and CEO of Thomas Services, Inc.  “Through our work thus far with the Northstar team, we have witnessed an incredibly cooperative spirit and unwavering commitment to making the Illinois Lottery one of the best in the business.  We have also benefitted tremendously from their commitment to partnering with our company to ensure that we meet our service objectives.”