The launch of the first-ever local chapter of the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) is underway in Chicago and one of URW’s own airport general managers has been elected to its Executive Board.
Wally Kruce, General Manager of URW’s O’Hare program, will serve as Secretary. Wally was highly involved as a planning committee member in the successful execution of the 37th Annual AMAC Airport Business Diversity Conference last year in Chicago. During his four-year tenure as general manager, he has a demonstrated track record of enhancing opportunities for minority, women, and small business owners and individuals.
“Chicago is home to a vibrant community of diverse businesses and entrepreneurs, and I’m thrilled to help connect those businesses to opportunities to support their success through the new Chicago AMAC chapter,” Kruce said. “We have an amazing opportunity ahead of us. With the current modernization projects at O’Hare, the opportunities for local participation from minority and women-owned businesses are abundant, and the momentum is strong at Chicago airports.”
“The opportunities for our members are endless, and establishing these chapters provides local support on the ground,” said Eboni Wimbush, AMAC President & CEO. “AMAC Chapters will help us grow our membership, increase our network, expand advocacy efforts and strengthen AMAC. We appreciate the energy and interest for AMAC Chapters and can’t wait to get them all up and running throughout the nation.”
Among the achievements of which Wally is most proud during his time at URW is connecting Chicago-based Brown Sugar Bakery, a female- and black-owned business, to O’Hare concessions operators to bring the bakery’s famed treats directly to airport customers. Today, Brown Sugar Bakery products are available across O’Hare terminals.
At URW, we are proud to partner with AMAC through our Advance Network initiative on its programming throughout the year. We look forward to the 38th Annual AMAC Airport Business Diversity Conference in June as an Elite Sponsor. Learn more about our Advance Network initiatives here.
Chicago is home to a vibrant community of diverse businesses and entrepreneurs, and I’m thrilled to help connect those businesses to opportunities to support their success through the new Chicago AMAC chapter. - Wally Kruce, General Manager, O'Hare, URW Airports
