Minority business group crosses state borders

One of the state’s largest initiatives for minority-owned businesses has expanded its reach into Illinois and Missouri.

The Indiana Minority Supplier Development Council is increasing its membership to 448 minority business owners from 250, and corporate membership will grow to 140 from 112 after the not-for-profit absorbed chapters in central Illinois and eastern Missouri.

The organization, which changed its name to Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council, is following plans set by its national office to consolidate to 24 councils from 36.