Exelon’s minority and community banking program, which began in 2003, remains unique in the energy industry.

Locally, Seaway Bank and Trust Company and Riverside Community Bank served as lead arrangers for the $34 million credit facility for ComEd. Administered by JP Morgan Chase since its inception, the program has more than tripled in credit facility size and quadrupled the number of participating banks.

"Diversity is a critical part of our supply chain strategy and ComEd is committed to working with suppliers and vendors who reflect the communities we serve," said Anne Pramaggiore, president and CEO, ComEd. "Over the past four years, ComEd has been able to double its investments in diverse businesses through our Smart Grid investments. Our Smart Grid program is generating new opportunities that help to spur economic development and empower these businesses to grow and create more jobs."

Joseph R. Trpik, ComEd senior vice president and chief financial officer added, "We are pleased to continue this unique collaboration with banks within our service area. The value of this partnership extends beyond the credit agreements and will offer the banks an opportunity to expand their business into additional areas, and seek business from other large companies."

Veranda Dickens, Seaway Bank Chairman of the Board also added, "Seaway Bank is once again honored to have a lead role in arranging Exelon’s minority and community bank credit facilities. The benefits of these credit facilities are far-reaching. These facilities provide Seaway Bank with capital infusion that better enables us to provide products and services to small businesses and consumers in the communities we serve. The result is greater economic development and stability in these communities and beyond."

Exelon and ComEd have demonstrated a commitment to supplier diversity and have made it a critical part of the company’s overall supply chain strategy.

In 2013, ComEd spent $315 million with diversity certified suppliers (minority-, women- or veteran-owned suppliers); equaling 24 percent of its supply contracting totals. This represents nearly a 23 percent increase over 2012, and an all-time high for the utility company. Exelon’s corporate spending with diversity-certified businesses reached more than $906 million in 2013.