ICCTA Business/Industry Partnership Award

2005 Recipient



Group O
Nominated by Black Hawk College


In 1974, an entreprising Black Hawk College alumnus started Group O by selling packaging material from the back of his station wagon.

Today, Group O is the largest Hispanic-owned company in Illinois -- and the 55th largest in the United States, serving a wide range of industries.

Its founder, Robert Ontiveros, continues to be a strong corporate citizen and a dependable friend of community colleges.

Group O consistently turns to Black Hawk College as its preferred choice for workforce training, whether it is ESL classes or specialized computer training.


Robert Ontiveros of Group O accepts ICCTA's 2005 Business/Industry Partnership Award.

Robert Ontiveros of Group O (front) and Black
Hawk College trustee Tim Black accept ICCTA's
2005 Business/Industry Partnership Award.

Group O also fulfills its founder's vision through financial gifts to Black Hawk programs, its advisory board service, and its commitment to lifelong training for all of its employees.

"Whether it is a blue-print reading class, a forklift safety class, computer skills, or professional development, Black Hawk is our first contact for training assistance," says Group O president Gregg Ontiveros.


For additional information on ICCTA's Business/ Industry Partnership Award, please contact Kim Villanueva at 217-528-2858, ext. 1.