The North Texas Tollway Authority’s Business Diversity Advisory Council. Photo courtesy of NTTA A. Lee Graham Reporter The North Texas Tollway Authority’s Business Diversity Advisory Council has welcomed Allen Smith Jr., vice president of the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce, and Eddie Reyes, director of business administration for the University of North Texas in Denton, as its newest members. Smith and Reyes were officially introduced at the authority’s Aug. 21 regular board meeting. Similar in structure of the authority’s board of directors, the advisory council comprises two appointees from each of the four counties currently served by the authority and one at-large member. “I can’t overstate the role this advisory council plays in helping us develop and mature the NTTA’s diversity outreach programs, which has helped ensure continued growth in diversity participation for the NTTA,” said NTTA chairman and former Fort Worth Mayor Kenneth Barr in a news release. The advisory council, which consists of business and community leaders, guides the authority in encouraging participation of disadvantaged, minority-owned, woman-owned and small business enterprises in NTTA contract opportunities. Meanwhile, the authority at its Aug. 21 regular meeting, remembered John Kelly, a member of the diversity committee and executive director of the Black Contractors Association, who passed away recently following an extended illness. “John’s wisdom, counsel and kindness will be greatly missed. He made us better, and we are all better for having known him,” Barr said. The North Texas Tollway Authority, a political subdivision of the state of Texas, acquires, constructs, maintains and operates turnpike projects in the North Texas region. Customers can view the new rates and calculate costs on traveling on its roadways online at www.ntta.org. lgraham@bizpress.net