Presenting Firms Bio
You can register to attend each of the six professional service areas presentations.
Bio
Architecture & Engineering Services
d'Escoto
d'Escoto, Inc. is a Chicago-based, minority owned firm providing professional services with concentrations in Construction Management, Program Management, Architectural Design and Civil Design Engineering Services. d’Escoto, Inc. has over 43 years of experience in the A/E industry and has developed a reputation for providing superior quality oversight, inspection, estimating, and budget and schedule control. http://www.descotoinc.com/
MEPIS, Inc
MEPIS, Inc. is a full service engineering and architectural firm with combined expertise in Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Infrastructure Solutions. MEPIS is an evolving brand that believes in “reverse engineering” with fundamental excellence in healthcare, and higher education facilities. As a leader in multi‐disciplined specialties, MEPIS also administers advancement in infrastructure solutions. http://mepisinc.com/#home
Moody & Nolan
Moody & Nolan. Our firm designs more than $500 million of building construction each year. As the largest African American owned and managed firm in the country, we maintain a strong commitment to diversity in our staff, as well as our approach to solving client problems. Our expertise in a broad range of industries allows us to think inventively and design solutions that are responsive to client needs. http://moodynolan.com/
Singh & Associates.
Singh & Associates founded in 1992, is a progressive, full-service engineering firm providing quality planning, design, and construction engineering services to its clients in the public and private sectors. The firm offers multi-disciplinary engineering services in a broad range of disciplines including: Civil, Transportation, Electrical and Lighting, MEP/FP, and Construction Administration. http://www.singhinc.com/
The Roderick Group.
The Roderick Group is a highly qualified, 40-person civil engineering consulting firm. We are dedicated to enhancing our client’s business by providing quality professional engineering design, construction and program management services. Our rapid growth from a 3 person staff in 2011 to a 40 person staff in 2015 is a testament to our hard work and dedication. http://rodgrp.com/
Tilton, Kelly + Bell LLC (TKB)
Tilton, Kelly + Bell LLC (TKB) is a comprehensive architecture and interior design firm with a deep commitment to providing the highest level of expertise and service to its clients. The firm’s decades-long experience in thoughtful integrated design for private and public entities positions TKB as a leader in the field. Our Chicago studio houses a responsive team licensed as architects and interior designers and accredited as LEED professionals. These experienced professionals listen to each client and act intently to develop designs that meet unique client needs while delivering the highest level of service and attention to detail. http://www.manta.com/c/mm26x58/tilton-kelly-bell-llc
Communication & Marketing Services
Beaman Incorporated
Beaman Incorporated is a communications firm that specializes in public relations, advertising, community engagement and social media. The company has a proven track record for delivering outstanding service and measurable results for major corporations, non-profits, government agencies and educational institutions. Founded in 1996, the firm is customer focused and committed to building, enhancing and protecting the brands of its national and international clients.
Interactive One
Interactive One (iOne), the number one online platform for the African American and New Urban community. Interactive One had 29.4 million unique monthly visitors as of January 2015 (up 138% from the prior year), according to comScore. Its other branded destinations include GlobalGrind, News One, TheUrbanDaily and Zona de Sabor as well as social networking sites such as BlackPlanet, BlackPlanet Radio and MiGente. http://interactiveone.com/
Purple Group
Purple Group, is an award winning strategic marketing communications and advertising firm that leverages its expertise in the Hispanic, multicultural, and total markets to develop strategies and powerfully engaging messages that maximize impact. Established in 2001 as Lopez Martin & Associates, we rebranded as the Purple Group in order to respond to what we see as the changing cultural landscape of America. In effect, the new America is a blending of color, race, values and traits adopted from Hispanics, African America, Whites, and Asian cultures, creating something new… we call it Purple. http://www.purplegrp.com/
Facilities Services
Bella Bagno, Inc.
Bella Bagno, Inc. was established in 1986. Our primary purpose is to improve the sanitary conditions of facilities in order to provide a safe, hygienic environment. Initially, Bella Bagno, Inc. tested and developed the Hygolet® Sanitary System to address these conditions. We now maintain partnerships and customize programs with multiple manufacturers of highly effective sanitary and safety products that fit a wide variety of facilities. Bella Bagno, Inc. serves these facilities in an effort to provide a clean, sanitary experience for everyone who uses them. http://www.bellabagno.com/
CCS
CCS. EXPERT ADVICE, since 1979. Based on the experience of literally thousands of projects. We look into your project and see what you might not see. Objectively. Carefully. With your values always in sight. As an independent consultant, we do things in the best way possible and we’re good at it. We anticipate, seek opportunities for our clients, and specialize in accurate, critical cost data and management expertise on the most demanding and challenging construction projects worldwide. CCS provides objective cost estimating, cost management and capital project management at all project phases from initial conception through design, construction. http://www.ccsdifference.com
Chemco Industries, Inc.
Chemco Industries, Inc. has provided the highest quality products at competitive prices since 1975. Located in the central hub of the United States Commerce (St. Louis, MO) Chemco is able to offer the quickest delivery at the lowest shipping rates. Chemco has been manufacturing environmentally safe (Green Products) and has been a vendor of choice for City, County, State & Federal establishments for over 38 years. Chemco has over 400 different cleaning, sanitizing, lubricating & maintenance chemicals in stock. Our ability to consistently deliver the highest quality chemical products is a result of strong daily quality control by PhD Chemist on staff. http://chemcoindustries.com/
Ideal Electric
Ideal Electric is an authorized distributor for hundreds of major manufacturers. Ideal Electric is in the business of supplying products and materials to a variety of market segments. The products include electrical, construction and maintenance materials, tools, telecommunication related items, safety equipment, MRO industrial materials, traffic management items and janitorial supplies. Services include project material storage, construction yard material management, project material sourcing, project site delivery, kitting and vendor managed inventory services.
Midwest Movers and Storage
Midwest Moving and Storage, Inc., offers flexible plans that are responsive to the needs of students, staff, researchers and faculty. Our movers are trained in the IOMI process to insure that your possessions will be protected and the move will be in budget. Looking for longer term support. Let us put together a contract specific for your institution. We have movers on site, available to support you with short notice. Luis Toledo - President, was a top performer for a Chicagoland mover before he founded the business in 1983. Over the three decades, Luis has focused on creating an environment dedicated to excellence. http://www.midwestmoving.com/
Obama Energy
Obama Energy is one of the only African-American owned energy company in the United States. We specialize in infrastructure lighting and related parts, all utilized for energy efficiency. Obama Energy has certifications with the State of Illinois as an MBE, BEP and DBE/ACDBE with the City of Chicago.The target market for OE is public and private institutions, e.g. government, municipal, school, college and health industries. http://www.obamaenergy.com/
General Services
CarltonBruettDesign, LLC
Carlton Bruett is the principal designer and owner of CarltonBruettDesign, LLC. With over 25 years of experience CarltonBruettDesign is a full service graphic design studio providing a number of services, which include but not limited to: concept development, design, strategic planning, copy writing and photographic services. In addition the firm is proficient in, web design, programming, content management systems, database and all forms of electronic media.
Silk Screen Express, Inc.
Silk Screen Express, Inc. was started in 1992 by Dawn Coleman. The company started out as a storefront silk screening business that had to "farm out" all of its printing to another screen printing company. However, after years of expanding and modernizing, Silk Screen Express, Inc. became a one-stop shop that provides an expansive catalog of screen printing products, promotional items, and more. Silk Screen Express, Inc. has been granted the City of Chicago promotional contract since 2000. We work with various city departments on their promotional needs ranging from uniforms embroidery to gifts for dignitaries that visit the City of Chicago. We also have multi-year contracts in the New York area. http://www.silkscreenx.com/
Stitch Me, LLC
Stitch Me, LLC. A full service distributor, manufacturer and retailer of uniforms. Specializing in uniform consultation and program apparel design. Our talented design team draws from global fashion intelligence to create the new “classics.” We provide embroidery or silk screen your brand onto virtually every garment we provide. Specializing in group programs for all of your uniform needs. We protect your image by committing to long-term product availability and consistency. We provide timing and pricing solutions, both domestically and abroad. We ensure the highest quality product available by utilizing the best materials and craftsmanship, based on specifications.
Hospital Services and Supplies
Jero Medical Equipment and Supplies
Jero Medical Equipment & Supplies, Inc., has been in operation since 1987. Jero Medical is a Small Disadvantaged, Veteran, HUBZone Minority Owned Business Enterprise, we are a manufacturer of disposable wearing apparel, isolation & procedures gowns, jumpsuits/coveralls, lab coats, face masks and shoe covers.
Ekla Corporation
Ekla Corporation, Since 1995, EKLA has operated on the core philosophy of respect for our customers. We offer over 3000 products from over 700 name brand manufacturers from all over the globe, including Medical/Surgical & Laboratory Products, Textiles and Uniforms, Durable Medical Equipment and even Physician Office Setups. EKLA provides Quality Product Lines, Contracted Pricing, Increased Product Alternatives, and many savings opportunities. https://eklacorp.com/
Healthcare Research Associates
Healthcare Research Associates. Regina Greer-Smith, MPH FACHE is president and owner of Healthcare Research Associates, LLC located in Hazel Crest, Illinois. Regina’s work includes building and maintaining collaborations between communities and stakeholders that enable improved healthcare outcomes. Regina currently is a consultant /healthcare coordinator to agencies providing services to developmentally and intellectually disabled adults in Illinois and the use of mobile technology to enable collaboration between patients/caregivers and providers. We provide resources from MedlinePlus, The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), researchers, and numerous sources to engage patients, care-givers, and stakeholders in patient-centered outcomes research.
SCR Transportation
SCR Transportation, is a premier paratransit operator in one of the nation's toughest operating environments. SCR provides ADA and non-ADA community transportation services to a six county area of northeastern Illinois. SCR provides extensive service in major projects with the Veterans Administration covering parts of Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. SCR proudly schedules or directly provides over 1.5 million trips each year. By combining the most modern technology systems with old-fashioned service values, we have built a company that is ready for any challenge in the paratransit industry. http://www.scrtransport.com/
MAC Medical
MAC Medical. Founded in 2000 by Millie Maddocks, MAC Medical Supply Company is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. MAC Medical Supply serves the needs of health care professionals and their patients throughout the nation and worldwide. Our mission is providing unparalleled products and uncompromising service at competitive prices. In our view customers are valued business partners who merit the utmost consideration in products and personal service. This means that MAC Medical Supply’s team of associates work hard to establish relationships with our customers. http://www.macmed.com/
LSL Healthcare, Inc.
LSL Healthcare, Inc. is headquartered in Chicago with 2 satellite operations including one in Missouri. LSL Healthcare, Inc. was started in 1985 by Ash Luthra and his brother V. Jay Luthra. Since 1985, LSL Healthcare, Inc., has stood for quality, service and dependability. LSL manufactures a wide variety of disposable medical devices, surgical procedure kits & hospital supplies for Acute care, Long Term care, Surgery centers as well as Alternate Site care. Customers who are attracted to their sterling reputation are further impressed by the qualities that underscore their name, including consistent quality, ongoing efforts to contain cost and unsurpassed quality assurance program. LSL’s customers include many of the nation’s leading IDNs, healthcare companies and GPOs. http://www.lslhealthcare.com/
Human Resources Services
Anchor Staffing, Inc.
Anchor Staffing, Inc. is an Illinois corporation experienced in recruiting, assessing and deploying talent throughout Chicago and the surrounding area. Anchor provides workforce management services which include temporary staffing, direct hire placement, and customized HR/Recruiting solutions. Our primary focus is in administrative support, general office, call center personnel and special operations. Professional services include individuals with social services, legal, and financial skills. http://www.anchorstaffing.com/
Barbee Tax Consulting, LLC
Barbee Tax Consulting, LLC has over a decade of experience in providing accounting, tax, and non-traditional consulting services in the United States. Our CPAs elucidate federal and state tax laws by focusing on “One solution at a time.” We identify potential solutions and alleviate clients’ concerns. Barbee Tax is a forward thinking company that has Big 4 expertise and experience without the “Big 4” hourly rates. Barbee Tax also provides temporary help, Affordable Care Act (ACA) and compliance consulting. https://barbeetax.com/tax-preparation/
Endow, Inc.
Endow, Inc is a full service Insurance Brokerage and Employee Benefit Consulting Firm. Endow is expert at the design, implementation, and communication of both voluntary and employer sponsored plans. Endow’s Clients include Entrepreneurial firms, large corporations, Government entities, and Non-profit organizations. Endow has expertise in retirement planning. Working with both the employer on the design of the plan, and counseling Retirees on investing retirement plan distributions. The Firm also has expertise in the design of non- qualified executive benefit plans. Endow was incorporated in 1981 and is led by Thomas L. McLeary, CLU. http://www.endowinc.com/
Harvey Career Planning & Consulting, LLC
Tristana R. Harvey Career Planning and Consulting, Series LLC provides counseling, coaching an consulting to individuals and groups for personal and professional development. The team offers a background in adult learning to conduct training and development that creates awareness, increases education and produces behavior change. https://www.harveycareerplanning.com/
Medellin & Associates
Medellin & Associates’ is a boutique Diversity Executive Search and Consulting Firm specializing in delivering tailored human capital solutions through: Diversity Executive Search; Diversity Consulting; Human Capital Consulting. Since 1994, the hallmark of the firm has been its unyielding commitment to: Integrity, Personal Service and Innovative Results! We serve as trusted advisors to our client partners to aid in the attraction, management and retention of high potential diverse talent, while crafting an inclusive, high performance corporate culture where all employees and corporate stake holders can thrive to achieve superior business results. http://www.medellin-associates.com/
SCIGON Solutions
SCIGON’s Talent Acquisition Services focus on identifying, qualifying, recruiting and retaining high-performing Information Technology professionals. These services support and complement the HR organizations of our clients, and shift the burden associated with zeroing in on the best candidate from client hiring managers to our recruiting teams. Our talent acquisition services also serve as an engine for sourcing specialty talent in our project-based work, satisfying project needs that extend beyond our core team’s areas of specialty. SCIGON is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business and is awaiting certification as an SBA Small Disadvantaged Business. These certifications, reinforced by our capabilities in a range of specialties—including Automated and Manual Software Testing, Application Development, and Technology Training—equip us to meet your business and diversity goals. http://scigonsolutions.com
Investment and Asset Management
Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P. (GH&A)
Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P. (GH&A) was founded in 1988 and offers high quality fixed income strategies for institutional investors. The firm is 100% employee-owned with 53% owned by Hispanic partners and 55% minority ownership. Its current assets under management are approximately $6.3 billion. GH&A has been managing assets for public and private sector clients since its inception. The firm’s high quality investment approach with a focus on preserving principal, maintaining liquidity, and providing high current income are the foundation of its investment philosophy which features high quality securities, no big surprises, flexibility in adjusting to market conditions and risk controls to address the various risks associated with fixed income holdings. http://garciahamiltonassociates.com/
Glovista Investments LLC
Glovista Investments LLC is an SEC-registered and GIPS®-compliant Investment Adviser. Glovista was formed by seasoned finance professionals with decades of market experience spanning many geographic regions and products. At Glovista, we seek to provide investment management services to both Institutional and High Net Worth clients including State and Municipal pension funds, Endowments, RIAs, Family Offices and High Net Worth individuals. https://www.glovista.net/
Penserra, LLC
Penserra, LLC is an institutional financial services firm founded in 2007, by George Madrigal, former Global Index Portfolio Manager and Head of Transition Management for Blackrock. We currently have offices in New York, Chicago and the San Francisco Bay area. Our staff includes 45 professionals that average over 15 years institutional investment and trading experience having held senior positions at Bank of America, Blackrock, Mellon, Russell, Goldman Sachs, Northern Trust and Fidelity. https://www.penserra.com
Red Arts Capital
Red Arts Capital, We desire to partner with like-minded founders, entrepreneurs and management teams and work to help the business further develop and grow. We firmly believe that solid business execution and patient capital is a winning combination for long-term success. Our primary objective is to create mutually beneficial relationships with prospective sellers, their employees and customers, and our investors. http://www.redartscapital.com/
Siebert Brandford Shank & Co., LLC
Siebert Brandford Shank & Co., L.L.C. is a nationally-ranked, woman- and minority-owned full-service investment banking and financial services company, co-founded in 1996 by Suzanne Shank, Napoleon Brandford III, and Muriel Siebert. The firm works with a broad range of issuer clients nationally, including corporations, institutions and governments, providing comprehensive strategic advice, capital raising capabilities, and risk management guidance with the mission to provide the highest level of value-added services to our municipal and corporate clients. http://www.sbsco.com/
Smith, Graham & Co.
Smith, Graham & Co. Investment Advisors, L.P. ("Smith Graham") is an SEC-registered investment advisory firm headquartered in Houston, Texas with another full-service office in New York, New York. For 26 years, Smith Graham has proudly provided institutional clients with asset management services. The firm manages approximately $6 billion in fixed income and equity assets for a broadly diversified, institutional client base including public funds, corporations, endowments, and Taft-Hartley plans. Our Fixed Income products span the yield curve from Cash and Enhanced Cash through Long Duration strategies. https://smithgraham.com/