Leading responsibly | BLC Newsletter Q1 2021
Message from the Executive Director
My mother would always tell me “What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.” That adage proved never more true than now. In 2021, we are more nimble after shifting our business models to adapt to a rapidly changing world.
The Business Leadership Council also continues to change—welcoming new Chairman, Charles Smith. We are adding new members and making progress. With your continued commitment and participation, the BLC can be a beacon for our community, helping to light the way forward to economic prosperity throughout the generations.
Avis LaVelle
Executive Director
Message from the Executive Chairman
The first quarter of 2021 has been quite promising. We have increased membership, business opportunities as well as brand visibility. As Chicago’s premier membership organization, we have continued to focus on community support and partnerships that are transparent and tangible. Our members continue to thrive, focusing on business growth and philanthropy. As we look forward to the next quarter let’s continue
building our coalition and supporting our community.
Charles Smith
Executive Chairman
BLC.
Making Our Voices Heard.
Civic and business leaders come
to the BLC, seeking support for positions and projects that impact the broader African American community. We carefully consider each proposal before deciding to add our voices and take a position.
BLC Launches Women’s “Power and Purpose” Committee to focus on empowerment, access and enlightenment. The women of the BLC have much to share with each other and with the entire African American business and civic community. The BLCW is chaired by RaMona Westbrook of Brook Architecture
BLC Endorses Lyft and Uber’s Bill to support Gig economy in Illinois helping thousands of drivers- many of whom are black - earn extra income and independents who work where and when they want, earning income on-demand but also offering new benefits these workers deserve.
BLC Supports (HB 2379) ATT, Verizon and other wireless carrier’s push for a 5-year extension on regulations governing small wireless carriers and providing expanded internet access for consumers.
BLC Endorses SURGE-sports Arena proposed by SURGE for Bronzeville. This interactive e-Sports arena will create 100’s of jobs and opportunities for vast recreational and employment exposure in a state-of-the-art environment where technology and entertainment merge.
BLC New Members
The Business Leadership Council is welcoming new members whose professional
skills, talents and business capabilities make us a more powerful voice for the
African American business community.
Information Technology
Ellen Rozelle Turner
The William Everett Group
Daleele Alison
RooksDM
William Spence
Spence Consulting Inc.
Institutional
Audrena Spence
Metropolitan Family Services
Construction
Ashley Coleman
C & G Construction
Craig Coleman Jr.
Knead Construction, Inc.
Mario Short
SYTE Construction
Marketing & Public Relations
Sherman Wright
TEN35
Real Estate Development
Keiana Barrett
Sterling Bay
Sean Murphy
SP Murphy, Inc.
Retail
Jonathan Swain
Kimbark Beverage Shoppe
Government
Kam Buckner
Illinois House of Representatives
Member Spotlight
Ashley Coleman
President,
C&G Construction Supply Company
C&G Construction Supply Company is a 100% minority and women-owned construction supply firm which is certified on the city, county, state and national levels. The products we offer include aggregate material, appliances, bathroom accessories, doors/framing/hardware, fire protection materials, flooring, HVAC equipment, lumber, paint, plumbing materials, safety supplies, and more. We also offer expertise in project bidding, project management, contract and compliance monitoring, as well as storage & delivery.
Dwayne K. Barlow
President and CEO,
The BarTech Group of Illinois, Inc. (BTG)
Mr. Barlow started his career in the utility industry in 1984 as a meter reader for ComEd. With more than 36 years of progressive experience, he is now at the helm of one of the few African-American-owned electrical, fencing and security construction contracting firms in the Midwest. BTG’s mission is to meet the needs of its customers by providing best in class services and a safe environment for its employees and the communities it serves.
BLC Events:
Past &
Future
BLC’s goal is to educate, empower and enlighten our members about issues that impact our businesses and our communities. We invite impactful leaders to address our members and guests, to share their views and help us make informed decisions about our world.
BLC Members in the News
Z. Scott, Chicago State University President joins Shedd Aquarium Board
Charles Walls and
Elliott Denard join forces to launch Tiburon Analytics Group
Read More
Crains Chicago Business “Book of 2021” BLC Members Highlighted:
John Rogers; Robert Blackwell; Graham Grady; Thomas McElroy; Riley, Safer Holmes and Cancila; Ardmore-Roderick; Loop Capital Markets; the Will Group; Bowa Construction; Millhouse Engineering and SCR Transportation—
Read More
Robert Blackwell has been newly elected to the Board of Trustees for the Field Museum of Natural History
Leon Walker and Graham Grady host Chicago Emerging Minority Developer Initiative summit With DPD Commissioner Maurice Cox
BLC Chairman Charles Smith Joins Mayor Lori Lightfoot to Announce a Major Initiative to Boost Public and Private Sector Business Diversity
Moody Nolan Architecture Firm wins 2021 Architecture Firm Award from the American Institute of Architects
Eric Whitaker launch “Zing Health” -- Expands Medicare Advantage Plan to Counties in IL, IN and MI
Diane Primo’s New Book: “All Report: Lessons in Culture, Diversity and Leadership—The Urgency of Now, Stop the B.S. and Execute”
Torrey Barrett’s Evergreen Imagine JV LLC wins 1 of 3 Invest South West RFP’s
Robert Blackwell “Trying to Help Young People Be Successful”, Suburban Marquee
Alex Sims and Charles Smith, Black Leaders in Chicago Discuss DEI 2021, Chicago Tribune
Opportunities for BLC Companies and Individuals
First Quarter 2021
Construction
Thor Equities. LLC
Insurance, Marketing, Civil Engineering, Development
Imagine Development Group
Telecom Vendor Solicitation
Illinois Dept. of IT
Small Business Initiative
Illinois Toll Highway Authority
M/WBE Multiple Participation Opportunities
SURGE E-Sports Stadium
Professional Services
Chicago Botanical Garden
Information Technology Services RFP
Illinois Dept. of Human Services
Land Surveying Services RFP
Cook County Forest Preserves
Design Engineering Services
Cook County Government
Chief Financial Officer
Cook Co. Workforce Partnership
Chief Executive Officer
World Business Chicago
Chief Executive Officer
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
Design Architects, MEP, Structural, Geotechnical, Civil Engineers
LAI/ Land Economics Society
Chief Risk Officer
City of Chicago
Trustee Board Opportunity
Regional Transportation Authority
Information Technology Buying Plan Review
Cook County Government
Construction Industry Dialogue
Illinois Department of Transportation