LIGHTING THE WAY | BLC Newsletter Q1 LOOK AHEAD 2024
Message from the
Chief Executive Officer,
Arielle Johnson
Dear BLC Friends and Family:
Happy New Year! 2024 is already off to a great start and has brought great joy and pride!
Three of our esteemed
members have secured opportunities with the highly anticipated 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago from August 19th to the 22nd!
This accomplishment is not just a remarkable achievement for them but it is a resounding confirmation that BLC is charting a path for growth. BLC is heading in the right direction! Our members, individually and collectively, are expanding, seizing larger opportunities, and making history–together! Glenn Charles Jr. and
Show Strategy made history as the first Black-owned firm in modern convention history to serve as a prime contractor for Exposition Services. What’s more, Show Strategy did not go at it alone but joined forces with BLC member Juan Teague of
Juan and Only events. When asked about the partnership, Juan wisely shared with me: “I believe this partnership sets an example for minority small businesses, showcasing the path to growth and success. I look forward to inspiring other companies to embrace collaboration for a thriving business community."
BLC’s wins continue with
Powers & Sons joining forces with McHugh Construction in a joint venture, and Hargrove and Show Strategy being selected as Event Manager by the Host Committee and DNCC.
My prayer is that these wins are not the culmination but the commencement–a true testament to what it takes to overcome barriers and truly build the Black Business Ecosystem.
As I mentioned in my earlier note, strategic unity will be our key for progress. Let 2024 be a year of even greater partnerships and accountability within the Chicago Business community. The DNC is a significant milestone, but let's sustain this momentum in the years to come.
To sustain and propel this momentum, we are announcing several changes at the Business Leadership Council to better serve our members and the Chicago community. Explore the infographic below for details, and stay connected with us through our social media channels.
Here's to a year of growth, collaboration, and shared success!
Yours in Service,
Arielle Johnson
Chief Executive Officer
Upcoming Events
The 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.
Doing Business with the Obama Foundation
The BLC will host key local and national figures for one of the kickoff receptions for the Democratic National Convention, 2024.
Tuesday, January 23rd 2024 • 3PM - 5PM
Polsky Exchange North • 1452 East 53rd Street Chicago, IL 60615
Business Builders Workshop
Join BLC as we support The Chicago Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated for the Business Builders Workshop. Gain insights from industry experts on structure, finance, branding, CRM, and more. This exclusive event equips you with the knowledge and tools to excel in today's business world. Arielle will present on brand storytelling.
Saturday, January 27th, 2024 • 10AM - 2PM
Baker Tilly Reminder
Join the Business Leadership Council, and our friends at the Chicago Urban League, for a Meet & Greet with Baker Tilly US at their Chicago Headquarters!
Thursday, January 25th, 2024 • 5:30PM - 8:30PM
Baker Tilly US Chicago Headquarters
General Membership Meeting and BHM Celebration
Please join us for several membership updates, bylaws review and a Black History Month Celebration. ACTIVE Members Only.
Thursday, February 15th, 2024 • 5:30PM - 7:30PM
BLC Headquarters
L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Weekend
Join BLC at the L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Weekend 2024, a 3-day event, “Celebrating the Impact of Black Entrepreneurs."
February 29th - March 2, 2024
Member Highlight
Juan Teague
Owner and Founder of Juan & Only
Juan Teague has consistently been an engaged and passionate BLC Member, with a strong commitment to her community and the success of small black-owned businesses. She regularly shares ideas, resources and feedback with BLC leadership and hosts special events for our membership. We are excited to congratulate Juan in her growth and success. Juan & Only is a partner to Show Strategy on DNC Exposition Services and Project Logistics Manager on the Hargrove and Show Strategy Joint Venture.
“I am thrilled by the DNC's commitment to diversity and inclusion in the 2024 convention. Inspired by the October vendor meeting, I recognized the need for a partner that has a strong track record, capability and expertise to secure the bid. Glenn Charles of Show Strategy, of whom our friendship spans over two decades and I spoke about working together. The decision to collaborate was quickly made, fulfilling a longstanding commitment to work together. Securing this partnership made History!”
Business Opportunities BLC Members
Q1 2024
Executive Club Lead Program: Discover LEAD, a10-month in-person leadership development program designed specifically for ambitious individuals seeking substantial growth in their careers.
LEAD is more than just a program; it's a collaborative journey that brings together seasoned leaders from varied corporate backgrounds. This initiative provides an enriching and supportive environment aimed at fostering growth and success.
BLC Members pay at the Executive Club Member Rate
The Buying Plan is a key transparency initiative that the City of Chicago uses to forecast the goods and services that it expects to procure, allowing the vendor community to prepare for upcoming solicitations.
The State of Illinois’ Quarterly Buying Plan Plan is designed to serve as a single-destination for useful information to the State’s vendor community and to make vendors aware of the upcoming purchasing needs for a range of agencies. This initiative is led by the Bureau of Strategic Sourcing (BoSS) team, who is committed to expanding the content of the document so that vendors interested in providing their goods and/or services to the State are informed, prepared, and ready to respond to the State’s solicitations.