Business Leadership Council

LIGHTING THE WAY | BLC Newsletter Q2 2024

Message from the
Chief Executive Officer,
Arielle Johnson

Dear BLC Friends and Family,

In our pursuit of excellence as Black business leaders, it is vital that we recognize the broader responsibilities that come with our positions of influence. Today, I urge each of you to respond to the call for civic engagement and collaboration, understanding that our actions not only shape our communities but also fuel our own business development endeavors.

The BLC recently met with Congressman Steven Horsford, to discuss the Congressional Black Caucus Plan to Build Black Wealth in America, this meeting served as a poignant reminder of the power of collective action. As leaders, we must actively engage with initiatives like these, understanding that our involvement isn't just a moral imperative but a strategic one.

The need for civic engagement extends far beyond the confines of our local communities. It requires us to actively participate and collaborate on a national scale. By aligning ourselves with initiatives such as the Congressional Black Caucus Plan, we not only demonstrate our commitment to social justice and economic empowerment but also position ourselves as catalysts for change on a broader stage.

As members of the BLC, let us commit ourselves to this noble cause with unwavering determination. Let us leverage our collective influence and resources to effect meaningful change, both locally and nationally. Together, let's embark on this journey of civic engagement and collaboration, knowing that our efforts will not only yield much-needed results in our community but also support our business development endeavors.

BLC Members know I love some good Action Items =)

Calling BLC Members to identify work opportunities (at any level) you have available w/in your respective organizations this summer and to share with our team by May 15, 2024.
Identify at least (1) BLC member you can partner with to educate youth this summer. This can be work opportunities or 1-day education. Please share updates with our team. You may soon find other ways to partner!
Identify the point person on your team who will engage with the BLC as we contribute to the CBC Plan to Create Black Wealth and other initiatives led by our Advocacy Committee.

Yours in Service,
Arielle Johnson

CEO, Business Leadership Council

WELCOME

New Executive Committee Members

Kalia M. Coleman

Partner

Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP

Legal Sector

Otto Nichols

Executive VP, Shareholder

Clayco

Construction Sector

New Corporate Members

Jourdan Sorrell

Senior Manager, External Affairs
Comcast

Carl Jones, Jr.

Vice President of External
& Government Affairs
Comcast

New Members

Suyi Georgewill

Cintas

Brian Egwele

Egwele & Company

Travis Latham

Fellowship Fleet Limousine & Bus Company

Lutalo McGee

Ani Real Estate, LLC

Johnni Rodgers

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery

Tiffany Williams

TJ Marie Consulting

Andre Noel

Continental Painting and Decorating, Inc.

Chartay Robinson

AARP

Robiar Smith

R.B. Pest Solutions

Deanna Ingram Jones

NEPC, LLC

Mark Hall

Avidity Technologies Inc.

Jahmelah Miller

HERO Consulting

Dr. Karen Fields

28 to Brush

Naja Morris

MB Team Chicago, @Properties

Akin Owolabi

Z21 Consulting

Chartise Clark

Koya Partners | Diversified Search Group

Aris Singleton

TGIN | Thank God It's Natural

Piper Farrell

TGIN Foundation

Cheryl Grace

Powerful Penny LLC

Dorri McWhorter

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

Dara Munson

Family Focus

Member Highlight

Andrea Zopp
Senior Adviser for Legal and Business Affairs of Chicago Bears

Andrea Zopp has embarked on a new chapter in her impressive professional journey. She has accepted the position of senior adviser for legal and business affairs for the NFL’s Chicago Bears. She already has extensive experience in spearheading economic development on a citywide, as well as neighborhood level, both as Chicago’s deputy mayor and as an executive in the venture capital sector, among other notable positions.

Andrea Zopp joins an inclusive and diverse front office team at the Chicago Bears. The Bears are planning a major stadium development that will bring jobs, opportunities and investment to the city. Her experience and passion will help guide this project to success while improving lives and creating equitable opportunities for local neighborhoods, including those for people of color.

“I’ve spent a lot of my career working to help grow the city and to help create, expand economic opportunity…
I think this stadium will help make that happen… and do it in a way that is equitable, that has an impact on the broader community — taking this economic opportunity and sharing it with people across the city so it’s not just for one group of people; it’s for everyone.”

Past 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.

Upcoming Events

Conversations with Chicago Leaders: A Discussion about Building Wealth and the Future of Social Security

AARP of Illinois is hosting this free panel discussion focused on the conversations and discussions around addressing Social Security’s future and its importance to Americans’….in this case Illinoisans and Chicagoans….retirement security.

Thursday, May 9th, 2024 • 3PM - 4PM

Networking Reception Immediately Following

CME Center, ZO

10 S Wacker Dr

Chicago, Illinois 60606

Shout Out to New Member Chartay Robinson of AARP and her upcoming panel discussion on Building Wealth and the Future of Social Security.

Chartay Robinson

Associate State Director, Advocacy & Outreach, Northern Illinois

AARP

Save The Date

Museum of Science and Industry Vendor Tour

Monday, May 13th, 2024 • 8:30AM
Active Members Only. Registration Required.

Business Enterprise Program (BEP)

The Illinois Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Council serves as a vital platform for fostering inclusivity and economic opportunities for businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. The Business Leadership Council is now proudly represented on the BEP Council by CEO, Arielle Johnson. This underscores our commitment to driving positive change and promoting diversity in State procurement. We encourage all members to actively participate in BEP Council meetings and engage with its office to contribute to meaningful dialogue and initiatives that empower underrepresented entrepreneurs and bolster economic growth statewide. Together, let's shape a more inclusive and prosperous business landscape for all.

Learn More Here

Illinois Tollway Announces Stakeholder Advisory Team

Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse today announced the creation of a Stakeholder Advisory Team responsible for advising and providing recommendations to the agency as it develops the next capital plan and provide a framework to advance its long -term capital priorities. The next capital plan will build off the successes of the ongoing Move Illinois Capital Program and continue investments in the region.

Learn More Here