Presenting Firms Bio

You can register to attend each of the six professional service areas presentations.

Bio

Architecture & Engineering

Atlas Engineering Group, Ltd. (AEG)
Atlas Engineering Group, Ltd. (AEG) is a professional, licensed consulting engineering and land surveying firm specializing in planning, civil engineering design, construction inspection, transportation engineering and land surveying services for public and private sector projects. AEG was founded by Natalia N. Homedi, PE, President; and Eyad Homedi, PE,MD, Executive Vice President & CEO in 2007 and the firm is certified as a Woman-owned Business Enterprise (WBE) and a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). Ms. Homedi,PE and Eyad Homedi, PE, have over twenty five years of professional experience each with engineering consultants and agencies such as the Illinois Department. of Transportation (IDOT), the Illinois Tollway, Indiana Department of Transportation (InDOT), Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), and the City of Chicago. AEG is head-quartered in the northern suburbs of Chicago in Northbrook, IL. http://www.aegroupltd.com

DesignBridge, Ltd
DESIGNBRIDGE is a diverse and multi-disciplined design firm founded in 1985 to provide professional services in architecture, interior design, space planning and graphic media. Over the firm’s 32-year history, we have developed a great depth of experience in a variety of design typologies, including both new construction as well as rehabilitation and re-purposing of existing structures. In fact, we have proven to excel in understanding how to work with interior spaces in existing and vintage buildings very similar to the buildings that make up most of the University of Illinois at Chicago's campus. Further, our work experience is quite broad and diversified, lending itself naturally to the requirements of the most challenging and complex project types of wide ranging scales. http://www.designbridgeltd.com

Environmental Design International, Inc
Environmental Design International inc. (EDI) is a certified minority, woman-owned, disadvantaged (M/W/DBE) professional engineering services firm, founded in 1991. Since 1991, EDI has established itself as a “one-stop services firm” offering five core services: Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, and Surveying. The staff of 65 includes civil engineers, LEED® Accredited Professionals, environmental engineers and scientists, geologists, industrial hygienists, asbestos managers, construction engineers, surveyors, and CADD personnel. EDI is a proven, and established provider of engineering plans, specifications, report exhibits, field sampling, and remedial investigations. Protecting the environment is critical and EDI's services help to ensure safe places to live and work. http://www.envdesigni.com/

McKissak & McKissak.
McKissack is a national architectural, engineering, and construction services firm that has earned a strong reputation for consistently delivering results on time sensitive, complex, high profile projects for both government and private sector clients. With over 170 employees, the firm encompasses a full range of technical capabilities to manage our clients’ projects and is committed to giving each project the attention it deserves. McKissack is currently managing $15 billion in construction. It is recognized as one of the top 50 program management firms and top 100 construction management for fee firm in the U.S. by Engineering News-Record. The firm is also listed as one of the top 25 environmental consultants in the Washington Metropolitan area in the Washington Business Journal. Moreover, we are certified as a minority/woman-owned firm by several states and municipalities. https://mckinc.com/

Rubinas and Mesia Engineers, Inc. dba RME.
RUBINOS & MESIA ENGINEERS, INC. (RME), a MBE, was established in 1982 as a Chicago based Structural / Civil Engineering + Construction Management Firm. RME has established a reputation among leading Consultants by demonstrating its technical abilities and exceeding client expectations. RME’s staff works diligently in a team environment to provide our clients with the highest quality product, on time and within budget. Our principals and staff have experience with a great variety of structures. Over the years, RME has been the proud recipient of over 20 awards in various categories. RME offers expertise in Structural / Civil Engineering + Construction Management. Our expertise falls under the following categories and beyond: Higher Education, Science & Technology Facilities, Justice, Museums & Recreational Facilities, State Facilities, Transportation Facilities, Water Resources, and Healthcare facilities. RME has a particular expertise in managing multiple projects simultaneously for a single client. Our goal is to develop long-term relationships with companies to provide ongoing expert Engineering and Construction Management Services. http://rme-i.com/home.htm

Virtual Energy Solutions, Inc. DBA VES
VES is a minority company with 80% ownership held by honorably discharged veterans of Uphold Democracy (Haiti), Operation Joint Endeavor (Bosnia) and Desert Shield/Storm (Kuwait). We didn’t plan that, it just happened. WE ARE UNIQUE! We are a professional full service architectural and engineering company with five licensed professional engineers and architect. We are a technology-centric company utilizing BIM modeling software to maximize productivity, optimize designs and provide additional value for the client at no additional costs. VES platform integrates development of software for virtualizing three dimensional BIM objects to incorporate digital attributes of multiple trades which update instantaneously on shared A-E trade schedules for truly simplified accurate documents. This capability allows us the flexibility of assigning any parameter such as installation cost for architectural and MEP objects. Staying the path in our fundamental approach has launched VES to a current staff of nine with offices in Chicago and San Antonio, TX. https://www.virtualenergysolutions.com/

Communication & Marketing

Big Picture Marketing
Cindy Johnson is the founder and President of Big Picture Marketing a full service marketing & advertising agency and promotional products firm, founded in 1997 and located in Chicago. Big Picture Marketing has worked on numerous public outreach marketing campaigns including the Summer Food Service Promotional Campaign for the Illinois State Board of Education and the Gear Up, Get Ready Campaign in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin for the Department of Homeland Security that won a Silver Trumpet Award. Cindy began her career working in the radio industry in promotions and then as a producer and agent for high profile radio talent. Cindy was also known for many years as “Pizza Gal” while she successfully oversaw the marketing & advertising and growth of some of Chicago’s most iconic pizzerias including Aurelio’s, Lou Malnati’s, and Home Run Inn.
Big Picture Marketing specializes in creating integrated marketing plans that fit any budget and offers a full range of services including marketing and advertising plan development, media buying, graphic design, and print production. Big Picture Marketing also is a distributor of promotional products and can supply clients with over 100,000 unique items and apparel for their marketing and advertising outreach. Big Picture Marketing is certified WBE, DBE, BEP and Small Business Set Aside. www.bigpicturemarketing.net/

Elemento L2
elemento L2 is the creative multicultural agency, that drives word of mouth and consumer engagement. Marco López is the co-founder and President of elemento L2, and his primary job is to make elemento L2 the agency of choice amongst brands who need a partner to navigate the new and ever changing consumer landscape. Elemento L2 focuses on 5 key areas: Experiential, Digital, Public Relations, Multicultural and Shopper Marketing, all pillars are strategically grounded and filtered through its award winning Creative, Planning and Logistics teams.  Elemento’s Headquarters is in Chicago, serving Coca-Cola, Target, Barcel, Brown-Forman, Get Covered Illinois, Wilson, the NBA, and World Business Chicago, amongst others.  Marco leads the strategic vision of the company, new business development & the creative and planning departments. http://www.elementol2.com

Flowers Communication Group, Inc.
Flowers Communications Group, Inc. (FCG) is an award-winning, multicultural and multigenerational integrated marketing communications firm. A certified MBE/WBE organization based in Chicago, we lead with cultural and cross-generational insights to drive total market results. Our integrated approach has proved successful for some of the world’s most recognized brands, government agencies and private organizations. For more than 20 years, our thought leadership has garnered recognition and established industry best practices. Our core competence include Media Relations, Social Media, Content Marketing and Creative Services. While others “do” multicultural, we live and breathe it. We’ve seen the dramatic shift in the American demographic and ethnic landscape, and we get it. MULTICULTURAL IS IN OUR DNA and we are passionate about bringing authentic, bold ideas infused with thought leadership to our clients. https://explorefcg.com/

Grisko LLC
Grisko LLC has been part of the fabric of the City and the region since 1995, working on issues large and small from the expansion of the airfield at O’Hare to passage of the Smart Grid bill to modernize Illinois’ electric grid to the support for the sugary beverage tax in Cook County on behalf of the American Heart Association. Our public affairs work on these projects includes strategy, research, messaging, media relations, presentation and materials development, social media and grass roots organizing. As an integrated communications agency, our work also encompasses branding, marketing planning and campaigns, website development, digital, creative, and media planning and buying. We have relied on these skills and the resourcefulness and creativity of our experienced team in service of numerous clients in education, including most recently Generation All, the National Association for Charter School Operators, and Echoes and Reflections, which provides curricula and teacher training based on the Holocaust. http://grisko.com

Mauge, Inc.
Mauge has been a community-based marketing and advertising agency since its inception in 1995. A nimble agency of boutique size, we’ve elected to stay small in an effort to continually provide a cohesive approach. We work smart and above all else, we are committed to staying true to our vision by maintaining our creative edge and constantly pushing our creative limits. In essence, we have built the trends that many agencies strive to follow. We have handled the brand development, product positioning, marketing and advertising for all sectors of real estate; towns and neighborhoods; various privately held companies and professional service firms. It is our intention to provide the same services to the University of Illinois System. Our reputation has been built around our Core Capabilities:

  • Expertise in high-end product and service communications
  • Leaders in brand design, corporate/product naming and positioning
  • Capacity to develop strong, successful marketing strategies and campaigns
  • Management of prospect/lead generation and trafficking
  • Complete competence in print, web, interactive, environment & video
  • One of the most creative thinking boutiques in Chicago

http://www.mauge.com/

PACO Collective
PACO Collective has become one of the fastest growing independent, minority-owned agencies in the Midwest — from a brainstorming duo around a kitchen table in 2006, to more than 40 full-time employees today. The market’s evolution into a “minority majority” inspired the need for a more nuanced advertising approach. We call it cross-cultural marketing — an approach that allows us to create meaningful connections by understanding the unique traits of diverse cultural groups and finding insightful ideas that transcend cultures. http://www.pacocollective.com/

Facilities Services

Axium LLC dba The Elevator Consultants
Laurie Kohl is a seasoned software and consulting industry entrepreneur founding The Elevator Consultants consulting firm which developed the ElevatorApp Software. Under her leadership, The Elevator Consultants has grown triple digits year over year since 2007 to become a premier nationwide elevator consulting and code compliance and preventative maintenance software company with a client list that include Jones Lang LaSalle, NorthShore University Health Systems, Ohio State, The Standard Hotels, Marriott, AIG, The Hartford, McCormick Place, Lincoln Properties and many other major corporations. Laurie is in charge of overseeing the strategic direction of the company software and consulting services nationwide and manages all of the product development for the ElevatorApp Software, ElevatorAIO and FacilityAIO, a code compliance, inspection and preventative maintenance software and internet of things (IoT) applications which give clients real time data on their mechanics. Her experience with the elevator industry has evolved to monitoring preventative maintenance, predictive analysis and energy efficiencies with all buildings or facilitates mechanical equipment using IoT. http://theelevatorconsultant.com

Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies
Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies is a reprographics company built on the assumption that there is an intrinsic value, personal reward and financial reward in producing tangible products and services that offer customers more value than they would expect to receive. We, meaning each employee of Cross Rhodes, succeed because our customers succeed. We are part of a much larger community to which we are compelled to act responsibly. We act responsibly when we help protect our environment, provide economic opportunity fairly, work safely, and consider all people in our business affairs. Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies has the expertise to help drive your traditional business needs from trade show, point of purchase, print on demand, direct mail campaign, brochures, online innovative outdoor graphics solutions to professional services such as project notification, online plan room, document management platforms and workforce monitoring solutions, all in-house, for cost effective, fast and efficient turnaround. http://www.x-rhodes.com/

Quantum Crossings, LLC
Quantum Crossings, LLC (Quantum) is an experienced General and Electrical Contractor.  Quantum offers Technology Integration, Engineering Design and Implementation services, with a staff of Design Engineers, CAD designers and drafters, Project Managers as well as a full installation and service department including technicians and IBEW Local 134 and Local 9 Union electricians.  Quantum began working with ComEd Security in 2008 with the installation of a new Video Management System with analytics at the Maywood/DVA center. We worked directly with ComEd security to design, construct and maintain that facility. Quantum then participated in the same capacity for numerous other reporting centers and substations prior to ComEd / Exelon creating security standards to be used across the Exelon platform.  Quantum currently provides engineering services to Sargent & Lundy for Security design work, supports the Chicago Transit Authority in their technology department maintaining the Video infrastructure system as well as constructing new security and Life Safety systems throughout the CTA, and supports Chicago Public Schools in the Telecommunications Department, maintaining the PBX systems at 650 schools throughout Chicago. http://www.quantumcrossings.com

BK Environmental Industries
BK Environmental Industries is an environmental contracting and consulting firm that focuses on indoor air quality and industrial hygiene services. We deliver innovative solutions driven by years of experience. Our firm focuses on asbestos, lead, and mold abatement, as well as interior demolition with a goal to reuse and recycle materials in order to divert them from the waste stream. Bryant Williams is a 15-year veteran in industrial hygiene and environmental engineering. He currently serves as the Board Chair for the Southeast Environmental Task Force and a Board member at large for the Plant Chicago in addition to his leadership at BK Environmental Industries. Bryant also served as the manager of engineering for the Cook County Department of Environmental Control, where he was involved in developing and implementing the Demolition Debris Diversion Ordinance, one of the most impactful mandates in the Midwest. Bryant holds a degree in biology and environmental science from Olivet College. A lifelong resident of Chicago’s Southside, Bryant is using his experience to help establish the Chicagoland area as a world-class model of sustainability. http://www.bkenvironmental.industries

Urban GIS
Urban GIS is an industry leading, full-service geographic information systems (GIS) consulting firm with specialized knowledge in infrastructure and engineering. For almost ten years, we have provided our clients a range of services including GIS Consulting, Application Development & Implementation Planning, Engineering Support & Augmentation, and Field Data Collection. We are committed to offering quality-driven, comprehensive, and technically-oriented results while delivering a personal yet professional approach. As a Chicago-based, minority-owned small business (MBE/DBE and 8(a) certified), we strive to deliver exceptional project results, and build long-lasting relationships through innovative services and client satisfaction. As a means of building those relationships, Urban GIS has expanded its national footprint to include locations such as Atlanta, Cleveland, Denver, and St. Louis. http://urbangis.com/

U.S. Architectural Glass & Metal
U.S. Architectural Glass & Metal has been devoted to quality installation of glass and miscellaneous metal products in various major architectural applications, including new construction, building rehabilitation, tenant interiors, and custom specialty work. Established in 2000 as a full service union glass and miscellaneous/ornamental metals contractor, we have all of the tools (business management and technical expertise) to offer total solutions for your architectural glass & metal needs. Through quality workmanship, on-time project completion and trusted relationships, we have built a strong reputation among major general contractors in the industry. Our Mission is to serve as a total solution, while providing the highest quality of service products and pricing to our customers. Through constant professionalism and quality workmanship, we empower each employee to meet the growing needs of our customers, while remaining ahead of industry standards. Our installation experience includes: Architectural Glass, Mirrored Walls, All-Glass Entrances, Storefront Systems, Curtain Wall Systems, Aluminum/Steel Doors and Hardware Canopies, Miscellaneous Metal (Stairs, Hand/Guard Rails) and Metal Panels http://www.usaglassandmetal.com/

General Services

​Hallagan Business Machines & Office Supplies
Hallagan Business Machines is the hub for Risograph supplies and service in the Chicagoland area. HBM first opened as a typewriter shop in 1961, selling everything from Smith-Corona to Royal typewriters. Terry Hallagan believed in a simple idea: if you work with products you trust, and have strong relationships, you are sure to succeed. From the start, Hallagan Business Machines worked with customers ranging from start-up shops to some of Chicago's most respected institutions, and we have earned our reputation for fair, responsive and considerate service. We are nationally recognized and awarded as leaders in our field. Today, in the same location on North Avenue, HBM is run by Terry's ninth daughter, Joan Hallagan. She recognized the rapid pace of change in office technology, as typewriters gave way to computers and printers. Recognizing that change was a necessity, Joan began a partnership with RISO Kagaku Corporation, an innovative printer company. With a similar set of values and well-respected quality, RISO was the top choice for the next phase of HBM. For the past 20 years, HBM and RISO have partnered to offer high-quality printing and office products and excellent customer service throughout Chicagoland.

Crossmark Graphics
Crossmark Graphics is a direct manufacturer of printing solutions and promotional products for some of the most recognizable brands in the United States.  As a direct manufacturer, we always know exactly where your goods are and who is directly accountable for producing your pieces. By combining our printing solutions along with promotional products, we have an edge over our competitors by offering a one stop for all your procurement needs while providing decreased touch points and quicker turnaround times for print/promo combo projects.  We have the ability to make crucial decisions quickly, before small problems have a chance to affect job quality. That is why we handle virtually everything in-house, keeping each aspect of your job under a critical microscope as it takes shape, from planning through delivery. Our engineering department is always looking for ways to produce your job in the most economical way possible. Our clients value Crossmark Graphics as a strategic partner and not part of a billion dollar conglomerate or holding company. Our owners are directly involved with your business to help insure that you are receiving the best pricing by leveraging our suppliers and showing you new efficiencies. https://www.crossmarkgraphicsinc.com/

Excel Screen Printing & Embroidery, Inc
Excel is one of the leading decorator of promotional items in the Midwest. Our state of the art facilities allow us to produce every imaginable decoration order. Excel Screen Printing and Embroidery, Inc. is equipped with the latest technology in printing presses. We feature M&R Automatic machines. Each press is capable of printing up to 450 to 500 impressions per hour making it possible to print up to at least 25,000 impressions a day. Currently we operate two shifts to meet our clients every need. Our staff, with more than 85 years combined experience, Excel is well known for supplying a quality product, excellent customer service, competitive pricing, while meeting all due dates. Our Embroidery Department is equipped with three full-featured machines with a combined total of 42 heads of up to nine colors each. Production capacity is approximately 2,500 pieces per day, and we run a second shift to accommodate our customers’ needs. http://www.excelscreenprinting.com

Hester Insurance Group, LLC
Hester Insurance Group is an independent insurance and benefits firm specializing in life, disability, and long term care solutions for employees of business entities, colleges and universities. Included is a unique employer sponsored life insurance solution offering employees an alternative to group supplemental/voluntary life insurance that features substantial cost savings and portability. In addition, we offer Intercollegiate Sports Insurance to athletic departments of student athletes.  Hester Insurance has a strategic partnership with one of the largest risk management and insurance brokerage firms in the world, utilizing the best technology and plan administration to implement our innovative strategies. https://www.hesterig.com/

RPM Design Production
RPM Design + Production is a marketing production company that offers graphic design, print production and web services. When RPM opened its doors in 2006, only high-end commercial printing was offered. As business grew, and printing industry declined, graphic design and direct mail services were added to compliment print production. By adding graphic design services in 2008, we have enjoyed the workflow of all production stages. Today, there is a healthy balance of content creation which compliments the print products and web development which enhances our client’s experiences. In 2016, a web store was installed to the current website for commonly ordered products. Some of those include banners, business cards, envelopes, postcards, etc. Each customer has a private portal that archives their projects. It is here, customers can re-order, approve/reject proofs and pay for orders. The other part of our business is creating customized marketing plans and campaigns. This includes uncovering challenges, make plans and execute the tactics. RPM is a small, but mighty company. We design and print all types of collateral, trade show events, retail marketing, direct marketing and website. http://www.RPMDesignPro.com

SPD Press
SPD Press is a commercial printing solutions company. We understand the importance of customer service, efficiency, speed and quality. We offer same day printing to meet even the tightest deadlines. Our experienced team are passionate with dedicated attention to detail. We will take the time to understand each customer s unique requirements, seek to offer the best advice on keeping printing costs to a minimum, while never compromising the quality of your project. We embrace leading edge printing and prepress technology, placing us with the best equipped best service provided. Our highly experienced designers will work with you to ensure your finished project is completed to your satisfaction. Bringing your ideas to life. We offer creative design, corporate identity and development. SPD Press services include: Design, Digital Printing, Offset Printing, Screen Printing, Large Format, Letterpress, Direct Mailing, Finishing, and Signage, Awnings, and L.E.D.'s.

Medical Services and Supplies

DMS Pharmacuetical Group, Inc.
DMS Pharmaceutical Group, Inc. (“DMS”) is a VAWD certified, woman-owned, full-line pharmaceutical wholesaler and specialty distributor located in Park Ridge, Illinois. It is an active member of the Healthcare Distribution Alliance (“HDA”), and a primary and secondary vendor of choice for a number of hospitals, surgery centers, long-term care pharmacies, and physicians’ offices. We also serve as the only contracted National Secondary Pharmaceutical Provider for the Department of Defense for all military facilities in the US, including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, as well as overseas, giving us worldwide exposure. In addition, we serve as the Primary Pharmaceutical Provider for the Direct Vendor Delivery (DVD) division of the Department of Defense and Foreign Military Orders. DMS has invested its resources in offering the best customer service and prices possible, earning it the reputation of a pharmaceutical wholesaler with integrity that cares about its customers. Our relationships with manufacturers gives us the flexibility to service from small to large quantity orders worldwide, as well as acting as an additional provider for hard to get and allocated items. In addition, because of our mid-size and privately-held status, we are often viewed as a more economical distribution alternative for our customers. http://www.dmspharma.com

Globe Medical-Surgical Supply Co.
Established in December of 1991, Globe Medical-Surgical Supply Co. has been servicing the Chicagoland Community for over 30 years. Our customers include hospitals, surgical centers, and clinics. Globe Medical-Surgical Supply Co. has a fully computerized billing and inventory system. Our wide range of medical and surgical supplies are shipped directly from our warehouse via in house drivers with the flexibility to service large quantity orders utilizing public carriers. Globe Medical-Surgical Supply Co. is 100% Minority owned, certified by Cook County, City of Chicago and Chicago Minority Business Development Council.

Laterna Medical Technologies
Established in 2011, Lanterna Medical Technologies manufactures and distributes implants and instruments for the surgical treatment of spine diseases that are unresponsive to conservative care. Our company, located in Illinois with manufacturing in Switzerland and Germany, is led by a team with over 30 years of manufacturing, design, sales, executive and healthcare experience. Lanterna makes precision, high-quality, implants and instruments that are designed with the latest innovations and technologies in order to improve clinical outcomes, increase workflow efficiencies and reduce operating costs. Our value-based approach is evident in our sterile-packaged, barcoded implants, combined MIS/Open instrumentation, unique Titanium-coated implants, towered MIS screws with breakaway tabs, variable surgical tech support and more. We have supplied implants and instruments to many hospitals and surgeons in the U.S. and abroad.

Neta Scientific
Neta Scientific is a laboratory supplies and solutions company that enables the global science and clinical market to more effectively conduct world-leading research and development. We centralize superior supplies, services and supply chain management with a customer-centric approach, innovative technologies and diversity certifications for customers to easily gain access to the tools needed to improve global health and safety and meet corporate objectives. Neta Scientific also offers an integrated program called Laboratory Equipment Asset Procurement Services (LEAPS) that provides new and existing customers within the global science market with convenient access to end-to-end lab services and insights. It combines OEM contract administration, parts and relocation services, and reporting with tier 1 diversity spend and cost savings to drive operational efficiencies and economic outcomes nationwide. https://www.netascientific.com/

Pharmacy 200
200 Pharmacy has been servicing the Chicagoland Community for over 30 years with the vision for providing as many as possible access to quality healthcare. Our Staff is comprised of various professionals—Certified Fitters, technicians and registered pharmacist. Our services include personalized training and support for all customers on all products. In addition to Registered Pharmacist, we have a certified Pedorthists, and orthotics fitter, and braces fitters. Our customers include private patients, doctors’ offices, and home health care agencies. http://www.200pharmacy.com/

ProMedical Equipment & Supplies, Inc.
Based in Villa Park, IL, Pro-Medical Equipment & Supplies Inc. began producing Custom Medical Cabinetry in 1998. Since then, with dealers across the country, we placed our product into many of the nation’s top birthing institutions and universities. We also had the fortune of working with many community hospitals with birth census ranging from 500 to over 5000 per year. Due to our success, we recently expanded our capabilities to provide customized solutions for Emergency Room and other hospital departments. Working with nurses, designers and architects, Pro-Medical Innovations Inc. produces the highest quality of product in the market. With our high customer satisfaction and customer retention, we continually receive additional product purchases. Regardless of your department or size, we can offer a choice of products in the configuration and price that meets your exact needs. No more need to compromise features and benefits. We are capable of manufacturing a wide range of products in a variety of materials including: wood, plastic laminate, and solid surface material. Items can be manufactured to any size, finish and design. http://www.promedical1.com/

Human Resources

Atlas Translation Services
Atlas Translation Services, Inc. is a professional, full-service language company based in Chicago. Atlas helps its clients meet the demands of today’s global marketplace by overcoming communication barriers with accurate translations and interpretations. Atlas translates anything, from personal documents to complicated scientific texts and websites. Atlas interprets any language, in any venue, and in every medium. Atlas was founded by an individual who holds a linguistics degree, speaks five languages, and has over 30 years of experience teaching languages and interpreting for many organizations, including the U.S. State Department. Atlas now comprises an impressive contingent of translators and interpreters around the globe who speak more than 100 languages and dialects. ATLAS TRANSLATION SERVICES employs native-speaking interpreters and translators. Most of our translators and interpreters have graduate degrees in various fields, including medicine, science, engineering, the humanities and languages, and are associated with universities and national laboratories. http://www.atlastranslationservices.com/

Carow Consulting
Carow Consulting provides strategic analysis to health care organizations to maximize profitability and increase volumes. We collaborate with your teams to develop data-driven recommendations resulting in actionable growth plans. Our approach is to work with your leaders to outline the desired outcomes of the project. We conduct needs assessments to uncover factors impeding growth and identify new opportunities by thoroughly reviewing client, state, vendor-supplied, or national data. The final output is an overview of findings and concise recommendations on next steps. We are equipped to service both large and small projects. Depending on the scope and specialization required, we will assemble the expertise to respond to your unique needs through our affiliations with national experts. http://www.carowconsulting.com/

Chicago Hearing Society
Chicago Hearing Society (CHS) empowers people who are Deaf, DeafBlind or Hard of Hearing to communicate and collaborate by providing an array of social services, advocacy, audiology, interpreting, support programs and assistive technology products. Acting as the link between deaf individuals who use sign language and hearing individuals who do not know sign language, our Interpreter Services Department helps organizations locate and employ qualified sign language interpreters and certified deaf interpreters (CDI). We also provide oral interpreters and real-time captioning services (in-person or remote) for those who do not use sign language as their primary mode of communication. Chicago Hearing Society’s Interpreter Services Scheduling Coordinators match the best interpreter to each unique request. Coordinators consider the specific needs and requirements of each job and compare them with the skills, preferences, schedules and personalities of hundreds of interpreters (tri-lingual interpreters are also available for those who also rely on Spanish) throughout the Chicago area. Established in 1916, CHS is celebrating its 101st year of service to the community. http://www.chicagohearingsociety.org/

Vantage Solutions, LLC
Vantage Solutions LLC specializes in organizational development and design, human resource consulting, human resource outsourcing, staffing and training. Our goal is to provide large and small businesses with proactive and preemptive human resources, compliance advice and counsel on workplace matters to help you attract, develop, reward and retain greatness in your employee population. Our practice focuses on creating and implementing practical workplace strategies that result in high workplace performance and productivity. This includes organizational development and design, guidance and insight on daily employment decisions, preparation and application of enterprise-wide employment policies and procedures and appropriate education and training on such topics as diversity in the workplace, leadership and coaching and mentoring. We focus on placing the right people in the right seats at the right time. We also ensure that all your HR activities are guided by the right purpose, utilize the right platform and processes, and are structured at the right pay to help you achieve your business goals. http://vantage-solutions.com/

Magnolia Advisors, LLC
Magnolia Advisors, LLC We are a boutique financial advisory firm providing in-depth knowledge of investments, tax law and the body of regulations related to employee benefits. We assist companies with evaluation and implementation of the full range of health and retirement plan options. Where these needs are already met, we offer customized wealth planning engagements for inclusion in senior executive compensation packages. Additionally, companies currently well-served by large plan providers find our customized financial wellness programs a value producing benefit for their entire staff. Because our firm is small, our clients benefit from personalized, high quality service, adaptable to their unique needs. Our scope of services include: Closely-Held Business Exit Planning, Employee/Constituent Engagement, Consumer Credit Counseling, Financial Literacy Instruction, Individualized Financial Planning, Tax Preparation and Consultation, Charitable/Philanthropic Giving and Fundraising Campaign Design & Development.

Metaphrasis Language & Cultural Solutions LLC
Metaphrasis is a comprehensive language services company that understands the importance of culture and context in language and communication. What makes Metaphrasis different, is that we really take the time to get to the heart of the issue, using our extensive experience to effectively assess each situation and to understand where each person is coming from. This allows us to ensure that we’re meeting everyone’s needs by providing not only the proper language services, but also the tools needed to manage those services efficiently. In the end, we believe it’s all about real people helping real people. It’s about taking the time to understand where each person is coming from and ensuring—through diligence, care, and concern—that each situation has the best possible outcome for everyone involved. http://www.metaphrasislcs.com/