Presenting Firms Bio

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

Bio

Architecture & Engineering (A&E/CM)

CKL Engineers, LLC
CKL Engineers, LLC provides civil engineering, inspection and construction management services for aviation, roadway and transit projects. CKL has a strong focus on safety and quality in any project they are involved in. Mae Whiteside is President/CEO and Construction Services Manager for CKL Engineers. Mae has 19 years of experience in construction, 6 years with CDOT as Major Roadway/Reconstruction assistant design project manager, 1 year as Runway 10L Geotechnical Inspector, and 4 years as Consultant ISTHA CE&I and resident engineer. In addition, Mae manages all aspects of CKL operations and marketing. Project Experience includes work with Illinois Tollway, Chicago Department of Transportation, City of Chicago, Department of Water Management, and the Chicago Department of Aviation.
http://ckleng.com/

EC Purdy & Associates
Since its founding in 1994, EC Purdy & Associates has striven to provide value, common sense, and creativity to help our clients accomplish their goals. EC Purdy & Associates is a full-service architectural firm that provides professional services in architecture, interior design, and planning. We have a high level of expertise in the design of new structures and the restoration, rehabilitation, and expansion of existing ones. EC Purdy & Associates has extensive experience in educational, corporate, residential, and commercial projects. Throughout her career, Elizabeth Purdy has managed architectural and interior design projects ranging from major international and national complexes to modest projects which have limited budgets; from the public and corporate sector to the private client; from the multi-use business campus and prestigious institutional facility to the individual room design.
http://www.ecpurdy.com

Globetrotters Engineering Corporation
Globetrotters Engineering Corporation is a full-service professional firm based in Chicago that has served the public and private sectors since 1974. Globetrotters’ highly diversified services enable its clients to benefit from a full range of architectural, engineering, construction management, program management, facility management, and I.T. expertise.
Globetrotters offers its clients the advantage of a full spectrum of engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, telecommunications, civil, structural, and surveying, as well as an in-house architectural studio. Globetrotters’ A/E staff is supported by an IT department skilled in developing customized applications based on unique client needs and project requirements.

The Globetrotters organization employs over 200 professional and support personnel, providing the firm with the capacity and depth of resources to quickly mobilize project teams and accomplish project goals. In addition to licensed architects and engineers, Globetrotters’ personnel include LEED Accredited Professionals, Certified Commissioning Agents, Certified Floodplain Managers, and Professional Traffic Operations Engineers.
http://www.gec-group.com

husARchitecture Inc.
husARchitecture Inc is a Chicago based sustainability and architectural firm. Founded in 2010 by Chyanne Husar, the firm is a certified WBE [woman business entity] and registered Section 3 Business concern. husARchitecture has a broad range of project involvement with the Chicago Housing Authority and the Public Building Commission. As former Director of Sustainability at Holabird & Root, Chyanne managed St. Olaf College's Regents Hall of Natural Sciences (LEED Platinum), the Winona State University's Integrated Wellness Center (LEED Gold), and the University of South Dakota's Slagle Auditorium. We look forward to building a future upon our higher education experience.
http://www.husarchitecture.com/

SYTE Corp.
A noted and respected construction industry veteran, with more than twenty (20) years of experience, Mario L. Short is the President and Chief Executive Officer of SYTE Corp, Mr. Short is responsible for the overall management and operations of SYTE Corp. His input and contributions can be traced to all areas of the company including project management, new business development, human resources, corporate finance, and to the adherence to all industry and safety compliance requirements. Under Mr. Short’s leadership and vision, SYTE Corp has achieved tremendous growth year over year; earned local, national and international recognition, and in the process has established itself as the preferred partner of some of the most recognized government agencies and private sector entities. Moreover, Mr. Short has developed within SYTE Corp a culture steeped in collaboration, transparency and performance excellence. He founded his company, SYTE Corporation, in 2003 to leverage that knowledge. This construction project management company is now in its 11th year.
http://www.sytecorp.com

Communication & Marketing

Comadres, Inc
Comadres, Inc. is a multicultural marketing communications firm that provides integrated marketing, sales promotion and advertising services to companies targeting both consumers and businesses alike. We work in the general market but we also have considerable expertise with new, emerging markets. We help our clients grow and prosper by offering quality and value through effective marketing communications.

Our goal is to provide needed relevancy through insightful research; to identify specific market needs and develop strategies which are in line with our customers global positioning; to appeal to a diversified audience via integrated marketing tools that reach customers powerfully while building lasting bonds.

We follow it up with creativity that is intuitive, imaginative and results-producing. We have been able to consistently maintain long term relationships with our clients by creating in-language, in-culture communications that empower corporations to build brand equity, achieve market leadership and increase profits and traffic.
http://www.comadres-inc.com

Gameplan Creative
Gameplan Creative has created high quality brand solutions for a variety of valued clients. Gameplan Creative possesses extraordinary creative, technical and problem solving abilities. Experience, knowledge, and understanding are the core strengths that drive our success in delivering memorable, relevant solutions at every brand touch point. Our solutions build long lasting relationships. Our work inspires, energizes and excites the senses. Together, this perfectly balanced combination has sustained our business as we work together with our partners to Build Better Brands. When you engage with Gameplan Creative, you partner with an experienced and passionate group of professionals. Gameplan Creative is comprised of a team that has real-world perspectives and a penchant for true collaboration. Our process rigorously unearths what is truly unique, appealing and consumer relevant about each organization, product, service and brand.
http://www.gameplancreative.com

Lidia Varesco Design
Since 2000, Lidia Varesco Design has been collaborating with education organizations to help them share their message and reach the right people through print and digital marketing. With over two decades of experience, Lidia is known not only for her ability to express a client’s mission—but also for her friendly, approachable working style. She loves blending design and marketing by being involved with both the content and creative development of a project. She is also active in the small business and blogging communities, writing about branding and marketing for her blog Educated Design, as well as contributing to small business blogs. Lidia has been featured in HOW Magazine and various design and small business books, including CRAVE Chicago, a showcase of top female entrepreneurs.
http://lsvdesign.com/

MULTI LATINO Marketing
At MULTI LATINO MARKETING our priority is to provide complete marketing services to our clients with a detail oriented and proactive approach. Media planning and buying are leveraged to more than 20% of the buy to maximize ROI and dominate on-air time. We monitor the media schedule, competition messaging and any other on-air opportunity by listening to the media on a daily basis. We value our solid and longstanding media relations, on-air talent and key personalities as an advantageous asset for our clients. MULTI LATINO MARKETING has a track record of creative and impactful marketing campaigns with integration of community, digital and consumer influencers. We conduct marketing research to understand our target audience in order to develop effective strategies and content. Our objective is to assist companies that want to achieve maximum customer satisfaction and reach consumers in a direct and impactful way.
http://www.multilatinomarketing.com

Wedgeworth Communications
Wedgeworth is a full-service communications firm that combines strategy and creativity as equal partners in the process to connect people, products and outcomes. Our approach allows us to select the right messages, media and strategies to provide measurable results. Wedgeworth customizes every single tactical solution we deliver for clients, starting with the message. We work closely with you to ensure that your message is presented in a way that resonates with your target audience. Blending strategy and creativity to produce memorable, results-driven communications. We get people thinking, acting, connecting with and advocating for organizations in a way that helps achieve business results. Wedgeworth Communications develops employee and marketing communications that influences audience thinking and behavior. We are headquartered in the Chicago area with clients across the U.S. and Europe. We are big enough to be retained by some of America’s largest organizations for complex communications projects, yet small enough to provide each client with close attention.
http://www.wedgeworthbiz.com 

Facilities Services/Human Resources

Chicago Voice and Data Authority
CVADA services customers with low voltage systems: voice and data, fiber optic, access control, security, audio video, and fire alarm. We are a proud IBEW Local 134 Union Contractor, fully-insured, ready, and excited to work closely with you on any size project. We take pride in each and every project and guarantee your satisfaction. Your complete satisfaction, without compromise, is our success. You need someone who will work smart, and hard, to design and build your low voltage system the right way. We offer integrity in every aspect of our business. Therefore, it enables us to deliver you cost-effective, quality solutions to the challenges of each project. It all adds up to great customer service. We would not do business any other way! We are your telecommunications experts in the Chicagoland area. From large-scale corporate voice systems to the smallest project, we can handle it. Our priority is meeting your voice needs. We have the foresight to anticipate and predict your future data needs. Growth of the technology industry requires a company adept at looking beyond current needs. We are ready to analyze your current infrastructure and prepare you for the ever-increasing changes down the road. We are experts in audio and video systems installation, maintenance, and repair. We can design and install a fully customized audio and video system around your needs. We welcome questions regarding your audio/video needs. We know the difference a professional designed and installed AV system makes.
http://www.chicagovoiceanddataauthority.com/

Rozalado & Co.
Rozalado is Chicago's fastest growing facility services management company. Rozalado delivers high quality facility services to customers in a variety of markets including office building, restaurants, medical clinics, educational, hair salons, and many more commercial buildings. We also provide residential cleaning. Rozalado & Co. is expanding rapidly throughout the Chicago land area and surrounding suburbs. We are emerging as a leader in the industry. Professional commercial and residential cleaning services for your business. Established in 2012, customer service is the backbone of Rozalado. Rozalado has strong partnerships with local suppliers that allow us to offer our clients Supply Inventory Management on our behalf. This allows the customer to stay focused on all other business related day to day tasks. Rozalado is dedicated to bringing a creative and innovative approach to this classic industry. Our specialties include: Facility Maintenance, Janitorial Cleaning, Commercial Cleaning, Residential Cleaning, Handyman, Post Construction, Painting, Plumbing, Pest Control, Power Washing, Handyman, Carpet Cleaning, Carpentry, Electrical, Tile and Grout, Strip and Wax, Window Washing, and Upholstery.
https://rozaladocleaning.com/commercial-cleaning/

RTR Management and Consulting Services, LLC
RTR Management and Consulting Services is a premier Chicago-outsourced HR services firm. We help owners and managers in businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies eliminate the challenges and frustrations of managing human capital and maintaining compliance with regulations so they can focus on growing their businesses. Choose from our suite of HR consulting, training, recruiting, and staffing services. A full-service human resource consultancy, RTR is ready to help your organization by giving you access to our in-house team of specialists and a diverse range of services. We offer the specialized expertise needed to manage your human resources functions without the additional costs and management required for an in-house HR department.
http://rtrconsults.com/home.html

Haywood and Fleming Associates (HFA)
Haywood and Fleming Associates (HFA) was established in 1984 and is a solution-oriented risk management, commercial insurance and employee benefits firm serving Gary, Northwest Indiana, Chicago, and suburbs. As “Risk Architects,” we have considerable expertise and experience in servicing the needs of large and complex entities in the private and public sector. HFA also serves small businesses and high net worth individuals. The firm represents a number of prominent insurance carriers in caring for the needs of its clients, whether it is in risk management services and commercial insurance procurement or group health/employee benefits programs. Because HFA is a Community Business Servant, the firm strives to be highly successful in providing risk management, commercial insurance, and employee benefits services to clients in the various communities they serve. This enables them to give back and return the fruits of their labors to those who continue to make the firm exist as a growing/going concern, since 1984.
http://www.haywoodandfleming.com/

JBJ Business Group
JBJBusinessGroup Inc (JBJ) is a leading business consulting organization CVE SDVOSB and SBA 8a certified firm who assist federal and private agencies to improve efficiency, effectiveness and accountability by providing organizational development, change management and training services to improve service to its customers, increase employee engagement and continuous internal improvement initiatives to meet its program goals. Core Services include: Change Management, Six Sigma, Leadership Development/Training, Culture Management, Organization Development, Training, Succession Planning, Risk Management, Project Management, and Stakeholder analysis.
http://www.JBJ-BusinessGroup.com

General Services

Burchell Upholstery
Burchell Upholstery provides global sourcing and standardization of finished linens through textile manufacturing and specific fabric selection. Our dedication to service is a time-honored tradition with over 20 years in the making. Burchell Upholstery is dedicated to quality in service and craftsmanship. We are a full-service upholstery company with tremendous experience in all facets of the upholstery business. Whether reupholstering an antique family heirloom, designing a unique custom seating concept, or manufacturing textile products to meet industry standards, Burchell is excited for the opportunity to work closely with clients. Burchell does it right! No project is too big and no project is too small. Clients benefit from Burchell’s professional textile and manufacturing capabilities provided by their business groups: aviation, hospitality, healthcare, and transportation. Herb Stokes has served as the Chief Marketing Officer for Burchell Upholstery for 5 years. In 2017 he founded the Burchell Textile and Manufacturing Group and now serves as its President. This division’s sole purpose is to provide professional textile and manufacturing capabilities to their business groups: aviation, hospitality, healthcare, and transportation. He is responsible for global operations, supply chain management, and sourcing. The core manufacturing products include linen (bedding, towels, and blankets) for mass production, as well as textile materials for seating.
http://burchellupholstery.com/

Group O
Group O is an end-to-end solutions provider specializing in technology-based solutions that drive new standards of excellence in the supply chain, packaging and marketing industries. We challenge conventional thinking to produce tailored solutions for our clients based on their specific business challenges.
Since 1974, Group O has been producing tailored, results-driven solutions for some of the world's largest companies. Our clients choose Group O for our unique ability to react quickly to new opportunities and driving new standards of excellence. Cutting-edge solutions from Group O meet the needs of Fortune 500 clients across a broad range of industries, including food and beverage, telecommunications, manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, retail, financial services, pharmaceutical, healthcare, technology, public sector, and energy.
http://www.groupo.com 

LevelX Consulting, Inc.
LevelX Consulting, Inc. is a finance, accounting and management consulting firm. We tailor strategic finance and accounting solutions, helping you achieve the next level of financial performance. We are your direct line to relevant finance talent and innovative solutions. LevelX is a finance, accounting and management consulting firm. We take a tailored approach to strategic finance solutions, partnering with you to achieve the next level of financial performance. With a deep knowledge of our team’s individual capabilities and personality traits, your LX director matches you with the right consultant or team to meet your needs. You bypass time-consuming resume review and are, instead, paired with the optimal talent solution right away. We agree on terms and move quickly to work execution. Our streamlined engagement agreement eliminates the need for a lengthy approval process.
http://levelxconsulting.com/

LJ Ross Associates Inc.
Established in 1992, L J Ross Associates Inc., is a minority owned, national leader in revenue cycle management. We offer state-of-the-art technology along with proven recovery strategies to provide consistently superior results for our clients. We offer a range of national recovery customized services including, but not limited to first party, early-out, primary, secondary, tertiary, billing services, bill pay & call center services with vast experience in all industries.
L J Ross Associates is renowned as an industry leader in healthcare accounts receivables and revenue cycle management. Continuous training and monitoring of successful healthcare collection procedures have allowed L J Ross Associates to increase our clients' recovery rates within their revenue recovery programs.
Through experience, extensive training, and ongoing education, L J Ross can provide private schools, universities, colleges, and school districts with a more diplomatic and effective approach to collections. We work closely with clients to successfully collect on past due accounts in a manner that is professional and effective.
http://www.ljross.com

​The Shred Authority
Since 2002, The Shred Authority has specialized in secure destruction of confidential items or the storage of sensitive documents in order to assist our corporate and residential customers in meeting their privacy rule requirements. We offer cost-effective services while meeting the demands of the marketplace for security, efficiency, and exceptional customer service. The Shred Authority provides document destruction, storage and other services to assist its customers in meeting Privacy Rule requirements. The Shred Authority is an independently minority owned and operated document Destruction Company that is AAA NAID Certified (National Association for Information Destruction) for onsite, offsite, micro-media and computer hard-drive destruction. The overall philosophy and strategic direction of The Shred Authority is to distinguish itself in Document Destruction Services. The level of experience of The Shred Authority is illustrated in the personalized and special attention service. Geographically, their primary service area is centered within the Chicagoland region. The Shred Authority utilizes technologically advanced tools and cost effective and rigorous methodology to recycle waste in accordance with federal statutes and its customers’ commitment to environmental conservation. The core competency of The Shred Authority is the shredding of sensitive documents for corporate customers.
http://www.ShredAuthority.com

Hospital Services & Supplies

Carstens, Inc.
Carstens, Inc. Family-owned and operated since 1955, Carstens is the largest national manufacturer and supplier of patient charting system products, carts and workstations for the healthcare and education industries. All products are manufactured at our headquarters in Chicago, Illinois and we directly service our markets both nationally, and internationally. Carstens is State of Illinois and WBENC-Certified as a Woman-Owned Business and as a Woman-Owned Small Business.

We have a long history of innovation. We pioneered the clinical poly-ring binder (manual) charting system in the 1970’s, the WALLAroo computer workstations in the 1990’s, the LinkT cart and WALKAroo EMR carts in the 2000’s, and recently introduced the WALLAroo FIT modular recessed cabinets, MEDIroo lock boxes and RFID lock and security system. We are committed to continuously moving forward with new, cost-effective products for education and healthcare.
http://www.carstens.com

Hilton Publishing (HPC)
Founded in 1996, HPC today serves K-12 schools, universities, Fortune 500 corporations and healthcare organizations as a leading supplier of strategic business solutions and a publisher and distributor of print and digital books, journals and magazines. Since our founding 20 years ago, HPC has sought to educate and empower people through the books and other content we publish and distribute. In addition, HPC provides solutions in various areas of corporate purchasing to help businesses and healthcare organizations cut their spending and operate more efficiently. HPC is able to achieve these goals because of our professional team of consultants who know how to cut costs and drive efficiency for our clients, our dedicated team of project managers and customer service representatives, our passionate group of talented authors, our experienced printing and creative teams, and our relationship as a contracted, vetted supplier with national Group Purchasing Organizations (GPO’s) that serve thousands of hospitals, health systems, non-acute facilities and physicians across the United States.

In our Publishing division, HPC operates under the name Hilton Publishing, offering a full array of publishing, printing, PR/marketing, sales and distribution services to support authors and bring their books to the consumer marketplace. Our greatest strength as a publisher is our ability to promote new medical and educational titles to the healthcare and education markets. Many of our authors are medical professionals, educators or healthcare executives, and we help them get their publications in front of decision makers within the schools, hospitals and physician offices we serve through our Strategic Service Solutions division.
http://www.hiltonpub.com

Sterling Medical Products
Sterling Medical Products has been in business for over 30 years providing quality medical products that exceed our customer’s quality requirements. We are FDA registered as a re-packager/re-labeler, manufacturer, and contract manufacturer. Sterling Medical follows GMP. (Good Manufacturing Practices) and our quality system incorporates the AAMI/ANSI standards. Sterling can provide over 450 different sterile disposable trays, kits and instruments, Bulk Non-Sterile Instruments and Packaged and sterilized unusual items and custom made kits.
http://www.sterlingmedproducts.com/

Tetra Medical Supply Corp
Tetra Medical Supply Corp. is a Women Owned Small Business in Niles, IL Founded in 1913 with one product: The TETRA Bandage, an all-cotton bandage that derived its "stretch" by twisting the cotton threads very tightly. Tetra now has over 1,000 SKU’s. Tetra products include: bandages, dressings, gauze, orthopedic soft goods (e.g. binders, slings, immobilizers, supports, etc.), athletic supporters, and hot / cold therapy. Our cliental includes federal and state government agencies, national/regional dealers and distributors, hospitals, specialty clinics, chiropractors, department of correction facilities, sports rehabilitation, professional sports teams, occupational and physical therapists, fire departments, industrial offices, federal, state, city and county offices, universities and schools. Tetra has been the recipient of multiple awards for exceeding supplier goals and providing significant value to customers. We provide value through our proven track record for providing Cost Savings (30% average), SKU Consolidation (25% average), and Patient Safety. Our tools and expertise allow us to provide quick and easy evaluations and conversion.
http://www.tetramed.com

Victory Medical Equipment
Victory Pharmacy of Decatur Inc., dba Victory Medical Equipment is a minority owned business certified and registered as Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Business Enterprise Program Certified (BEP). The business was incorporated in December 1999. We have a successful track record for the last 17 years. Our main focus now is distribution of Medical Supplies, Equipment and Hospital equipment. Our distribution network is through strategic partnership with the leaders in the industry such as McKesson Medical DME, Medline Medical, Alco Medical and other reputable and established companies.

Information Technology

HighGate Management Solutions
HighGate Management Solutions (HighGate) is a management consultancy firm focused on helping organizations, through the analysis of existing organizational challenges and the development of plans for improvement, improve their performance. Organizations draw upon the services of HighGate for a number of reasons, including gaining external and objective advice and access to our consultants’ specialized expertise. HighGate consultants also function as bridges for information and knowledge that allow services to be provided more economically than the client firms themselves can provide.

Consultancy services include: information technology (IT) consulting; computer and technology consultancy; business and technology services; and, IT advisory as a field of activity focuses on advising organizations on how best to use IT in achieving their business objectives. In addition to providing advice, HighGate's services include, but not limited to, IT Innovation Strategy, Project Management, Implementation, Deployment and Administration of IT systems on behalf of their client organizations.

The role of HighGate’s IT consultancy is to support and nurture our clients from the very beginning of the project until the end, and deliver the project in terms of scope, time and cost with complete customer satisfaction.
http://www.HighGateMS.com

Clarity Partners, LLC
Clarity Partners, LLC is a Chicago-based management and technology consulting firm founded in 2004, and currently employs 150 staff members. Clarity Partners has over 200 successfully completed projects for both the public and commercial sector. The firm formed a partnership with UIC in 2016 and provided 7 internships to UIC students to build skills in consulting and cloud technologies. The firm’s core offerings and competencies include Management Consulting, which helps clients align their business processes, people, and information systems with their enterprise strategy and Technology Consulting, which helps clients implement technology solutions to meet their business needs.
http://www.claritypartners.com

Ilerasoft
Ilerasoft’s technology centralizes a health system’s medical equipment data on one platform to increase utilization, automate FDA safety recalls and help health systems share equipment across all facilities. Ilerasoft calculates underutilized equipment in real time and provides solutions to increase efficiency. Our software intelligently reveals the true demand for medical equipment within a system and allocates excess supply to where it is needed most using our logistics platform that enables an internal sharing economy. By centralizing data on one platform, we provide relevant FDA safety recall management that identifies defective medical equipment earlier and more accurately.
http://www.ilerasoft.com

Revere Consulting Company Inc.
Revere Consulting Company Inc. is a telecommunications and information technology firm located in Richton Park, Illinois. We offer over 100 years of industry experience with excellent customer relationships that exhibits the hallmark of integrity, accountability and a commitment to excellence. Revere Consulting Company Inc. provides integrated solutions for our clients by utilizing our expansive history in the telecommunications and information technologies industry, and through a variety of strategic business partnerships. Revere Consulting offers one of the broadest ranges of solutions, helping our clients in specialized fields such as Education, Manufacturing, Utilities, State, Local, and Federal Government capitalize on their specific opportunities for growth. Revere Consulting’s practice is focused on infrastructure and networking technologies advisory services. Together with our partners, the thought leaders and industry practitioners, we deliver solutions that are the foundation to the IT enterprise strategy and are executable within the client’s organizational capabilities and budget constraints. Revere Consulting’s Program and Project Management is designed to manage and deliver multiple projects that meet client’s expectations within agreed-to schedules and budgets that conforms to the client standards.
http://www.revereconsulting.net

The IT Architect
Charles H. Harrell II is the President of The Information Technology Architect Corporation dba The IT Architect Corporation (ITA). His career started in Investment Banking at Merrill Lynch, Fenner and Price where he championed the raising of capital for middle market organizations. However, he officially transitioned into the technology industry in May 2003 as a founder of ITA, a technology and communications firm which specializes in the design, implementation, and management of the automation of business processes with innovative IT and communications solutions. With over ten years of experience in varying areas of information technology and telecommunications, ITA solutions help organizations to facilitate growth, compete more effectively, reduce costs and work more efficiently. Services include: Communication and technology business automation design, implementation and management services, Wi-Fi and Distributed antenna solutions (DAS), Mobile device management and fulfillment services, Virtualization Solutions – VMWare Certified Professional, Wireline solution implementation and management services, Project management services, Machine to Machine (M2M) solutions, Data Center Equipment and Solutions : BASELAYER, Value Added Reseller (VAR) – technology and communications products, TEM and bill consolidation services, Security technology solutions and WAN/LAN Solutions.
http://www.theitarchitect.com