Presenting Firms Bio

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

Bio

Architecture & Engineering

IDG Architects
IDG Architects formerly INTEGRATED DESIGN GROUP (IDG) was founded in 2001 by Ben McMillan AIA, NCARB, NOMA, the firm’s CEO, as a multi-disciplined, full service, award winning architectur-al firm offering a full-range of architectural services including survey and analysis of existing facilities, design, project manage-ment, programming, planning and interiors. IDG is guided by the principle that conscientious, proper design has an enduring value. IDG applies the most creative and advanced technology with equal concern for economy, aesthetics, function and durability to achieve the most effective design solution that satisfies the needs, goals and objectives of the client. Our team operates on a die hard “Customer Service” philosophy that emphasizes IDG’s business characteristics: proactive, aggres-sive, ambitious, creative, responsive, good listeners, energetic, problem-solvers, professional, persistent and consistent. Our talented team and expert consultants, (engineers, landscape architects, among others) collaborate on project delivery from the beginning of the project through the construction phase.
www.idgarch.com

Interra, Inc
Since 1996, INTERRA, Inc. is an industry leading provider of Engineering, Inspection, Materials Testing, Environmental, and Geotechnical services. For more than 23 years, INTERRA has delivered quality support throughout the Midwest in construction, development, environmental, and geotechnical projects in a wide variety of end-user markets. INTERRA’s clients include: FORTUNE® 500 companies, federal agencies, state highway departments, top-tier healthcare corporations, municipalities, construction firms, and commercial property owners. INTERRA’s experienced staff include: Licensed Professional Engineers, PhDs, and trained and certified Engineering Technicians. INTERRA provides reliable, fast-track results for common and advanced laboratory tests of soils, aggregate, concrete, and hot mix asphalt with the support of IDOT, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Advanced Materials Research Laboratory (AMRL), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers certified labs. INTERRA is prequalified by IDOT in Geotechnical Services (General Geotechnical Services, Structure Geotechnical Reports, and Subsurface Explorations), Special Services (Construction Inspection), Special Services (Quality Assurance: HMA & Aggregate) & Special Services (Quality Assurance: PCC & Aggregate). INTERRA is a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). INTERRA’s sustainability efforts were recognized by IRTBA with the Green Industry Award in 2017 and the Illinois Sustainability Award in 2018. Also, INTERRA was named the U.S. Minority Contractor’s Association 2018 Minority Engineering Firm of the Year.
www.interraservices.com/

KDM Engineering
KDM Engineering, Kimberly Moore, President and Founder, established KDM in Chicago in 2012. Starting out on her own, Moore’s hard work, determination and entrepreneurial spirit quickly grew the company into the experienced team of engineers and project managers that make up KDM today. Founded upon a vision of challenging and changing the energy infrastructure to help light up the world, KDM Engineering, a nationally certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), has set itself apart as a leading power utilities, gas distribution and telecommunications engineering consulting firm by consistently delivering outstanding support and service to their clients. Maintaining the highest standards of quality assurance and safety, KDM provides services ranging from: engineering consulting and design, program and project management, utility coordination, drafting, and permitting.
https://kdmengineering.com/

Synergy Development Ltd (SDL)
Synergy Development Ltd. (SDL) is a HUBZone, Woman Owned Minority firm that was established on the core principles of family, honesty, discipline and quality. Synergy consists of individuals, collectively, with over 45 years of general contracting, construction management, consulting, janitorial, accounts payable, and accounting experience. We are passionate about the contracts we are apart of. SDL is a General Contractor and Construction Manager. We specialize in Electrical and Carpentry and Rough Finishes. SDL has several Contracts with Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). We are subcontractors to Walsh Construction and FH Paschen. We perform Stainless Steel Metal Cleaning, Graffiti Removal, and Final Cleaning. SDL provides consulting to school districts such as The Illinois State Board of Education, The Chicago Public Schools, as well to the Federal Government. We have won contracts with The U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force.
https://www.synergydevelopmentltd.com/

TERRA Engineering LTD
TERRA Engineering, Ltd. is a multi-disciplinary professional service firm that utilizes our experience, intellect, passion, and diversity to serve our clients. Since 1992, our portfolio has evolved to include local, national, and global projects ranging in both type and scale. We approach our work from a foundation of comprehensive expertise and resources, allowing our disciplines to collaborate and create intelligently designed, thoughtful, site-specific solutions that skillfully balance aesthetic with function. We are dedicated to making our clients successful, and to enable our clients and staff to make innovative and socially responsible decisions that result in a sustainable and effective design. TERRA is certified through more than a dozen agencies and is a recognized WBE-certified company. TERRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a staff of 80 employees of diverse ethnicities and backgrounds, including; Professional Engineers, Professional Traffic Operations Engineer, Structural Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, Landscape Architects, GIS Analysts and LEED Accredited Professionals.
www.terraengineering.com

Communication & Marketing

Accent Marketing, Inc.
Accent Marketing, Inc. is a full service, minority owned and operated advertising agency specializing in niche markets. At Accent Marketing, Inc. we are committed to assisting our clients achieve and exceed their marketing goals. Through innovation, a strong work ethic and devotion to our work, we develop and implement successful plans that are tailored to our clients' needs. Accent Marketing executes strategic advertising and promotional programs within all consumer product categories. We work closely with our clients to build targeted and quantifiable campaigns that are culturally and market relevant. We focus on every impression in order to bring the consumer closer to ownership of that brand. Services include: Client service, Production, Creative, Strategy, Media-planning & buying, Promotions, and Sampling.
www.accentmarketingchicago.com

Art On The Loose, Inc.
Art on the Loose, Inc., a Chicago-based multidisciplinary firm that specializes in corporate identities, exhibition, environmental, and multimedia design. Art on the Loose, Inc. has provided art direction for many significant projects in the Chicago area and have served an impressive list of clients, including: Northwestern University, University of Illinois Laboratory Schools, Hyatt Regency, Nike, Whirlpool, DuSable Museum of African American History, Museum of Science and Industry, Bronzeville Children’s Museum and Namasté. Our Creative team strives to connect with the community and promote diversity in the Creative industry. The approach we strive for is based on our strong belief that the creative process will help people to resolve problems, be innovative, increase self-esteem and achieve insight. We utilize this belief with personal connections to our projects, with our clients and within our everyday philosophy.
http://artontheloose.com/

IntraLink Global
IntraLink Global is a full service boutique Next Generation PR and Social Content Agency--in shorthand, a NG PR Company. A prerequisite of that evolution is to be highly skilled content strategists, social content creators and new media technologists. And Content is not to be taken lightly. It lives within a communications ecosystem, where each part of the whole contributes to your entire brand image. As technology has dis-intermediated the traditional "awareness" based channels of print and TV, we have had to become black belts at content strategy creation and the development of content that attracts, acquires and engages prospects and clients in innovative ways without using traditional sales tactics. Our conversations have become two-way, dictating content be creative and customized by media channel to further that dialogue. IntraLink Global creates content that sticks. It can influence, educate, amuse, challenge, persuade, inspire or just provide a new twist to an old subject.
http://www.intralinkglobal.com/

Media Link
Since 2001, Media Link Inc. has connected clients to their audiences through powerful advertising, PR and interactive solutions. Media Link has earned a reputation as a strong strategic partner due to our market research, public relations and media placement expertise. In addition, we put the power of creative development in the client’s hands by working with a talented pool of freelancers for design and copy-writing. We market our patented media buying software to other agencies and corporate media buyers across the nation. Our technology is based on a media buying process developed by our founder, Natalie Linville-Mass. Navigating the vast array of marketing opportunities can be a daunting task. Our dedicated staff of qualified professionals connects you to the right resources and stretches your advertising dollar as far as possible. Plus, Media Link’s numerous certifications and our media buying software equip the team with the right tools to evaluate and implement your current marketing strategy thoroughly and effectively.
https://medialinkinc.com/

The Nova Collective
The Nova Collective is a women and Black-owned business (certified MBE and WBE) that builds inclusive cultures. Nova practices diversity & inclusion both explicitly and implicitly. Nova offers programs, products and consulting services that build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. Our teams are made up of a minimum of 75% women and 51% people of color. So when we create core values campaigns or compliance trainings, our work represents a variety of identities and experiences. With decades of experience in corporate communication and learning, the founders of Nova along with the Collective have led organizational change across industries such as tech, finance, healthcare, and CPG. Our Collective is comprised of Consultants, Program Designers, Moderators, Writers, Directors, and Graphic Artists. They have a wide range of experience collaborating with organizations ranging from small enterprise to Fortune 500 to create elite products and programming.
https://www.thenovacollective.com/

General/Health Services

Continental Transportation Solutions, Inc.
CTL Global began as a courier service supporting major financial institutions in Chicago. Over the course of four decades, CTL evolved into one of the industry’s leading fulfillment, transportation, and marketing organizations, working with over 400 clients from entrepreneurial startups to Fortune 500 brands. To optimize your shipping modes and distribution strategies, we have established relationships with major carriers to support needs for Less than Truckload (LTL), Truckload (TL), Domestic Air and Ground Expedited Shipping, International, Intermodal, and more. Continental Transportation is our in house service solution that focuses on areas we know best, using our expertise, pricing, and flexibility to set us apart from national carriers. Being based in Chicagoland for nearly 40 years, we know the area. This local expertise, combined with our logistics experience, allows us to deliver highly customized and specialized shipments first thing in the morning, afternoon, or in the middle of the night—however you define the right moment.
https://www.ctlglobalsolutions.com/

GHC Consulting Services
GHC Consultants is a Healthcare Consulting company that utilizes a thorough discovery process to offer business solutions to hospitals and healthcare systems. Offering over 100 years of expertise in the industry, we offer consulting in Strategic & Facility Planning, Financial Planning & Operations, Clinical Development & Operations, and Data and Analytics Systems Management. Despite the ever-changing healthcare landscape, it is our number one priority to provide you with the right tools for cost savings, revenue generation, sustainability, and longevity in the marketplace. Across all our services, our goal is the same - to provide effective, customer-focused solutions.
http://www.ghcconsultants.com/

Healthy Substance
Healthy Substance is a family owned restaurant that was originated in the welcoming community of Garfield Ridge. We have been opened ever since August of 2018 and showcasing our ideas and values of what we believe makes a restaurant great. Delicious food and friendly faces. We primarily serve vegan and vegetarian food where almost all of our dishes are based out of the flavorful country of Mexico. We are a rapidly growing diverse company that is moving a lot quicker than even we expected. We are thankful for our great customers and promise that we will continue to make sure that every Healthy Substance is a place where everyone can enjoy great vegan food and feel the most welcome. We can also cater your next office event.
https://healthysubstance.com/

Supply-Chain Services, Inc.
SSI is a well-respected service provider for the management of Optimal IT Asset Value Recovery (IT Asset Disposition/ITAD), Secure Data Destruction and Responsible Electronics Recycling. We are the only company in the industry holding 10 key certifications encompassing quality, environmental, health/safety and, very importantly, data destruction management (see the certification list under my signature below). Five (5) out of the 10 certifications are NAID’s prestigious Triple-A Certifications on Data Sanitization & Destruction for both onsite and plant-based operations nationwide. We are the only service provider in the industry that have achieved such status. SSI is often complimented by our corporate customers for our exceptional accuracy, rigorous data destruction, optimal recovery value return, stringent recycling operations and impressive detailed settlement and analytical reports – per our corporate customers, these are the core areas where we significantly outperform our peers in the industry. Our in-depth Annual Sustainability Analytic Reports are especially embraced by corporate customers as they incorporate our impressive analytical reports in bar chart, pie chart, graph and table format in their Global Sustainability and Social Responsibility Reports to shareholders. SSI also possesses high-level technology capabilities in both hardware and software such as using RFID technology to empower customers accurately tracking movements of their assets for inventory, security, theft control as well as regulatory compliance purposes. University of Illinois can utilize the RFID technology to track the IT assets throughout their entire lifecycle, from new procurement to the end-of-lease or end-of-life stage.
www.supply-chainservices.com/

Valley Grande Foods & Supplies, LLC
Valley Grande Foods & Supplies, LLC is a Chicago-based wholesale distribution company focused on Hispanic food products, proteins & dry goods. VGF currently services a multi-state region surrounding the Chicagoland area. Family-owned & operated since 2005 and certified as a minority-owned business in the Business Enterprise Program. VGF's core principles are to provide superior service, quality products & outstanding customer service. We take our responsibility to our community very seriously. We strive to hire our team members locally & from the economically disadvantaged parts of our community. VGF is committed to giving back to the very people that have helped us find success. VGF manufactures unique Hispanic taqueria-style products, diced, marinated, ready-to-eat & ready-to-cook authentic Mexican foods.

Human Resources

Adelfia LLC
Adelfia LLC is a women and minority owned certified public accounting firm. We provide assurance, tax, and advisory services to a diversified client base across industries such as public sector/government, colleges and universities, home health agencies, benefit plans, not-for-profit, and private companies. Adelfia Advisory Services provides internal audit services (full outsource and co-source), staff augmentation, financial and operations internal audit, risk assessment and audit plan preparation, SOX controls testing, desk review, compliance testing, employee expense review, pension plan internal controls review, endowment fund agreement compliance, grants compliance, IT general controls, IT application controls, and other process reviews.
http://adelfiacpas.com/

CRS Group
Founded in 1994 as Computer Resource Solutions, The CRS Group is a privately held company with offices in Itasca, IL and downtown Chicago. CRSG provides staffing solutions to Fortune 500 companies by successfully managing their IT contingent workforce needs. We expanded our offerings to extend that same high-quality service to other business needs, including creative, marketing, finance, legal and HR. We deliver a scalable and productive workforce by engaging professionals and organizations to drive innovation and sustainability. At CRS Group, our team is committed to delivering what we promise. We are motivated by helping our clients achieve results. We focus on improving the internal processes that help us to execute at a high level.
http://www.crscorp.com/

FARO Associates
FARO Associates. With over 45 years of combined experience FARO's professionals provide robust financial services to government agencies and educational entities. We offer innovative, customizable and comprehensive solutions covering crucial business insurance and benefits, 403b plan monitoring services, and financial literacy to 403b plan participants. FARO's team is experienced in delivering culturally-relevant financial education as related to retirement savings' goals. Our forward-thinking solutions are executed with utmost integrity and trusted reliability. With a strong focus on technology, we bring best-in-class to everything from protecting business assets to proactively monitoring your 403(b) plan to addressing your diverse workforce's unique financial literacy needs. Our team members' work has been recognized by Diversity MBA Top 100 Under 50 2017 Executive Leaders; University of Illinois Chicago Business College, Alumni Leadership Academy; Forbes Chicago Business Council; and, Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
https://faroassociates.com/

Lifespiration
Lifespiration. Our mission is to provide hope, healing, healthiness, and happiness in the workplace. To help companies implement corporate care. The goal is to produce purposeful productivity in people. We provide health and wellness through 3 components: products, training, and retreats. Created to ignite hope, healing, happiness, and wholeness through inspirational products. Products include: Books, Greeting Cards, Videos, T-Shirts, Vegan Candles, and Vegan Soaps.
www.mylifespirations.com

Multilingual Connections
Multilingual Connections is a boutique, woman-owned translation agency based in Evanston, Illinois. Since 2005, we’ve helped market research firms, universities, video production companies, law firms, museums, hospitals, hotels and not-for-profits understand, engage and grow their multilingual audiences – local, national or global – in over 75 languages. With our international network of linguists, dedicated project managers and expertise across industries, we’re here to make sure you accomplish your goals, no matter what language. Services include: Translation, Transscription, Multimedia, and Interpretation.
https://multilingualconnections.com/

Information Technology

DivIHN Intergration Inc.
DivIHN has helped its clients of various industries to save costs and create value through many of its services. Benefits delivered include, 40% cost saving in IT Budget as a result of developing IT Transformation and Rationalization strategy and managing the program, Developed innovative solutions in CRM, EDI, DW, BI, MDM, ITSM, Cybersecurity, Collaboration technologies, among other IT specialization. Provided technology adoption strategies and implementation services in major platforms like Mainframe, Client Server, Web, Internet, IoT, Mobile, Cloud as well as specialized areas such as telematics. Placing right people with right job through contract staffing or full time employment. Some of the roles deployed by DivIHN are BA, .NET developer, BO, SQL Svr DW Dev, Data Modeler, SP Architect, IT Audit and more. DivIHN’s professionals are aware of business trends influencing technology adoptions. They have also led technology-based business transformations.
https://divihn.com/

EC-United
EC-United is a boutique technology consulting firm with the unique ability to provide senior-level strategic services to leaders seeking to transform their businesses. Our technologists are executive consultants with hands-on experience coming from the most senior ranks of large IT organizations and consulting firms. In concert with our IBM technology reseller capabilities and contingent labor resources, we leverage our executive experience to assist our clients in maximizing the value that technology can bring to any business.
http://www.ec-united.com/

EX3 Labs, LLC
EX3 Labs is a Chicago-based experience design and software development studio. We employ expert consultants, business analysts, software designers, developers and 3D modelers that combined, help the world’s largest organization deliver impactful digital experiences for their customers, workforce and talent. Technology Proficiencies include: Augmented Reality ,Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain, Robotic Process Automation and 3D Imaging. Industries include: Real Estate, Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing, Financial Services ,Construction, Energy,Bio-Pharma / Life Sciences,Transportation, CPG and Education.
https://ex3labs.com/

Lexicon Networks
Lexicon Networks is a cutting edge global information technology solutions provider. At Lexicon Networks, we provide solutions to fortune 500 clients with the speed and efficiency of a small company. Integrity and pride in excellence are paramount to every employee. Lexicon Networks is a full service SaaS solutions provider with technology service offerings that accentuate our capabilities within the cloud arena. Lexicon's services and product offerings are tendered at the multinational level and are a keen reflection of our core competencies. Lexicon is composed of a team of professionals with many years of experience in the SaaS arena. Our expertise includes but is not limited to Software integration (Cast Iron, IIB, DataPower etc.) and Mobile app development (IBM Mobile First Foundation, iOS, Android and Hybrid).
https://www.lexiconnetworks.com/

WalkerHealthcareIT
WalkerHealthcareIT is a comprehensive Healthcare Information Technology Services & Solutions firm, with a strategic focus on providing workforce solutions to the Healthcare industry with the ability to support all facilities across the U of I System. Powered by our advanced understanding of the Healthcare IT industry & systems, WalkerHealthcareIT’ s talent pool is unsurpassed by our competition. We attract people that are innovative, diverse, engaged consultants & leaders in healthcare. Our entire firm is dedicated to the healthcare space; thus, our knowledge and talent pool are unsurpassed. In Technology we specialize in all professionals including, but not limited to: Dev Ops Engineers, IT Server Administrators, Web Designers, Digital Communications Coordinators, Business Analysts and Project Managers. Our niche’ technology services allow us to provide unsurpassed workforce solutions that support the implementation and training of all EHR platforms. We have experience in the areas of optimization, clinical adoptions, integration and testing, Go-Live and advisory services among others. Our clinical division provides consultants that are Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, Medical Assistants, Behavioral Health & Physician Assistants.
http://www.walkerhealthcareit.com/

Investment Management/ Assets Services

Hollis Park Partners
Hollis Park Partners LP ("Hollis Park"), founded by T. Troy Dixon in 2013, is an alternative asset manager that specializes in structured products. Hollis Park seeks to produce long-term returns through a combination of long and short positions in a broad range of securitized products. These products include Agency RMBS, Non-Agency RMBS, ABS, CDOs, CLOs, CMBS, equity-related securities, derivatives, total return swaps and various other instruments consistent with our return objectives. Hollis Park Partners LP is registered as an investment advisor with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Registered as a Commodity Trading Advisor and Commodity Pool Operator with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and is a member of the National Futures Association.
http://www.hollisparkpartners.com/

Piedmont Investment Advisors, Inc.
Piedmont Investment Advisors, Inc. is an institutional money management firm specializing in equity and fixed income management. We are a minority and women-owned business enterprise based in Durham, North Carolina. At Piedmont, our clients come first. We believe that our success is dependent on investing ourselves in establishing lasting client relationships. We work to build trust by offering investment products that strike an appropriate balance between risk and return with a focus on achieving investment success for our clients. Our investment philosophy combines multiple disciplines that seek to outperform client benchmarks on a risk-managed basis. We don’t rely on just a single source of insights, but rather, our process extracts value from the combination of three investment disciplines: quant, fundamental, and macro. Accordingly, Piedmont employs a collaborative investment process where all investment professionals come together in multiple forums to develop a firm-wide macro strategy and to discuss quantitative and fundamental research insights that can be applied across all products.
https://www.piedmontinvestmentadvisors.com/

Ramirez Asset Management, Inc.
Ramirez Asset Management, Inc. (“RAM”), founded in 2002, specializes in fixed income asset management and provides investment advisory services to institutional investors. RAM is a certified minority owned business enterprise (“MBE”), headquartered in New York City with offices in Chicago, Illinois and San Juan, Puerto Rico; we are an affiliate of Samuel A. Ramirez & Company, Inc., one of the oldest Hispanic-owned full service investment firms in the United States. Our current offerings include 9 investment composites with fully customizable strategies ranging from cash management out to long duration. We believe in the importance of establishing long-term client relationships while striving to deliver consistent and superior long-term investment results. We work with our clients to develop a fixed income investment program that is tailored to suit their needs. RAM believes that a customized approach to portfolio management is a true value added benefit and an integral part of our investment process. Each of our client's assets are managed on a separate account basis. This allows RAM the flexibility to apply unique risk and guideline controls to each investment portfolio. We manage both benchmark driven total rate of return portfolios as well as dedicated strategies.
http://www.ramirezam.com

The Williams Capital Group, L.P. (WCG)
The Williams Capital Group, L.P. (WCG) is a full service investment bank serving institutional investors, corporations and governments. As a close-knit team committed to providing customized, best-in-class solutions for our clients, WCG’s first priority is strong client relationships. Williams Capital Fixed Income is a client-centric institutional sales, trading and capital markets platform across a spectrum of fixed income products. Our sales and trading professionals have years of market experience through numerous rate and credit cycles. We have strong relationships with public and private pension funds, trust companies, insurance companies, money managers, banks and hedge funds. Williams Capital is the only independent broker-dealer to have a meaningful presence in the commercial paper market, currently serving as a dealer on 39 corporate programs. Our objective is to expand each issuer’s investor base by educating our investors to approve the issuer’s credit, targeting a broad spectrum of small and large investors, and executing reverse inquiry. We value each relationship and focus directly on client objectives to develop solutions and resolutions that help our clients meet their goals. Williams Capital is proud to have built a successful track record since 1994 and to be recognized as a NMSDC Corporate Plus® certified minority business.
https://willcap.com/