DISCUSSIONS ON...

LEADERS ROUNDTABLE: BUILDING INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Small business is big in America: Small businesses create jobs for residents. By giving jobs to workers in their communities, small businesses promote economic self-sufficiency and help to reduce poverty. When small businesses thrive in these communities, it creates jobs that foster “neighborhood wealth and financial stability.” 

Today we will explore racial equity and economic development in government contracting and how local government can assist the advancement of racial equity by strengthening community and business partnerships with vendors and PRIME Contractors.

MODERATOR:

Purpose Brand

Diane Primo, Chairman and CEO

PANELISTS:

Antigua, Inc.

Edith De La Cruz, President

Clark Construction Group

Javid Aboutorabi, Business Development Manager

UJAMMAA

Jimmy Akintonde, President & CEO

Bush Infotech Group, Inc, dba KFA

Quentella Enty, Vice President

LEADERS ROUNDTABLE: ACCESS TO CAPITAL

Access to capital is essential for any business to grow and reach its full potential. Without access to capital, businesses will struggle to expand their operations, upgrade equipment, and hire additional employees. access to capital is particularly important for small businesses that often lack the financial resources of larger corporations. 

When a small business can access capital, it can take advantage of opportunities that were previously unavailable, take risks, and pursue ambitious projects that would otherwise be impossible due to financial constraints. Access to capital can also help businesses weather economic downturns and recessions. 

The Financial Services industry constantly evolves to encompass a broad range of business services in today’s environment. This panel will explore key opportunities and challenges and share various innovative solutions and best practices for building your firm’s financial future. 

MODERATOR:

World Business Chicago

LaForce Baker, Vice President of Community Impact

PANELISTS:

Chama Capital

Christine Saffold, Founder & CEO

SomerCor

Manuel Flores, President & CEO

JP Morgan Chase

Pamela Randle, V.P. Sr. Business Consultant, Minority Entrepreneur 

BMO Harris Bank

Ronald Milsap, Director, Industry Vertical Team

LEADERS ROUNDTABLE: CREATING AN IMPACT ACROSS THE CITY

The nation's cities are the engines of the U.S. economy, creating opportunities for the entire country, including suburban, rural, and tribal areas. Cities bring people and firms together in relatively close proximity, which drives innovation and leads to positive economic benefits and growth. In addition, many American cities are leaders in global sustainability due to their population density.

Cities are also on the cutting edge of culture and, as such, tend to attract residents who are accepting of people of all backgrounds and lifestyles. For these reasons, urban areas create rich economic, educational, and social opportunities that foster and encourage diversity.

Join our panel to learn about projects and opportunities that are creating an impact across the City. 

MODERATOR:

City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services

Lisa Freelon, Deputy Procurement Officer, Department of Procurement Services

PANELISTS:

Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion

Bruce Montgomery - Acting Commissioner

Far South Community Development Corporation

Abraham D. Lacy – President

R.M. Chin & Associates, Inc.

Eileen Chin – President

Obama Foundation

Tammi Davis, Director of Business Diversity and Workforce Development

LEADER MASTERS CLASS: PITCHING AND MARKETING TO GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

This Leaders Master Class explores valuable insights into marketing products and services that prepare businesses to pitch their product or service. Join us to discuss the latest trends and best practices for reaching out to buyers, identifying key decision-makers, understanding procurement processes, and developing effective marketing strategies.

This interactive workshop will discuss tips on delivering the perfect elevator pitch, and how to craft a concise, compelling message that highlights the unique value proposition of their products or services. See if your pitch has what it takes.

PRESENTED BY:

The Wynners Club

Krystina Wynn, CEO

Illinois Department Human Rights

Irma Lopez, Contract Coordinator

LEADERS ROUNDTABLE: DEVELOPING PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES 

THAT WILL TRANSFORM COMMUNITIES 

There are over two million people incarcerated in the United States prison system, and there are over 600,000 inmates released from our prison system annually. Returning residents often face distinct challenges and social inequalities when transitioning from incarceration back into communities. For example, with a skilled labor gap plaguing the construction industry, people desire gainful employment. Regrettably, most returning residents struggle to secure employment and return to prison. 

View to hear a discussion that addresses initiatives, programs, and services that support formerly incarcerated individuals re-entering from life behind bars and how they can gain skills and resources for entrepreneurship. 

MODERATOR:

Department of Procurement Services, City of Chicago

Lisa Freelon, Deputy Procurement Officer 

PANELISTS:

City of Chicago Office of the Mayor

Willette Benford, Director of Re-Entry

Chicago Women In Trade

Jayne Vellinga, Executive Director

Power Construction

Bob Gallo, Chief Operating Officer

Revolution Workshop

Manny Rodriguez, Founder & Executive Director

SPOTLIGHT ON CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

STATE AND LAKE INFORMATIONAL SESSION

This project will completely reconstruct the 2nd busiest station in the Loop serving 5 CTA lines, improving a major transfer point to the Red Line and connection to eight CTA bus routes. Although there have been piecemeal modifications over the years, major functional elements date to either its 1895 construction or 1913 modifications, which are both far beyond the 60-year useful life standard for such a prominent facility. This project will provide a much-needed state-of-the-art transit facility consistent with Chicago’s rich architectural tradition. Some of the project highlights include elevators for ADA accessibility, wider platforms, escalators, new customer assistant kiosks, high-definition security and monitoring equipment, LED energy efficient lighting, a real-time public address system, train trackers, weather protection throughout the entire platform, a new elevator connection to the State Street Subway mezzanine and platform at Lake / Randolph and more.

MODERATOR:

City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services

Jezieel Cortes, Deputy Procurement Officer Design & Construction

PANELISTS:

SOM (Architect of Record)

Ian Kaminski-Coughlin, Project Manager

TranSystems (Prime / Engineer of Record)

Michael Lev, Project Manager

CDOT

Julian Silva, Architect

Rajiv Pinto, Architect/Project Manager

SPOTLIGHT ON THE CITY OF CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PROCUREMENT SERVICES

CONTRACTING EQUITY

In line with the recommendations from the 2021 Disparity Study on the City's construction contracts, the City established the Office of Contracting Equity (OCE). Some of the responsibilities include but are not limited to developing and implementing enhancements to our MWBE program and Certification Process, as well as increasing outreach efforts and advocating for small, local, and minority firms. 

Agenda...

Opening Remarks by Contracting Equity Officer Tammi Morgan 

Vendor Workshop: How to Become Certified

City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services

Tammi Morgan, Contracting Equity Officer/ Managing Deputy Commissioner

Gabriel Rodriquez, Deputy Procurement Officer, Certification and Compliance Units

HOW TO BECOME CERTIFIED PRESENTED BY:

City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services

Francisco Nunez, Sr Certification/Compliance Officer 

Regence Norwoods, Sr Certification/Compliance Officer 

WORKSHOP PRESENTATION:

AN INTRODUCTION TO CITY OF CHICAGO ASSIST AGENCIES 

City of Chicago Assist Agencies are not-for-profit agencies and/or chambers of commerce representing the interests of small, local, minority, women, veterans, and disadvantaged-owned businesses within Chicago’s diverse communities. These organizations offer many resources to help businesses at every stage of their growth cycle as well as connect prime contractors with certified firms for subcontracting opportunities. Join us to hear more about the role and responsibilities of Assist Agencies and their resources 

MODERATOR:

Contractors Advisors Business Development

Suzanne Stantley, Founder & CEO

PANELISTS:

Federation of Women Contractors

Jaemie Neely, Executive Director 

Communities Empowered Through Construction

Rachel Ivy, Executive Director

Austin African American Business Networking Association

Malcolm Crawford, Executive Director

Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Jaime di Paulo, President & Chief Executive Officer

WORKSHOP PRESENTATION:

CITY OF CHICAGO INCENTIVES AND PROGRAMS

The Department of Procurement Services has prioritized ensuring that all interested businesses have the opportunity, information, and resources to compete for City contracts. This workshop will feature incentives and programs created to increase the diversity of the businesses that bid on and earn City Contracts. Learn comprehensive information on ways to grow your business, increase capacity, foster mutually beneficial business relationships, and be more competitive on City contracts. Learn about the Small Business Initiative, BEPD Incentive, M/WBE Mentorship Program, Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (VBE), and many more.

PRESENTED BY: 

City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services

Courtney DelGiudice, Attorney

WORKSHOP PRESENTATION:

INTRODUCTION TO THE JOB ORDER CONTRACT (JOC) PROGRAM

A construction-focused workshop with an overview of the bidding process and highlights of incentives and programs that relate to construction opportunities. The JOC Program includes the Small Business Initiative (SBI), Mid-size Business Initiative (MBI), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Apprentice Utilization Bid Preference, and many more. Join us to learn how a Job Order Contract could benefit your company. 

PRESENTED BY:

 Gordian

Michael Judd, Senior Account Manager, Mid Lakes Region