THE ADVOCACY COMMITTEE

Providing Access to Information & Opportunities

Our Purpose . . .
Committee Members CMSDC’s ADVOCACY COMMITTEE is responsible for creating an MBE-led advocacy
initiative to educate local, state and federal agencies and their prime contractors
Travis M. Powers of existing laws and regulations governing the utilization of small businesses and
Escendent LLC
Chair their procurement process. The committee’s role is to maintain high visibility and
Herb Stokes credibility with related stakeholders to advocate and coordinate MBE
The Affluence Group
Co-Chair development.
Phillip Barreda
CMSDC, Inc.

Michelle Caldwell
Our Impact . . .
Global Staffing

Arron Fulbright
Guided by our mission, the Advocacy Committee serves the minority business
Configuration Chicago, Inc. community through:
Sharon Gardner Crowe  Political and Corporate Outreach to provide a comprehensive and
U.S. Cellular
representative voice for the growth, development and competitiveness of
Poonam Gupta-Krishnan
Iyka Enterprises, Inc. minority businesses
Charles Harrell, II  Policy and Legislative Awareness to inform and engage the MBE
The I.T. Architect Corporation
community in the political and legislative process
Shalini Kumar
Byzan Technologies, Inc.  Public and Private Sector Procurement/Contracting Influence to
Manuel Laborde
increase MBE contract and procurement participation for diverse business
Synergia Corp. sustainability
Travis Latham
Fellowship Fleet

Thomas McLeary
Endow, Inc.
Our Recent Initiatives . . .
Tom Numbere, Jr.  L E G I S L A T I V E S C R E E N I N G P R O C E S S (C OOK C OUNTY B OARD P RESIDENT )
PCG International, Inc.
Objective: The Advocacy Committee recently screened the Cook County
Gregory White
Promet Energy Board President candidates to gain an understanding of their platforms
Tami White
related to MBE procurement. Specific rating criteria were used to
Promet Energy determine the candidate best qualified to protect MBE interests.
Velicia D. Woods  IDOT “GET ON BOARD”
Minority Business Development Agency
Objective: The Advocacy Committee provided support to IDOT by
Chicago Minority Supplier informing and accessing select CMSDC certified MBE’s to participate in
Development Council the contracting forum focused on upcoming construction and professional
(CMSDC)
105 W. Adams services opportunities.
Suite 2300
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 755-8880
www.cmbdc.org Get Involved, Stay Engaged!