2007 Changing Color of Leadership Conference and Bridge Awards Dinner Program

The 4th Annual Changing Color of Leadership Conference and Bridge Awards Dinner Diversity & Inclusion: A Corporate Imperative November 15, 2007, Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers

Sponsored by:

The work of Chicago United is made possible by the support of our members: Abbott

Hill, Taylor LLC

Advocate Health Care

Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE)

Aon Corporation Ariel Capital Management, LLC Azteca Foods, Inc. Baxter International Inc. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Bonaparte Corporation BP America Inc. Cabrera Capital Markets, LLC Carrington & Carrington, Ltd. Chicago State University Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chicago Tribune Company Chicago Urban League Citibank, N.A. City Colleges of Chicago ComEd, An Exelon Company Crain’s Chicago Business

Hispanic Housing Development Corporation The Hollins Group Jewel-Osco LaSalle Bank LifeSource Loop Capital Markets, LLC Macy’s Inc. Mayer Brown LLP McDonald’s Corporation USA LLC

Pugh, Jones, Johnson & Quandt, P.C. Ralph G. Moore & Associates (RGMA) Rush University Medical Center Sanchez Daniels & Hoffman LLP Sara Lee Corporation Seaway National Bank ShoreBank Corporation Sidley Austin LLP Smith Whiley & Company Spencer Stuart Synch-Solutions Inc.

Merrill Lynch

TeamWerks

Mesirow Financial

United Airlines

National City Bank Illinois

United Building Maintenance, Inc.

Neal & Leroy, LLC NJW Companies Northern Trust

The University of Chicago Medical Center University of Illinois at Chicago

Creative Printing Services

Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Endow, Inc.

Nuveen Investments

Urban Retail Properties Company

Ernst & Young LLP

Odell Hicks & Company

USG Corporation

Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

Peoples Gas

Washington, Pittman & McKeever, LLC

Gonzalez, Saggio & Harlan, LLP Harris Hewitt Associates, LLC

Prado & Renteria CPAs Prof.

Corp.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Primera Engineers, Ltd. Prout Group Chicago

Weber Shandwick WorldWide Winston & Strawn

Welcome to the 4th Annual Changing Color of Leadership Conference and Bridge Awards Dinner

November 15, 2007 Dear Conference Participants, Welcome to the Fourth Annual Changing Color of Leadership Conference and Bridge Awards Dinner. On behalf of Chicago United members, we thank all sponsors, staff, volunteers and participants for your passion and commitment to successfully bring diversity to every aspect of business.

No time is better than today for corporate, community and individual leaders to build on progress of the past and invest in further inclusion of people of color in all aspects of business. This conference focuses on the important topics of corporate governance, executive management and business partnerships with workshops designed for corporate and minority business enterprise leaders. The conference builds on a strong legacy of Chicago United programs designed to educate and engage leaders in building and sustaining diversity in the business community. Tonight’s dinner program will motivate us toward further progress as we honor the 2007 Business Leaders of Color as well as the corporate leadership of Aetna and Deere & Company.

BP is pleased to once again, serve as the presenting sponsor of the Changing Color of Leadership Conference and Bridge Awards Dinner. We look forward to engaging with you in meaningful dialogue and celebration.

Sincerely,

Fiona MacLeod President BP Convenience Retail, US & Latin America

–1–

–2–

Acknowledgements Dear Conference Participants,

Thank you for your support of the Fourth Annual Changing Color of Leadership Conference and Bridge Awards Dinner. Each year we see the conference grow in attendance and we are thrilled with the support of the business community. A conference of this depth of talent and content cannot be developed and delivered without the support of an active membership and many friends.

First, I would like to thank Michael W. Lewis, chairman of the Chicago United Board of Directors, and all its members for its unwavering support and belief in the concept of a conference focused on the development of multiracial leadership.

To our partners at BP who have supported our efforts since the very first conference. BP has provided extraordinary guidance and leadership, which speaks to their commitment to the work of Chicago United and to the overall development of diverse leadership.

Chicago United also appreciates the partnership with ABC7 who has generously run public service promotions and lent the talents of Cheryl Burton and Ravi Baichwal. We also appreciate the advertising support of Crain’s Chicago Business, the Tribune Company, Blue Cross Blue Shield for a full page in DiversityInc, Minority Business News USA, MEDWeek and Women’s Business Development Center.

We extend a very special thanks to James Skogsbergh and Advocate Health Care for donating the majority of our printed materials and Loop Capital for providing the conference briefcases. Finally we thank each and every member of Chicago United for their personal and organizational resources to build the conference and support its mission.

The team at Chicago United is without a doubt the hardest working group ever assembled.

I can only begin to express my personal appreciation. Ana Souchet provides dedicated and seemingly tireless support. Teresa Sarna manages several high profile projects most notably the 2007 Business Leaders of Color; with astounding attention to detail and a diligent editor’s pen. Evelyn Franklin affords insight and integrity in our financial management. Judy Mathews, president of Community Interface, has become the most versatile consultant and strategist imaginable. The panels and speakers assembled are largely the result of Judy’s hard work and vast networks.

We also appreciate the contributions of Cockerham & Associates with special recognition to Perika Sampson, Alonzo Brown, President of B. Partners, and Susan Fralick.

To all who made this conference a success, thank you.

Sincerely,

Gloria Castillo President Chicago United –3–

Chicago United is an advocacy organization that enriches the economic fabric of our region by building sustainable diversity in business leadership.

Chicago United is a corporate member organization whose active participants are the most senior level officers of each enterprise. Corporate CEOs work together with minority enterprise CEOs to explore key issues in the business environment that enhance the value of diversity and inclusion in their own organizations and generate a positive impact on the local social and financial structures in which their businesses operate and thrive. As the thought leaders that develop the advocacy positions and programs of Chicago United, our members focus on sustaining diversity in the business community to improve the economic infrastructure of the Chicago Metropolitan Area.

–4–

Table of Contents

About Chicago United. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Schedule of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-83 Speakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85-100 Bridge Awards Dinner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101-103 Business Leaders of Color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104-105 Bridge Awards Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 National Bridge Award Recipient. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107-108 Chicago Bridge Award Recipient. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109-110 Chicago United James W. Compton Research Competition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

–5–

Schedule of Events 11:00 a.m.

Registration

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Diversity Leadership Luncheon: C-Suite Strategies

Ballroom Promenade Sheraton Ballrooms IV &V

A roundtable discussion

The 2007 Business Leaders of Color excelled in leadership and continuously play vital roles in advancing their companies while expanding their leadership responsibilities. In our roundtable discussion five leaders will share their experiences while providing the audience with practical advice that can be used as they undertake their own journey to the C-suite.

Moderator: Warrick L. Carter, Ph.D., President, Columbia College

anelists: Eugene Morris, Chairman & CEO, E. Morris Communications, Inc., Lena Dobbs-Johnson, P President, Advocate Bethany Hospital, Luis Sierra, Vice President, BP Aromatic Chemicals

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Workshops

Track I: Strategies for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs)

Workshop IA

The Minority Business Opportunity Landscape

Sheraton Ballroom I

his workshop will address the key elements of business empowerment: knowledge, advocacy, T innovation and technology, financing, and a committed business community where all have the opportunity to succeed.

Moderator: Doris Salomón Chagin, Director, Community Affairs, BP America

Panelists: Sharon Gardner-Crowe, Diversity Strategist/Supplier Diversity, U. S. Cellular; Jinnie English, President, English Consultant; Velicia Woods, Global Strategy Consultant, U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

Track II: Multiracial Leadership Development in Major Corporations

Workshop IIA

Leading by Example: Developing Cultural Competency

Sheraton Ballroom II

This workshop will focus on understanding the challenges associated with dealing with individual differences, designing tools that will enable your organization to deal more effectively, and an exploration of the benefits and rewards of awareness and acceptance in a changing multicultural environment.

Moderator: Guy Summers, President, Farrell Group, LLC

Panelists: Andrés T. Tapia, Chief Diversity Officer/Emerging Workforce Solutions Leader, Hewitt Associates; Angela Robinson, Senior Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago; Andre Mills, Vice President-Human Resources, Sanford North America

Track III: Leading Innovation: Trends in Supplier Diversity Management

Workshop IIIA

Supplier Diversity and the Global Supply Chain

Sheraton Ballroom III

The focus of this workshop will be to discuss the role supplier diversity managers can play in keeping business diversity initiatives relevant, and collaborating with minority suppliers to become global players providing majority corporations with an opportunity to augment their operations.

Moderator: Kevin Bradley, Director, Diversity & Inclusion, McDonald’s Corporation

Panelists: Michael Bryon, Corporate Director, Supplier Diversity, SUPERVALU; Debra Jennings-Johnson, Director of Diversity, BP; David E. Malone, Director, Supply Chain Services, U.S. Cellular – Continued –

–6–

Schedule of Events 3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Beverage Break

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Workshops

Ballroom Promenade

Sheraton Ballroom I Track I: Strategies for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs)

Workshop IB

How Leadership Impacts Success

In an increasingly competitive business environment, this workshop will explore the role leadership plays in a minority businesses success or failure. Effective leadership in any organization is paramount to organizational growth and the development of its management pipeline.

Participants will be engaged in a discussion exploring senior leadership’s impact on growth, individual performance and customer relationship management.

Moderator: Sharon Morrow, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Smith Whiley & Company

Panelists: Michael F. DeSantiago, President, Primera Engineers, Ltd.; Amy Hilliard, President, Comfort Cakes, Inc., Cherryl T. Thomas, President, Ardmore Associates

Track II: Multiracial Leadership Development in Major Corporations

Workshop IIB

Drivers of Organizational Change

Sheraton Ballroom II

L eading organizations are focusing on innovation and developing diversity strategies that seamlessly integrate into corporate cultures and organically stimulate change. This workshop will focus on the virtues and benefits of proactive leadership and explore a framework for driving change. The framework will include a discussion on social, environmental and economic impacts as well as strategies for ensuring your organizational change initiative is successful.

Moderator: Joset B. Wright, Senior Director Institutional Advancement, Orchard Village

Panelists: Tyronne Stoudemire, Global Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Hewitt Associates LLC; Connie Lindsey, Executive Vice President, Northern Trust; Eduardo Fernandez, Vice President & General Manager, Telemundo

Track III: Leading Innovation: Trends in Supplier Diversity Management

Workshop IIIB

Strategies for Second-Tier Performance Improvement

Sheraton Ballroom III

econd-tier initiatives were implemented more than twenty years ago in an effort to expand S opportunities for minority businesses. They have provided minority firms with unique opportunities to establish track records, hone management skills and enhance core competencies.

Emerging changes in supply chain management represent an opportunity to re-engage corporate suppliers in the second-tier sphere. This discussion will focus on developing a renewed commitment among prime suppliers and minority firms.

Moderator: Judy C. Mathews, President, Community Interface, Inc.

Panelists: James Williams, Manager, Business Diversity, University of Chicago Medical Center; Martha Holmes, Director, Small Business Development, Cardinal Health; Ralph G. Moore, President, Ralph G. Moore & Associates, (RGMA)

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Pre-Dinner Networking Reception

6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Bridge Awards Dinner

Ballroom Promenade

Sheraton Chicago Ballroom Presenting the 2007 Business Leaders of Color

–7–

PR E SENTI N G S PO N S OR:

ME D IA S PO N S O R :

A DVO CATE FO R C HAN G E S PON S ORS :

COR PO R ATE C ITI Z E N FOR C H A N G E S PON S ORS :

L EADE R S H I P S PO N S O RS :

MARKETS LLC

The official airline of Chicago United –8–

CHICAGO UNITED 2007 CHANGING COLOR OF LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE A N D B R I D G E AWA R D S D I N N E R PRESENTING SPONSOR

BP

–9–

At BP, we realize that an inclusive culture must

extend from our corner gas stations to our corporate boardroom.

We appreciate that we have many stakeholders including a diverse population of loyal

customers. We seek to employ, develop and

advance local talent from around the world.

Contractors and suppliers provide products and services we need to conduct business effectively. Entrepreneurs invest in, own and

operate our retail businesses and extend eco-

nomic benefits into their communities. We must continue to engage with community-

based organizations to increase ethnic and racial representation in executive and civic leadership, entrepreneurship, employment and education.

An inclusive culture strengthens and ensures

sustainability of our businesses and our communities.�

Robert A. Malone

Chairman and President BP America Inc.

– 11 –

CHICAGO UNITED 2007 CHANGING COLOR OF LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE A N D B R I D G E AWA R D S D I N N E R MEDIA SPONSOR

ABC 7 Chicago

– 12 –

A true shift towards diversity happens when

it becomes second nature, part of the very

fabric of who we are – both in front of the

camera and, perhaps even more importantly, behind the scenes. In the television news business, it’s not enough to hire on-air staff

and say, “now we’re diverse.” At ABC7, taking an inclusive approach to the people we hire leads to an inclusive approach to the stories we cover and the manner in which we present

the news each day. It is the only way we can truly flourish, the only way we can forge that essential connection with our viewers.

Emily L. Barr

President & General Manager ABC7

– 14 –

CHICAGO UNITED 2007 CHANGING COLOR OF LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE A N D B R I D G E AWA R D S D I N N E R A D V O C AT E F O R C H A N G E S P O N S O R S

Advocate Health Care Aetna, Inc. Aon Corporation Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois ComEd, An Exelon Company Ernst & Young LLP Hewitt Associates Jewel-Osco Sara Lee Corporation Sidley Austin LLP

– 15 –

We’re your Advocate • Serving diverse Chicago-area communities • Treating diverse health care needs • Caring by diverse health care professionals

Advocate Health Care applauds Chicago United for its work to enrich and encourage diversity in business leadership.

Congratulations to Lena Dobbs-Johnson President, Advocate Bethany Hospital Honored as a 2007 “Business Leader of Color.”

To learn more about Advocate Health Care, visit us online at: www.advocatehealth.com

A single act of compassion can change a life.

Serving the health needs of people from all

backgrounds with respect, integrity and dignity can change our communities. The ability of Advocate Health Care to make such changes begins with our caregivers and other caring

associates who reflect the diverse individuals, families and communities we are so privileged to serve.”

Jim Skogsbergh

President and Chief Executive Officer Advocate Health Care

– 17 –

Aetna’s Culture of Diversity

Building a bridge that everyone can cross.

At Aetna, we understand the business case for diversity as well as the moral imperative.

Our commitment to this core value, both inside and outside our company, is reflected in Aetna’s initiative to earmark up to $100 million dollars to invest in and with minority- and women-owned businesses over the next five years. Because of our efforts to promote diversity, Aetna has consistently been recognized as one of the country’s top employers for minorities, women, and the GLBT community. To learn more, visit aetna.com/diversity.

©2007 Aetna Inc. Plans are offered by Aetna Life Insurance Company.

2007234

By encouraging diversity, in all its aspects, we can

put our collective experiences to work to make a difference for those who matter most – our

members, customers, employees and communities in which we live.”

Ronald A. Williams

– 19 –

Diversity in all its many forms is valued at Aon. We understand that leveraging a diverse work-

force is the bridge between our workplace and the marketplace and what helps us to deliver distinctive value to our clients.”

Gregory Case

President & CEO

Aon Corporation

– 21 –

At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, we’re passionate about the health and wellness of the communities we serve. It’s why we sponsor and support programs that help people stay active, challenged and involved. From the arts and education to outreach wellness programs, our goal is to encourage everyone to live healthy and inspired lives.

E An Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

E

™

www.bcbsil.com

In order to keep pace with the projected population growth and provide an inclusive environment that will attract and retain the best

talent, as business leaders we must continue

programs that help move diverse candidates

into management and executive positions.

When each of us brings our unique perspective

to bear on shared business goals and when each of us values the perspectives of others at

all levels within the organization, our diversity becomes a powerful tool for effectively match-

ing our company’s services and products to the needs and diversity of our customers, members and communities.

Raymond F. McCaskey

President and Chief Executive Officer Health Care Service Corporation

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas

– 23 –

ComEd CULC:Layout 1

8/1/07

3:56 PM

Page 1

Diversity

empowers us.

ComEd embraces the differences that make each of us unique, and enrich us all.

Together we can build a world where our differences make us stronger.

ComEd is proud to partner with Chicago United and to support their Changing Color of Leadership Conference

and Bridge Awards Dinner.

Š Commonwealth Edison Company, 2007

www.exeloncorp.com

To be successful, the personnel of any firm serving an area as diverse as Chicagoland

must reflect the diversity of our region. ComEd

and its customers benefit from the variety of voices heard around our table. As a major Chicago employer and corporate citizen we are extremely proud of the contributions our

diverse team makes to our company and the community.

Frank M. Clark

Chairman and CEO ComEd

– 25 –

You’ve reached new heights.

Ernst & Young congratulates the 2007 Chicago United Business Leaders of Color honorees. We also give high praises to this year’s Bridge Award recipients: Ronald A. Williams, chairman, CEO and president of Aetna, Inc., and Robert W. Lane, chairman and CEO of Deere & Company.

We proudly support Chicago United’s mission to foster inclusiveness in the workplace, the boardroom, and the executive offices. When we work together to build sustainable inclusiveness, the sky’s the limit.

Audit • Tax • Transaction Advisory Service

©2007 ERNST & YOUNG

LLP

!@#

There is tremendous power and value in an

organization that fosters an inclusive culture.

When you have top talent representing all backgrounds and perspectives, you deliver the best solutions.”

Tony Anderson

Vice Chair and Midwest Managing Partner, Ernst & Young

– 27 –

It’s not what we say about diversity that

counts, it’s what we do about it. At Hewitt, we’re committed to making a difference

in diversity in our leadership ranks. We are

also committed to taking into account our clients’ workforce diversity in the work we do for them.

Russ Fradin

Chairman and CEO Hewitt Associates

– 29 –

Dive rs ity Diversity First‌ In the City that Works!

Thanks to a multi-cultural mix of residents, the city of Chicago has grown and prospered through the years.

With over a century of service to Windy City shoppers, Jewel-Osco is proud to be a part of Chicago's special tradition. In over 180 area locations, you'll find a special blend of friendly faces that are just as diverse as the communities we serve.

As companies seek to grow their market

shares, it stands to reason that the diver-

sity of their workforces should reflect the

diversity of the population. Diversity in an

organization’s leadership is as critical to its success as sound financial practices are to its bottom line.

Larry Wahlstrom President

Jewel-Osco

A member of the Supervalu family of stores

– 31 –

inspiring Sara Lee Corporation’s mission is to simply delight you‌every day.

Delighting people everyday is not only our business mandate, but also it is the commitment we make to the communities in which we conduct business.

Sara Lee salutes National Bridge Award recipient Ronald A. Williams and Chicago Bridge Award recipient Robert W. Lane.

www.saralee.com Equal Oppor tunity Employer

At Sara Lee, having a workforce comprised of people from different backgrounds and life perspectives working in every level and area of the organization is key to our success and critically important to our employees. We recognize that

it is a competitive advantage to have a team of diverse people with diverse talents and ideas.”

Rick Palmore

Executive Vice President,

General Counsel and Secretary Sara Lee Corporation

– 33 –

OUR FIRM’S PHILOSOPHY ON DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND WORK LIFE IS BASED ON RESPECT for one another and a keen realization that each person within our organization brings valuable attributes to the firm. We are committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees to reach their maximum potential.

For more information, contact the co-chairs of the Diversity Committee: Stanley B. Stallworth 312.853.4715 or Carlos A. Rodriguez 212.839.5857.

www.sidley.com

founded in 1866

Sidley Austin LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership which operates at the firm’s offices other than Chicago, London, Hong Kong, and Sydney, is affiliated with other partnerships, including Sidley Austin LLP, an Illinois limited liability partnership (Chicago); Sidley Austin LLP, a separate Delaware limited liability partnership (London); Sidley Austin, a New York general partnership (Hong Kong); Sidley Austin, a Delaware general partnership of registered foreign lawyers restricted to practicing foreign law (Sydney); and Sidley Austin Nishikawa Foreign Law Joint Enterprise (Tokyo). The affiliated partnerships are referred to herein collectively as Sidley Austin, Sidley, or the firm.

Attorney Advertising. For purposes of compliance with New York State Bar rules, Sidley Austin LLP’s headquarters are 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019, 212.839.5300 and One South Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60603, 312.853.7000. Prior results described herein do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Central to the way that Sidley Austin LLP does

business are the principles of integrity, concern

and mutual respect for all people and the

naturally occurring differences among those people. These values are integral to the way

that we do business, and we endeavor to be unwavering in our observance of them. One of the core goals of the firm’s leadership is to

implement our firm’s philosophy on diversity, inclusion and a productive work life. We recognize that achieving diversity means believing

in diversity. These principles we endeavor to

achieve on a daily basis and demonstrate, in

tangible ways, our firm’s commitment to being A World Within a Firm.

Thomas A. Cole

Chairman, Executive Committee Sidley Austin LLP

– 35 –

CHICAGO UNITED 2007 CHANGING COLOR OF LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE A N D B R I D G E AWA R D S D I N N E R C O R P O R AT E C I T I Z E N F O R C H A N G E S P O N S O R S

Baxter International Inc. Charter One Bank Chicago Tribune Company Crain’s Chicago Business Harris Illinois Tool Works Inc. McDonald’s Corporation USA LLC Northern Trust Nuveen Investments PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Spencer Stuart

– 36 –

Baxter is proud to support the Changing Color of Leadership Conference and Bridge Awards Dinner Baxter employees share your commitment to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. At Baxter, we apply our expertise in biotechnology, medical devices and specialty pharmaceuticals to develop innovative therapies that save and sustain lives around the world. It is this higher purpose that binds us as a company and as global citizens. baxter.com

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Member FDIC. Charter One is a division of RBS Citizens, N.A.

Tribune Company is proud to support

Chicago United

as it continues to foster inclusion and diversity in Chicagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business community.

d e d i c at i o n .

de t e r m i n at i o n .

l e a d e r s h i p.

Harris proudly salutes the efforts and accomplishments of Chicago United.

We commend your dedication to creating change and opportunity for others, and thank you for your many contributions.

Harris is proud to support Chicago United in your mission to inspire and nurture excellence in our community.

Chicago 111 W. Monroe St. 312-461-2121 HarrisÂŽ is a trade name used by Harris N.A. and its affiliates. Member FDIC.

2007_806_10_19.indd 1

harrisbank.com

10/18/07 4:13:25 PM

ITW is proud to sponsor the Changing Color of Leadership Conference

A Fortune 200 company with nearly 100 years of history, ITWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 750 business units manufacture an array of innovative components, as well

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.

as systems and consumables, for

3600 West Lake Avenue Glenview, Illinois 60026

customers worldwide.

www.itw.com

A welcome sign for everyone.

From neighborhood to neighborhood, coast to coast and around the world, McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is proud to celebrate diversity.

Everyone is always welcome in our home, no matter what side of the counter youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on.

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their

dreams. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ELEANOR

ROOSEVELT

Northern Trust salutes Chicago United and all those whose dreams have broadened our horizons, brightened our worlds, and helped make the Fourth Annual Changing Color of Leadership Conference and Bridge Awards Dinner a success.

northerntrust.com Northern Trust Banks are members FDIC. Š2007 Northern Trust Corporation.

5.5 in 4.5 in

LEADERSHIP. LEADERSHIP. LEADERSHIP. LEADERSHIP. LEADERSHIP.

7.25 in

We’re proud to support the Changing Color of Leadership Conference.

Nuveen Investments is pleased to encourage the efforts of Chicago United

in bringing greater diversity to Chicago’s business community. We look

forward to another successful Changing Color of Leadership Conference.

©2007 Nuveen Investments, Inc.

PB

nuveen.com

One vision.

Different perspectives.*

PricewaterhouseCoopers is proud to support Chicago United and the 4th Annual Changing Color of Leadership Conference and Bridge Awards Dinner.

© 2007 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved. “PricewaterhouseCoopers” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (a Delaware limited liability partnership) or, as the context requires, other member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity. *connectedthinking is a trademark of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (US). We are proud to be an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

ChangingColor07.qxd

10/10/07

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Amsterdam Atlanta Barcelona Beijing Bogota Boston Brussels Budapest Buenos Aires Chicago Dallas Dubai Frankfurt Geneva Hong Kong

spencer stuart recognizes great leaders.

it’s our business.

Houston Johannesburg Leeds London Los Angeles Madrid Manchester Melbourne Mexico City Miami Milan Minneapolis/St. Paul Montreal Mumbai

Spencer Stuart applauds Chicago United for its efforts to inspire those looking to increase inclusion of diverse candidates in their boardrooms and executive offices.

We are proud to support and be a sponsor of the 4th Annual Changing Color of Leadership Conference and awards dinner, and we congratulate the 2007 Bridge Award recipients — Ronald A. Williams, chairman, CEO and president of Aetna, and Robert W. Lane,

Munich New York Orange County Paris Philadelphia Prague Rome San Francisco Santiago Sao Paulo Shanghai Silicon Valley Singapore

chairman and CEO of Deere & Company.

Stamford Stockholm Sydney Tokyo Toronto Vienna Warsaw Washington, D.C.

www.spencerstuart.com

– 47 –

Zurich

CHICAGO UNITED 2007 CHANGING COLOR OF LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE A N D B R I D G E AWA R D S D I N N E R LEADERSHIP SPONSORS Abbott Ariel Mutual Funds Boeing Cabrera Capital Markets, LLC CDW Champion Realty Advisors, LLC Chapman and Cutler LLP Chicago Sinfonietta Chicago State University CNA Corn Products International, Inc. Environmental Design International, Inc. John Deere Kraft Foods LaSalle Bank Leo Burnett LifeSource Loop Capital Markets LLC Macy’s Mayer Brown LLP Mesirow Financial National City Bank Illinois Nicor Gas Northwestern Memorial Hospital People’s Gas Primera Engineers, Ltd. Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation RR Donnelley Rush University Medical Center ShoreBank Smith Whiley & Company Synch-Solutions, Inc. United Airlines The University of Chicago Medical Center USG Corporation – 48 –

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At Abbott, every day is filled with new discoveries and leading-edge innovation. Our professionals are passionate about life, health care and the contributions they can make.

With over 60,000 employees worldwide and $22 billion in sales in more than 130 countries, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not just poised to enhance the health of the world â&#x20AC;&#x201C; weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re positioned to make it happen.

An EOE, Abbott is committed to employee diversity.

www.abbott.com

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 49 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

Slow and steady wins the race

Patience has so many rewards At Ariel, we believe good things come to those who wait. We chose the tortoise as our symbol because it illustrates our faith in the moral of Aesop’s fable of the tortoise and the hare: “slow and steady wins the race.” With nearly $16 billion in assets under management, Ariel Capital Management’s conservative, disciplined investment strategy has helped investors like you achieve long-term goals since 1983. Call an Ariel Investment Specialist today and bring the value of patient investing to your portfolio with the no-load Ariel Mutual Funds.

Before investing, you should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, management fees, charges and expenses. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. Call 800-292-7435 for a prospectus. ©2007, Ariel Distributors, LLC.

A arielmutualfunds.com 800-292-7435 – 50 –

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Connections

@

CDW

Achieve inclusion, drive success.

CDW is committed to inclusion in every aspect of our business.

Whether it’s our suppliers, our customers or our employees, we nurture a diverse balance of partnerships that reflect our vision of an inclusive corporate America. We believe that inclusion drives business.

As a proud sponsor of the 2007 Bridge Awards, CDW is honored to be associated with so many men and women who share our vision of an inclusive society; a place where we can all find the opportunity to realize our full personal and professional potential.

WE WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THIS YEAR’S AWARD RECIPIENTS AND THANK THEM FOR THEIR UNWAVERING COMMITTMENT TO PROMOTING WORKPLACE INCLUSION. Learn more about inclusion practices at CDW by visiting www.diversityatcdw.com

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Size: 5.5 x 8.5

ING

I/O: CH66207

PA:

t. Louis

cdw.com

Champion Realty Advisors, LLC

Changing the face of Commercial/Industrial Real Estate

Champion Realty Advisors proudly salutes Chicago United and J.D. Salazar, our founder and Managing Principal, in their commitment to diversity.

Providing solutions wherever business and real estate come together.

Champion Realty Advisors, LLC P: 630.598.1001 F: 630.598.1002 www.championre.com Creativity

Teamwork â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 54 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

Solutions

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Congratulations to the 2007 Business Leaders of Color honorees. I’m proud to be included among such a distinguished group.

James Lewis President and Chief Executive Officer CNA Property & Casualty Operations CNA is a service mark registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Copyright © 2007 CNA. All rights reserved.

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Congratulates

Deborah M. Sawyer

and the 2007 Chicago United Business Leaders of Color

Construction inspection, Air sampling and soil testing on Dan Ryan Expressway Reconstruction Environmental Studies Construction Inspection Phase I, II and III Industrial Hygiene Indoor Air Quality Surveying Underground Storage Tanks Civil Engineering Training Laboratory Analysis

Environmental Design International inc.

Professional Engineers, Scientists & Surveyors

200 S. Michigan Avenue Suite 700 Offices in Illinois, Ohio & St. Louis Metro Area Chicago, Illinois 60604 envdesigni.com 312-356-5400 phone 312-356-5499 fax Certified

M/W/DBE, 8(a)

Identifying & Quantifying project challenges, Offering & Executing relevant designs & solutions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 60 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

At John Deere, we believe in the power of diversity ... in our products and our people. www.johndeere.com

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Giving back to the community is a mission Kraft Foods began in 1929 and continues to embrace today. From hunger relief to healthy lifestyle programs, Kraft nourishes and supports the communities where we live and do business around the world.

We are proud to honor Chicago United for inspiring leadership and diversity in our community.

Helping People Around the World Eat and Live Better

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IT'S NOT THE LAW. BUT IT SHOULD BE. There's no law forcing you to give back to the community. We salute those who do.

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DonateToday

and save lives

Call LifeSource Chicagoland’s Blood Center.

1205 N. Milwaukee Avenue Glenview, IL 60025-2498 T: 847.298.9660 F: 847.298.4473 – 65 –

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Mesirow Financial is proud to support Chicago United and the 2007 Changing Color of Leadership Conference

Investment Management • Investment Banking • Investment Services Consulting • Insurance Services • Real Estate

350 North Clark Street • Chicago, Illinois • 60610 • 312-595-6000

www.mesirowfinancial.com The Mesirow Financial name and logo are registered service marks of Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc., © 2007, Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved. Investment Services offered by Mesirow Financial, Inc., Member NYSE, SIPC Insurance Services offered by Mesirow Insurance Services, Inc. Consulting Services offered by Mesirow Financial Consulting, LLC

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Following Your Lead…

National City is honored to support the 2007 Changing Color of Leadership Annual Bridge Awards Dinner.

Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to contribute towards this great initiative.

NationalCity.com Member FDIC • © National City Corporation®

NC6202 CivicComm_55x85_2.indd 1

23160/DCL

10/16/07 3:55:04 PM

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In today’s naturally evolving business climate, developing opportunities for diverse suppliers is not just our corporate responsibility, it’s good for business and ultimately makes us a stronger, more productive, and increasingly successful company.

To learn more about Nicor’s Supplier Diversity Program, please contact Dave Thomas at 630 388-2870 or dthoma1@nicor.com – 71 –

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Commitment to Community

Peoples Gas is proud to support the Changing Color of Leadership Conference and Chicago United’s mission of integration and inclusion in today’s organizations. www.peoplesgasdelivery.com

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RR DONNELLEY IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE 4TH ANNUAL CHANGING COLOR OF LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE AND BRIDGE AWARDS DINNER RR Donnelley is an EEO/AA employer.

For more information, visit www.rrdonnelley.com or email your resume to rrdonnelley@trm.brassring.com.

To partner with us please email corporatediversity@rrd.com or call 630.322.6800.

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RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER PROUDLY SUPPORTS CHICAGO UNITED’S MISSION OF BUILDING DIVERSE LEADERSHIP.

To build sustainable diversity, you need a strong foundation of inclusion. For more than three decades, health care professionals and students at Rush University Medical Center have volunteered their time and skills to address the needs of Chicago’s underserved communities. Community service is a vital part of Rush education and employment.

Shaping the health care leaders of tomorrow. Recognizing diversity as the cornerstone of scientific discovery. Putting patients first in everything we do.

Quite simply, it’s how medicine should be.

For more information about Rush and its programs, visit www.rush.edu or call (888)

M-0086 10/07

352-RUSH.

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is proud to support

Chicago United and its

2007 CHANGING COLOR CONFERENCE

&

OF

LEADERSHIP

BRIDGE AWARDS DINNER

Smith Whiley R Company

An Investment Management Firm Specializing in Private Equity & Mezzanine Investments

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Building Sustainable Diversity Synch-Solutions salutes Chicago United for their ongoing commitment to changing the color of business leadership.

Synch-Solutions Provides Management Consulting and Enterprise Technology Solutions for Government, Education, Utility & Commercial Sectors. � For more information, call 312 252 3700 or visit www.synch-solutions.com.

Elevating

Va l u e

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©2005 United Air Lines, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

When we step back and see what we can achieve as a community, it can change our view of the world.

As Chicago’s Hometown Airline,® United is proud to be the official airline of Chicago United. united.com

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WE SALUTE MARK A. URQUHART AS A BUSINESS LEADER OF COLOR CHICAGO UNITED 2007

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USG is proud to be a supporting partner of the Changing Color of Leadership Conference and the Bridge Awards Dinner.

Diversity The strong foundation for building success USG Corporation stands

behind Chicago United in their effort to close the gap between race and business.

USG Corporation 125 South Franklin Street Chicago, Illinois 60606 www.usg.com

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Chicago United appreciates the dedicated work of the following partners who make this conference a success:

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Conference Speakers Ravi Baichwal

Weekend Anchor and Reporter ABC 7 News Ravi Baichwal co-anchors the ABC 7 Weekend News at 5 and 10 p.m., Chicago’s number one weekend newscasts, alongside Karen Jordan.

He also reports for ABC 7’s daily newscasts. Baichwal joined ABC 7 Chicago in November 2006.

Prior to arriving in Chicago, Baichwal was an integral part of CTV News, Canada’s number one news organization. He hosted CTV Newsnet Morning on the service’s all-news channel, and reported for CTV National News. He also served as a substitute network anchor and host.

During his tenure, Baichwal gained a national reputation for seamless coverage of live, breaking news. He covered the fast changing world of politics and served as host of two award-winning election night specials. Other historically significant stories he has covered include the terrorist attacks on the London Underground system, the discovery of former Iraq president Saddam Hussein by U.S. soldiers and the death of Pope John Paul II. Baichwal was also a frequent guest host on one of Canada’s top radio stations, a regular guest on the country’s most irreverent sports talk show, and often hosted Canada’s pre-eminent business news channel, Report on Business Television. Prior to joining CTV’s national news division in 2002, Baichwal worked as an anchor and reporter for the network local station CTV Vancouver. He was a principal anchor of the station’s evening newscast.

Baichwal believes in community service and volunteers with various charities dedicated to childhood welfare, AIDS and health issues.

Kevin Bradley

Director – Diversity Initiatives McDonald’s Corporation Kevin Bradley is director of inclusion and diversity at McDonald’s Corporation in Oak Brook, Illinois. In this position he is responsible for leading the company’s external national partnerships in the Asian American and disability communities. Internally, he provides internal support and consultation to the company in the areas of employment, diversity councils, and people with disabilities and workplace accommodations. His work also includes serving as in internal resource to both the McDonald’s Asian Employee Network and the Asian McDonald’s Operators Association in the area of diversity. He plays a critical role with McDonald’s Asian Business Vision initiative, leading that group’s People Team. Previously, Bradley was the diversity manager at RR Donnelley & Sons Company in Chicago.

Bradley is currently a member of the Executive Committee of the United States and the Illinois Business Leadership Networks. He serves on the board of directors for the Asian American Institute and Equip for Equality. Bradley also serves on the Business Advisory Councils of the Organization of Chinese Americans, the National Association of Asian American Professionals, and the U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce.

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Conference Speakers Cheryl Burton

News Anchor and Reporter ABC 7 News Emmy award winning Cheryl Burton co-anchors two of the #1 rated newscasts in Chicago. Burton co-anchors the ABC 7 News at 5 p.m. and is a contributing anchor of ABC 7’s 10 p.m. newscast. The Chicago native joined ABC 7 as a weekend co-anchor and reporter in November 1992.

Burton’s reporting has taken her to the heart of Chicago neighborhoods, across the United States and around the globe. Whether she’s covering the historic opening of Oprah’s school for girls in South Africa, exposing the plight of one of Illinois’ poorest schools or assessing the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Burton brings compelling stories home to Chicago.

She is dedicated to exposing racism and bringing the stories of the underprivileged to the forefront.

Burton has received many honors for her work including several Emmy Awards. She was the first recipient of the 2005 “Sisters in the Spirit” Award, given by Chicago area gospel singers to persons who exemplify a faith-based life. She was honored in 2005 and 2004 with the Thurgood Marshall Award. The Chicago Association of Black Journalist (CABJ) presented Burton with the 2004 Russ Ewing Award for the emotional story of a mother to daughter kidney donation. In 2003, Burton received the same award from CABJ for her coverage of the E2 nightclub tragedy. Her coverage of the Pope’s visit to Canada in 2002 was lauded. She was recognized with a 1998 Kizzy Image and Achievement Award, which honors black women who have excelled in their professions. In1997, Burton won the Phenomenal Woman Award from the expo for Today’s Black Woman. Her coverage of the Million Man March earned another CABJ award in 1995.

Burton is very active in the Chicago community and gives much of her time to non-profit groups and charities. She is a volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club of America and serves as a motivational speaker for the Chicago Public Schools. She serves on the boards of the Life with Lupus Guild, the Multicultural Dance Center and City Year. She also participates in the RushPresbyterian/St. Luke’s fashion show. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, the Association of Black Journalists and the National Association of Black Journalists.

Michael Byron

Corporate Director, Supplier Diversity SUPERVALU Michael “Mike” Byron currently serves as SUPERVALU’s corporate director, supplier diversity and is responsible for the company’s business relationships with diverse suppliers. SUPERVALU’s Supplier Diversity initiative is a key element to enabling the company’s retail stores to meet the local needs of its diverse customer base. Byron’s responsibility also includes developing business cases and strategies for the increased inclusion of women and minority firms that provide business services to SUPERVALU. Byron has been with the company for more than 25 years and has served in a variety of roles, including corporate director, bakery sales, and manager, supplier diversity.

He is a member of SUPERVALU’s corporate diversity board, a lifetime member of the NAACP, and was past president of the Idaho Inclusiveness Coalition.

Byron holds a bachelor of science degree in business management.

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Conference Speakers Dr. Warrick L. Carter

President Columbia College Chicago Dr. Warrick L. Carter is the president of Columbia College Chicago, the nation’s largest arts and communications college. He joined Columbia in 2000, following a four-year term as director of entertainment arts for Walt Disney Entertainment. At Disney, he was responsible for developing global education and live arts programs for the entire corporation.

Prior to his engagement with Disney, Dr. Carter spent twelve years at Berklee College of Music in Boston, serving as dean of faculty and then as provost/vice president of academic affairs. At Governors State University, where he served from 1971 to 1984, he began as a professor of music and was promoted to chairman of the division of fine and performing arts. He began his career in higher education as an assistant professor and director of bands at the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, teaching at that institution while pursuing his doctoral studies. He received his Ph.D. in music education from Michigan State University.

Dr. Carter is an educator, composer and performer. In addition to his academic appointments at Berklee, Governors State and Maryland, he taught in East Lansing, Michigan and Chattanooga, Tennessee. He has consulted on music and arts education and minority issues in the arts for organizations worldwide. His projects have included work with the Wisconsin Music Educators, the Michigan Council for the Arts, the Philadelphia Public Schools, the Los Angeles Board of Education, and the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Minister of Culture, Paris, France.

He currently serves on the boards of directors of the International House of Blues Foundation, Rotary International, and on the advisory boards of Interlochen, New City Bank, the Lincoln Library, and the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts.

Michael F. DeSantiago President Primera Engineers, Ltd

Michael DeSantiago is one of three co-founders of Primera in 1987.

DeSantiago has more than 25 years of engineering design and management experience. As president of Primera, his primary responsibilities are to make Primera the kind of company that quality-driven professionals are proud to be a part of and to ensure that the organization earns its clients’ satisfaction and trust. He also oversees Primera’s administrative, business development and management information systems. Additionally, he served as the co-chairman of the working group for revising the City of Chicago’s Mechanical Code.

DeSantiago holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

He is a professional engineer licensed in the states of IL, IN, ME, NY, UT and PA.

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Conference Speakers Lena Dobbs-Johnson

President Advocate Bethany Hospital Lena Dobbs-Johnson is president of Advocate Bethany Hospital an 85- bed long-term acute care hospital located in Chicago. As president she directs and oversees the operations of the hospital. Dobbs-Johnson brings to this position more than 30 years of varied professional experience in medical staff relations, operations improvement, project planning and community relations. She joined Advocate Bethany Hospital in 1982 as director of nursing. Prior to joining Bethany she served in a variety of nursing roles at several Chicagoarea hospitals.

Ms. Dobbs Johnson has been recognized repeatedly for her tireless efforts to raise the standard and quality of healthcare available to community residents in Chicago’s West Side. She is a recipient of numerous awards such as the American College Healthcare Executive’s Regents Award, the Midwest Community Council’s Ann M. Joiner Community Health Award, the Jamaican Consulate’s Outstanding Achievement Award and the Nursing Colleagues’ Honors for Highest Achievement Award.

Dobbs-Johnson earned her bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of Illinois at Chicago and proceeded to receive a master’s degree in public administration from Roosevelt University in Chicago.

Jinnie English

President English Consulting Jinnie English is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). In 1999, she founded English Consulting, which is the only mental health maintenance firm for High Achievers and their families in Chicago.

In April 2006, English Consulting expanded its services line and created Chicago’s High Achievers (CHiA), the only public think tank in the State of Illinois. CHiA’s purpose is to engage the public in psychodynamic thinking in business.

A bi-racial (African-American and Korean) psychotherapist and management consultant, English has practiced for 17 years and specializes in the following areas: INDIVIDUAL: women and minority issues, anxiety, depression, stress, power and control, interpersonal skills, personality disorders and survivors of abuse and trauma; and CORPORATE: workplace issues, management assessments and supervision, corporate trainings and ethical practice.

She has been featured in many publications and has served as an expert commentator nationally and locally on topics such as employee relations, networking, pathological behavior, relationship issues, seduction, organizational psychology and violence. She has been recognized by employee assistance programs across the country for her contributions to the improvement of the workplace environment, leadership development and employee relations.

Jinnie is a graduate of the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration and is a Ph.D. candidate at the Institute for Clinical Social Work.

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Conference Speakers Eduardo Fernandez

Vice President/General Manager WSNS Telemundo Chicago Eduardo B. (Ed) Fernandez was named vice president/general manager of WSNS, Telemundo Chicago, in October of 2003. He is responsible for all aspects of the station including News, Marketing, Sales and Community Service. Prior to joining WSNS, Fernandez served as vice president/general manager of WXMI-TV (FOX17), Grand Rapids, Michigan from 1999 until his departure. Fernandez also served as station manager from 1998 to 1999, overseeing WXMI’s marketing, production, sales and programming functions. He joined WXMI as local sales manager in 1989 and became director of sales in 1993.

Fernandez began his television career as an account executive with WZZM-TV and WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, from 1984 to 1988. He served in the same capacity for WSB-TV, Atlanta, from 1988 to 1989. He currently sits as a Trustee of Roosevelt University in Chicago and its affiliated Auditorium Theatre Board. He also serves as a board member of the Nuestro Futuro Steering Committee, an arm of the Chicago Community Trust, as an advisory member of the Ravinia Festival and Chicago White Sox and sits on the boards of Casa Central and the Rauner Family YMCA. Fernandez holds a bachelor’s degree in applied arts in broadcast and cinematic arts from Central Michigan University.

Sharon Gardner-Crowe

Diversity Strategist / Supplier Diversity U.S. Cellular® Sharon Gardner-Crowe is a diversity strategist responsible for implementing programs and processes to execute the supplier diversity strategy. In this position, she identifies and screens potential minority and women suppliers, maintains knowledge of government regulations and agency developments and works with other areas of diversity including project management, affinity groups, inclusion councils and affirmative action/equal employment opportunity programs.

Gardner-Crowe has over twenty-five years of experience in affirmative action/equal employment opportunity programs. Prior to joining U. S. Cellular Gardner-Crowe was a senior compliance officer with the Chicago Park District with the responsibility for monitoring the district’s MBE/WBE program. She also held affirmative action positions with Stein & Company and the Chicago Urban League. Her interest for minority business development began with her employment with the Chicago Economic Development Corporation (CEDCO) where she consulted at-risk high school students on becoming entrepreneurs as an alternative life venture.

Gardner-Crowe has a bachelor of science degree in special education from Chicago State University. She is a member of the American Contract Compliance Association, the Chicago Minority Business Development Council and the Women’s Business Development Center.

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Conference Speakers Amy Hilliard

Founder and CEO The ComfortCake Company Amy Hilliard is the founder and CEO of The ComfortCake Company, makers of “pound cake so good it feels like a hug.” A Harvard Business School graduate, she started her company from scratch in 2001 with United Airlines as its first customer. A nationally trademarked brand, ComfortCake® is served in the Chicago Public Schools, and in over 1000 retail stores including Jewel, Dominick’s and Walgreen’s. Jewel also carries Sugarless Sweetness ComfortCake for diabetics, made with the company’s proprietary sugar substitute. ComfortCake has been featured on CNN, The Food Network, AOL and Home Shopping Network. After just two years in business, The ComfortCake Company was selected as the Emerging Minority Enterprise of the Year by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Hilliard’s corporate experience includes Bloomingdale’s, L’Oreal/ Soft Sheen, Pillsbury, Gillette and Burrell Communications Group. She currently sits on PepsiCo’s AfricanAmerican Advisory Board, and the Diversity Council of the Premier Auto Group. Her first entrepreneurial venture was The Hilliard Group, a marketing consulting, product development and professional speaking firm started in 1994 which she still owns today.

Martha Holmes

Director of Small Business Development Cardinal Health Martha Holmes is currently the director of small business development for Cardinal Health, with direct responsibility for Cardinal’s small business subcontracting activities with the federal government and as the company Small Business Liaison Officer (SBLO). In this role, Holmes is involved in the internal/external marketing, training, and education of Cardinal’s supplier and key stakeholders, regarding corporate diversity commitments, results, and processes. Prior to joining Cardinal Health, she was the national supplier diversity program manager for Pharmacia, with overall responsibility for program marketing, growth, and sustainability.

During her 25-year experience in supplier diversity, Holmes has achieved a solid reputation for successfully raising awareness, mentoring small businesses, developing diversity programs, and significantly increasing expenditures with small and diverse businesses.

She also has been the catalyst for Cardinal Health’s 100 percent increase in expenditures with small businesses, over a two-year period.

Holmes has served as a board member on both the Chicago and St. Louis Minority Business Development Council’s and she is currently an active participant of CMBDC as well as the Chairperson.

Martha has a BS in management from National Louis University.

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Conference Speakers Debra Jennings-Johnson

Director of Supplier Diversity BP America, Inc. Debra Jennings-Johnson is director of supplier diversity for BP America, Inc. This strategic position works with all levels of management to integrate supplier diversity into the procurement process and corporate objectives. In 2006, BP spent $600 million with M/WBEs providing products and services throughout its business of exploration, refining and retail.

Jennings-Johnson is a published author and lecturer on topics such as Subcontracting Opportunities for MWBEs; Non-traditional Purchasing; Joint Ventures, Building Strategic Alliances; Second Tier Purchasing, and Program Strategies for Corporate America. She serves on the board of directors and executive committee of the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Chair of the board of the Women’s Business Development Council, past Chairperson for the Chicago Minority Business Development Council and is actively involved with several other advocacy organizations, including Chicago United, Chicago Urban League, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the National Association of Purchasing Managers.

Jennings-Johnson has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and personnel management from Loyola University in Chicago.

Connie L. Lindsey

Executive Vice President The Northern Trust Company Connie L. Lindsey is executive vice president and group head of the Public Entities and Institutions segment at The Northern Trust Company, Chicago. She was appointed executive vice president in November, 2006.

She is the first African-American woman to achieve this title in the history of the firm. She leads a team of professionals responsible for the asset servicing and strategic management of Public Funds and Foundation & Endowment clients. Prior to this appointment, she served as director of enterprise relationship management within the Worldwide Operations and Technology business unit. She also served as deputy business unit head in Worldwide Operations & Technology where her responsibilities included the oversight of the finance, strategic planning, and business recovery functions.

Lindsey is a national board member of Girl Scouts of the USA, The Joffrey Ballet (chair of the Joffrey Diversity Council and Board Secretary), Women Employed; member of the Board of Governors of the Metropolitan Club of Chicago; Advisory Council member DePaul University School of Education, Fellow 2001 class - Leadership Greater Chicago; board member of the Chicago Finance Exchange; member of the Economic Club of Chicago and immediate past president of Bottomless Closet.

Lindsey received a bachelor of arts degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin and is a Certified Cash Manager.

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Conference Speakers David Malone

Director, Supply Chain Services U.S. Cellular® David Malone has over 25 years of management experience within municipal and Fortune 500 organizations specializing in management and process improvement. Malone currently serves as director, supply chain services, U.S. Cellular® Corporation, with responsibility for leading strategic sourcing, national logistics, accounts payable and travel services.

Prior to joining U.S. Cellular®, Malone served as principal of David Malone & Associates, providing business development and consulting services to both public and private sector clients. He also previously served as senior vice president, Mesirow Financial where he led a team of consultants in conducting an extensive assessment of the State of Illinois’ real estate assets resulting in the identification of millions of dollars in savings. From 2000 to 2004, Malone served as the chief procurement officer for the City of Chicago. In that role, his responsibilities included all aspects of the contracting process, including contract award, management and accountability for $2 billion dollars in annual purchases.

Malone holds an MBA from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management.

Judy C. Mathews

President Community Interface, Inc. Judy C. Mathews is founder and president of Community Interface, a general management consulting firm, specializing in designing and developing business and diversity strategies. Founded in 1991, Ms. Mathews brings 28 years of management consulting experience to the firm. Prior to founding Community Interface, Ms. Mathews was a minority business consultant with James H. Lowry & Associates, a Chicago-based management consulting firm.

Under her leadership, Community Interface has been engaged to provide management consulting services for such major clients as, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, The University of Chicago, The University of Chicago Hospitals, The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, Caremark Rx, Northern Trust, and Chicago United, Inc. Ms. Mathews holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame.

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Conference Speakers Andre Mills

Vice President, Human Resources Sanford Brands, Office Products Division of Newell Rubbermaid Andre Mills is vice president of human resources and a member of the senior leadership team for Newell Rubbermaid’s $2 billion Sanford Brands North America business unit. The unit has over 5,000 employees who work in the areas of sales, marketing, finance, research and development and manufacturing. He has over 35 years of human resources experience in the consumer products industry.

Mills manages a team of corporate human resources professionals who are responsible for training and development, recruitment, compensation and benefits and employee relations. He also manages a team of international and domestic plant human resource managers. In addition to his team management responsibilities, Mills has oversight responsibility for executive development, due diligence in mergers and acquisitions, organizational development and change management.

Mills is a graduate of UCLA and holds a juris doctorate degree from DePaul University School of Law.

Ralph G. Moore

Founder and President Ralph G. Moore & Associates (RGMA) Ralph G. Moore founded RGMA in 1979. Based in Chicago, RGMA is one of America’s premier change management firms. The firm specializes in the integration of supplier diversity into corporate strategy and the formation of diverse strategic alliances. Corporate clients benefit from an array of services including strategic planning, program development and assessment, workshops and seminars, senior management orientations, supplier development and training, and benchmarking services. RGMA is also a leading consultant to government agencies in the area of affirmative action program development and implementation.

In addition, RGMA assists entrepreneurs in acquiring capital, developing business plans, and structuring strategic alliances. RGMA’s presentation, “Raising the Bar,” which delineates five progressive levels of supplier diversity evolution, has been embraced as a popular standard for benchmarking corporate initiatives in this area.

Prior to founding RGMA, Moore established his career through service on the accounting staff of Arthur Andersen & Co.; as vice-president for a Chicago-based Minority Enterprise Small Business Investment Company (MESBIC); and as controller for the Parker House Sausage Company, a Black Enterprise 100 meat processing plant. Moore has over 36 years of experience in business and public policy issues. He is a recognized expert in minority and women-owned business development.

Moore is a graduate of Southern Illinois University with a bachelor of science degree in accounting.

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Conference Speakers Eugene Morris

Chairman, CEO & Founder E. Morris Communications, Inc. Eugene Morris is a 39-year veteran of the advertising industry. Under his stewardship, E. Morris Communications, Inc. (EMC) has emerged as one of the largest and most respected minority-owned marketing communications firms in the U.S. EMC has a long history of serving Fortune 500 companies and current clients include Tyson Foods, Exelon/ ComEd Corporation and Illinois Department of Transportation.

Morris is a recognized expert in multicultural marketing and most recently received the MAAX 2007 Advertising Executive of the Year Award, the ABLE Leadership Award, the Diversity In Advertising Leadership Award for Corporate/Agency Partnership of the Year from the Foundation for Minorities in Advertising, the Monarch Foundation Award for Communications and the Moss Kendrix Marketer of the Year Award from the National Alliance of Market Developers.

He has been profiled in a number of trade and general interest publications and has authored numerous articles on this subject. He is also much sought after as a speaker on the national level.

Morris is a member of several associations and boards of directors including the National Board of Directors of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (AAAA), Founding Chairman of the Association of Black Owned Advertising Agencies (ABAA), Alliance of Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs (ABLE), Howard University School of Communications Board of Visitors, American Legacy Magazine and Junior Achievement. He has received numerous awards for his community service.

Morris is a graduate of Roosevelt University.

Sharon Morrow

Senior Vice President Smith Whiley & Company Sharon Morrow is senior vice president of marketing for Smith Whiley & Company. She is responsible for leading the firm’s marketing and client servicing initiatives for the various Smith Whiley investment partnerships. She is a member of Smith Whiley’s Investment Committee and in this capacity is responsible for investment selection and analysis, transaction pricing and deal flow development. Prior to joining Smith Whiley, Morrow was the senior vice president of marketing/client services at the Kenwood Group.

Morrow has served as the Multistate Tax Commission Chair, Vice Chair and executive committee member. She currently is on the National Advisory Board for HistoryMakers, External Minority Advisory Board for Southern Illinois University, Leaders Council of Chicago United, and the past treasurer of the National Association of Black Accountants, Chicago Chapter.

Morrow holds an MBA in finance from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

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Conference Speakers Angela Robinson

Senior Vice President Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Angela Robinson is senior vice president in charge of administrative services, statistics, credit risk management and finance and accounting. Until recently, she served as the district’s equal employment opportunity officer. Robinson is a member of the Management Committee. Prior to joining the Chicago Fed, Robinson was a bank examiner with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.

Robinson joined the Chicago Fed in 1978. She served in many roles during her tenure including senior vice president of human resources and organizational culture, and information technology and business continuity. She also was instrumental in the formation of ESNGs, monitoring programs with emphasis on inclusion, and the diversity council.

She is currently a member of the Advisory Council for the Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan University and serves as a court appointed special advocate (CASA) in Will County. Over the years her community involvement and board participation has generally focused on the issues impacting the lives and livelihood of women and children.

She received her undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.

She also graduated from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

Doris Salomón Chagin

Community Affairs Director – Midwest U.S. BP American, Inc. Doris Salomón Chagin serves as community affairs director for BP America Inc. She returned to this role in January 2007, after a yearand-a-half assignment as category manager of ethnic markets with BP Products North America. During this time she focused her efforts on addressing the consumption needs of BP’s Latino customers by introducing Latino foods and beverages into its convenience store offer.

Salomón Chagin’s responsibilities include the development and implementation of a regional investment strategy, coordination of corporate contributions, and management of executive and employee volunteer opportunities. She is also accountable for internal and external communications with regard to BP’s reputation.

Understanding the importance of the Latino community, Salomón Chagin co-founded the BP Latino Network, an employee network that seeks to enhance BP’s positive reputation in the Chicagoland community through the promotion of BP’s core values and social investment strategy. The Network also engages in activities that support the inclusion and advancement of Latinos within BP’s corporate structure.

Salomón Chagin has a master of arts from the University of Chicago.

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Conference Speakers Amir Shahkarami

Senior Vice President, Engineering & Technical Services Exelon Nuclear Amir Shahkarami is senior vice president of engineering and technical services, Exelon Nuclear, and is responsible for conduct of engineering, fuel, project management, large fleet-wide initiatives such as license renewal and steam generator replacement, and also industry leadership participation. He is the company’s chief engineer responsible for providing governance and oversight to corporate and Exelon’s seventeen (17) nuclear units located in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Prior to joining Exelon, Shahkarami spent 12 years at several Entergy sites in various management positions. Before joining Entergy, he worked at Detroit Edison’s Fermi Nuclear Plant for three years. He provided five years of engineering consultation through Sargent & Lundy to many U.S. nuclear plants.

He is a registered professional engineer; has a Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) Certificate; and has completed INPO’s Senior Nuclear Plant Manager (SNPM) course. He has served on Tulane and Texas A&M engineering advisory boards.

Shahkarami holds a bachelor and master of engineering degrees from Tulane University, an MBA from Mississippi College, and completed PhD requirements in nuclear engineering from Louisiana State University.

Luis M. Sierra

Vice President – Aromatics Americas BP Luis Sierra is vice president – Aromatics Americas, a $4 billion business unit encompassing BP’s PTA, paraxylene, metaxylene, and NDC activities in the Americas. In this capacity, he is responsible for the sales, marketing, feedstock supply and logistics of these polyester intermediate chemicals in the US, Mexico and Brazil. Sierra joined the company in 1989 and has held a variety of specialist and general management roles in Chicago, Mexico City and London.

Over the course of his career, he has been accountable for sales and marketing, business development, joint venture management and strategy for the petrochemicals segment. He spent four years in BP’s central mergers and acquisitions group where he led and closed several major transactions in the areas of oil and gas productions.

Sierra holds a bachelor and masters degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Florida and Georgia Tech, respectively. He received his MBA with Distinction from the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business.

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Conference Speakers Tyronne Stoudermire

Global Director, Diversity & Inclusion Hewitt Associates Tyronne Stoudemire is global director for diversity and inclusion at Hewitt Associates, LLC. With more than ten years of experience, Stoudemire is responsible for the overall operation and optimization of a comprehensive suite of diversity programs (impacting 22,000 associates, within 35 countries), in partnership with the CEO, vice president of human resources, and chief diversity officer. In addition, he serves as the lead program manager responsible for identifying and developing the competencies, skills, and relationships required for recruiters and hiring managers to effectively source, attract and recruit diverse talent across Hewitt’s landscape.

Stoudemire’s focus is on driving sustainable change through the implementation and management of key diversity programs across Hewitt’s global landscape. Inclusive of partnering with various internal and external constituents to consult, advise, and advance the work of Hewitt’s diversity strategy. This governance supports and empowers associate network groups, and provides opportunities for meaningful dialogue between management and key multicultural talent.

Stoudemire is a member of the advisory board for Diversity Best Practice, a member of the National Black MBA Chicago chapter, and a member of the Board of Trustees for the Music Institute of Evanston, Illinois.

Guy Summers

President Farrell Group, LLC Guy Summers is president of Farrell Group, LLC, based in Chicago.

Farrell Group is a performance improvement company that works with individuals and teams on developing more effective business relationships. The firm offers coaching, communications, and consulting services.

Prior to starting Farrell Group, Mr. Summers worked in the financial services industry, including over 20 years in commercial and personal banking at The Northern Trust Company in Chicago.

Mr. Summers holds a bachelor of urban planning from the University of Illinois and an MBA from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He has also trained at the College of Executive Coaching.

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Conference Speakers Andrés T. Tapia

Chief Diversity Officer/ Emerging Workforce Solutions Leader Hewitt Associates Andrés Tapia is Hewitt Associates’ Chief Diversity Officer and Emerging Workforce Solutions Leader, responsible for leading the company’s internal and external diversity vision and strategies.

Tapia’s experiences in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Spain, India, Kenya, and throughout Latin America and his native Peru have equipped him with a true global perspective. By working with Hewitt, and with dozens of its FORTUNE 500 multinational clients, he is grounded in the cross-industry implications of achieving a diverse, high performing workforce. He has developed actionable insights into how varying worldviews can impact health, wealth, and workplace performance.

Tapia is a published writer and prominent speaker. As a journalist, he covered social trends in the U.S. and Latin America via articles appearing in publications such as the Baltimore Sun, the Chicago Tribune, the San Francisco Chronicle, Voçe (Brazil), Benefits Quarterly, and Hemispheres magazine.

Tapia holds a B.A. in History with an emphasis in journalism and political science from Northwestern University.

Cherryl T. Thomas President Ardmore Associates

Cherryl Thomas is currently the president of Ardmore Associates an engineering consulting firm. Prior to establishing Ardmore Associates, Thomas served as Chair of the United States Railroad Retirement Board for a period of five years. She was appointed by President Clinton in 1998.

Thomas held various positions with the City of Chicago, in what proved to be a long and distinguished career. In 1994 she was appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley, as commissioner of the Department of Buildings. Prior to that appointment, she served as deputy chief of staff to Mayor Daley. She worked in the infrastructure departments, which included the Departments of Public Works, Water and Aviation. She began her career as a research chemist for the Department of Water.

Ms. Thomas is an active member of Chicago’s civic, educational and cultural institutions.

She currently serves on the boards of Loyola University, board of directors for the Chicago Public Library, After School Matters, The Cultural Center and The Chicago Zoological Society (Brookfield Zoo). She is a former trustee of St. Ignatius College Prep. She served on the mayor’s Zoning Reform Commission, and as a member of The Cook County Forest Preserve District’s Revenue Enhancement Committee. In addition, she is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of Marquette University in Milwaukee Wisconsin.

Thomas received a B.S. in biology and chemistry from Marquette University, a M.S. in physiology from the University of Illinois at Chicago; and was presented with an honorary doctorate from Boston College in the commencement ceremony of 2001.

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Conference Speakers James Williams

Manager, Business Diversity University of Chicago Medical Center James Williams came to the Medical Center in 1988 as a member of the Patient Accounts Department in Finance. Progressively over the years he has served as a supervisor in the billing and collection area and as the assistant manager of third party collections before moving into the Admission Services Department. In admission services, he was a transplant coordinator and eventually rose to become the manager of admission services. In 1999, Williams was promoted to specialty buyer in purchasing responsible for IT, critical care, planning, design & construction and all of senior management.

In 2002, the Medical Center formed the Business Diversity Department and Williams was appointed the manager, by the then Executive Director, Maye Foster-Thompson. Mr. Williams’ commitment to developing relationships with minority- and women-owned businesses is exemplary. In his current role as business diversity manager, he co-leads the Medical Center’s initiative specifically focusing on procurement and professional services. For his efforts, the Chicago Minority Business Development Council named him an Outstanding Buyer in 2005.

In the last few years, Williams awarded business to or participated in identifying opportunities for diverse businesses in all aspects of the Medical Center’s supply chain.

Due to his efforts and the support of the Medical Center’s senior management, millions of dollars are spent with diverse firms.

Velicia D. Woods

Global Strategy Consultant U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Velicia D. Woods joined the U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Chicago Regional Office in September 2005. The core functions of Woods’ role at MBDA include the creation and implementation of the “Global Business-to-Business Exchange” program as well as marketing and brand strategies for the Chicago Regional Office.

Since her tenure with MBDA, Woods has successfully launched their international program, engaging MBE firms throughout the Midwest.

She has also updated the Chicago Regional Office’s marketing strategies utilizing technology and MBE vendor relationships to enhance MBDA’s brand image.

Prior to joining MBDA, Woods served as director of communications and certification for the Chicago Minority Business Development Council, Inc. (CMBDC). As director, she provided leadership in the creation and implementation of major communication initiatives and oversaw all certification operations including policy adherence, process improvement, and complex business and financial analyses.

Woods holds a bachelor and master of arts in communication studies from Howard University and a graduate certificate in mediation and negotiation from the University of WisconsinMilwaukee.

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Conference Speakers Joset Wright

Senior Director Institutional Advancement Orchard Village Joset Wright joined the Orchard Village as senior director of institutional advancement in September of 2007. Prior to joining Orchard Village, she was vice president and managing director at The Hollins Group Inc. Wright is an experienced corporate professional with over 20 years of experience in the practice of law and in business operations. She has led and managed multi-functional, high-performance teams in a variety of business situations. She is adept at change management and has led teams as well as senior-level executives through the change process.

Wright honed her leadership, strategic planning and management skills during a 13-year career in the telecommunications industry. Starting with Indiana Bell, a subsidiary of Ameritech Corporation and a former Bell Company, she rapidly rose through the ranks of the organization. She has held positions of authority within the law department at Ameritech Indiana and at Ameritech Corporate, including General Counsel of Ameritech Indiana and Ameritech Enhanced Business Services.

Ms. Wright has been involved in a number of civic and charitable activities, including the Children’s Home and Aid Society of Illinois (CHASI), Chicago United, the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), the Illinois Math and Science Academy and the McGaw YMCA of Evanston, Illinois.

Wright earned a juris doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, D.C.

– 100 –

2007 Bridge Awards Dinner

– 101 –

2007 Chicago United Bridge Awards Dinner

Welcome Cheryl Burton

News Anchor and Reporter ABC7 News

Opening Remarks James C. Tyree

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Mesirow Financial Chairman, Chicago United Econometric Task Force

Mayor Richard M. Daley City of Chicago

Invocation Rev. Stacey L. Edwards-Dunn

Associate Pastor Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago

Dinner Program Business Leaders of Color Michael W. Lewis

Executive Vice President, Harris Community Banking, Harris N.A. Chairman, Chicago United Board of Directors Introduction of the honorees

Presenting Sponsor Fiona MacLeod

President BP Convenience Retail America Member, Chicago United Board of Directors

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 102 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

2007 Chicago United Bridge Awards Dinner

Bridge Awards 2006 Chicago Bridge Award Winner James Skinner

Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer McDonald’s Corporation

2007 National Bridge Award Ronald A. Williams

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Aetna Inc.

2007 Chicago Bridge Award Robert W. Lane

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Deere & Company

Present Winner of the 2007 James W. Compton Research Competition James H. Skogsbergh

President and Chief Executive Officer Advocate Health Care Vice Chairman, Chicago United Board of Directors

Terry Mazany

President and Chief Executive Officer The Chicago Community Trust

Adjournment

– 103 –

2007 Business Leaders of Color

Anthony (Tony) Anderson

Virginia Ojeda

Adrienne Banks Pitts

Julian G. Posada

Robert D. Blackwell, Sr.

Angela D. Robinson

Phil Cabrera

Allen A. Rodriguez

James S. Cabrera

J.D. Salazar

Luz Canino-Baker

Manuel (Manny) Sanchez

Judith Carre Sutfin

Deborah M. Sawyer

Warrick L. Carter, Ph.D.

Amir Shahkarami

Wheeler Coleman

Luis Sierra

Michael F. DeSantiago

Melody Spann-Cooper

Lena Dobbs Johnson

Guy Summers

Karen Eng

Nathaniel K. Sutton

Leana Flowers

Andrés T. Tapia

Sarah Nava Garvey

David P. Thomas

Chester A. Gougis

Don Thompson

Marguerite H. Griffin

Donna J. Thompson

David A. Gupta

Joyce E. Tucker

Darrel Hackett

Mark A. Urquhart

Avis LaVelle

Sona Wang

James R. Lewis

Rufus Williams

Fidel Marquez, Jr.

Ernest C. Wong

Michael Mayo

Joset B. Wright

Eugene Morris

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2007 Business Leaders of Color

B U S I N ES S L EA D ERS O F CO LOR

The biannual publication profiles 45 accomplished business leaders from the Chicago business landscape who add measurable value to their corporate enterprise. These individuals serve to inspire others as they ascend to leadership. While achieving personal success, they each contribute to the cultural, civic and educational life of our region.

The Business Leaders of Color publication was conceived through fierce discussion that has become a trademark of Chicago United. In 2001, Chicago United launched the Corporate Diversity Profile survey. The study, which occurs on an alternating bi-annual basis, was the first national survey of its kind to measure racial diversity, specifically, in leadership ranks, on corporate boards and in executive level management of large corporations. It serves as a benchmark for corporations to measure their progress in this area. When examined from a leadership perspective in regards to corporate governance and corporate executives, the study continually finds corporations visibly lacking in racial diversity in senior management.

After the first study was conducted, Chicago United viewed the results as an opportunity to understand resistance to greater board diversity. The debate uncovered a widespread call for the need to identify diverse talent for the Fortune 100, 500, and 1000.

Chicago United’s leadership took action to create a highly visible publication that demonstrates the level of diverse talent available in Chicago and in 2003 produced the first Business Leaders of Color publication.

The individual Business Leaders of Color symbolize the significant benefits that await us as we strive to fully embrace inclusion. By supporting inclusion, we support Chicago as a great global business center and as a great place for each of us to work and live.

As we move forward, the Business Leaders of Color publication is now viewed as a resource for diverse talent. But more importantly, it serves as inspiration, as was envisioned by Chicago United thought leaders, to those seeking to increase inclusion of diverse candidates in their boardrooms and business networks.

Chicago United is committed to showcasing diverse talent through our publications, our Race and Business Forums, and during the Changing Color of Leadership Conference.

– 105 –

Bridge Awards Introduction

2 0 0 7 C H I CAG O U N ITED B R I DG E AWAR D S The Bridge Award represents the first national award that honors a CEO who is an advocate for multiracial diversity in corporate governance. In keeping with the spirit of our advocacy in support of the development of multiracial participation at all levels in business, this award brings visibility to those who have driven change and inspired others to follow.

Chicago United (CU) established the Bridge Award during its inaugural Changing Color of Leadership Conference in November of 2004. The award celebrates the accomplishments of a chief executive officer of a publicly held corporation who has inspired and supported diversity on its board of directors. The award also recognizes a corporation’s commitment to diversity in senior level management and its business partnerships among diverse firms.

Our efforts focused on the Fortune 100 and the Chicago Metro 100 to select this year’s recipients of the National Bridge Award and the Chicago Bridge Award. After conducting a rigorous examination of publicly available company data, CU reviewed five national and five Chicago-area companies with diverse boards of directors based on a specific threshold of diverse board member participation.

The National Bridge Award serves to honor the exemplary practices of a Fortune 100 corporation. The Chicago Bridge Award serves to honor a corporation supporting the development of a vibrant and richly diverse business community in the Chicago region.

Each company was evaluated on quantitative and qualitative data by an internal and external committee. The committees consisted of corporate and non-profit executives, entrepreneurs and academicians, and were selected based on their neutrality and experience. The committees were provided with rating/ranking criteria and a cumulative point system for the award selection process.

We applaud the 2007 Bridge Award recipients. They truly are the champions for diversity in governance, management, and business partnerships. Their leadership, vision, and commitment will continue to foster innovative approaches to achieving diversity in corporate governance throughout the business community.

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By encouraging diversity, in all its aspects, we can put our collective experiences to work to make a difference for those

who matter most – our members, customers, employees and communities in which we live.”

Ronald A. Williams

– 107 –

2007 Chicago United National Bridge Award Recipient RONALD A. WILLIAMS Chairman and CEO Aetna Inc.

Ronald A. Williams is chairman and chief executive officer of Aetna Inc., a leading diversified health care benefits company, which had revenue of approximately $25 billion in 2006. Under his leadership, Aetna has sought to make a positive impact on health care in America by serving as a catalyst for change, focusing the industry, public policy leaders, physicians, and employers on issues aimed at increasing access and affordability.

Since joining Aetna in 2001, Williams has focused on creating innovation in the industry, especially through information technology, and bringing new levels of transparency to the health care system. In 2001, Aetna became the first national insurer to offer a consumerdirected health plan. In 2005, Aetna launched an online tool for consumers to view physician-specific price information, beginning a new era in health care. More recently, Aetna led the development of industry standards for electronic personal health records, a new way for consumers to manage their health care. In 2002, Williams was named company president and joined Aetna’s board. In 2006, he was named CEO and Chairman. Williams is a strong proponent for meaningful health care reform and expanding access to quality, affordable care to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse marketplace.

Valuing diversity is both a fundamental belief at Aetna and strategic advantage. Williams has led the way in promoting Aetna’s vision and commitment to diversity throughout the organization. At Aetna, people of color hold 14 percent of management and supervisory positions and hold 10 percent of senior leadership positions. At the core of Aetna’s cultural competency is its diverse leadership on the board of directors. According to Williams, “Diversity among board members ensures that we consider the best ideas and perspectives from a variety of constituents, including consumers, employers and health care providers. This diversity enables Aetna to compete more effectively by developing the most relevant solutions for all.”

In addition to his leadership at Aetna, Williams is a trustee of the Conference Board and the Connecticut Science Center Board, and a member of the Business Council and Business Roundtable. He was elected to the board of American Express in 2007 and serves on MIT Sloan Dean’s Advisory Council.

Williams is a graduate of Roosevelt University and holds an M.S. in management from the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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Expressing John Deere’s fundamental

belief in global business and diversity, we strive to maintain an appealing

culture that promotes teamwork, cooperation, productivity, acceptance and mutual respect for all.”

Robert W. Lane

– 109 –

2007 Chicago United Chicago Bridge Award Recipient R O B E R T W. L A N E

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Deere & Company Robert W. Lane is chairman and chief executive officer of Deere & Company, the world’s leading provider of advanced products and services for agriculture and forestry and a major provider of advanced products and services for construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation. Under his leadership, Deere & Company’s sales have grown worldwide due to increases in equipment and agricultural equipment sales and improvements in commercial and consumer equipment sales.

Lane joined John Deere in 1982, initially managing various operations within the Worldwide Construction Equipment Division and later serving as president and chief operating officer of Deere Credit, Inc. In 1992, he joined the Worldwide Agricultural Equipment Division where, as senior vice president, he directed equipment operations in Latin America, Australia and East Asia. In 1996, he was elected chief financial officer.

Lane subsequently moved to Germany serving as managing director of Deere’s agricultural equipment operations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India and the nations of the former Soviet Union. In August of 2000, he was elected chairman of the board and chief executive officer.

In an attempt to grow a great business globally, diversity and inclusion is one of the hallmarks of Deere’s core values. Diversity is reflected in its workplace, marketplace, and the communities it serves. Putting differences to work to create an inclusive environment are producing meaningful results. In its workplace, Deere has four multiracial Employee Network Groups; in its marketplace for its three equipment divisions in the U. S., more than 220 dealers are minority owned; and in the community, Deere continues to invest in programs dedicated to strengthening diverse and vibrant communities.These efforts are the result of the committed leadership of Lane and Deere’s board of directors.

According to Lane, “For John Deere to compete successfully, on a sustainable global basis, it seeks to enter new marketplaces with cultural sensitivity, technical sophistication, and a deep appreciation of the market dynamics. Diversity among the board of directors is an important component for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.” In addition to his role as chairman and chief executive officer, Lane serves as a director of General Electric Company and Verizon Communications Inc. He is an honorary director of the Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, and a national director of the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Lane graduated with high honors from Wheaton College in Illinois (1972), and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business (1974).

– 110 –

James W. Compton Research Competition

TH E C H ICAG O U N ITED JA M E S W. COM PTON R E SEARC H COM PE TITION The James W. Compton Research Competition is a program that has been designed to support the research and advocacy work of Chicago United. Additionally, we honor the work of James W. Compton, retired chief executive officer of the Chicago Urban League, and founding member of Chicago United.

This research competition has been designed for graduate school students to contribute to Chicago United’s body of research, and bring national attention to the impact of diversity in corporate governance, executive management and business partnerships in major corporations.

The award-winning individual and/or team will be presented with a monetary award during the Bridge Awards Dinner. The research study will be published and distributed each year at Chicago United’s annual Changing Color of Leadership Conference.

The research competition will award an individual and/or a team of scholars with a $5,000 grant for the research study judged to be the most outstanding. Chicago United gratefully acknowledges the funding of The Chicago Community Trust, making this grant award possible.

Submissions are reviewed by a jury of scholars and industry-specific professionals.

Judging criteria will include: • Practical significance to diversity practitioners • Quantitative and qualitative methodology applied • Uniqueness of analysis Chicago United congratulates the competition awardees.

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Board of Directors Officers Michael W. Lewis, Chairman Executive Vice President Harris Community Banking, Harris N.A.

Martin Cabrera, Treasurer President Cabrera Capital Markets, LLC

James H. Skogsbergh, Vice Chairman President & CEO Advocate Health Care

Raymond F. McCaskey, Immediate Past Chair Chairman & CEO Health Care Service Corporation

Albert Grace, Secretary President Loop Capital Markets, LLC Board Members William Bonaparte Chief Executive Officer Bonaparte Corporation

Fiona MacLeod President BP Convenience Retail America

Lester Coney Executive Vice President/ Office of the Chairman Mesirow Financial

Sandra Rand Director, Supplier Diversity United Airlines

Robert Der Partner Ernst & Young Michael F. DeSantiago President Primera Engineers, LTD Douglas Goare Vice President McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corporation USA LLC

Timothy R. Schwertfeger Chairman of the Board Nuveen Investments Larry Wahlstrom President Jewel-Osco

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