Rev. Larry S. Bullock, MPA\MDiv, [‘73],  President and Founder of the US Minority Contractors Association [USMCA]. Former President, Roosevelt University Alumni Association [RUAA], Former member of the Roosevelt University Board of Trustees; Senior Pastor, Living Faith Cathedral Worship [LFCWC Church], and Owner and President, April Cobra Enterprises, Inc. [Construction Management, General Contracting,  and Real Estate Development firm], Barrington, Illinois.  

Rev. Larry S. Bullock served for eight years with distinction in the Illinois House of Representatives and continues to remain active in national - community affairs and Ecumenical work.  Reverend  Bullock founded and served as Chairman, Heartland Energy Technology [H.E.A.T LLC] which specialized in Construction Management, Environmental Engineering, General Contracting, Real Estate Development and global venture consulting. He is the recipient of scores of national and state awards for outstanding accomplishments and achievements in the public policy field, business innovations and economic development and Christian missionary endeavors.  

 He also served on the SISCO National Advisory Multi-Cultural Market Advisory Board. He received the 2006-2007, SuccessGuide Worldwide Magazine [www.fraser.net.com], “Top Achievers” award as a global leader in business networking. He is a nationally sought after motivational speaker and Gospel Preacher.

Herman Pride is the President CEO of Complete Mechanical Piping. Named Minority Contractor of the year 2018, he has obtained certification in MBE, DBE and CMS. Herman began his career as a pipefitter journeymen and earned his way to become Superintendent before venturing out to start his business. He received his education in Electrical Engineering from IIT in Chicago.

With Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. (CMT) since 1976, Bernie is a source of wisdom and guidance for clients and employees alike. Recently passing the baton of leadership as Director of Water Resources, he continues to help our team as an adviser as we continue to improve upon the planning, engineering and management skills that CMT is known to command.  In addition to his engineering work, he has directed CMT’s Human Resources since 2012.

 

Bernie Held has 41 years of progressive engineering experience in the water and wastewater industry in Illinois. A graduate of the Missouri University of Science and Technology with a degree in Civil Engineering, he has worked as a resident engineer, design engineer, project engineer, project manager, program manager and principle-in-charge. Held has been leading CMT's planning, design and construction phase services for nearly 20 years. Held has managed multimillion dollar programs for various municipal clients in the Fox River valley. He has designed innovative projects involving CSO treatment in Decatur, a facility producing class A solids in accordance with USEPA 503 regulations, a unique deicing treatment facility at Rockford, and led $28M and $40M water improvement programs for the cities of Aurora and West Chicago, Illinois. He is well versed in regulatory matters in the water industry and through his leadership of CMT’s Human Resources since 2012. He is an active member of the Illinois Water Environment Association and was inducted into the 5S honor society of the organization in 2017.  He is a sitting member of the Miner Alumni Association Board at his alma mater.

 

Held has four grown children and thirteen grandchildren.

 

His motto is “do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason”.

Mr Chetan Kale is the founder and principal of Kaletech, LLC. Before starting his own company Mr Kale has worked extensively on major civil engineering projects in Chicago land area. Mr Kale has over 20 plus years of experience in all facets of Civil Engineering 

Mr Kale was part of the design team for a major runway expansion project at O’Hare International Airport. He has also worked on the Masterplan studies with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

His design experience includes Water Treatment Plant Design, Storm Sewer modeling, Energy Neutrality Studies, Drainage design, Sanitary Sewer study, Sewage Treatment plant studies and Industrial Waste treatment.  

He has a B.S in Civil engineering from University of Mumbai (VJTI) India and MS from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago specializing in Environmental engineering.

Chetan Kale is a licensed professional engineer in the State of Illinois, Indiana, & Wisconsin. He is also a LEED accredited professional and has worked on Gas & Energy projects assisting contractors who were pursuing LEED certification. 

Professional Affiliations:

Chetan Kale is a member of American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE), American Water Works Association, Water Environment Federation, President of Architecture, Engineering and IT division US-Minority Contractors Association. 

Elmer Rhodes, President of Cross Rhodes Reprographics, has been in the design construction printing industry for over 30 years serving Missouri, Illinois and Louisiana.  As a pioneer to the Reprographic network, he has helped hundreds of clients to adopt Document Management best practices that has saved his clients time and money.

Michael Trimuel is President and CEO of Trim’s Trucking, Inc. which is an Illinois-based MBE/DBE Certified trucking company servicing the entire Chicagoland area.  Michael established Trim’s Trucking, Inc. over 25 years ago.  The company is now a fully-equipped trucking company with over 30 years of expertise in the trucking and construction industry.

Trim’s Trucking, Inc. is a recognized entity with the U.S. Department of Transportation, The Illinois Commerce Commission, and Dunn & Bradstreet. The company has been MBE/DBE certified by the State of Illinois, BEP, the City of Chicago, METRA, CTA, and IDOT since 2002.

Michael Trimuel is dedicated to serving and giving back to those less fortunate by donating time and resources to various non-profit organizations. He is also known for providing great leadership and mentorship to business owners who are new to the construction and trucking industry.

Vivian McGrew is the President/CEO Steiner Security Services Inc.  Vivian received her degree from Benedictine University, and is a graduate of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program of Entrepreneurship.  She found her passion in security at an early age.  She began as a security officer and soon became a manager.  Vivian became well versed in the industry needs and practices, which sparked a desire to structure and own a company and brand.  

In 2003 Steiner Security Services was birthed and launched with 12 employees.  Today Steiner Security has grown to employing over 200 employees and servicing over 35 clients (private and government sectors).

Steiner is currently certified and holding the following credentials:  SBA (8a), WBE, MBE, DBE, DEP, WOSB and ACDBE.  Vivian has been featured as one of the moderators for the 8(a) Small Business Conference regarding Best Practices for 8(a) participants.

Vivian is currently serving as a national board member for USMCA and Chairperson of the Southland/Indiana Chapter.  Other memberships are:

American Association for Industrial Security (ASIA)

South Suburban Chamber of Commerce

Oak Forest/Crestwood Chamber of Commerce

South Suburban Tourist Chamber

In her spare time, Vivian assists others at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church when she serves as the Vice President and Service Coordinator of the Usher Board.

Jimmy Morris, Jr. is the CEO Of Morris Builders LLC, in Prattville, Alabama. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music & a minor in Education from Alabama State University. He also earned an MBA with a concentration in Project Management from Columbia Southern University. He is a graduate of Babson College Goldman Sachs 10KSB program, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College Executive Education Program, and Turner School of Construction Management. He's currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Entrepreneurship from Walden University.

He serves on he National Specialty Contractors Council for the Associated General Contractors Association of America (AGC); the board of directors for the U.S. Minority Contractors National Association (USMCA), Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau of Central & South Alabama (BBB), U.S, Minority Contractors Association, Alabama Chapter (USMCA), Prattville YMCA Emerging Leaders, River Region Pregnancy Center, Alabama State University Foundation, and Tuskegee University Construction Science & Management Industry Advisory Board. He is the past Board Chairman for the Autauga and Chilton Counties Habitat for Humanity.

Additionally, he serves as a member of the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce (Small Business & Economic Development Committee and Industry Council), a member of Leadership Autauga, Leadership Montgomery, and the U.S. Small Business Administration Emerging Leaders of Alabama. He is a 2008 Who's Who Among American Colleges & Universities , 2019 50under50 Distinguished Alumni, Alabama State University, 2020 Top 20under40 Young Executive Leader, Prattville Area of Chamber of Commerce, 2021 40under40 in Commercial Construction from Alabama Associated General Contractors Association (AGC) and is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Jimmy is a member of the following organizations: DBE Association of Alabama, Alabama Road Builders Association, Alabama Subcontractors Association, Associated Builders & Contractors Association (ABC), Alabama Associated General Contractors Association (AGC), Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce, Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, Business Council of Alabama, and the Atlanta Business League. He is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and a life member of Alabama State University Alumni Association.

Lynette T. Stevenson is a dynamic leader with a wealth of experience and expertise in financial and acquisition strategy, certifications, and business development. As the President of the Pennsylvania/Ohio Chapter of the United States Minority Contractors Association (USMCA), she has demonstrated a commitment to fostering growth and opportunity for minority contractors in the region. Her role as a National Board Member further underscores her dedication to advancing the mission of the USMCA on a broader scale.

In addition to her leadership within the USMCA, Lynette is also a National Associate Dean in the ETI Division, where she undoubtedly brings a wealth of knowledge and innovative thinking to her role. Her expertise as a subject matter expert (SME) in financial and acquisition strategy is evidenced by her track record of success and her ability to navigate complex business landscapes. Furthermore, her creation of "Credit Tip Tuesday" demonstrates her commitment to sharing valuable insights and empowering others in financial management.