The Business Leadership Council

The Business Leadership Council Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from The Business Leadership Council, Public & Government Service, 150 N Michigan Avenue Suite 2400, Chicago, IL.

The mission of the Business Leadership Council is to influence equitable policies and business practices that increase economic opportunity for the betterment of the Black community. The Business Leadership Council was formed after several prominent corporate professionals and entrepreneurs came together to pool their resources and put forth a unified voice. The group realized that the African Ame

rican business community needed a representative voice to advocate for economic parity, effective political representation and social issues affecting the African American community. The Business Leadership Council advocates to key government officials, top tier public and private corporations and government supported institutions about the importance of substantially increasing the business opportunities afforded African American business owners and corporate professionals who in turn will bring the jobs and contracts to the community.

Global conversations. Chicago leadership. Lasting impact.The Business Leadership Council is proud to recognize several B...
06/03/2026

Global conversations. Chicago leadership. Lasting impact.

The Business Leadership Council is proud to recognize several BLC members who were part of the Chicago delegation that traveled to Rome with Mayor Brandon Johnson to meet Pope Leo XIV, through an engagement facilitated by World Business Chicago.

Representing Chicago’s business, civic, and community leadership on an international stage were:

• Charles Smith, Vice Chair of World Business Chicago and CEO of CS Insurance Strategies
• Kristopher Anderson, Director at United Airlines
• Joshua Davis, President & CEO of The Will Group
• Yusef Jackson, President & CEO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition
• Charles Johnson, President of SodexoMagic

From Chicago to Rome, these leaders continue to demonstrate the power of relationship-building, global engagement, and visionary leadership. We congratulate them on representing our city and contributing to conversations that extend far beyond borders.


Signature Recognition for Meaningful Impact.BLC Brilliance!!Congratulations:Kelly Powers Baria, Executive Vice President...
06/02/2026

Signature Recognition for Meaningful Impact.

BLC Brilliance!!

Congratulations:
Kelly Powers Baria, Executive Vice President of Powers & Sons Construction
Otto Nichols III, Executive Vice President of Clayco
Kelsey Taylor, President of Engage Civil
Joshua Davis, President and CEO of The Will Group
and
Aaron Patterson, President of Infrastructure Engineering
for being named to Crain’s Chicago Business’ Most Notable Leaders in Architecture, Engineering & Construction 2026.

The future of the built environment is being designed, engineered, and constructed right here—and we’re proud to see it. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and the lasting impact you continue to make across our region.

In Loving Memory of Spencer Leak Jr.A look back at a life defined by service, leadership, and community impact. Spencer ...
06/01/2026

In Loving Memory of Spencer Leak Jr.

A look back at a life defined by service, leadership, and community impact. Spencer carried forward a legacy of care, compassion, and commitment that touched countless lives.

Thank you for the years of dedicated service. Thank you for your care, your concern, and your unwavering support. Your impact will be felt for generations to come. Rest in peace.

05/28/2026

An inside look at the Business Leadership Council’s very own Titans Talk, where conversations elevate and connections inspire.

They say pictures are worth a thousand words… so imagine what videos say.



Thank you again to our sponsors, panelists, members, and everyone who attended and supported the inaugural Titans Talk S...
05/27/2026

Thank you again to our sponsors, panelists, members, and everyone who attended and supported the inaugural Titans Talk Speaker Series—this would not have been possible without you.

Here are a few more highlights from a great evening. Stay tuned for what’s next.

The inaugural Titans Talk Speaker Series hosted by the Business Leadership Council reflected the power of vision, influe...
05/26/2026

The inaugural Titans Talk Speaker Series hosted by the Business Leadership Council reflected the power of vision, influence, and purpose coming together in the greatest city in the world. The room brought together influential executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders focused on strengthening relationships and advancing the business ecosystem.

The evening highlighted excellence, leadership, and collaboration shaping Chicago’s future. We thank BLC founders Frank Clark, Melody Spann Cooper, John Rogers, and Jim Reynolds, along with Board member Charles Smith, for their insights and call for greater collaboration and collective investment in our shared future.

Thank you to our sponsors, partners, and supporters for bringing this vision to life. Stay tuned for the next convening in this impactful series.



The Business Leadership Council is proud to welcome Advocate Health Care, United Center , and Civic Committee of the Com...
05/20/2026

The Business Leadership Council is proud to welcome Advocate Health Care, United Center , and Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago as sponsors of the May Titans Talk Speaker Series.

We are grateful for their support of bold conversations, strategic connection, and the leaders shaping what’s next.

Join our exclusive room of influence, power, insight, and strategy — where enterprising leaders across finance, media, business, and investment come together to shape conversations that matter.

Reserve your seat and network with distinguished executives, investors, innovators, and industry Titans driving impact across sectors.

This is more than a convening — it’s where relationships are built, ideas are exchanged, and opportunities are created.

Register here 👉 https://blcchicago.wildapricot.org/event-6694737

RSVP required.
For additional information, please contact: [email protected]



Melody Spann-Cooper is Chair & CEO of MidwayBroadcastingCorporation, home to WVON 1690AM - The Talk of Chicago, WRLL, an...
05/18/2026

Melody Spann-Cooper is Chair & CEO of MidwayBroadcastingCorporation, home to WVON 1690AM - The Talk of Chicago, WRLL, and VONtv.

A true titan in media, business, civic engagement, and inclusive leadership.

With more than 100 awards and a legacy of elevating voices, shaping conversations, and driving equity, Melody continues to lead with influence and impact.

Join us for Titans Talk as we engage with and learn from leaders shaping business, media, and community.

Limited spots available. 👉 Register here: https://blcchicago.wildapricot.org/event-6694737

The Business Leadership Council is proud to welcome Waymo and Atlantic Aviation as sponsors of the May Titans Talk Spe...
05/18/2026

The Business Leadership Council is proud to welcome Waymo and Atlantic Aviation as sponsors of the May Titans Talk Speaker Series.

We are grateful for their support of bold conversations, strategic connection, and the leaders shaping what’s next.

Join our exclusive room of influence, power, insight, and strategy — where enterprising leaders across finance, media, business, and investment come together to shape conversations that matter.

Reserve your seat and network with distinguished executives, investors, innovators, and industry Titans driving impact across sectors.

This is more than a convening — it’s where relationships are built, ideas are exchanged, and opportunities are created.

Register here 👉 https://blcchicago.wildapricot.org/event-6694737

RSVP required.
For additional information, please contact: [email protected]

The Business Leadership Council is proud to welcome The Executives' Club of Chicago and Bowa Construction as sponsors of...
05/17/2026

The Business Leadership Council is proud to welcome The Executives' Club of Chicago and Bowa Construction as sponsors of the May Titans Talk Speaker Series.

We are grateful for their support of bold conversations, strategic connection, and the leaders shaping what’s next.

Join our exclusive room of influence, power, insight, and strategy — where enterprising leaders across finance, media, business, and investment come together to shape conversations that matter.

Reserve your seat and network with distinguished executives, investors, innovators, and industry Titans driving impact across sectors.

This is more than a convening — it’s where relationships are built, ideas are exchanged, and opportunities are created.

Register here 👉 https://blcchicago.wildapricot.org/event-6694737

RSVP required.
For additional information, please contact: [email protected]



Address

150 N Michigan Avenue Suite 2400
Chicago, IL
60601

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13124022171

Website

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