Meet Stephanie Perry-Ballard, President

Company: Visions Transportation

Government Contract: South Holland School District, Lansing School District

Stephanie Perry Ballard is President of Vision Transportation. Before leaping into the world of entrepreneurship, she worked in the social work field where she served at-risk youth and senior citizens. When she departed the field of social work, she set out to become an entrepreneur. Her work as an Uber Driver was the catalyst for her to enter the ground transportation industry.

Why did you start your company?

As an Uber driver, my husband and I noticed an increasingly high number of drivers refusing to enter the black and brown communities where elderly citizens, working mothers and fathers needed transportation to attend doctor/dental appointments, grocery store visits, and much more. The most memorable, heart-breaking case was a mother in labor who lived in Englewood, 5 Ubers canceled her rides prior to my arrival to pick her up and transport her to the hospital. These are all the reasons that pushed me to start my transportation company with my husband.

What makes your business unique?

Visions Transportation is unique because we provide a personalize touch to every client we serve. Every client is a VIP (Very Important Passenger). Our clients are more like family. We celebrate their successes and cheer them on in the face of adversity while always providing them with professional, safe, and dependable service. When they enter into our vehicles, they will be met with the impeccable cleanliness of our vehicles, snacks & beverages, and a friendly peaceful ambiance.

What government contracts did you get this past year? (July 2022 to June 2023)

Visions Transportation has acquired multiple contracts with the following areas: Lansing School District, South Holland School District & Willow Springs School District. We are proud to provide door-to-door transportation to students that need transportation in and outside of the school district.

What led to your firm winning a Government Contracts This Year?

I completed the bids with no previous experience. It was my first time completing a bid of any sort. I remember sitting at my desk at 3:30am saying, "Why are you wasting your time, no one knows Visions Transportation. Then I heard a voice that said," I know Visions Transportation," it was at that point that I began to weep. Two days later after submitting my first bids, one of the school districts called and informed us that we were chosen and won the bid. Our first contract was with a school district about 60 miles from our office and we were so grateful. So to the answer to this question, I believe that my faith mixed with work in action led to my company getting those contracts. 

How has working with WBDC/APEX programs and/or advisors helped you?

WOW!!!! Where do I start. It's been life changing and made a world of a difference in how I operate in business. The WBDC APEX has allowed me to have great confidence in taking control of our business through one-on-one APEX advising sessions. Participating in the Scale Up Cohort help me with understanding the vital areas of concern such as profit & loss documentation, access to capital and marketing to help grow my business. The collaboration amongst the business owners within this community has allowed us to know we are not on an island alone, but, surrounded by other very successful business owners. 



Any final thoughts for someone pursuing their first or next government contract?

First and foremost, believe in yourself! Then seek out help when you are unsure. Finally, seek out professional services that are offered through the APEX and WBDC. And, also attend all the online and in-person training classes they offer.

Women’s Business Development Center

Announces CEO Retirement and Transition Plan

Emilia DiMenco to step down in 2024; Board Commences Search



CHICAGO – The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC), the Midwest’s leading women’s business development and economic empowerment agency, today announced that after a long and distinguished career Emilia DiMenco, President and Chief Executive Officer since 2013, intends to retire by December 2024. To ensure a smooth transition, DiMenco will continue to serve until the transition is completed.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Emilia for her significant contributions and dedicated years of service in advancing the mission of the WBDC,” said Sandra Rand, Chairperson of the Board. “Under Emilia’s leadership, the WBDC has flourished. The organization has expanded from two offices to eight offices across the Midwest, serving as many as 8,000 clients annually, and doubling the number of businesses certified as women business enterprises.”

“It has been remarkable and unforgettable experience to lead the WBDC’s team during this transformational time,” said DiMenco. “With the Board’s leadership and support, we forged a strategy to empower and support women business owners, from concept to succession. From establishment of a micro-lending program, the expansion of our business advising programs and services, creation of an on-demand learning library, to the distribution of over $250 million in small business grants during the pandemic, the WBDC is positioned to fulfill its mission. Now is the right time to begin the transition to the next phase of leadership.”

In keeping with best practices, the Board initiated a search to identify the organization’s next President and CEO, with the goal of having a successor in place by June 2024, and the transition complete by December of that same year. This timeline ensures a seamless transition with no gap in leadership.

-

Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology Brings Supplier Day to Chicago

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology’s (DoIT) supplier diversity office is thrilled to announce their upcoming Supplier Day event. This information packed event will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14 in the Bilandic Building Auditorium located at 160 N. LaSalle in Chicago.

Current and prospective vendors will hear updates on DoIT’s strategic direction and how vendors can participate in contracting opportunities with the state. DoIT leaders will share broad goals and objectives and DoIT’s focus on the Business Enterprise Program (BEP).

“Supplier Day is a unique opportunity for local businesses to connect with DoIT and explore exciting partnerships with the State,” said Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology Chief of Supplier Diversity Aliceber Rivera-Alfaro. “By fostering collaboration and promoting diversity in government procurement, we’re driving economic empowerment and contributing to a more vibrant Illinois.”

The event will feature informative presentations from industry experts, interactive panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Attendees will gain valuable insights into government procurement processes and strategies to enhance their business prospects.

Those interested in attending can reserve their spot here. Interested participants may send a maximum of two representatives from their organization to ensure proper accommodations for all those eager to participate.

Current Bid Opportunities

McHugh Construction | Website Link

McHugh Construction is requesting your budget proposal for the Fifth Third Arena Expansion project in Chicago, IL. The Issued for 100% Design Development set of documents has been posted to iSqFt.com / ConstructConnect.com. Please log on to review the documents and notify us of your intent to bid.

__________________________________________________________

Chicago Transit Authority | Procurement Link

The CTA operates the nation’s second largest public transportation system and covers the City of Chicago and 35 surrounding suburbs. Learn how to become a vendor and be eligible to do business with the CTA.

__________________________________________________________

Amtrak | Procurement Link

Amtrak purchases a wide variety of supplies and services in support of its national operations. These include: Construction/Architectural & Engineering Service Opportunities and Non-construction Business Opportunities. Review current solicitations.

__________________________________________________________

City of Chicago Procurement | Bid Opportunities

The Department of Procurement Services (DPS) is the contracting, certification, and compliance authority for the City of Chicago. DPS maintains the highest commitment to diversity, transparency, and innovation while continuously expanding the resources and programs that empower citizens to become involved in the contracting opportunities available at the City.

___________________________________________________________

PACE iSupplier Portal | Solicitations Page

Pace has launched Phase II of its iSupplier Portal, an automated, online platform that will streamline the process for Request for Quotation (RFQ) solicitations only (all Invitation for Bid and Request for Proposal solicitations are still publicly posted on Pace’s website).

___________________________________________________________

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Chicago| Site Page

New contract announcements. The MWRD will protect the health and safety of the public in its service area, protect the quality of the water supply source, improve the quality of water in watercourses in its service area, protect businesses and homes from flood damages, and manage water as a vital resource for its service area.

___________________________________________________________

General Services Administration| SAM.gov

US Government seeks 30,000 to 34,500 SF of Retail or Warehouse space in the Chicagoland area in support of the Democratic National Convention. Offered space must be a large and contiguous open and air conditioned space with a minimum ceiling height of 14 feet and a loading dock. The space can be stand-alone or have adjacent tenants as long as the demising wall is secure.

Forecasting Opportunity

 Illinois National Guard - Industry Day