Level-(1) News

August 2010

Media contact: T. Shawn Taylor

tst@level-1.com

312.204.6266

312.371.6260

Former Johnson Publishing Co. executive Anne Sempowski Ward joins Level-(1) leadership team

(Chicago, IL) – Anne Sempowski Ward, former President and Chief Operating Officer of Johnson Publishing Company, has joined Level-(1) Global Solutions as Senior Advisor to the CEO.

As a business restructuring, operations, marketing and branding professional, Ward has consistently spearheaded innovation at leading companies, including Proctor and Gamble and Coca-Cola. She became the first non-family member to assume a top leadership position at Johnson, where she  oversaw a major restructuring in both the publishing and cosmetics divisions. Ward resigned from Johnson Publishing in July.

Linda Johnson Rice, quoted in an article from Target Market News, credits Ward with helping to position Johnson Publishing for unprecedented growth.

“Anne has been a significant asset to our company and led key, corporate-wide initiatives for EBONY, JET and Fashion Fair," said Johnson Rice. "During Anne's tenure, we underwent significant restructuring and reorganization of the company. Her contributions have helped to position the company for the future."

A mechanical engineer by training, Ward also held direct, decision-making authority over every operational aspect at Johnson, including the information technology department.

(Click here to read Ward’s complete bio.)

“I’m thrilled to have Anne on board at such a critical time of potential growth for us here at Level-(1),” said Principal and CEO Thomas McElroy. “I have followed Anne’s career and she has done some amazing work and achieved numerous accolades. Anne is going to be key to ensuring that Level-(1) reaches its next level of business success.”

Level- (1) Global Solutions, LLC, designs, implements and manages interoperable technology infrastructure systems for federal, state and local governments; educational institutions; healthcare centers; Department of Homeland Security; military operations; air transport providers; rail systems; port authorities; public safety and law-enforcement agencies; architects and interior designers; and commercial real estate managers and property owners. We combine information, security, operations and facilities management to support mission-critical systems in highly-sensitive, asset-intensive areas in the public and private sectors. Visit us at www.level-1.com.

Level-(1) News

July 2010

Media contact: T. Shawn Taylor

tst@level-1.com

312.204.6266

312.371.6260

Level-(1) is awarded yearlong sustainability project at Stroger Hospital

(CHICAGO, IL) – Level-(1) announces that it has been awarded yet another technology infrastructure project at the New John H. Stroger Cook County Hospital. This time, the project will be focused on network design and network infrastructure for energy management technology at the facility, the largest county hospital in the State of Illinois.

Work on the project is slated to begin in the fall and is expected to last for at least a year.

Specifically, Level-(1) will assess energy usage, conduct feasibility studies and make recommendations on ways that technology can be utilized to effectively manage and reduce energy usage at the hospital. Renewable energy management and sustainability goes hand-in-hand with good corporate citizenship, says Level-(1) Principal and CEO Thomas McElroy.

“You like to see government agencies becoming involved in these types of efforts around energy efficiency and limiting usage through new gains in technology,” McElroy said. “With the right systems in place, we will be able to help building managers and energy management professionals assess and optimize their operational efficiencies.”

Level-(1)’s LEED-accredited professionals specialize in energy management and sustainable solutions such as under floor air systems, building automation and control systems, and wireless technology.

Level- (1) Global Solutions, LLC, designs, implements and manages interoperable technology infrastructure systems for federal, state and local governments; educational institutions; healthcare centers; Department of Homeland Security; military operations; air transport providers; rail systems; port authorities; public safety and law-enforcement agencies; architects and interior designers; and commercial real estate managers and property owners. We combine information, security, operations and facilities management to support mission-critical systems in highly-sensitive, asset-intensive areas in the public and private sectors. Visit us at www.level-1.com.

Level-(1) News

June 2010

Media contact: T. Shawn Taylor

tst@level-1.com

312.204.6266 (o)

312.371.6260 (c)

Level-(1) announces new vice president of marketing

(Chicago, IL) – Thomas D. McElroy II, principal and CEO of Level-(1) Global Solutions, LLC, announces the addition to his staff of leading industry professionals Michael L. Bennett II as Vice President of Marketing.

Mr. Bennett brings a diverse and extensive background in marketing to his new position. He has led strategic marketing campaigns for Target Corporation’s Health Care Technology and Insights group, as well as technology projects for WMS Gaming, Walgreens, Citigroup, University HealthSystem Consortium and Travelocity.com, a subsidiary of Sabre Holdings. Mr. Bennett has applied his marketing expertise abroad, having worked in and traveled to 27 countries.

Mr. Bennett received his bachelor's degree in finance from Morehouse College and an MBA in marketing from Clark Atlanta University. He also is a graduate of the Kellogg School of Management's executive program, as well as the professional program at UCLA. He is currently completing his master's in health policy and administration at the University of Illinois, Chicago.

"As we continue to apply new technologies to the critical infrastructure needs of organizations in the public and private sector, Michael will enable us to reach out and form new partnerships and develop relationships with diverse industry players," Mr. McElroy said. "I understand that marketing and communications is critical to our ability to communicate our value proposition, and I'm looking forward to the possibilities."

Level- (1) Global Solutions, LLC, designs, implements and manages interoperable technology infrastructure systems for federal, state and local governments; educational institutions; healthcare centers; Department of Homeland Security; military operations; air transport providers; rail systems; port authorities; public safety and law-enforcement agencies; architects and interior designers; and commercial real estate managers and property owners. We combine information, security, operations and facilities management to support mission-critical systems in highly-sensitive, asset-intensive areas in the public and private sectors. Visit us at www.level-1.com.

Level-(1) News

April 2010

Media contact: T. Shawn Taylor

tst@level-1.com

312.204.6266 (o)

312.371.6260 (c)

Level-(1) forms high-level MBE team with HBK Engineering and Urban GIS

Unique partnership unites key core competencies with the best solutions available

(Chicago, IL) – Level-(1) Global Solutions, LLC, has formed a winning team of certified technology professionals, civil engineers, broadband and wireless technology professionals, military advisers and GIS-capable project managers to create the Level-(1) Technology Infrastructure Minority Business Enterprise, or Level-(1) MBE.

The team is comprised of certified consultants, civil engineers and project managers from the two leading engineering and GIS technology firms in their respective fields: HBK Engineering, LLC, the premier design-build team of choice for underground transmission lines (up to 345kV), distribution voltage duct bank design and construction services in Chicago and Cook County; and Urban GIS, a technology consultant specializing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and urban planning solutions for public infrastructure and private development projects.

Level-(1) MBE represents a holistic approach to enabling prime/general contractors to access key core competencies that are required to take leadership of opportunities to design and implement complex infrastructure projects including:

• Engineering
• Network design and infrastructure
• Converged data and voice network infrastructure
• Broadband and wireless network infrastructure
• Network forensics systems
• GIS documentation

“Any prime contractor that brings this team on board can rest assured that he or she is working with the most talented professionals in their individual fields,” Mr. McElroy said. “At Level-(1), we are so excited to be partnering with HBK Engineering and Urban GIS. I’m confident this team will set the bar on technology infrastructure, engineering and GIS solutions going forward.”

Level-(1) MBE holds key qualifications that comply with public sector business diversity requirements and ensure best industry practices. The team is licensed to conduct business in the City of Chicago, the County of Cook, and the States of Illinois, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

Level- (1) Global Solutions, LLC, designs, implements and manages interoperable technology infrastructure systems for federal, state and local governments; educational institutions; healthcare centers; Department of Homeland Security; military operations; air transport providers; rail systems; port authorities; public safety and law-enforcement agencies; architects and interior designers; and commercial real estate managers and property owners. We combine information, security, operations and facilities management to support mission-critical systems in highly-sensitive, asset-intensive areas in the public and private sectors. Visit us at www.level-1.com.

Level-(1) News

March 2010

Media contact: T. Shawn Taylor

tst@level-1.com

312.204.6266 (o)

312.371.6260 (c)

Level-(1) Principal to appear in Who’s Who In Black Chicago

(Chicago, IL) – Thomas D. McElroy II, principal of technology infrastructure firm Level-(1) Global Solutions, LLC, has been selected to appear in the coveted Who’s Who In Black Chicago directory, the largest one of its kind produced annually that targets the African American community.

Who’s Who Publishing Company was founded in 1989 to highlight the positive achievements of African Americans and to provide a valuable resource and networking guide for the community. The publication has expanded to more than 25 cities across the country and features colorful profiles of individuals with photos. In addition, advertising and sponsorship opportunities are made available to corporations and local firms that seek to promote diversity and market their services and/or products to a targeted, influential and affluent audience.

Who’s Who Publishing is a subsidiary of Real Times Media Company, owner of the Chicago Defender.

“In business, it’s important for people to know who and where you are and how to get in contact with you. Who’s Who In Black Chicago is a valuable resource for any individual or company that is interested in collaborating with African Americans who are leaders in their fields,” Mr. McElroy said. “I feel privileged to have been included in this distinguished resource and looking forward to the opportunities that Who’s Who might potentially bring to Level-(1)’s doorstep.”

Level- (1) Global Solutions, LLC, designs, implements and manages interoperable technology infrastructure systems for federal, state and local governments; educational institutions; healthcare centers; Department of Homeland Security; military operations; air transport providers; rail systems; port authorities; public safety and law-enforcement agencies; architects and interior designers; and commercial real estate managers and property owners. We combine information, security, operations and facilities management to support mission-critical systems in highly-sensitive, asset-intensive areas in the public and private sectors. Visit us at www.level-1.com.

Level-(1) News

February 2010

Media contact: T. Shawn Taylor

tst@level-1.com

312.204.6266

312.371.6260

Level-(1) to design infrastructure for real-time surgical simulation suites at Hines VA Hospital

(CHICAGO, IL) – Level-(1) has been selected to design both the A/V (audio visual) and physical security (CCTV/intrusion detection) upgrades inside two multi-use buildings on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Hines hospital campus.

Level-(1) professionals will be responsible for all phases of the project, including budgeting, bid administration and construction support services for both systems.

The project will begin with enhancement to A/V and CCTV systems in Buildings 12 and 13. Both are multi-use housing facilities with applications ranging from medical office and exam rooms, conference facilities, a fitness area and multiple state-of-the-art surgical simulation suites.

The surgical simulation suites will require the deployment of both the A/V and physical security systems, working in unison, to allow for real-time viewing of surgical simulation video, archiving and playback in an auditorium setting. Level-(1) professionals will also participate in the design and implementation of A/V, security and low voltage technologies in Building 200, where the hospital’s main lobby is located.

Hines is the largest VA hospital in the State of Illinois.

Level- (1) Global Solutions, LLC, designs, implements and manages interoperable technology infrastructure systems for federal, state and local governments; educational institutions; healthcare centers; Department of Homeland Security; military operations; air transport providers; rail systems; port authorities; public safety and law-enforcement agencies; architects and interior designers; and commercial real estate managers and property owners. We combine information, security, operations and facilities management to support mission-critical systems in highly-sensitive, asset-intensive areas in the public and private sectors. Visit us at www.level-1.com.

Level-(1) Media Advisory

January 2010

Media contact: T. Shawn Taylor

tst@level-1.com

312.204.6266 (o)

312.371.6260 (c)

Level-(1) Principal Thomas McElroy named one of the Chicago Defender’s

Men of Excellence in 2010

(Chicago, IL) – Thomas D. McElroy II, founder and principal of technology infrastructure company Level-(1) Global Solutions, LLC, has been selected as one of 50 Men of Excellence by the Chicago Defender.

The Men of Excellence honor is described by the Chicago Defender as "a very special class of men who are recognized for the excellence they demonstrate daily in their professional and personal lives."  

Each of the 50 men will be honored during a ceremony at the Parkway Ballroom in Chicago’s historic Bronzeville community. The Men of Excellence, now in its third year, has recognized notable African American men in the business, arts and philanthropic communities. The annual event is highly anticipated in Chicago’s African American community. Honorees are nominated by their peers and selected by the Chicago Defender’s leadership.

“I was delighted to learn that the Chicago Defender had chosen me to stand among such a distinguished lineup of Black men, many of whom I am proud to say are friends and colleagues of mine,” Mr. McElroy said. “If I didn’t already know it, I’m quite confident now that I’ve been keeping good company over the years. I look forward to congratulating the other gentlemen who were selected and making new acquaintances.”

“I’d like to thank the Chicago Defender for it is truly an honor to be recognized by such a leading, long-lasting and respected institution in my native Chicago,” he said.

The history-making African American newspaper, one of a handful remaining in the United States, plans to feature the 2010 honorees in a special pullout section in its upcoming weekly edition.

Level- (1) Global Solutions, LLC, designs, implements and manages interoperable technology infrastructure systems for federal, state and local governments; educational institutions; healthcare centers; Department of Homeland Security; military operations; air transport providers; rail systems; port authorities; public safety and law-enforcement agencies; architects and interior designers; and commercial real estate managers and property owners. We combine information, security, operations and facilities management to support mission-critical systems in highly-sensitive, asset-intensive areas in the public and private sectors. Visit us at www.level-1.com.

Level-(1) News

October 2009

Media contact: T. Shawn Taylor

tst@level-1.com

312.204.6266 (o)

312.371.6260 (c)

Level-(1) partners with new technology school

Chicago Academy for Advanced Technology prepares students for college, careers 

(Chicago, IL) – To continue its commitment to support education and technological advancements in underserved communities, Level-(1) Global Solutions, LLC, has formed a corporate partnership with the Chicago Academy for Advanced Technology (CAAT), a new Chicago public school created specifically to prepare students for careers in technology.

CAAT, located in the former Austin High School building at 231 N. Pine St., on Chicago’s West Side, aligns education with industry needs and standards to build a talent pipeline to enable businesses to remain competitive. The curriculum is focused on science, technology, engineering and math skills and students learn how to apply what they’ve learned through real-world problem-solving, job shadowing and internship opportunities.

CAAT students receive daily performance assessments and teachers are required to adjust the curriculum accordingly to ensure that every student is able to master the industry standards-based objectives.

“What appealed to me is the fact that CAAT’s curriculum is tied to industry standards and business needs. But I also love that its teachers are held accountable for student performance and are required to change the way they teach to accommodate the way each child learns. We can’t afford to leave even one child behind,” said Thomas D. McElroy II, principal of Level-(1).

“Math and engineering skills are sorely needed today, and education that encourages entrepreneurship and problem-solving skills are lacking in Chicago’s poorest communities. CAAT represents an opportunity to support education that is directly tied to good-paying jobs and improves our nation’s global competitiveness.”

Level-(1) and other corporate partners will advise school officials on the latest technologies and trends and provide mentor and internship opportunities.

CAAT is a project of the Center for Polytechnic Education (CPE), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen communities through

educational programs that prepare students to be leaders in the 21^st Century knowledge economy. CPE opened its first school, Austin Polytechnical Academy, with a curriculum focused on high-level, technology-driven careers in manufacturing, in fall 2007.

Level- (1) Global Solutions, LLC, designs, implements and manages interoperable technology infrastructure systems for federal, state and local governments; educational institutions; healthcare centers; Department of Homeland Security; military operations; air transport providers; rail systems; port authorities; public safety and law-enforcement agencies; architects and interior designers; and commercial real estate managers and property owners. We combine information, security, operations and facilities management to support mission-critical systems in highly-sensitive, asset-intensive areas in the public and private sectors. Visit us at www.level-1.com.

Level-(1) News

July 2009

Media contact: T. Shawn Taylor

tst@level-1.com

312.204.6266 (o)

312.371.6260 (c)

Level-(1) completes Cook County Sheriff’s Department’s radio systems upgrade

(Chicago, IL) – Level-(1) Global Solutions announces the completion of its portion of a major Motorola radio systems upgrade for the Cook County Sheriff’s Department.

Level-(1) was responsible for the conditioned electrical power and generator backup systems and designed the uninterruptible power (UPS) systems for all the Sheriff’s Department’s radio towers. In addition, our professionals designed the overhead and under-floor cable management plan for high voltage distribution, the generator backup systems and related switch gear for generator power, and the electrical systems for battery backup, high frequency grounding and electrical distribution.

Level-(1) also acted as the project manager, overseeing all aspects of the project’s design, implementation, construction and commissioning, and was the principal contact with the internal customer during the implementation and commissioning periods.

“Each and every aspect of this project can be viewed as a mission-critical technology solution for the Cook County Sheriff’s Department,” said Thomas McElroy, Level-(1) Principal and CEO. “High-level technology infrastructure projects such as these enable us to maintain our relevancy in key core practice areas such as emergency management infrastructure, interoperable technology solutions delivery and IT commissioning and periodic recertification. And, as always, we are always pleased to partner with the County of Cook and to assist with improving technology resources for its law-enforcement officers and emergency personnel.”

Level- (1) Global Solutions, LLC, designs, implements and manages interoperable technology infrastructure systems for federal, state and local governments; educational institutions; healthcare centers; Department of Homeland Security; military operations; air transport providers; rail systems; port authorities; public safety and law-enforcement agencies; architects and interior designers; and commercial real estate managers and property owners. We combine information, security, operations and facilities management to support mission-critical systems in highly-sensitive, asset-intensive areas in the public and private sectors. Visit us at www.level-1.com.