News & Events
Named Among DiversityBusiness.com's Top Businesses in the Country
April, 2012
Distinguishing themselves as one of Ohio's "Top Entrepreneur's," InterChez Logistics Systems, Inc. has recently been acknowledged by
DiversityBusiness.com for its overall leadership and economic achievements. The award, known as the Div500, represents the nation's most successful privately-held
businesses. InterChez Logistics Systems, Inc. was awarded as one of the Top 100 Diversity Owned Businesses in Ohio for 2012, Top 500 Hispanic American Owned Businesses
in the U.S., and Top 100 Privately-held Businesses in Ohio.
2012 marks DiversityBusiness.com's 12th annual listing of the Ohio's top businesses. The Top Business Lists are compiled from organizations which have revolutionized
the strength and financial viability throughout our communities. The winners have become highly respected sources of reference for corporations, government agencies
and educational institutions who desire to increase opportunities with privately-held businesses.
"We have a great future ahead of us, especially as entrepreneurs continue to reinvent products and services that transform the way we live," says Kenton Clarke, CEO of
Computer Consulting Associates International, the company which founded DiversityBusiness.com. Our nation's business leaders are relentless. It isn't a mere coincidence
to see our competitive spirit still alive and persevere under these circumstances."
"Receiving prestigious recognition of this magnitude from DiversityBusiness.com is a major accomplishment for our entire team here at InterChez," states Mark A. Chesnes,
President and CEO of the InterChez companies.
The List
This List is a classification that represents the top privately-held businesses in the U.S.., in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, food service and professional services.
Large organizational buyers throughout the country who do business with multicultural, small and women-owned businesses use the list. The List is produced annually by DiversityBusiness.com,
the nation's leading multicultural social media website that links large organizational buyers to multicultural product and service suppliers.
The winning companies will be honored at a special awards ceremony at DiversityBusiness.com's "11th Annual National Multicultural Business Conference", taking place at Foxwoods Resort & Casino
in Mashantucket, CT, April 25 - April 27, 2012, Mashantucket, Connecticut. For more details about the conference please visit http://www.DiversityBusiness.com/Conference
"Earning this position as a part of DiversityBusiness.com's List is an acknowledgement that we at InterChez have taken great pride. We hope to continue to expand and improve our offerings in the future both domestically and internationally,"
says Sharlene Chesnes, Executive Vice President and Chairman of the Board.
For the complete list of winning companies, please visit: www.diversitybusiness.com
About InterChez Logistics Systems, Inc.
The success of InterChez resides in the diverse specialties of each of its operating companies, which include InterChez Logistics Systems, Inc., InterChez Global Services, Inc.,
InterChez Properties, LLC. and InterChez Technologies, LLC. Two additional service divisions complete the InterChez family of businesses; those are InterChez Translation Services
and InterChez Truckload Services. Individually, each plays a unique role within InterChez and is staffed by qualified and experienced professionals who provide their customers with
optimal, quality results.
Currently, InterChez companies operate out of two locations. The headquarters is located at 600 Alpha Parkway in Stow, Ohio. The second building is the Stratford Place at 4301 Darrow Road
in Stow. Mark and Sharlene, who often stress the importance of helping businesses in the community, are doing just that by offering local businesses, non-profit organizations, and incubators
various rentable spaces in the Stratford Place. They aim to furnish a work space that acts as a hub between the Akron and Cleveland markets.Since opening their doors in 2002 as a logistics
company, InterChez has drastically evolved. InterChez dSEC® model - Design, Source, Execute, and Continuously Improve - has quickly been proven successful and has enabled the company to
establish a positive reputation, worldwide. While InterChez' Logistics and Global operating companies remain as the core of their business, Mark and Sharlene's vision to expand its offerings
in an effort to add value, has proven to be successful. Services such as language translation and truck load brokerage, and the most recent launch of truck-load services. As a whole,
InterChez thrives in both domestic and international markets.
About DiversityBusiness.com
Launched in 1999, DiversityBusiness is the largest organization of privately owned businesses throughout the United States that provide goods and services to Fortune 1000 companies, government
agencies, and colleges and universities. DiversityBusiness provides research and data collection services for diversity including the "Top 50 Organizations for Multicultural Business Opportunities,"
"Top 500 Diversity Owned Companies in America," and others. Its research has been recognized and published byForbes Magazine, Business Week and thousands of other print and internet publications.
The site has gained national recognition and has won numerous awards for its content and design. DiversityBusiness reaches more diverse suppliers and communicates more information to them on a more
frequent basis than all other organizations combined. We also communicate with mainstream businesses, government agencies and educational institutions with information related to diversity. Our
magazine reaches over 300,000 readers, a monthly e-newsletter that reaches 2.4 million, and website visitors of 1.2 million a month. It is a leading provider of Supplier Diversity management tools
and has the most widely distributed Diversity magazine in the United States. DiversityBusiness.com is produced by Computer Consulting Associates International Inc. (CCAii.com) of Southport, CT. Founded in 1980.
Palma Joins InterChez Team
February, 2012
John Palma has joined InterChez Logistic Systems Inc. as Vice President InterChez Truck Load Services,
a new division that will provide Freight Brokerage Services for customers throughout the United States,
Canada and Mexico.
Mr. Palma is a thirty year Transportation Industry Sales and Operations Professional. He began his career
in the Logistics and Distribution Division of Xerox Corporation in Blauvelt, New York where he managed the
Northeastern United States Transportation Region. Following his career with Xerox, John joined the Domestic
and International Courier Industry; first as General Manager for the New York Division of Choice Courier Systems
and later as Vice President, World Courier Metro Services in New York City, a new division of World Courier.
John later joined Roberts Express which became FedEx Custom Critical. Here, he served as Eastern Division Sales
Director and was subsequently promoted to Director of Safety and Recruiting until returning to sales two years
later as Vice President. He served in this position for the next fourteen years as the company achieved unprecedented
success, growing fourfold while maintaining the market position as largest Expedited Transportation Company in North America.
In 2007, under Mr. Palma’s direction, FedEx launched FedEx Truckload Brokerage as the first and only FedEx branded
Truckload Brokerage within the corporation. Prior to joining Interchez, John Palma was Vice President of Retail Sales
for Pacer Transportation Solutions Inc., an asset light Intermodal Marketing Company in Dublin Ohio.
John resides in Hudson, Ohio with his wife of twenty three years, Maria, an Attorney and his son Colin.
InterChez Representative invited to Washington, DC
September, 2011
The Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Kicks Off Hispanic Heritage Month
by Securing a Meeting at the White House with InterChez Logistics to Discuss Jobs and the Economy
Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Stephanie Mercado kicked off
Hispanic Heritage Month today by announcing the Chamber’s largest member, InterChez Logistics, received
an invitation to participate in a White House Hispanic CEO Roundtable in the West Wing of the White House
in Washington, DC. InterChez Logistics President and Chair of the Board of Directors Sharlene Chesnes will
participate in the meeting at the White House on Friday, September 23.
The Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce worked closely with the U.S. Department of Commerce in
Washington, DC and the Minority Business Development Agency in Chicago to ensure the Northeast Ohio Hispanic
business community was represented in this important discussion. The meeting of a small group of key Hispanic
CEO’s will be hosted by Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President, and the discussion will focus on the
critical role of Latinos in rebuilding our Nation’s economy and creating jobs for the future.
“We are very excited to be invited to attend this CEO Roundtable discussion at the White House. At this particular
point in our economy the contributions made by small businesses across the country cannot be underestimated,”
said Ms. Chesnes. She continued, “We are grateful for all the work the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
continues to do for us as a member and in helping us get nationally recognized as an industry leading business by the White House.”
“We are very proud of all of our business members and today we are particularly proud of InterChez Logistics for being selected
to represent Hispanic business owners in Northeast Ohio at the White House. Sharlene is an excellent representative because of her
active role in the greater Northeast Ohio region,” said Ms. Mercado. Ms. Mercado continued, “Not only is InterChez an active member
of the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce, but Sharlene is also a board member of
the Greater Cleveland Partnership so she has an informed perspective on the opportunities and challenges faced by business owners in
Northeast Ohio.”
The meeting at the White House with Ms. Jarrett will inform the Obama Administration on strategies and tactics that will lead to a
more friendly business environment that will spur business investments and job creation.
Stratford Place Open House - Thursday September 29, 2011
August 2011
You are cordially invited to an Open House at
The Stratford Place.
4301 Darrow Road
Stow, OH 44224
At the corner of Route 91 and Arndale
Thursday, September 29th
From 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Ribbon Cutting with Mayor Karen Fritschel at 4:00pm
Refreshments and Guided Tours will be available after the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
To R.S.V.P. to this event, please email
solutions@interchez.com
InterChez Becomes the Largerst Holder of Office Space in Stow
May 2011
InterChez Properties, LLC. has acquired 50,000 square feet of upscale, executive office space with
the purchase of the Stratford Place at 4301 Darrow Rd., Stow, Ohio 44224.
"We are very fortunate to be a part of the Stow community", says Mark A. Chesnes, President and CEO of
the InterChez Companies. "We needed the space to accommodate the growth of InterChez Logistics Systems, Inc.,
and InterChez Global Services, Inc., and in our experience Stow is the place to be."
Chesnes estimates that approximately 25% of the available space will initially be occupied by the InterChez companies
and the balance will be made available on a 3 to 5 year lease basis.
"This building represents the finest office space
available in the area while being affordably priced", said Chesnes.
Akron Beacon Journal: read more
The Past Year at InterChez
April 2011
InterChez Logistics Systems, Inc., InterChez Global Services, Inc., and InterChez Translation Services
has experienced significant organic growth in the past year. We have added 10 positions across all
business units and have recently celebrated our first anniversary in our new building.
We have enhanced our technology, accounting, business development and management team with these recent
additions to support the continued growth. "Our search for additional resources continue due to the
expansion of our companies", says Mark Chesnes, President and CEO. "It is refreshing to be able to access
the deep talent pool that exists in the local market, particularly in Stow, Ohio", Chesnes continues.
Chairman of the Board, Sharlene Chesnes adds, "We are very fortunate to have all of these talented and
dedicated people working with us". Sharlene also serves as Executive Vice President and wears many hats
in our companies, most significantly the leader of our business development and marketing efforts.
"If you know our name it's due to the tireless efforts of Sharlene and her staff".
InterChez has Moved!
InterChez Logistics Systems, Inc., a third party logistics firm, is relocating.
The company purchased the former Alpha Freight building on Route 8, between Steels
Corners and Seasons Road exits in Stow, Ohio.
The 10,000sq ft building, completed in 2006, will become the home of InterChez Logistics Systems, Inc.,
InterChez Global Services, Inc., and InterChez Translation Services. Their new address will be 600 Alpha Parkway Stow, Ohio 44224.
Based in Stow since inception, InterChez started as a domestic third party logistics provider.
Later, the company expanded into International business, helping companies ship, track, receive,
plan and process freight, as well as communicate more effectively in over 100 languages in 150 dialects.
In recent years, InterChez has become well known for utilizing technology and rapid-response customer
care to bring customers and their product to the international market.
Sharlene Chesnes, majority owner and Chairman of the Board, is confident about the move:
‘The new location will allow us to give better service to our customers and our employees,
grow our business, and support our local community.’
InterChez is a Certified Minority Business Enterprise and active members of the local Chamber of Commerce.
InterChez strives to bring mid-market companies into the global market. The winner of several awards,
including 2008 Hispanic Business Association Entrepreneur of the Year, and the 2009 Toyota Opportunity Exchange,
InterChez is proud to be recognized for their dedication. Employees also take time to volunteer with not-for-profit
firms to help the local community.
InterChez will open their doors at their new facility March 15. They are planning to hold an open house on
expanding global business and supply chain streamlining this summer.
Global Logistics
InterChez Logistics Systems, Inc., announced Monday, June 9, 2008, the successful launch of InterChez Global Services, Inc.,
(IGS). IGS is a global freight forwarding and logistics company focused on mid-market consumers of global transportation management
and freight forwarding services
The Sophisticated Innovator
Celebrating the Legacy of Innovation and Competitiveness.The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and the Tuck School of Business
at Dartmouth collaborated on a paper focused on innovation challenges faced by minority business enterprises. If you would like to read the Paper
(The Sophisticated Innovator), the InterChez case study is on Level 3 page 21 read here.