Herb Stokes, CEO, The Affluence Group Inc.

Herb Stokes is CEO of The Affluence Group Inc. which specializes in a wide range of services including business planning preparation, strategic plan development, finance, sales, marketing, operational optimization, diversity and government certification. The Affluence Group, established in 2000, is a spin-off of the founding company, ARS, LLC.

The company’s highly experienced management committee exemplifies expertise in finance, management, marketing, sales, and entrepreneurial development. It is focused on providing keys to success for minorities who have tenacity and creativity.

The core businesses — The Affluence Group (business development) and ARS, LLC (corporate relocation) have a comprehensive clientele including: The Cola-Cola Co., UPS, The McGraw Hill Companies, Nordstrom, YUM!Brands, Hinton Hanes Marketing Group, Media Logic Inc., EDGE Systems, Aerospace Management Systems, Alexa Blue Productions, Cassel Inc., and The Russell Group.

Stokes acknowledges that he was inspired by a number of great leaders including former Urban League President Vernon Jordan and his godfather, Ruben Johnson, who was a selfmade businessman. His grandmother, Trulia McRae, gave him values and ethics. His overall philosophy is built on Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.

As Chicago Minority Business Development Council’s MBEIC chair, Stokes has among his goals the expansion of the Education Academy’s role and reinforcing MBE succession plans. As advisory cabinet chair and CMBDC board member, he envisions increasing accountability measures and strengthening political advocacy for MBEs.

Future plans encompass continuing to influence asset-based growth for MBEs, including The Affluence Group, and establishing a global footprint. For more information, visit the Web site at www.theaffluencegroup.biz.