welcome to

600 W. Fulton St Chicago, IL 60661 | 312.384.1906 | www.discovercg.com

Table of Contents

Who we areThe BasicsPhilosophy and ApproachCulture and TalentThe New Marketplace

Our Clients

Co-Founding PartnersAhmad IslamSherman Wright

Our PeopleAlice Pollard - VP Finance and OperationsKristian Stewart - VP Strategic Planning and ResearchMike Williams - VP Creative DirectorLena Woo - Director of Human Resources

Department ListPhone List

Floor Plan

Area MapsAmenities and TransportationRestaurants

Area InformationAbout 600 W FultonRestaurant InformationAmenity Information

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commonground; CG:

that powerful place where deep insights,

creative spirit, and execution

excellence make the difference in the new

marketplace. CG delivers unique multi-faceted

marketing solutions with cross-cultural credibility

and authenticity for national blue chip,

progressive-minded clients.

Who we are

The Basics

Commonground was created in 2004 by Sherman Wright and Ahmad Islam. What prompted them both to leave executive positions at prominent Chicago agencies was simple: the passion to fill a significant void in the agency space. There was no agency fully equipped to address the “new marketplace” – a diverse and dynamic landscape comprised of the traditionally defined general market and a rapidly evolving multicultural consumer population.

Understanding brand’s desire for agency partners that not only understand the “new marketplace” but take an innovative approach to connecting with consumers, common-ground’s “cross consumer marketing” approach provides a means for the agency to be cross-cultural and multi-channel while not being restricted to or driven by pre-deter-mined media tactics. This flexibility provides our clients with an approach that is nimble, efficient and effective in reaching their target consumers.

Headquartered in Chicago with offices in Houston, commonground’s growing staff of diversely talented CGers is ready to conquer the challenges of the ever-evolvingNew Marketplace.

Our Philosophy is the Foundation“We’ve all seen a diverse new consumer market emerge; one that makes the previ-ous definitions of general market or multi-cultural obsolete. At CG, we believe the most progressive-minded companies obtain success because they respond proactively to change and effectively attack the challenges of a quickly evolving new marketplace.”-Founding and Managing Partners: Sherman Wright and Ahmad Islam

Our Approach is What Makes the DifferenceTo connect with consumers on the deepest level and to build greater momentum behind our clients’ brands, we utilize a proprietary approach – 4commonground – that focuses our thinking, keeps things authentic, positions powerfully, and creates breakthrough ideas and results-oriented executions.

Philosophy and Approach

Our CultureWe don’t just talk diversity, we celebrate it – and we live it. Our unique approach not only applies to our clients and our work; it’s at the core of everything we do at commonground. Through our open and inclusive culture, organic free-flowing environ-ment, and dedication to delivering unmatched innovation, we have attracted “the best of the best” talent. We are a culturally and professionally diverse group of opportunity seekers, striving daily to find commonground across all areas of the agency. And having a little (ok, a lot of) fun along the way.

Our TalentOur group of marketing experts has vast experience in advertising, promotion, experien-tial, brand consulting, shopper marketing, partnership marketing, product development, and entertainment. We come from a wide array of top agencies, clients, and companies from around the world. We’ve all come together connected by a burning desire tosucceed and a shared passion for marketing that unites us in search of a common goal.

Culture and Talent

The New Marketplace

An Introduction

If you follow the conversations in the world of marketing, you would believe that a “new” consumer market is here. Actually, its been here gaining momentum for quite some time. This dynamic is what inspired our founders, Sherman Wright and Ahmad Islam, to launch CG in 2004. We understand the “new marketplace” is an exciting and complex world of opportunity for brands and clients that recognize and embrace change.commonground is the ideal agency partner for clients seeking success in thenew marketplace.

Today, the traditional definitions of general market and multi-cultural are obsolete. In fact, the general market is multi-cultural: a diverse mix of individuals and “tribes”connected by similarities, but also defined by specific characteristics that make them unique. This remarkable shift has changed the way marketers approach creating a meaningful dialogue with new market consumers. CG is at the forefront of connecting brands with this new marketplace. We are uniquely equipped via our broadcross-cultural expertise and deep segment specific experiences to best address and solve these challenges.

CG knows that diversity of generation, age, race, and psychographic factors are key unifying and differentiating links to this new consumer market. The constant evolution of media and how it is defined presents an opportunity to impact consumers 24/7 through various touch points. The ability to strategically leverage a diverse, media-neutralapproach is at the core of commonground’s success. We are dedicated to develop-ing new market strategies to address perception of value, brand loyalty, and shopping behavior while helping our clients navigate this complex territory through our various proprietary tools, insights, and interpretive talents.

commonground offers an unbiased arsenal of

capabilities focused on strategy, innovation,

partnership, efficiency, and bottom-line results

for our clients

we deliver the right mix of art and science

brought to life via creative solutions with unique

cross-cultural relevance and traction in today’s

new marketplace

Our Clients

Ahmad IslamCo-Founder of Commonground

Sr. level marketing leader and entrepreneur commit-ted to delivering innovative game changing marketing and business solutions to clients.

Expert understanding of the “new marketplace”. A marketplace where the traditional descriptors used to define consumers have evolved and in some cases become obsolete.

Possesses a wealth of experience and expertise in the development of marketing and communications strategy, creative, and programs.

Unique understanding of integrated marketing and advertising across numerous consumer segments and industries.

Seeking like minded professionals and clients to be a part of building an agency that leverages the oppor-tunities presented by today’s ever changing market-place.

Sherman Wright

Sherman Wright, co-founder and managing partner of award-winning marketing agency, commonground, embraces the philosophy that true prosperity begins with a holistic lifestyle approach that cuts across tra-ditional boundaries between mind, body, spirit, family, professional consciousness and social conscious-ness.

Word-class entrepreneurs like Sherman Wright are able to look around corners and see what’s coming before anyone else. This is one of the many reasons Chicago-based commonground has experienced staggering success. In the eight years since Sherman founded commonground with partner, Ahmad Islam, his entrepreneurial drive led to the agency winning clients such as MillerCoors, The Coca-Cola Company, Nike, Brand Jordan, The Illinois Lottery, Wrigley, Ba-cardi USA and American Family Insurance.

He is part of the generation of world-changers that build relationships and step up to the plate to lead with passion and rigor. He was recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business Magazine 40 under 40 and was recently inducted into the Chicago Area Entrepreneur-ship Hall of Fame. He is part of Texas A&M’s Aggie 100, which recognizes and celebrates the 100 fastest growing Aggie-owned or Aggie-led businesses in the world. He has also been featured in Inc. Magazine for leading one of the 5,000 Fastest Growing Businesses in the US.

A graduate of Texas A&M University, Sherman resides in Chicago with his lovely wife and their 8-year-old daughter. He is an avid lover of old school hip hop and Michael Jackson songs. He finds great joy in reading, public speaking and traveling the world with family and friends.

Co-Founder of Commonground

diversity breeds creativity

other quote of some kind here

Our People

Alice PollardVP Finance and Operations

Kristian StewartVP Strategic Planning and Research

Mike WilliamsVP Creative Director

Lena WooDirector of Human Resources

Department List

Phone List

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Area MapAmenities and Transportation

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Jewel

Hair Cuttery

Trio Park Cleaners

Pinky Nail Salon

Pet Stuff

Chase

Radio Shack

FedEx Office

Shiny Cleaners

Lake Point Cleaners

7-Eleven

US Post Office

Nail 2 Nail

CVS

Transportation

CTA

CG

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CG Parking LotPark 1 Lot (Lake/Halsted)

CTA “L” StopClinton (Green/Pink Line)

Metra Train StationOgilvie / Untion Stations

Parking

Area MapRestaraunts

RestaurantsJewel

Carnivale

Jefferson Tap & Grille

Trattoria Isabella

Lake & Union Grill & Tap

Jimmy John’s

Starbucks

Dunkin Donuts

Baskin Robbins

Saigon Sisters

Fast Track

Sarpinos

Subway

Zenba Mexican Grill

Provice

N9NE Steakhouse

Blackbird

Avec

Sepia

The French Market

Potbelly

Ogilvie Food CourtArby’s, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, NYC Pizza, Dunkin’ Donuts, Mrs. Fields, Panda Express, RIbs Place, Burrito Beach, Simply Greens, Jaffa Bagels, Chutney Joes, Popeye’s, Great Steak & Potato, Teriaki, Corner Bakery

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grayed out image of building

Situated in the vibrant West Loop office market, 600 West Fulton offers all the benefits of a downtown office location without the congestion and high costs of the CentralBusiness District.

The nine story, 214,000 square foot building was originally built in 1901. Converted from a warehouse to a loft style office building in 1982, it has been continually renovated since. The now high-quality and professional, 600 West Fulton features classic archi-tectural styling, modern high-speed elevators and exposed ceiling systems withinnovative lighting.

Once known primarily as a warehouse district, this area has been dramatically trans-formed into one of the city’s hottest growing areas with excellent access to all modes of transportation, recreational facilities and the traditional commercial areas ofdowntown Chicago.

ParkingCG has an employee discount rate at Park 1, located at 730 W. Lake Street. The cost is $175 per month. Please stop by the CG front desk to fill out an application.

Bike Storage for LeaseSpaces can be leased at $10 per month or $100 annually. Please stop by the CG front

desk to fill out a Bicycle Parking Agreement.

Free Bike StorageEight bike spots are available outside of the building. First-come, first-served.

About 600 W Fulton

Restaurant Information

1) JewelSalad Bar, Sandwiches, Hot Buffet370 N Desplaines St, Chicago, IL 60661 | (312) 243-2710http://jewelosco.com

2) CarnivaleLatin Restaurant 702 West Fulton Market, Chicago IL 60661 | (312) 850-5005http://www.carnivalechicago.com

3) Jefferson Tap & Grille Weekly Lunch/Dinner/Drink specials325 North Jefferson Street Chicago, IL 60661 | (312) 648-0100 http://jeffersontap.com

4) Trattoria Isabella Italian Restaurant217 N. Jefferson Street, Chicago, IL 60661 | (312) 207-1900http://www.trattoriaisabellachicago.com

5) Lake & Union Grill & TapBar & Grill666 W Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60661 | (312) 559-0036

6) Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches 200 North Jefferson Street, Chicago IL 60601 | (312) 474-9700http://jimmyjohns.com

7) Starbucks200 N Jefferson St., Chicago, IL 60661, (312) 575-0221http://starbucks.com

8) Dunkin Donuts555 West Lake Street, Chicago, IL | (312) 887-1050http://dunkindonuts.com

9) Baskin Robbins555 West Lake Street, Chicago, IL | (312) 887-1050http://dunkindonuts.com

10) Saigon SistersVietnamese Cuisine131 N Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60661 | (312) 496-0094http://saigonsisters.tumblr.com/11) Fast TrackBurgers, Hot Dogs, Fries629 West Lake Street, Chicago, IL | (312) 993-9300http://www.fasttrackonlake.com

12) Sarpino’s Pizza627 W Lake Street, Chicago IL 60661 | (312) 207-1777http://www.gosarpinos.com

13) Subway615 West Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60661 | (312) 258-8229http://www.subway.com

14) Zenba’s Mexican GrillMexican Cuisine605 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661 | (312) 234-9900

15) Province 161 N Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60661 | (312) 669-9900http://provincerestaurant.com

16) N9NE SteakhouseLounge, Steakhouse, Seafood440 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60606 | (312) 575-9900http://www.n9ne.com

17) Blackbird619 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60606 | (312) 715-0708http://www.blackbirdrestaurant.com

18) Avec Restaurant French Restaurant615 West Randolph Street, Chicago IL 60661 | (312) 377-2002 http://avecrestaurant.com/

19) SepiaRestaurant/Lounge123 N Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60661 | (312) 441-1920http://www.sepiachicago.com

20) Chicago French Market Assorted Specialty Vendors131 North Clinton Street, Chicago IL 60661 | (312) 575-0306 http://www.frenchmarketchicago.com/index.php21) Potbelly Sandwich Shop545 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL | (312) 559-0000http://www.potbelly.com

16) Ogilvie Transportation Center Food Court500 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60686 (Train Station)http://www.metrarail.com/ Arby’s, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, NYC Pizza, Dunkin’ Donuts, Mrs. Fields, Panda Express, RIbs Place, Burrito Beach, Simply Greens, Jaffa Bagels, Chutney Joes, Popeye’s, Great Steak & Potato, Teriaki, Corner Bakery

Amenities Information

1) Jewel-Osco370 N Desplaines St, Chicago, IL 60661(312) 243-2710

2) Hair Cuttery334 N Desplaines St, Chicago, IL 60661(312) 559-4562

3) Trio Park Cleaners334 North Desplaines Street Chicago, IL 60661(312) 993-0100

4) Pinky Nail Salon332 North Desplaines Street, Chicago(312) 575-0108

5) Pet Stuff332 N Desplaines St, Chicago, IL 60661(312) 382-2290

6) Chase Bank334 N Desplaines St, Chicago, IL 60661

7) Radio Shack328 N Desplaines St, Chicago, IL 60661(312) 589-1054

8) FedEx Office Print & Ship608 W Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60661(312) 775-0916

9) Shiny Cleaners608 W Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60661(312) 775-0916

10) Lake Point Cleaners608 W Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60661(312) 775-0916

11) 7-Eleven608 W Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60661(312) 775-0916

12) US Post Office608 W Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60661(312) 775-0916

13) Nail 2 Nail608 W Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60661(312) 775-0916

14) CVS/Pharmacy117 N Clinton, Chicago, IL 60606(312) 234-9206

Also, inside the CG building:Serenity Health & WellnessChiropractors/Acupuncture/ Alternative Health Care600 W Fulton St, Suite 304, Chicago IL(312) 756-1778http://www.serenityhealthwellness.com