Corporate Environmental Risk Management, LLC (CERM)

Vision: Building Communities; Creating Opportunities; and Inspiring the Next Generation

Founded in 1995 as a two-man start-up, CERM has since grown into one of the largest minority-owned, professionally licensed, environmental, engineering, and program management firms in the Southeastern United States. Their more than 120 dedicated staff include engineers, scientists, surveyors, planners, project managers and technicians. CERM's company-wide services encompass six essential areas: Program Management, Environmental Management, Engineering and Testing, Construction Management, Remediation and Contracting, and Surveying and Mapping; CERM performs these services for clients on major infrastructure and commercial projects across the Southeast U.S.

CERM'S History

With a shared vision, a solid business plan, and rented space at the South DeKalb Business Incubator, childhood friends Albert G. Edwards and the late Marcus L. Reese launched CERM on August 23, 1995. The two met on the first day of a high school Industrial Cooperative Training Program which was sponsored by Mattie T. Blount High School in Prichard, Alabama and offered through the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (Mobile, AL District). It was during that chance encounter that the duo was introduced to the A/E/C Industry, a flourishing friendship, and the makings of a life-changing business partnership.

The early beginnings of CERM provided scalable opportunities to test the partners' abilities as technical specialists and business owners. Furthermore, examining benchmarks coupled with training through A/E/C industry associations resulted in the firm refining its vision. This included integrating a human element into the front-end of the built environment's process of planning, designing, and building communities along with support systems. Deemed a critical "value added" component, this model has proven to be invaluable for the growth of CERM, while assisting its clients with addressing issues involving equity, inclusion, and sustainability.​

Giving Back

Another component that shaped the company early on was its sense of service to its employees and community. It was critical to both Edwards and Reese that they create a professional business focused on giving back to the community. This included creating an environment for employees to excel, supporting civic programs, and introducing young adults to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers through various outreach activities such as CERM's Shadowing Program. This commitment to service led to the creation of the CERM Legacy Foundation in 2020. The non-profit is dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities to pursue career pathways in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and their related industries. ​Edwards and Reese's willingness to invest heavily in their employees, youth, and the greater community has helped CERM thrive and will always be a part of its rich collaborative culture and legacy.

Award-Winning

CERM has received several national and local awards including the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) National Recognition Award, the ACEC Engineering Excellence Award, the US Department of Commerce National Minority Construction Services Firm of the Year, the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Legacy Leadership Award, the DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce Sirius Award, the Women's Transportation Seminar (WTS) Diversity Leadership Award, and the Cobb Chamber Small Business of the Year.

Headquartered in Atlanta, DeKalb County, GA, CERM has branch offices in Mobile, AL; Tampa, FL; and Orlando, FL.

CERM attributes its success to the dedication of its talented team, the loyalty of its clients, and the ongoing support of the local community. Each project reflects the values that inspired Al and Marcus to start the company—integrity, service, and a deep respect for the community. Honored to be inducted into the Atlanta Business League Hall of Fame, CERM remains dedicated to advancing sustainable development and building resilient partnerships for a brighter future.

Founded in 1991 by Dydra Virgil and Delphyne Lomax Taylor, V&L Research and Consulting, Inc. (V&L) has grown to become one of the top 50 market research firms, proudly certified by the American Marketing Association. For over three decades, V&L has empowered hundreds of clients by providing vital insights to enhance, develop, and assess their services through comprehensive data analysis, focus groups, surveys, and other innovative research methodologies.

Our commitment to delivering precise, actionable information has helped organizations improve their services efficiently and cost-effectively. Throughout our 30+ year history, we have conducted hundreds of studies to uncover key consumer insights and assess public perceptions. Our work spans a wide range of sectors, from local, state, and national government agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Commerce, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to private-sector giants like Bank of America, Coca-Cola USA, Delta Airlines, McDonald's, Procter & Gamble, Target, Walmart, and Visa.

We take special pride in our role in developing the internationally recognized public safety initiative, "If You See Something, Say Something."

Over the years, V&L has been recognized for its leadership and innovation with numerous awards, including the Atlanta Business League's Success Against the Odds Award, the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Women's Business of the Year Stargazers Award, the American Marketing Association Innovative Leadership Award, and Minority Enterprise Development Service Firm of the Year. We were also honored to serve as a delegate for the White House Conference on Small Business.

Today, V&L Research and Consulting, Inc. is deeply honored to be inducted into the Atlanta Business League Hall of Fame, a testament to our legacy of excellence and impact in the field of market research.