Whether it's securing a new contract, forming a strategic business partnership, or receiving the capital funding needed to grow, winning in business is always rewarding.
This past week, we celebrated National Small Business Week—a time to honor the small, minority, and women-owned businesses and their visionary leaders who serve as the economic engine of our country. It's essential that we keep their contributions top of mind across our communities, among leaders, and within the broader public. These businesses have the potential to succeed and continue adding significant value to our national economy.
We are especially grateful to small and women-owned businesses for their vital roles, including:
- Hiring from the communities in which they live and work
- Bringing innovation to the marketplace for our corporate and government partners
- Demonstrating committed and mission-driven leadership
- Supporting families and charitable organizations
I'm sure you can add even more to this list—and would agree that diverse businesses are essential at the local, regional, national, and global levels. Our economic ecosystem depends on collaboration, engagement, and mutual support to thrive.
Looking ahead, we hope you’ll join us at the annual WBENC National Conference, taking place June 23–26, 2025, in New Orleans, LA. Please register early, as onsite registration will not be available. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect, engage, and be part of something bigger on a national platform. Our Forum Committee, led by Tammy Cohen of InfoMart, is looking forward to seeing you there at the GWBC® Meet Up on Monday, June 23rd at 1:00pm CST! And don’t forget to check out our events/programs calendar and become engaged.
Lastly, we hope all the mothers, daughters, and sons in our community had a wonderful Mother’s Day with their loved ones.
We also want to take a moment to honor the memory of one of our beloved women business leaders and a mother whom we lost this past April: Paula Edwards, President of Lexair Electronics Sales Corp. Paula exemplified leadership, loyalty, commitment, and volunteerism. She served on the WBENC Women’s Enterprise Forum as well as GWBC’s Voice Forum, representing North Carolina with pride.
In 2024, Paula was thrilled to be named the WBENC Business Star representing GWBC®. On the national stage, she was recognized as the beautiful, humble, and accomplished woman that she was—leading a successful business in Greensboro, NC, and sharing her expertise across both public and private sectors. She actively engaged her team in GWBC® and WBENC events, contributing to the growth of our organization.
On a personal note, I will miss our text, email messages and long phone conversations. GWBC® has lost a vibrant, dedicated leader and volunteer. Please keep Paula’s family in your thoughts and prayers.
In closing, keep up the great work that you do every day and always remember that you are vital to this economy.
Always In Your Service!
Roz Lewis