06.25 - June 2025 Message from the President

June is always an exciting time—filled with graduations, the celebration of Juneteenth, and the WBENC National Conference, taking place this year in vibrant New Orleans from June 23–26! We’re proud to share that over 190 attendees from GWBC®’s region have already registered—and we’re showing up strong!

There’s a saying: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” This couldn’t be truer for our women-owned businesses as they prepare to meet top corporations dedicated to supporting the growth and success of diverse suppliers.

If you’re attending the conference, be sure to review GWBC’s exclusive “Know Before You Go” email—only sent to registered attendees. And if you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time! Registration closes Wednesday, June 18th, and please note there is no onsite registration this year. So, unless you’re just vacationing in New Orleans, we encourage you to register now: WBENC National Conference Registration

Let’s Talk Preparation

Whether you're heading to the largest women’s business conference in the country or preparing for an important meeting with a prospective client, success is all about preparation. Think Y2K-level readiness—remember that? Our systems didn’t crash because of planning and execution. Let’s apply that same energy to your business readiness with these helpful tips:

• Verify your WBENC Certification is current and renewed on time.
• Research your target corporations—understand their latest updates and initiatives.
• Update your WBENCLink 2.0 profile using clear, technical and layman’s terms. Make your value easy to understand.
• Craft a strong 5-word elevator pitch. If it sparks curiosity, you've done your job!
• Connect with fellow WBEs, especially in your industry. Consider strategic partnerships or joint ventures. (Starting in the Third Quarter - Stay tuned for GWBC® Tables of 8 events across GA, NC, and SC—open to WBEs and corporations alike!)
• Follow up quarterly with target corporations. Share updates like revenue growth, new clients, or awards.
• Earn and maintain industry certifications such as EcoVadis (sustainability) or ISO 9000 (quality).
• Engage in GWBC® and WBENC programming to sharpen your business skills.
• Involve your team in GWBC® events to build brand presence. Sponsorships and donations are always available and welcomed.
• Update your website and leverage social media. Visibility matters—don’t be invisible in a digital world. If you aren’t visible it is like winking in the dark….. no one can see you.
• Schedule moments for self-care and reflection. Resilient leaders build resilient businesses.

As a woman-owned business, you are an essential contributor to our economy. Your innovation, resilience, and growth directly fuel our nation’s GDP. So—are you ready to seize the opportunities ahead?

We can’t wait to hear your success stories and hope to see you at an upcoming GWBC® or WBENC events!

Always in your service!

Roz Lewis