April 11th marked a milestone and the Greater Women’s Business Council (GWBC®) proudly celebrates 25 years of empowering women-owned businesses and advancing economic growth throughout our region and the nation. Over the past quarter-century, we have faced—and overcome—significant challenges, including the aftermath of 9/11, the Great Recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, and now, a new and evolving economic environment that will no doubt leave its mark on our history.
Ironically, each of these defining moments occurred during milestone years for GWBC®. And each time, we’ve risen—like a phoenix from the ashes—renewed in our commitment to championing our mission. Our resilience is not only a reflection of the organization, but of the strong community of women entrepreneurs and corporate partners who believe in the power of inclusive economic opportunity.
From our humble beginnings in a 75-square-foot office space in 2000 to our expansive 4,400-square-foot headquarters in 2025, GWBC’s physical growth mirrors the impact we’ve made over the years. This growth has culminated in the creation of the WBE Collaborative in Atlanta, GA, a dynamic, professional environment designed to expand opportunities and foster success for women-owned businesses.
As we look ahead, it is critical that we remain laser-focused on the present. The decisions we make today will shape our future. Many of our women-owned businesses and corporate members are navigating uncharted territory, each affected in different ways. The question before us is not whether we will adapt—but how we will lead through these times with strength, vision, and purpose.
Together, we are more than 1,500 WBENC-certified women-owned businesses and over 40 committed corporate members, united by a shared goal: to scale businesses, strengthen communities, and fuel economic progress.
Now is the time to act collectively. As one of the largest and most influential economic ecosystems (women businesses) in the country, we must proactively design a strategic, sustainable, and actionable plan that ensures growth and opportunity for all within our network.
With our north star to guide us, let us remember the importance of getting engaged—in our programming, events, and initiatives. We need your expertise, your ideas, and your voice at the table. It is through active participation that we spark innovation, create lasting impact, and continue building the legacy of GWBC®.
We are proud to recognize two exceptional women-owned businesses that have been WBENC-certified with GWBC® since our inception: Exclusive Imports, Inc. and Ritch Electric Company, Inc. Your dedication, resilience, and continued partnership over the past 25 years have been instrumental in helping us grow our mission and impact.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to our founding corporate partners—Delta Air Lines, UPS, The Coca-Cola Company, and Bank of America—who have stood beside us since day one. Your 25 years of unwavering support have helped shape the foundation of GWBC and continue to fuel opportunities for countless women-owned businesses across our region.
Celebration is in the air as we proudly honor 27 remarkable women-owned businesses celebrating 25 years of entrepreneurial excellence in 2025. Your dedication, innovation, and resilience continue to inspire and elevate the GWBC® community:
- ApplePark Learning Solutions, Inc.
- Bennett International Logistics, LLC
- Ginny' O's Inc.
- Gurkin Construction Group, Inc.
- Hightower Group, LLC
- Id8, Inc.
- Innolect Inc.
- J. L. Raper, Corp.
- Lake Norman Transportation Services Inc.
- La-Tea-Da's Inc.
- Linwick & Associates, LLC
- Madison Telecommunications, Inc.
- Maptech Packaging LLC
- Midland Communications, Inc.
- North Metro Waste and Hauling, Inc.
- Pait Contractors, Inc.
- Poly-Fiber Enterprises Inc.
- Polystone Creations, Inc.
- PPS International Ltd.
- Public Impact, LLC
- Queen Associates, Inc.
- Racemark International, LLC
- Ritecom Group, Inc.
- Spatial Engineering, Inc.
- The Skinner Company, Inc.
- Tysinger Promotions, Inc.
- Vidalia Brands, Inc.
We applaud each of you for reaching this milestone and thank you for your continued contributions to the success of women-owned businesses across our region.
Here’s to the next 25 years—of rising, building, and thriving together.
Always in your service!
Roz Lewis