In today's newsletter:

• Join Us for Virtual Coffee with VyStar Credit Union on Feb. 11
• Book Your Hotel Today for the Salt Lake City Conference
• Apply for 50 Fastest Growing Women Owned/Led Companies
• Save the Date for Moffitt Cancer Center Business Symposium

Learn What Corporations Need

From Businesses Like Yours

February Coffee with a Corporate:

Featuring VyStar Credit Union

Event: Monthly Coffee with a Corporate webinar

Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Time: 10 to 11 a.m.

Cost: Free for members and nonmembers

Guests:

• Willie Johnson, Vice President, Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, and Economic Development
• Keith McDuffie, Procurement Manager

Do you have a question you want to ask Vystar?

Click here to add it to our list!

Join us for 30 minutes of conversation, 30 minutes of Q&A and networking ... and one powerful hour of connection!

Mark your calendar for these future Coffee with a Corporate sessions:



• March 11, 2026 — Brian Auden, Affinity Inc. magazine
• April 8, 2026 — Desiree Hanson, Moffitt Cancer Center
• May 13, 2026 — Guest TBA

We’re excited to invite you to the kickoff of Coffee with a Corporate, a virtual conversation series designed to give you real insight into how corporate and institutional decision-makers think.

The first session features two representatives from one of WBEC Florida’s trusted partners, VyStar Credit Union. These professionals work closely with businesses and understand how relationships, readiness, and process all come together in today’s business environment.

Each month, we’ll host featured guests who share insights about:

• How their organization works with suppliers.
• What they look for in new partners.
• Practical tips to help your business get noticed.

Whether you’re interested in working with VyStar specifically or simply want to better understand how procurement and supplier development work across corporations and institutions, this conversation will give you practical insight you can apply anywhere.

Meet. Sip. Connect. Repeat.

Save your seat today!

Meet Us in Salt Lake City

at the WBENC National Conference!

WBENC is raising the bar to expand the impact of our network at the 2026 WBENC National Conference, which takes place June 15-18 in Salt Lake City, Utah!

Prepare for an energizing, forward-thinking experience designed to deepen connections, unlock new opportunities, and accelerate growth at every level. Here's what you can expect:

• Productive meet-and-greets with corporate partners and other WBEs, where connections can become collaborations.
• Future-focused education in sync with today’s business challenges.
• A bustling expo featuring hundreds of exhibitors, targeted industry experiences and a new prime supplier initiative.
• A Regional Partner Organization (RPO) Meet-Up for our group from Florida and the Caribbean.

Registration opens soon, but you can book your hotel room now!

Certification 101:

Do You Know Someone

Who Wants to Join Us?

When: 2 to 3 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month 

Upcoming session: Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026

Where: Online via Zoom

Registration: Free

WBEC Florida Certification Director Lisa Roblejo walks you through the process of applying for certification and helps guide you on the next steps.

WBENC Florida Onboarding

When: 2 to 3 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month 

Upcoming session: Thursday, Feb. 19

Where: Online via Zoom

Registration: Free

Now that you're certified, let us introduce you to the world of WBENC from a regional perspective. Learn how and where to use the branding, including the Women Owned logo, to let others know about your new credentials. Understand how the WBEC Florida region supports you and your business through events, communications and other activities. Learn about our corporate partners and helpful resources. WBEC Florida Certification Director Lisa Roblejo will be your guide.

NATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

WPO Opens the 2026

50-Fastest Nominations

Deadline: Friday, Feb. 13

The Women Presidents Organization and J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking have launched their search for the 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies for 2026. Now in its 19th year, the listing features privately owned companies that have generated at least $500,000 in revenue for each of the past five years through 2025. You do not have to be a WPO member to qualify, and there is no cost to apply.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

WBEC Florida and WBENC Anti-Discrimination Policy

As a community of entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and economic development thought leaders, WBENC and the WBEC Florida Regional Partner Organization are committed to the elimination of discrimination in all areas of business and the provision of equal opportunity when accessing capital, contracts, and contacts. In compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, we do not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status in any of our policies, procedures, or practices. This anti-discrimination policy covers admission and access to, and treatment, in all programs and activities.