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In today's newsletter:
- Join Us at the WBENC VIrtual Open House January 28
- Book Your Hotel! Room Blocks Now Open for Annual Conference
- Meet VyStar Credit Union in our "Coffee with a Corporate" series
- Applications Open for 50 Fastest Growing Women Owned/Led
- WBENC and Amazon Present Construction Industry Program
- Hone Your CEO Skills with 6-Month WBENC Lift Program
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Stay in the Loop: Join the
WBENC Virtual Open House
| | Staying Connected Matters Now More Than Ever | | |
Event: WBENC "Impact Your Business" virtual open house
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Time: 2 to 3 p.m. ET
Cost: Free
We know how full your calendar can be. Between work, family, and everything else competing for your attention, it’s fair to pause and ask: Is staying active in a professional association still worth it?
From our experience, the answer is a resounding YES — especially right now!
Staying connected keeps you informed, engaged, and positioned to make the most of the opportunities around you. When you stay active, you don’t just receive updates — you help shape priorities, strengthen the community, and ensure WBENC continues to meet real, evolving needs.
That’s why we’re inviting you to join WBEC Florida and your sister WBEs from all over the country for the upcoming WBENC Virtual Open House, where you'll hear about:
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The WBENC National Conference, which takes place June 15-18 in Salt Lake City. Learn more about the new and exciting aspects this year's event offers!
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Educational opportunities aimed at making you a better CEO for your company and in your industry.
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Networking opportunities that give you exposure to corporate partners as well as other dedicated business leaders like you.
Your voice matters — and your presence does, too. We encourage you to register, tune in, and stay part of the conversation. We’re here to support you, advocate for you, and grow together.
We hope to see you there!
Warmly,
Nancy, Lisa, Gelcy and Diane
Your WBEC Florida team
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BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM TODAY
WBENC has reserved blocks of rooms at numerous hotels for this year's national conference, which takes place June 15-18 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
If you've attended before, you know you need to reserve a room early because the spots sell out fast.
Conference registration opens soon!
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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:
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Willie Johnson, Vice President Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, and Economic Development
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Keith McDuffie, Procurement Manager
Each month starting in February, we’ll host featured guests who share insights about how their organizations work with suppliers, information on what they look for in new partners, and practical tips to help your business get noticed.
Join us for 30 minutes of conversation, 30 minutes of Q&A and networking ... and one powerful hour of connection!
Be sure to mark your calendar for these upcoming dates:
- March 11, 2026 — Guest TBA
- April 8, 2026 — Desiree Hanson, Moffitt Cancer Center
- May 13, 2026 — Guest TBA
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Winning Strategies Coming Soon!
We're excited to share that we had an enthusiastic turnout in response to our call for WBEC Florida members to apply to be presenters for our upcoming "Winning Strategies" series. We can't wait to help our members share their expertise with our world starting in February! Watch for dates and topics on our Events page.
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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.
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NATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
WBENC and Amazon
are Taking Applications
for Construction Program
Deadline: Monday, Jan. 26
This cohort-style Supplier Readiness Accelerator is designed to equip business owners in construction with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to meet the requirements of a robust corporate supply chain.
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NATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
WBENC Lift CEO Catalyst
Launches 6-Month Program
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m. ET
This strategic growth program is designed to transform entrepreneurs into visionary, confident leaders. It lasts January through June and helps participants build a CEO Catalyst Playbook.
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NATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
What's Your Company's Economic Impact Story?
WBENC is featuring powerful Economic Impact Stories in its newsletter, social media, programs and more!
EVERY business owner has a valuable impact story to tell, whether it's about new products or services, market expansion, community giving, job development or other factors.
Submit your story today!
| | | 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.
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