January 23, 2026

In today's newsletter:

  • Register for the WBENC VIrtual Open House January 28
  • Book Your Hotel Today for the Salt Lake City 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


Preview the 2026 Conference at WBENC Virtual Open House

Event: WBENC "Impact Your Business" virtual open house

Date: Wednesday, January 28

Time: 2 to 3 p.m. ET

Cost: Free


Whether you attend every year or you're considering attending for the first time, you'll want to know what's new and exciting at the 2026 WBENC Annual Conference. Find out why this event in Salt Lake City is one you don't want to miss!


WBENC is hosting a virtual open house next week to fill us in on these details and more.


Learn about other educational opportunities, networking events, and membership perks that can help your business thrive!


See you online!


Warmly,


Nancy, Lisa, Gelcy and Diane

Your WBEC Florida team

BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM!


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. Do it today!


Conference registration opens soon ... stay tuned!

Events

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


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!


Do you have a question you want to ask Vystar?

Click here to add it to our list!


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

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.

From Our Partners

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.

Opportunities

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.

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.

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!

Visit Our Website


Missed some past issues? See our Newsletter Archive.


Looking for events? Visit and bookmark our Events Page.

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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