NAWBO Memphis (National Association of Women Business Owners, Memphis Chapter) honored graduates of its Women’s Business Accelerator on Tuesday June, 14th at The Crescent Club. Carolyn Hardy, owner of Hardy Logistics and Chairman of The Greater Memphis Chamber, delivered the keynote address, “NAWBO Women, Taking the Next Steps”. Hardy, who bought the Coors plant for $9 million in 2006, and five years later, sold Hardy Bottling to Blues City Brewing for more than $30 million, imparted a great deal of wisdom to attendees. “An entrepreneur sees obstacles as opportunity”, Hardy said. “You only have power if you use it,” she added. In closing, she remarked, “It’s not important that you know everything; it’s important that you know who knows what you don’t.”
Envisioned and facilitated by Kim Heathcott, Owner of Clarion Security and Shawn Karol Sandy, Founder & Chief Revenue Officer of The Selling Agency, the NAWBO Memphis Women’s Business Accelerator kicked off its inaugural run in January 2016 under the presidency of Dianne Dixon, Owner and Architect of Clark Dixon Architects. The accelerator focuses specifically on the needs of women business owners. During the 6-month program, participants experience an intensive, growth-focused program that includes valuable workshops, seminars, networking opportunities, and ongoing coaching sessions. Each aspect of the program is carefully designed to provide participants with the information and tools necessary to propel them toward their goals. A dynamic group of local and national industry leaders provide hands-on instruction, strategy, training, and expertise.
Graduates of the 2016 NAWBO Memphis Women’s Business Accelerator include: Suzan David, Owner of Bluff City Communications; Beatrice Blatteis, Owner of Blatteis Communications;Lisa Busby, Owner of LMCB Social; Brandy Aden, President of A & B Construction Company; Gwendolyn J. Tucker, Managing Partner of RIX International; Kathy Kelley, Owner of K Design Signs and Exhibits; Kim Garmon Hummel, Founder and Chief Branding Saucier of Sauce Marketing; Stacy McCall, CEO and President of ServiceMaster by Stratos and Hughetta Dudley, CEO, Stragistics Technology Inc.
The next session of the NAWBO Memphis Women’s Business Accelerator will begin January 2017. For more information about NAWBO Memphis and the accelerator, please visit www.NAWBOMemphis.org/accelerate.