Stacey Key Archives - Page 3 of 6

Spotlight on GMSDC Business Opportunity Expo

April 28, 2015 by angishields

Let's Talk Small Business

Spotlight on GMSDC Business Opportunity Expo

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On this Let’s Talk Small Business we discuss the upcoming 2015 GMSDC Business Opportunity Expo with Florena Oliver, Vice President of Operations at GMSDC. With 7 years at the organization, Ms. Oliver has first-hand knowledge about how to get the most out of a GMSDC event. Being that the Business Opportunity Expo is one of the oldest and longest running event in the Southeast, it is a prestigious and affluent event to kick-start your networking initiatives for the year. Not sure you have what it takes to network with Corporate America? Listen in on what it takes to start building those relationships, and capacity by leveraging the Business Opportunity Expo in 2015.

Florena Oliver / GMSDC

Livia Whisenhunt with PS Energy Group

April 21, 2015 by angishields

Let's Talk Small Business

Livia Whisenhunt with PS Energy Group

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Join us in a conversation with a certified MBE of 28 years. Ms. Livia Whisenhunt is great GMSDC case study on the advantages of being a member. On this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, Ms. Livia Whisenhunt talks to us about what it means to invest in your future pipeline and the real impact of grabbing an executive’s attention with an elevator speech. A timely conversation to have in light of our Business Opportunity Expo coming up on May 4^th-5^th, where an elevator speech is truly a key induction into future opportunities. For corporates- maximizing your investment with suppliers is explored, and the advantage of getting to know your suppliers. “Don’t think you won’t learn from your potential customers- they may teach you.” A great conversation for MBE’s and Corporates alike.

Livia Whisenhunt / PS Energy Group

GMSDC Financial Summit – Access to Capital

March 31, 2015 by angishields

Let's Talk Small Business

GMSDC Financial Summit - Access to Capital

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Archie Jones / NOWaccount Network Corporation

Archie Jones is a leader in the corporate M&A world with a strong combination of financial and strategic skills. His expertise executing complex transactions around globe including mergers and acquisitions, strategic alliances and joint ventures provides a unique perspective on managing growth and expansion. Archie is well-known for turning strategy into action. He is highly effective working inside the organization developing and refining strategies and then setting priorities. He is equally effective and experienced navigating the capital markets, competitive landscape and global ecosystem to identify and assemble the right combination of capital, partners and assets to achieve the organizational goals and objectives. He is a well-rounded leader with previous Board experience.

Rodney Sampson / Opportunity Hub

Rodney Sampson is a serial entrepreneur (4 startups/2 exits), angel investor and author of four books, including Kingonomics: Twelve Innovative Currencies For Transforming Your Business & Life, Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sampson is also an Advisor to high growth startups such as Digit, growth stage companies such as Mark Burnett Productions, angel investment and venture funds such as Kay Koplovitz’s Springboard Fund and Semble’s WeFund; and Heads of State in Namibia, Gabon and Uganda throughout the world. Sampson is passionate about reducing our nation’s poverty and wealth gap by advancing the cause of innovation, coding, entrepreneurship, investment and capital formation as a way of life for all communities. To advance this definitive cause, Sampson created Opportunity Ecosystem (OE). Opportunity Ecosystem includes Kingonomics and opportunity.UP/unleashing private equity, the nation’s leading conference and learning platform learning for minorities and under-served communities to learn, navigate and master the innovation, entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem. Each year, Sampson’s conferences attract over 1,800 existing and aspiring entrepreneurs, 500 teenagers and 100 accredited investors and mentors. Opportunity Ecosystem also includes Opportunity Hub (OHUB), a multi-campus coworking space, entrepreneurship school, pre-accelerator and incubator headquartered in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. OHUB is home to Opportunity Ventures, a new seed and early stage fund focused on making investments in early stage consumer products, technology, supply chain innovation and social impact companies that impact culture and beyond. Sampson, an Atlanta native, is married and has six children.

Sonja Williams with Shock Theory

March 17, 2015 by angishields

Let's Talk Small Business

Sonja Williams with Shock Theory

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Continuing our spotlight on exceptional women entrepreneurs for our Women’s Month series, we were just joined by Sonja Williams from Shock Theory on March 17th, 2015, who had more than a few words of advice on how to stay digitally relevant in our ever-changing digital ecosystem. More than breaking molds on a personal level, her company, Shock Theory, is breaking molds on an enterprise level, as well. Necessitated out of the rising need for a coherent ecosystem to house emergent and dependent technology and services in-house, the evolution of Shock Theory almost seems like the inevitable solution to the one-off boutiques that limit your marketing vision to the services they can implement in-house. Shock Theory covers everything from experiential event marketing with complimenting technologies such as apps, presentations, and in-house video production studio and crew to create the digital piece that best fits your marketing or experiential needs. Today, Sonja Williams is looking to break the mold in other arenas. For more information on her new Micro University and Entrepreneur’s Ivy League online courses, follow her new hashtag campaign: #whateverittakes.

Here are the top 3 take-aways for our listeners:

1) Always design to mobile.

2) Stay authentic as a brand.

3) Less is more in rhetorical content – but visual content is king.

Tune in to find out more about social media best practices, and how best to optimize your web portal in the new era of DIY websites!

Sonja Williams / Shock Theory

Sonja N. Williams is a serial TECpreneur, digital product architect and Chief Executive Officer of ShockTheory, a technology-‐driven marketing agency that develops social engagement transactional-‐based technology, produces live events such as conferences, conventions and tradeshows and digital content for on-‐demand training platforms, live shows, products and services. The company has developed projects for Amtrak, Ford, American Family Insurance, Burger King, Verizon, The National Recording Academy and more.

Williams grew her company by delivering result-‐oriented, technology-‐focused projects that has yielded numerous awards including Entrepreneur of the Year by FraserNET and The Atlanta Business League’s Non-‐Traditional Enterprise of the Year. With over 15 years of experience, Williams’ personal focus is on launching total-‐market digital platforms with strategic efforts to disrupt the small business sector by helping underserved microenterprises and entrepreneurs to launch sustainable companies through digital consumer engagement.

Celebrating Womens History Month

March 10, 2015 by angishields

Let's Talk Small Business

Celebrating Womens History Month

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On today’s broadcast, we featured a dynamic panel of 3 all-star woman business leaders that covered the issues surrounding being a double minority threat in the current corporate market. Mary Parker can dedicate an entire wall in her office to the number of awards and accolades she has garnered for both her work in the community and her entrepreneurial work. Mary is the President and CEO of ALL(n)1, a multi-million dollar international enterprise, the President of ABD Contracting, and the Immediate Past Chair of the Atlanta Business League, as well as a board member to a handful of other prestigious councils. Indigo Triplett– Founder and CEO– and Tammy Davis– Director of Operations– from Careers in Transition also joined us. Their company has been recognized as one of America’s Fastest Growing Companies for the last 3 years in INC magazine, and has assisted everything from Fortune 500 companies to the Federal Government itself. Indigo Triplett, the Founder at Careers In Transition, is also a renowned speaker on the subject of career advancement and leadership. Tammy Davis has 15 years of success in HR and operations, as well intimate knowledge of Federal and Defense relations. Join us in exploring the executive suite of minority business women in Atlanta business, past, present, and future!

Dr. Indigo Triplett / Careers in Transition

Dr. Indigo launched Careers In Transition as an independent consultant in 1995, which quickly parlayed into a successful venture resulting in the company becoming incorporated in 1997. Initially, the company provided career transitional assistance during a period when many companies needed to downsize, but ultimately changed its focus to performance management. In 2012, 2013 and 2014, her company was recognized as one of America’s Fastest Growing Companies by INC. Magazine. Stateside to abroad–from Tucker, Georgia to Shanghai, China–she delivers a message and philosophy that is insightful; thus, resonating with people at every tier of their career or within an organization. As the author of Playing by the Unwritten Rules I: Moving from the Middle to the Top and Playing by the Unwritten Rules II: From a Job Defense to a Career Offense, she is a leading authority on career and performance management. Noted for “making the implicit explicit” and injecting humor into her subject matter, she is called upon by nationally recognized magazines, newspapers, television and radio outlets. She recently Founded Indigo Insights a nonprofit that is changing the conversation from mental illness to mental wellness.

Mary Parker / ALL(n)1 Security Services

Mary Parker, President & CEO of ALL(n)1 Security Services, Inc. has more than 30 years of experience in the security industry. ALL(n)1 Security is the country’s nationally certified African-American female owned full service security firm in the United States. These services include Security Personnel, Security Technology, Background Checks and Traffic Control Management.

In 2001, Mary Parker founded ALL(n)1 Security in the kitchen of her home, with one employee, herself. Today, ALL(n)1 consists of a staff of more than 200 employees. From a small home office in Atlanta, Georgia, ALL(n)1 has evolved into a multi-million dollar enterprise with offices in Alabama, Mississippi, and Africa. ALL(n)1 serves markets in the Southeastern, Eastern, Midwestern, Southwestern, and Western Regions. Her company has even worked side-by-side with the Secret Service to protect the First Lady and the President when each delivered commencement speeches in Atlanta. Mary Parker is also the President of ABD Contracting, LLC, a five‐year old female and minority‐owned full service concrete and asphalt paving company located in Atlanta, Georgia. ABD Contracting, offers a full range of milling, construction, installation, coating, striping, restoration and maintenance services. ABD has the resources and experience that meet or exceed federal specifications. The company operates as a general sub‐contractor in the States of Alabama and Georgia.

She is the Immediate Past Chair of the Atlanta Business League and is one of its 100 Women of Vision. Mary has participated in ABL’s Student Business Shadow Program since its inception. Through this program, she seeks to identify participants to award a scholarship from the Mary Parker Foundation Annual Back to school event.

She has been featured in Black Enterprise, Atlanta Business Chronicle, Atlanta Woman Magazine, Atlanta Daily World, Atlanta Tribune Magazine, to name a few. She is the recipient of the 2014, KLEANCollar Spirit of Excellence in Entrepreneurship, 2013 Concerned Black Clergy of Metropolitan Atlanta 2013 Salute to Mothers Business Award, 2012 Trumpet Awards Business, 2012 National Women Business Enterprise STAR Award, 2012 Enterprising Women Award, and 2010 National Minority Supplier Development Council – CLASS II Award.

Mary Parker holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and a Master’s Degree in Security Management from Stafford University. In Addition, she is a graduate of the Tuck Executive Leadership Program at Dartmouth, The Georgia Governor’s Mentor Protégé Program, Atlanta Economic Alliance Academy, Small Business Development Center, and Leadership Atlanta.

She is a sought after speaker for Criminal Justice students throughout the United States. She mentors youth, many women, new business owners, and aspiring security professionals. She believes that God chose her to go through many challenges and obstacles before allowing her to succeed. Her motivation is faith, commitment to change, and the responsibility to give back.

Mary Parker is the founder of the Mary Parker Foundation non-profit organization that is committed to uplifting humanity. The foundation aims to foster those imperative and principal fundamentals that are essential to lifelong learning. Signature programs include education, entrepreneurship and re-entry. Each program has been strategically designed to ensure all participants are placed on an assured and measurable pathway to success. A curriculum and program guide has been developed that empowers, enriches and motivates each participant, positioning them to attain key results. We are committed to “Raising Other Generations”. Mary Parker truly understands that to whom much is given, much is required.

Mary Parker is an ordained Minister. She is the mother of one daughter, Chana and 3 adorable granddaughters, Amber, Essence, and Jada.

Joseph Hudson with Hudson Strategic Group

March 3, 2015 by angishields

Let's Talk Small Business

Joseph Hudson with Hudson Strategic Group

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One of GMSDC’s original founders, Mr. Joe Hudson, joined us for a hallmark day at our studios in Atlantic Station. We could not have been privileged with a more appropriate guest on the morning of our Annual Meeting at The Coca-Cola Company headquarters. In this interview, Mr. Hudson recants the history of Georgia minority, the tribulations and the obstacles to market experienced. We engage in a healthy discussion of the needed resources for Georgia minorities from the perspective of a key player in the history and in the materialization of the MBE vision for supplier diversity in Georgia. Tune in!

Joseph Hudson / Hudson Strategic Group

“My focus is to work with small black businesses. God has prepared me to help people and I want to help my community. My experience is unique and it has evolved in ways most people don’t have a chance to experience” he explains. “Black businesses organizations, and the entire Black community get short changed for a variety of reasons. Some of that has to do with the views of black business- which are generally negative. Those views are also an extension of opinions many have about black people. The only way to change those negative opinions is through an education involving changing from a social discussion to an economic one.

Joe has recently written a book entitled: CITIworks and The 5% Solution Strategy. This book provides a strategy and method to involve Black businesses in the revitalization of inner city communities. It is a result of his over 40 years of community involvement experience. He is former head of the Interracial council for Business Development, founder and former President of the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, former President and current Vice Chair for Public Policy of the Atlanta Business League. Additionally, he is a nationally recognized expert on corporate Supplier Diversity development and former columnist on Small Business.

Black History Month – African American Enterprise in Georgia

February 17, 2015 by angishields

Let's Talk Small Business

Black History Month - African American Enterprise in Georgia

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You have never heard two different success stories than that of Sylvester Hester from ARD Logistics (and several other notable companies), and Orlando Lynch, from Peachtree Movers. These MBEs came to us for our February 17^th, 2015 show to talk about their struggle in building successful minority business enterprises for Black History Month, and there could not have been a better pair to talk about the real issues to both their success, and their journey. Covered are the critical issues that matter most to businesses starting out: finances, health, perspective, and dedication, and although the poised Mr. Hester, and the perpetually outgoing Mr. Lynch could not be more different as people, there is a genuine empathy and real outpouring of support from one entrepreneur to the other, that is palpable in the room. This show will leave you inspired. And we will leave you with a couple of quotes from our esteemed guests:

“What got you here, won’t keep you here, and won’t get you THERE.” Sylvester Hester

“You have to be [as a minority business] twice as good, and half as bad.” Orlando Lynch

Sylvester Hester / ARD Logistics, LLC

Sylvester Hester is Vice Chairman and Chief Operations Officer, Global Automotive Alliance (GAA). The enterprise is comprised of five manufacturing and logistics companies with eleven U.S. operations, and 1,400 employees. Since stepping into this role in 2008 Hester’s focus on operational excellence and sustained growth has resulted in a corporate acquisition, entré into new markets, an increase in facilities, innovation in product and service delivery and enhanced national and global relationships. GAA companies are: ARD Logistics, Global SQ, Grupo Antolin Wayne, Key Logistics and Vitec.

Global Automotive Alliance began as an automotive supplier in 1999 and today has the reputation for providing quality manufacturing and exceptional logistics management to aerospace, automotive, food & beverage, government and retailers. Hester led the aerospace expansion, including two new logistics operations in Charleston, SC, and in 2013 Global SQ, a logistics company providing quality inspection services for Toyota in Georgetown, KY was acquired.

His lengthy career in the automotive parts manufacturing began in 1985 as an engineering technician for General Motors Advanced Engineering. He quickly moved up to project engineer/project manager at Regal Plastics in Michigan before moving into account management at Tredegar Molded Products and Woodbridge Inoac. In 1993 Hester returned to Regal Plastics as Vice President where his success prepared him to initiate and launch ARD in 1998 when chairman and CEO, William Pickard selected him as president of ARD near Atlanta, Georgia. In 2003 he was named president of GAA’s newest acquisition, Key Logistics and today Hester is president of four GAA companies including Global SQ, and Grupo Antolin Wayne.

In addition to serving as president of GAA’s Advisory Board of Directors Hester is Vice Chair of the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council transportation and logistics committee, and is a board member for the Southern Region Minority Supplier Development Council and past board member of the Atlanta Business League. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

Hester is completing a Master of Science in Administration with concentration in Leadership at Central Michigan University, and has a Bachelor of Science in Plastics Engineering with an emphasis in Polymer Chemistry from Ferris State University. He has completed the Advanced Minority Business Executive Program (AMBEP) at Dartmouth College Tucks School of Business and the Kellogg School of Management Advanced Management Education Program (AMEP) at Northwestern University.

Orlando Lynch / Atlanta Peach Movers

Orlando Lynch established Atlanta Peach Movers, Inc. in Atlanta, GA in 1998. A relocation service company that offers commercial and residential relocation services locally in the Metro Atlanta area, nationally and internationally the company has garnered a reputation of quality and reliability among the Atlanta real estate community, mortgage brokers, home builders and national corporations.

Moving and storage service with an emphasis on customer service and quality. Gaining knowledge about the relocation industry and thinking of ways to create business have been a driving force behind the success of the company. Utilizing the Marketing degree from Arizona State University and the information gained from both Kellogg’s and Tuck’s CEO Management programs, Atlanta Peach Movers now boasts a fleet of 39 trucks and 4 tractor trailers.

Atlanta Peach Movers has received awards from Consumers’ Choice, Supplier of the Year – Tier II, 2010 from the Georgia Minority Supplier Diversity Council (“GMSDC”) and has designations for Corporate Plus ® status through the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council (“NMSDC”), Certified Pro-Mover through the American Moving and Storage Association (“AMSA”) and GSA Advantage listed.

In addition to his duties as President, Mr. Lynch also is an integral part of the firm’s marketing and business development. Heading a company in itself can be a stressor, coupled with the fact that moving is one of the top five most stressful things people can do in their life, Mr. Lynch exudes the “Sense of Urgency” he demands from his staff.

Mr. Lynch sits on the Board of Zoo Atlanta and is active in supporting several non-profit organizations including Hosea Feed the Hungry, the Warrick Dunn Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and the Nicholas House.

Mr. Lynch is married to Kaihra Lynch and has 3 children, Taylor, Tiffani, and Orlando James Lynch.

Small Business Week and MBEs

February 10, 2015 by angishields

Let's Talk Small Business

Small Business Week and MBEs

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Georgia declares its first official Small Business Week! Our February 10^th, 2015 show featured Ms. Mary McClanahan, Georgia’s Director of Entrepreneur & Small Business Development for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. The kick-off event at Georgia Tech for Small Business Week on Monday will highlight some of Georgia’s most innovative businesses in their “Rock Star” award series luncheon, so come prepared to get inspired by some of Georgia’s true path-blazers in some of the hottest sectors. As a precursor, however, tune in to find out what changes we can expect in 2015 for small enterprises, and mine the wealth of priceless information and resources Ms. McClanahan reveals will be the key to success in 2015 for small businesses. To find out more about Georgia’s first official Small Business Week kick-off at Georgia Tech, the amazing programs for 2015, and to get up to speed on some of the best resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses, please visit: http://www.georgia.org/business-resources/small-business-resource-directory/georgia-small-business-week/.

Mary Ellen McClanahan / Georgia Department of Economic Development

As Director of Entrepreneur & Small Business Development for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Mary Ellen helps find solutions and effective ways to build an enabling environment and support small business through mentoring, professional development, strategic planning, processes and resource awareness. She also connects with Georgia’s business and community associations so that thousands of businesses, local leaders and practitioners are aware of resources and opportunities. She also directs any sized businesses to the specific resources they need.

Mary Ellen is also an Existing Industry Project Manager within the Metro Atlanta region. She calls on growing companies making them aware of state resources and incentives and provides assistance with their growth plans and decision-making process. Mary Ellen also works closely with the local economic developers with their economic development efforts.

During her 16 years with the department, she helped develop and grow its regional economic development program, the “Entrepreneur Friendly” Initiative and acted as legislative liaison. Prior to that, Mary Ellen was the economic developer and president of two rural South Georgia chambers of commerce in Dodge and Sumter Counties.

Originally from Erie, PA and in Georgia since 1973, Mary Ellen serves on the boards of GEDA (Georgia Economic Developers Association), GACCE (GA Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives), Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection, Advisory Council for the Edge Connection and the DeKalb Workforce Investment Board.

She is a 1997 graduate of Institute for Organization Management, Leadership Georgia and a 2000 graduate of EDI (Economic Development Institute).

MBEIC Kickoff and Tier II Opportunities

February 3, 2015 by angishields

Let's Talk Small Business

MBEIC Kickoff and Tier II Opportunities

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Our Let’s Talk Small Business show on February 3rd 2015 featured Mr. Sylvester Johnson, Senior Manager Supplier Diversity of Home Depot, and Ms. Sylvia Nealy-David, the Principal Managing Consultant for Human and Technology Capital Advisors, LLC, and chair of the MBEIC. This show announced the MBEIC Kickoff event where Mr. Johnson will be the keynote speaker discussing the importance of Tier II opportunities in the corporate supply chain. Bringing more than 17 years of corporate experience at Home Depot, he shares a comprehensive view on the current minority business landscape in Georgia and identifies strategies for success with Tier II opportunities. This year the MBEIC focus will be on educating all MBE’s on the importance of Tier II , and how to maximize resources for growth and capacity building. Please join Sylvia and the entire MBEIC leadership for an exciting meeting as they kick off the year on February 16th, 2015 from 9-11 am at Georgia Power. We look forward to seeing you there, and helping you “Realize Tomorrow.”

Sylvester Johnson / The Home Depot

Sylvester Johnson leads The Home Depot’s efforts to tap into small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. He drives internal processes and functions as the external liaison to ensure The Home Depot forms mutually beneficial partnerships with small and diverse businesses. This allows The Home Depot to deliver innovative products and services and superb customer service, which ultimately increases shareholder value.

Sylvester joined The Home Depot in 1997 and has served in a variety of positions during his 17 year career at the company including Manager for Home Depot Tool and Truck Rental, Sr. Manager Inventory Planning & Replenishment, Sr. Manager Multi- Channel Integration and eBusiness Inventory Manager in the HD.com organization. He has also held key roles in Strategic Finance, Logistics Finance and Supply Chain. Prior to beginning his corporate career Sylvester spent several years working in The Home Depot stores as a Department Manager.

Sylvester is a graduate of Alabama State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance. He currently serves on the advisory boards for the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, and the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council. He is also a member of the NMSDC Retail Industry Group and the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Corporate Brain Trust.

Sylvia Nealy David / Human & Technology Capital Advisors, LLC

Sylvia Nealy David is the Managing Principal with Human and Technology Capital Advisors, a premier Human Capital Management consulting and solution implementation firm, specializing in the implementation of human capital management strategy utilizing technology. She is an International HR Executive with over 20 years of experience in human capital management. Sylvia has led international and national HR organizations in North America, South America, Southern and Central Europe for profit and non-profit organizations. She has experience in higher education, financial services, and the healthcare industries. Her expertise includes strategic human resources leadership and evaluation, total rewards management, workforce planning & diversity implementation, mergers & acquisitions, corporate compliance, leadership development, talent management, performance management and organizational design & development.

Sylvia is a pioneer in Human Capital Management. She developed an HR Capabilities Model. This model has established standard competencies for measuring HR effectiveness and efficiency. Sylvia has held several leadership roles with in human resources management. Prior to Human and Technology Capital Advisors, Sylvia was the Vice President for Human Resources for Morehouse School of Medicine, Global Vice President of HR at Habitat for Humanity International, and various leadership roles with Emory and Synovus Financial Corp.

Sylvia serves on the Board of Director, (HR Committee) for the Girls Scouts of Greater Atlanta, and is a Mentor for Pathbuilders, Inc. In addition, she serves as the Chair of (MBEIC) Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee for the NMSDC Georgia Affiliate Council, a member of the Board of Directors for the NMSDC Georgia Affiliate Council, and an appointee of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Advisory Council. Sylvia is also Chair of the Small Business Council Community Committee.