The Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses typically relies on established business practices to facilitate opportunities for minority-, disabled- and women-owned businesses in North Carolina. But the new demands of the Statewide Uniform Certification (SWUC) program led us to try a new method of communications: the webinar.
While not without a few technical glitches, the three webinars presented by HUB staff in recent weeks provided exceptional and cost-effective access for business owners, vendors and contractors statewide to receive free training without having to travel or even leave their workplace. Hundreds of individuals registered for the events, which we understand were viewed at desks, common areas and conferences rooms in office environments across the state.
The format may not have been ideal for all participants, but we received positive feedback about the ease of joining the online training, and the ability to interact by submitting questions or comments by phone, fax or email. We also heard good things about the improved function of Vendor Link, which can generate flexible bidder lists to enable businesses to connect with target audiences.
I am especially grateful to my staff – and specifically Lena Ridley, who gamely embraced the opportunity to develop this entirely new training module – for their dedication and willingness to do whatever it takes to assist our HUB firms and partners statewide.
HUB Office Director Bridget Wall-Lennon (center), Certification Specialist Sheryl Cromedy (left) and host Vallonda Calloway open the Sept. 24 SWUC Program webinar.