It’s no easy act to follow our Governor to the speaker’s podium, but I had just that privilege this morning when I gave remarks to the N.C. Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Coordinators’ Network quarterly meeting, which was hosted by our Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB).
The vibe in that room was electric even before Gov. Perdue made it clear that she is working hard to create jobs and improve the small- and minority-business climate in North Carolina, as evidence by Executive Orders 13 and 50, which increase opportunities for HUB firms to do business with the state. She also made a point of introducing Scott Daughetry, North Carolina’s first Small Business Commissioner, and promoting him as a resource.
The Coordinators’ Network, which has provided leadership to HUBs across North Carolina for more than two decades, brings together some of the best business minds in our state to brainstorm ways to help struggling businesses succeed and successful ones grow. The organization was instrumental in the creation of the Statewide Uniform Certification Program (SWUC), which last year established a “one-stop shop” in the HUB Office for HUB firms across the state to gain certification.
Along with key partners, this group can have a tremendous impact again this year in helping legislators understand the importance of the Governor’s proposals to help minority business enterprises to succeed, grow and stay in North Carolina. Working together, we can help our state eliminate impediments to success and increase opportunities for more underutilized businesses to meet and exceed their goals.
