25 Years of WBENC has been an extraordinary celebration thus far! Having a dynamic network participate in virtual and in-person events, connecting and communicating amongst thousands of women entrepreneurs inspires growth and support without limits. As part of our ongoing 25th anniversary and Innovate with WBENC content, we asked WBEs what is the newest or most important trend in their industry and in Supplier Diversity overall. Read on to learn more about areas of innovation opportunity!
Shelly Heller | Tempagenix, LLC
“Tempagenix, LLC. has seen a constant need for at home diagnostics. Temp N Toss has been at the right place at the right time. The need to have a simple reading thermometer is essential.”
About Tempagenix
Tempagenix was founded by two friends and colleagues, Shelly Heller and April Pollock, when they saw a need for a low cost, disposable and sustainable forehead thermometer for the consumer market. With the support of their WBENC contacts, the duo took a chance on launching the new start-up in 2016 and is now distributed at national retailers.
Hallie Satz | HighRoad Press
“The rise of Covid has turned my industry upside down. Just a few years ago I only heard that print was “DEAD.” With Covid, stores closing and online ordering becoming the new way to purchase everything, packaging has taken on a new meaning. Printing for us has transformed to anything that goes into a box that carries an item direct mail for those items shipped to their homes. It is a new industry and has replaced the way we purchase. Print may not be about traditional marketing, it is about online ordered goods. We now print many items that fit in this new stream.”
About HighRoad Press
Our story began in 2004 with a team of 10 talented, smart print professionals that wanted to change the face and reputation of the industry. With our commitment to diversity, a clean environment and best practices in quality & service, we quickly grew. Today we are over 50 full-time employees and a national leader as a woman-owned business in printing and manufacturing with multiple diversity certifications & print awards. Look closer, and you’ll see a competent, diverse staff following best practices in all areas of production and with customer service and satisfaction our #1 goal.
Thresette Briggs | Performance 3 LLC
“Based on the effects of the pandemic I think most important for the leadership development and training industry is building competency in leaders and entrepreneurs to lead diverse, global teams in hybrid work cultures so all feel they are included, belong, and have opportunities to contribute equally. This will enhance sustainability and positive impacts on individual and company productivity.”
About Performance 3 LLC
Performance 3, LLC (P3) is a national leadership development firm providing virtual and on-site keynotes, training and coaching and consulting services and products for leaders in diverse small business and global companies to achieve world-class high-performance. With over 60 combined team years experience partnering with companies in transition, turnaround and transformation, our integrated services and products can help you accelerate performance improvement.
Deborah Ward | Televergence Solutions Inc.
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“I feel the most important trend in the telecommunications industry has been rapidly transforming the way we live, work and play for many years. However, the growing use of evolving technologies, such as automation and artificial intelligence (AI), and the rise of internet of things (IoT) applications, are coinciding with intensifying competitive and regulatory pressures.”
About Televergance Solutions Inc.
Televergence is a 32+ year, nationwide telecommunications carrier who provides premium, all calls connect Inbound Toll Free and Outbound Long Distance Service to companies with high call volumes and/or in house contact centers. Our average length of customer exceeds 15 years.
Liz Whitehead | 12PointFive
“For large companies and small businesses who want to make a large impact, the biggest trend I see is looking beyond just ownership of the company to get a holistic view of how that company operates in the world and the overall impact it can have on supply chains. Locally-owned, diverse-owned, B-corp certified together tell a significant and impactful story. “
About 12PointFive
Liz Whitehead is the CEO of 12PointFive, a business development consultancy that specializes in building business development strategies so that diverse business owners can leverage certification and ultimately win new business. She supports her clients in reaching their goals through facilitation, consulting, and one-on-on coaching. Clients who work with Liz benefit from more matchmaker meetings at national conferences, more business opportunities, and more visibility in the supplier diversity networks.
Cristina Serralta | Amazon Printing
“Our industry is growing at a very fast rate, with newer machines that provide quicker and more elite products. Also, the branding industry is increasing due to the demand for low quantity branded products. Now we are able to produce branded products quicker and at lower cost, helping our clients achieve their goal at a price they can afford.”
Biddie Webb | Limb
“Digital is even more relevant. Another relevant trend is data. It is the key that people want and need for success and growth. We are focusing on providing more data to our clients as it gives the true picture of where they are and where they need or want to go with their marketing strategy.”
About LIMB
LIMB is an award-winning, women-owned, 38+ years young firm based in Houston, Texas. Our team is a collection of problem solvers, designers, techies, doers and shakers dedicated to developing brand and digital solutions to transform businesses.
The Future of Supplier Diversity in the WBENC Network
WBENC is honored to support supplier diversity among WBEs and Corporate Members alike by encouraging and embracing innovation and collaboration. Over 25 years, WBEs have contributed zealously to the economy and consistently inspire women to pursue entrepreneurship and kindred vocations. Predicting and analyzing trends within WBE industries can help other women business owners prepare for the foreseeable future and build community throughout the network.
