Women in Business (WIB) events are held at various Chamber member locations. This program is designed to empower and inspire professional women through motivating messages, mixers, and networking opportunities. Events are held from 12:00-1:00 p.m. or 5:00-7:00 p.m. Meetings begin September- April; however, WIB does not meet in January. Beverages and appetizers are provided by the sponsor. Admission is free for members and $20 for nonmembers.

Through educational breakfast events and other social events throughout the year, professional women can build lasting relationships and gain valuable knowledge on important topics such as:

• Increasing sales
• New marketing strategies
• Effective networking
• Personal development

WIB events address the challenging business needs that women in business face through:

• Dynamic Speakers
• Engaging Dialogue
• Online Communication

Business After Hours (BAH) is one of the Chamber’s premier networking events. Professionals utilize this opportunity to discuss and share ideas in a relaxed, social atmosphere, while learning about other member businesses.

• When? From 5-7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month, this is a float in and out event.
• Where? BAH are sponsored and hosted at Chamber member establishments.
• Cost? This event is free for members and open to non-members for a $20 fee payable at the door.
• What to wear? Dress is business casual
• What to bring? Business cards to exchange with potential customers and to enter the door prize drawing.
• Hor d’oeurves and beverages are provided by the sponsor.

The Rowan Chamber’s Minority Business Council was organized in 2016 by a great group of local minority business leaders. Elia Gegorek (Gegorek & Associates Realty) is the chair of the Council. Over 40 attendees usually attend the various functions.

The goal of the Council is to help minority businesses grow and prosper. The Rowan Chamber coordinates meetings, seminar and networking events. The City of Salisbury serves as a co-sponsor of the program. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s Small Business Center and Livingstone College also provide support.

The Minority Business Council Action Plan includes:

• Monthly meetings on the Third Tuesday of Each Month at 9 a.m.
  • Two Minutes to Promote Your Business
  • Profile of a Successful Minority Business
  • Expert Speakers: CPA, Attorney, Marketing exec’s
• Promote the RCCC Small Business Center’s free counseling and seminars
• Work with the new Rowan IDEA Center at West End Plaza to encourage entrepreneurial development in our community
• Work with the City of Salisbury on an Angel Investment Fund for minority businesses
• Mentor minority students at Livingstone, Catawba & RCCC who are interested in starting businesses
• Host an Annual Meet and Greet
• Assist interested persons with Minority Supplier Development Certifications
• Promote City of Salisbury bid opportunities for minority business contracts
• Encourage major employees to increase their minority business vendors
• Produce a Minority Business Directory in conjunction with the Chamber’s Annual Membership Directory

For more information on the Minority Business Council, please contact Elaine Spalding at 704.633.4221 or espalding@rowanchamber.com