2024 CRYSTAL COAST WOMEN IN BUSINESS CONFERENCE

Thursday, October 10th, 2024

Crystal Coast Civic Center

203 College Cir., Morehead City, NC 28557

8 am - 5 pm

August 17th- October 10th: $125.00 Registration Fee

$75.00 ticket price for women in their first year of business,

please email lindsey.burton@carteretcountync.gov for this offer price*

Space is Limited - Don't Miss this Unique Networking & Professional Development Opportunity!

After you submit your registration information, you will be directed to PayPal. If you are purchasing tickets for multiple attendees, please contact Lindsey Burton at lindsey.burton@carteretcountync.gov or 252-648-7880.

*Tickets are non-refundable*

By registering, attendees are allowing permission to use their likeness in photographs and/or videos for promotional and marketing purposes. These materials may be used in carious publications, including online platforms and promotional materials, without any compensation or further approval.

AGENDA

7:30 am – 8:30 am	Ahoy, Anchors Aweigh: Registration & Networking Breakfast
8:30am – 9:00am	High Tide Hustle: Energizing Your Journey to Success Kickstart the conference with an invigorating session designed to ignite your journey to success. This high-energy session sets the tone for the event, offering attendees a burst of motivation and inspiration to propel them forward in their professional endeavors. Get ready to harness the momentum of the high tide and embark on a transformative conference experience filled with possibility and promise. Speaker: Chisa Pennix-Brown \| Give It To The People
9:00am – 9:30am	Cast Your Net: Expanding Your Coastal Connections During this networking activity, we'll concentrate on expanding your sphere of influence, which encompasses the network of individuals who impact your personal or professional journey. The objective is to create an environment where participants can broaden their networks and foster connections that support personal and professional growth. We'll begin with introductions from everyone at the table, allowing each participant to share a bit about themselves. Following introductions, we'll dive into the core of the activity: identifying potential connections within our existing networks. Participants will have the opportunity to suggest individuals they know that could be beneficial connections for others in the group to meet. By actively seeking out connections and fostering relationships with diverse individuals, participants can expand their perspectives, access new resources, and enhance their ability to achieve their goals. Speaker: Chisa Pennix-Brown \| Give It To The People
9:30am – 9:45am	Transition Buffer – Session Intros Session Into & Speaker Bios
9:45am – 10:45am	Seaside Strategies: Marketing for Coastal Success Part 1 Dive into innovative marketing tactics tailored for coastal businesses in this dynamic panel discussion. Our expert panelists will explore cutting-edge strategies to elevate your online presence and drive success in the digital age. From leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize marketing efforts to harnessing the power of websites, Facebook, Instagram, and Canva, this session will provide actionable insights to help you stand out in the competitive coastal market. With a focus on practical tips and real-world examples, our panelists will guide you through two engaging parts, offering valuable advice and answering your burning questions along the way. Don't miss this opportunity to gain the knowledge and tools you need to make waves in your industry! Part 1 will cover A.I and Website Speakers: Amy Brinkley \| The Blond Cook & Make Mine a Mocktail Cheryl Pigott \| BG Digital
10:45am – 11:00am	Brief Break
11:00am – 12:00pm	Seaside Strategies: Marketing for Coastal Success Part 2 Part 2 will cover Facebook & Instagram and Canva Speakers: Chisa Pennix-Brown \| Give It To The People Taylor McCune \| Carteret County Chamber of Commerce
12:00pm – 12:45pm	Lunch
12:45pm – 1:00pm	Transition Buffer – Session Intros Session Intro & Speaker Bios
1:00pm – 2:00pm	Navigating Finances: Bookkeeping Basics & Accounting Insights Gain fundamental insights into bookkeeping and accounting essentials from a seasoned CPA. In this informative session, attendees, particularly new and prospective business owners, will receive expert guidance on basic bookkeeping principles. Delve into key concepts such as accrual and cash basis accounting, distinguishing between expenses and revenues, and exploring the options of manual versus software-based bookkeeping. Additionally, discover the benefits of outsourcing bookkeeping tasks and gain clarity on what your business truly requires in terms of bookkeeping practices. Join us to demystify the essentials and lay a solid foundation for financial management in your business journey. Speaker: Lindsey Willis, CPA \| Rogers and Company
2:00pm – 2:15pm	Transition Buffer – Session Intros Session Intro & Speaker Bios
2:15pm – 3:45pm	Tidal Talks: Women Entrepreneurs Making Waves Explore the experiences of local female entrepreneurs in this session. Through candid discussions, they'll share their personal stories of struggle, success, and challenges as business owners. Gain insights and lessons learned from their journeys, from overcoming obstacles to seizing opportunities. Whether you're established or just starting out, this session offers a unique opportunity to find inspiration for your own path to success. Speakers: Stephanie Mann \| Keller Williams Crystal Coast Kat Suralik \| Tranquility Hope Peterson \| Pause Wellness Dawn Brock \| Coastal Press Susan Hill \| Down East Mariculture
3:45pm – 4:00pm	Transition Buffer – Session Intros Session Intro & Speaker Bios
4:00pm – 4:30pm	Anchor Points: Achieving Stability in Work-Life Balance Dive into strategies for achieving stability in work-life balance. Discover how to navigate the demands of professional and personal life, finding anchor points that provide stability amidst the ebb and flow of daily responsibilities. Through practical insights and discussions, learn how to establish boundaries, prioritize tasks, and cultivate habits that promote harmony between work and life. Whether you're seeking to strike a balance between career ambitions and personal well-being or aiming to optimize productivity and fulfillment in both realms, this session offers valuable guidance for anchoring yourself in stability amidst life's currents. Speaker: Wanda Bennet \| Work on Wonderful Consulting
4:30pm – 5:00pm	Bon Voyage Finale – Q & A and Dessert Send Off Experience the grand finale of the conference, where we indulge in delectable desserts while welcoming all speakers back to the stage. This segment offers a unique chance for attendees to engage directly with our experts, posing their questions and gaining valuable insights to wrap up the event on a high note.

Chisa Pennix-Brown

Chisa D. Pennix-Brown, MBA is a Virtual Educator and Mental Wealth Life Stylist. She is best known for her award-winning company, Lady Bizness. However, her new company, Give it to the People, a lifestyle brand focused on curated events for entrepreneurial Mental Health, Business Growth, and Education.

Chisa is also a podcaster and host of Real Ass Affirmations podcast which provides an additional outlet to inspire and build confidence as it has garnered over 277K downloads. She is committed to helping entrepreneurs navigate the imperfect imbalance of self-care while making money through authentic social engagement, networking, and marketing. She likes to take entrepreneurs on nature walks, light hiking, and desires to create a meditation retreat.

She is the Chief Curator of Give It To The People®, a Mental Wealth Company focused on Curated Conferences & Business Events for Entrepreneurs. We provide business coaching, counseling, social media marketing services, content curation, and event coordination.

In her spare time, Chisa enjoys music, preferably 90's Hip Hop, curating playlists for her events, mocktail mixology, cooking, and going on foodcations with her husband.

Cheryl Pigott

Cheryl Pigott, Founder and President of BG Digital Group, enjoys helping others and it shows in her devotion to ensuring her client partners receive marketing that matters for their businesses. Her background in marketing and advertising began after graduating from Old Dominion University with a degree in English focusing on professional writing. Before starting her own business, Cheryl gained experience working in public relations and marketing for a Fortune 500 company and a nationally known non-profit. She started BG Digital Group in 2007 after returning to North Carolina to raise her family with her husband, Andy. She saw a need for a small business focused agency and worked tirelessly to bring a team together that cared for small businesses as much as she did. In 2018, Cheryl became StoryBrand Certified, which is a marketing focused content writing certification, and held that certification for five years. She and her team stay abreast of digital marketing trends and receive updated training when possible. In 2023, she received continuing education on content marketing and learned more about integrating AI ethically for the small businesses that BG Digital Group represents.

TAYLOR MCCUNE

Taylor McCune, the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce Marketing and Program Development Director, leverages more than 15 years of expertise in marketing and journalism to enrich Carteret County's commerce and community. She started designing and building websites at age 15, and dove into graphic design with working at NC State's Technician student newspaper. She's a pivotal force in local business growth and community resilience, co-founding the Beaufort Development Association and spearheading vital communication networks.

LINDSEY WILLIS

Lindsey Willis joined Rogers CPAs in December 2015. She received her Bachelor of Science degree Magna Cum Laude from Barton College where she doubled majored in Accounting and Business Management. Lindsey completed her CPA testing in 2016 and became fully licensed CPA in August of 2016. Lindsey currently serves as the national director for the Miss Rodeo North Carolina Organization and as a volunteer with 4H where she combines her passion for equine with her love for helping develop strong youth leaders.

Stephanie Mann

Meet Stephanie Mann, a seasoned real estate professional with an extensive background and diverse skill set that instill her with profound expertise and unwavering reliability. With nearly two decades in the industry, Stephanie's sharp acumen and astuteness make her an exceptional agent and a devoted advocate for her clients. Navigating the vast and occasionally challenging waters of each listing is second nature to her, even in unfamiliar territory.

Stephanie's work ethic is a blend of determination and compassion, and she remains at her clients' side throughout the entire process, ensuring they are well informed at every stage. Her ultimate objective is to eliminate any uncertainty for her clients, leaving them with a clear understanding of what to expect next.

Her professional journey has included experiences in a law firm and a title company, giving her firsthand exposure to attorneys and lenders, resulting in valuable connections and resources from her longstanding career. From handling intricate contract details to overcoming due diligence challenges and skillfully negotiating deals, Stephanie's wisdom shines through.

Wanda Bennett

Growing up in Carteret County, Wanda learned early on the value of being involved in, and giving back to, her community. She is a business consultant specializing in Management, Leadership, and Business Development, and utilizes her 35+ years of experience to help others excel by pulling from lessons learned from upper management in the retail industry, ownership in a full-service marina, and directing the Carteret Community College Small Business Center. Her business, Work on Wonderful Consulting, LLC, provides corporate and workplace training, one-on-one business development, and seminars to various educational facilities across North Carolina.

Wanda serves on several local boards and also enjoys serving in her church. She and her husband, Tommy, live in Morehead City and have four adult children and six grandchildren.

Kat Suralik

Kat is a National Board Certified Massage Therapist, NC Licensed Massage Therapist and Esthetician. After working at large corporate spas, Kat decided to open her own business in 2010. At Tranquility, Kat has created a team of professionals who have the ability to take the time to customize each service to every individual client and build relationships. With over 20 years experience in Massage Therapy and 17 years experience in Esthetics, Kat enjoys mentoring and training others in the field.

Kat has served on many local boards and enjoys spending her time volunteering in our community. She and her husband live in Morehead City with their two children.

Hope Peterson

Hope is a Community-centric Menopause Connoisseur!

She’s a Menopause Experts Group Champion, Personal Trainer, and Yoga Instructor and truly understands the challenges that women going through menopause face. With over twenty years of experience in the health and wellness industry, Hope made it her mission to help women feel confident and more comfortable in their own skin.

In addition to her personal journey, she also dedicated her career to supporting important causes in women's health, such as infectious diseases, cognitive health, and cancer research. Despite a busy corporate career, she always made time to teach fitness classes, provide wellness coaching, and offer personal training services to various organizations like Duke Health, BAYER/BASF, Excel Body Fitness, and Epic Games.

Hope founded Pause Wellness, LLC with the goal of creating a supportive community for women going through menopause. She aims to be the Menopause Easy Button, by providing quick answers, connections with others, and valuable resources to help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. She is excited to be on this journey with you and looks forward to helping you feel your best "one hot flash at a time."

DAWN BROCK

Dawn Brock's journey with Coastal Press, Inc. is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Coming from her hometown of Marshallberg, NC, Dawn joined the Coastal Press family in 1999, initially assuming the role of receptionist. However, her passion for creativity and design quickly became apparent, leading her to transition into graphic design responsibilities in 2001. With her steadfast dedication and unwavering passion for the printing and signage industry, Dawn embraced the role of president in 2022 following the tragic passing of her beloved husband and former Coastal Press president, Chris Brock. Under her leadership, Coastal Press has continued to flourish, embracing modern technologies while preserving its traditional values, upholding Coastal Press’ legacy of quality craftsmanship. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dawn is a devoted mother to her two children, Addison and Andrew, each pursuing their own paths of excellence. As Addison embarks on her studies at Appalachian State University in advertising, and Andrew serves his country in the US Army at Fort Carson, Colorado, Dawn's role as a leader extends far beyond the confines of the office, encompassing a deep commitment to her family. Dawn's impact extends into the community through her charitable volunteer work with local businesses and schools. She served as the chairman for the East Carteret High School Band Wintertide Gala and East Carteret High School Band Golf Tournament helping raise over $100,000 for the Marching Mariners. Through her selfless acts of kindness and unwavering commitment to making a difference, Dawn Brock hopes to inspire those around her to reach new heights of success and generosity.