2025 CRYSTAL COAST WOMEN IN BUSINESS CONFERENCE

Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 | 8 am - 4:30 pm

Crystal Coast Civic Center (203 College Cir., Morehead City, NC 28557)

$125

Buy 8 tickets, get a reserved table!

Reserved tables include custom signage with your name or business to recognize your support and ensure your group is seated together in a prime location of the stage.

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

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

Thank you for supporting our 501(c)(3) nonprofit!

With your support, we’re able to give grants back to the community and continue hosting educational and networking events that make a real impact.
We couldn’t do it without you!

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

8:00 am – 8:45 am	Sunrise Social: Registration & Beachside Breakfast
8:45 am – 9:15 am	Sandy Squares: Beach Scavenger Hunt – a playful mix of exploration and casual networking. A networking scavenger hunt adds a fun, interactive spin to meeting new people! Instead of numbers, fill your card by connecting with others, finding shared interests, or discovering fun facts. It's the perfect icebreaker to spark conversations and build real connections.
9:15 am – 10:00 am	Anchored in You: Building Leadership from Your Strengths Great leaders aren't one-size-fits-all - they're self-aware, genuine, and have a strong sense of others’ needs, strengths and abilities. In this session, Veneer Tech's Champion of People & Culture, Laura Zapata, guides you through a powerful shift: from trying to fit into a mold to discovering the kind of leader you already are. Through a self-assessment exercise and open discussion, we'll explore the leadership qualities you naturally hold, identify core strengths and roadblocks, then dive deep into what they look like in action. You'll walk away with practical, everyday tools to strengthen your leadership style - and maybe more importantly, you'll leave reminded that every role matters on a team. Whether you lead from the front or support from the side, your voice, presence, and growth make a difference. Speaker: Laura Zapata \| Veneer Tech
10:00 am – 10:45 am	Coastal Clarity: EOS Tools for Smooth Sailing Dive into proven strategies to streamline your EOS journey, build stronger teams, and keep your business sailing smoothly. Get ready to ride the waves of growth with clarity and confidence! Speaker: Carlie Lockey \| EOS Worldwide
10:45 am – 11:00 am	Brief Break
11:00 am – 11:30 am	SeaZen: Flow & Focus Chair Yoga Stretch, breathe, and reset with ocean-inspired movement to anchor your energy. Yoga Instructor: Betsy Bertram
11:30 am – 12:00 pm	Current of Confidence: Chisa’s Midday Motivation Let the energy rise with a powerful talk to carry you through the day. Speaker: Chisa Pennix-Brown \| Give It To The People
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm	Beach Break: Networking Lunch & Lounge Grab lunch, swap stories, and soak up the sun while making meaningful connections. Lunch will be provided by Gaffers.
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm	Swell Media: Surfing the Social Scene A Jeopardy-style panel about leveraging social media- fun, fast, and full of tips to ride the digital wave with confidence Speakers: Erin Derry \| Veneer Tech Erin Cloninger \| Friendly Market Gabbi Garner \| UASHMAMA
2:30 pm – 3:15 pm	Waves of Intelligence: AI at the Shoreline of Innovation This conference brings together leading minds in artificial intelligence to explore the cutting edge of innovation, ethics, and real-world impact—where technology meets the tide. Speakers: Chisa Pennix-Brown \| Give It To The People
3:15 pm – 3:25pm	Break
3:25 pm – 4:00 pm	Grant Winners Announcement
4:00 pm – 4:30pm	Sweet Send-Off: Cupcakes & Closing Reflections Celebrate a day well spent with beachy treats, community cheers, and take-home wisdom.

CARLIE LOCKEY

A licensed school teacher by background, Carlie spent 10 years working with Chick-fil-A franchises, where she gained deep insight into team development and operational excellence. In 2016, she founded Remarkable People Solutions to help entrepreneurs build high-performing teams and grow strong workplace cultures. In 2025, she leveled up her mission by becoming a Professional EOS Implementer®, empowering business owners to get what they want from their businesses through clarity, structure, and execution.

GABBI GARNER

Gabbi Garner is the Marketing Manager at UASHMAMA USA, the U.S. partner of a family-owned and managed brand based in Tuscany, Italy. UASHMAMA is known for its sustainable, artisan-crafted home and wear products made from innovative washable paper, combining traditional Italian craftsmanship with contemporary design.

She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration from East Carolina University, a foundation that informs her thoughtful and strategic approach to marketing. With experience in both agency settings and in-house teams, Gabbi offers a well-rounded perspective on brand building and digital communication.

In her role at UASHMAMA, she leads a wide range of initiatives including social media management, consumer and business email marketing, influencer and brand partnerships, digital advertising, content strategy, product marketing, and the development of print materials. Her ability to blend creativity with strategy allows her to craft compelling narratives that elevate the brand and engage diverse audiences.

Gabbi is proud to collaborate with a company rooted in sustainability, craftsmanship, and strong family values. She is continually inspired by the evolving nature of marketing and the creative possibilities it brings to each new project.

Chisa Pennix-Brown

Chisa D. Pennix-Brown is the Chief Experience Cultivator of Give It To The People, a business service organization specializing in curated conferences, professional development, and ecosystem building. She partners with cities, counties, and entrepreneur support organizations to increase capacity, enhance marketing strategies, and expand access to funding and collaboration opportunities.

Chisa is also the creator of the Give It, Get It Business Membership, providing customized solutions that help communities strengthen their entrepreneurial programs and deliver measurable impact. As the author of The 90 Day Focus: Your Action Plan for Success and host of two podcasts—Give It To The People and Real Ass Affirmations—she brings engaging, practical insight to every conversation. Chisa is a sought-after keynote speaker, panel moderator, and emcee known for creating powerful, energizing experiences that move people to action.

ERIN DERRY

Erin Derry is the Communications Manager at Veneer Technologies, where she leads efforts across social media strategy, internal communications, community relations, and corporate citizenship. With over five years of experience in marketing, Erin brings a people-first, data-driven approach to brand storytelling.

Her goal is simple: uncover the not-so-hidden gem that is Veneer Tech through intentional, analytics-backed marketing. Erin is passionate about connecting communities through storytelling and using research-backed strategies to create strategy-backed marketing solutions.

ERIN CLONINGER

Erin Cloninger is the Head of Marketing and Advertising at The Friendly Market in Morehead City, North Carolina. A graduate of NC State University with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing (Go Pack!), Erin began her career in social media agencies, where she honed her skills in digital marketing strategy and content creation.

In December 2023, she transitioned in-house to The Friendly Market, where she now leads all marketing efforts — from social media and print advertising to billboard campaigns, website management, and customer newsletters. Erin also oversees hiring and proudly holds the unofficial title of “Morale Officer,” bringing energy and positivity to the team each day.

She is currently spearheading the development of The Friendly Market’s shipping department and is excited about the growth ahead. Erin thrives in dynamic roles that allow her to wear many hats, and she’s deeply grateful to be part of a business she’s passionate about — one that values community, creativity, and connection.

LAURA ZAPATA

With over 18 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, Laura is a seasoned HR Director known for driving strategic initiatives that align people practices with business objectives. Throughout her career, she has led diverse HR functions in a true Generalist role, including talent acquisition, employee engagement, performance management, compliance, and organizational development across various industries including retail, government contracting, and manufacturing.

Recognized for a balanced approach to leadership and empathy, Laura has a proven track record of transforming HR departments into proactive, people-centered partners. She has successfully led workforce planning during periods of rapid growth and organizational change, built high-performing teams, and developed policies that foster inclusive, resilient workplace cultures.

Laura is passionate about leadership development and has mentored numerous rising professionals, instilling a mindset of continuous improvement, transparency, and trust. A firm believer that employee experience drives business success, she champions innovative HR solutions that empower people and support sustainable business goals.