Women's Business Council - Southwest

With businessWORKS! just around the corner, WBCS wanted to share some insider information from the event co-chairs, Jesse Crawford with Verizon and Suo Lam with Ad-A-Staff, Inc. We hope you can join us for businessWORKS! 2014 at the Irving Convention Center (in Irving, TX) on Thursday, April 10. For more event information, visit the businessWORKS! registration page.


How long have you been involved with the Women’s Business Council – Southwest (WBCS)?
Sou: Ad-A-Staff has been involved with WBCS since 2007.
Jesse: I have supported WBCS for almost a decade, however my company, Verizon, has supported the Council from the very beginning and is recognized as one of the “Diamond Founding Corporate Partners.”

What made you interested in volunteering with WBCS?
Sou: Volunteering is a great approach for making connections with fellow WBEs, Sustaining (Corporate) Members and most importantly, it’s always fun meeting new people and being involved!
Jesse: WBCS is a dynamic organization full of energetic, committed and highly professional members, staff and Board of Directors. In addition, the Council’s President, Debbie Hurst, is an awesome leader.  Who wouldn’t want to be a part of this great organization??


Why should people attend businessWORKS! 2014 (bW)?
Sou: It’s one of the best expos for connecting WBEs with corporations, businesses and other organizations. It provides opportunities to get acquainted with new business partners and to identify new companies that can assist in reaching your business goals.
Jesse: bW 2014 expo is the MUST ATTEND event of the year.  It would be wise for any corporation to attend who is looking for a competitive, performance-driven and certified women owned businesses in the southwest region.


Describe a previous bW experience that benefited you and/or your business.
Sou: Ad-A-Staff met Abba Staffing through bW, and currently we are their subcontractor providing over 75 temporary personnel to DFW Airport since 2012. We also have several new business plans with WBEs because of bW.
Jesse: Through bW, Verizon has successfully identified and connected with several competitive WBEs from WBCS over the years.  Their longstanding relationship with Verizon has enabled us to receive the best products and/or services, while meeting the needs of our customers through these mutually beneficial relationships.


What’s new about bW this year?
Sou: I am ecstatic about the return of Matchmaker; it will be a great opportunity for WBEs and Sustaining (Corporate) Members.
Jesse: This year, we have implemented several new enhancements to improve bW, while accommodating the busy schedules of our WBEs and corporate buyers.  For example, we have lowered our prices for attendees, added a new half day admission ticket option and reintroduced Matchmaker for 2014 in order to increase the business and bid opportunities for our members. 


What do you hope to accomplish at bW 2014?
Sou: Hopefully, WBEs and Sustaining (Corporate) Members will be able to benefit from bW by making solid connections and taking advantage of the opportunities available, such as Matchmaker. We have benefited from bW and it will be a great accomplishment to see others benefit from it as well.
Jesse: I personally look forward to meeting with some new and innovative WBEs, while reinforcing my existing relationships with WBCS members for future business opportunities within our supply chain.


What are you looking forward to the most at bW 2014?
Sou: I’m looking forward to walking the tradeshow, feeling everyone’s energy and making connections with fellow WBEs and Sustaining (Corporate) Members!
Jesse: I am most excited about the return of Matchmaker. 


Who should attend bW?
Sou: Anyone who wants to grow their business and network; bW is a great opportunity for any business!
Jesse: bW has something for EVERYONE, so I would encourage all to attend.  Whether you are a corporate buyer looking for a competitive WBE firm to add to your supply chain, or a WBE looking to introduce your company to one of our Corporate (Sustaining) Members, or you would like to place a bid during our awesome silent auction (virtually)…you will not be disappointed.


Do you have any final comments regarding bW 2014?
Sou: Uberly excited about this year’s bW, and counting down the days!  Can’t wait to bid on silent auction items and see everyone!
Jesse: I hope to see you there, and be prepared to make some meaningful connections at the 2014 businessWORKS!