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MISSION

AND CORE ELEMENTS Carolinas-Virginia MSDC (CVMSDC or The Council) is a membership organization consisting of major corporations, financial institutions, government agencies, and universities that operate within North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. It promotes and facilitates the development of business relationships between its members and Small Business Owners. The Council works to expand business opportunities for MBEs in an effort to build a stronger, more equitable society by supporting and promoting minority business development. CVMSDC/NMSDC is comprised of approximately 1500+ corporate partners. CVMSDC serves approximately 500+ Small businesses. CVMSDC is a private, non-profit organization categorized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3). It is funded by membership dues, certification fees, and proceeds from program activities. In addition, funds are also received from the National Minority Supplier Development Council.

Advocacy

Certification & Credentials

CVMSDC promotes supplier development and advocates on behalf of its small business owners by providing unique access channels to opportunities that expose their capabilities and strengths to prospective buyers and procurement specialists.

Development

Connection

CVMSDC has a two-pronged approach to develop and meet the needs of its stakeholders. For corporations, CVMSDC cultivates and maintains a highly qualified portfolio of SBEs. It also serves as a key advisor to many of these same corporations and their supplier inclusion programs. For SBEs, CVMSDC helps build capacity, so they are more competitive and better positioned to do business with corporate members.

The council offers the gold standard in certification and credentialing. At the core of CVMSDC’s operations is certification of small businesses. This certification is widely accepted by national corporations and is a model used by various national government agencies, as well. CVMSDC continues to grow its portfolio of qualified SBEs.

CVMSDC serves as a bridge builder between its corporate partners and certified SBEs. SBEs that commit to being fully engaged in the networking process, established by the Council, can leverage the value derived through these networking opportunities, as well as the many business development opportunities present in the form of RFPs/RFQs, strategic partnerships, expansive resources, and contracts.

Mission

Vision

Values

CVMSDC Connects SBEs and Corporations to drive Economic Growth.

Economic Parity. CVMSDC is a economic growth engine.

Intentionality • Transparency Measurement • Integrity • Access

TABLE OF

CONTENTS QUICK LINKS

SPONSORS

WELCOME

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

MEET THE SPEAKERS

SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS

THE NEXT 50 YEARS: THE FUTURE OF SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT

LEGEND AWARD

BOC AWARDS

VENDORS CORNER

BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION

CERTIFIED MBEs

BOC26 LEADERSHIP JOURNAL

CORPORATE PARTNERS

GRADUATES

BY THE NUMBERS

THANK YOU

UPCOMING EVENTS

Schedule at a Glance Plan your BOC26 experience with a quick overview of the conference. Review key events to build a schedule that aligns with your goals and helps you make the most of every moment.

PAGE 24

Hear from Dominique Milton about the future of supplier development.

PAGE 46

Start here.

LEADERSHIP JOURNAL

PAGE 60

Before you dive in, take a few minutes with your BOC26 Leadership Journal. It’s your guide to setting intentions, asking better questions, building valuable relationships, and leaving with practical next steps to strengthen your business.

2026 CORNERSTONE FOUNDATION PARTNERS

2026 ANNUAL CORPORATE PARTNERS

2026 EDUCATION & IN-KIND SPONSORS

BOC26 • CVM SD C.O R G

SPONSORS BOC26 TITLE SPONSOR

BOC26 GOLD SPONSOR

BOC26 SILVER SPONSOR

BOC26 PATRON SPONSOR

BOC26 BEVERAGE CART SPONSOR

P R O GR AM

AN N UAL R E P O R T

BOC26 BRONZE SPONSOR

BOC26 GOLF SPONSOR

BOC26 PITCH COMPETITION SPONSOR

WELCOME TO

WELCOME FROM THE CVMSDC BOARD CHAIR Dear Friends and Partners, On behalf of the Board of Directors, our corporate members, small and diverse businesses, staff, and volunteers, it is my honor to welcome you to the 2026 Carolinas Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council (CVMSDC) Business Opportunity Conference. Whether you are joining us as a corporate member, entrepreneur, government agency, or community partner, thank you for being part of this year’s conference. Together, we are building an ecosystem where innovation, collaboration, and opportunity create lasting economic impact throughout the Carolinas, Virginia, and beyond. This conference is more than a gathering. It is where meaningful connections are made, strategic partnerships are formed, and business opportunities become reality. You will have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, discover innovative suppliers, participate in educational sessions, and build relationships that extend well beyond this event. At CVMSDC, we believe that strengthening small and diverse businesses strengthens our communities, our supply chains, and our economy. As the business landscape continues to evolve, our commitment remains steadfast: to create opportunities that foster growth, encourage innovation, and drive inclusive economic development for all. I encourage you to take full advantage of every networking opportunity, business matchmaking session, workshop, and conversation. Some of the most impactful partnerships begin with a single introduction, and there is no better place to start than here at BOC 2026. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, volunteers, Board of Directors, and CVMSDC staff for their dedication and support in making this conference possible. Your commitment to our mission continues to expand opportunities for businesses across our region. Thank you for joining us. I hope you leave BOC 2026 with new relationships, fresh ideas, and opportunities that help your organization grow while advancing our shared commitment to supplier diversity, economic inclusion, and business excellence. Welcome to Raleigh, welcome to CVMSDC, and welcome to BOC 2026. Sincerely,

Jonathan Wilkins Board Chair Carolinas–Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council

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WELCOME FROM THE CVMSDC PRESIDENT & CEO Dear Friends, Partners, and Future-Focused Leaders, Welcome to BOC26! Thank you for joining us as we explore this year’s theme, Futurism. Together, we will examine the trends, technologies, and strategies shaping the future of business and supply chains while creating meaningful connections that help us grow today. This year, we’ve reimagined our conference program. Rather than simply providing schedules and speaker information, we’ve created an interactive digital workbook and Annual Report designed to engage you throughout the conference— and long after it ends. As you participate in sessions, I encourage you to complete the reflection questions, planning exercises, and note pages throughout this workbook. Capture new ideas, document your key takeaways, and identify actions you can begin implementing immediately. Then, revisit this resource throughout the year to measure your progress and continue building on what you’ve learned. At The Council, we believe that growth happens through intentional connections, continuous learning, and purposeful action. Every conversation you have, every relationship you build, and every insight you gain is an investment in your future. Thank you for being part of BOC26 and for helping us build stronger businesses, stronger supply chains, and stronger communities. Welcome, enjoy the experience, and let’s build the future—together.

Dominique Simpson Milton President & Chief Engagement Officer, CVMSDC

PR OG R A M

ANNU AL RE P ORT

WELCOME NMSDC CEO Dear Friends and Partners, Welcome to BOC26! It is an honor to join you at this year’s Business Opportunity Conference, and I extend my sincere thanks to President Dominique Simpson Milton for the invitation to participate in this outstanding event. As the Carolinas-Virginia Council celebrates 49 years of impact, this year’s theme, “Futurism: A Path to 50 and Beyond,” is both timely and urgent. The future of business is being shaped right now, and it will be defined by those prepared to compete, scale and lead in an increasingly technology-driven and globally connected economy. Across the NMSDC Network, our mission remains clear: to expand access to opportunity and strengthen American supply chains by ensuring qualified, certified suppliers are seen, connected and positioned to compete. This work matters. Small businesses represent 99% of all companies and are the backbone of the American economy. Within that category, minority-owned businesses generate more than $1 trillion in annual output. When we strengthen these businesses, we strengthen industries, create jobs and improve America’s long-term economic competitiveness. BOC26 brings together leaders who understand that growth does not happen by chance; it happens through intentional connection, collaboration and action. I encourage you to be purposeful during this conference: build relationships that lead to opportunity, engage in conversations that challenge your thinking and identify pathways to scale your business and your impact. As you participate this week, remember that our Network is about access and competition. It is about ensuring that capable businesses are in the room, telling their story and winning on merit. When that happens, companies become more competitive, American supply chains become stronger and communities thrive. Thank you for your commitment to building stronger businesses and stronger communities. I look forward to joining Board Chair Jonathan Wilkins for our Fireside Chat as we explore the future of supplier development and the opportunities that lie ahead. Enjoy BOC26 and thank you for being an active part of the journey forward. With appreciation and resolve,

Donald R. Cravins, Jr. President & CEO National Minority Supplier Development Council

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WELCOME MBEIC Chair Business Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Partners, Welcome to the 2026 Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council (CVMSDC) Business Opportunity Conference—BOC26! It is both an honor and a privilege to welcome you to this milestone gathering. This year, we celebrate 49 years of CVMSDC’s impact: five decades of opening doors, building capacity, and proving that access is the bridge to advancement. As the MBEIC Chair, I’m proud to stand alongside an extraordinary network of business owners, corporate champions, and dedicated changemakers who have carried this mission forward. This year’s theme, “Futurism: A Path to 50 & Beyond,” is both a celebration and a challenge. We honor the founders and leaders who built this Council on a bold idea half a century ago, and we turn our attention to what comes next. Futurism requires more than imagination. It requires alignment. As technology, markets, and supplier relationships evolve at unprecedented speed, our growth as a community depends on moving forward together, with shared purpose and shared strategy. BOC26 is where that alignment happens. Whether you’re a certified MBE positioning your business for the next fifty years, a corporate member deepening your supplier strategy, or a government or industry leader investing in inclusive, future-ready growth, this is your moment. Over the next few days, I encourage you to lean in. Look ahead. Be intentional about the relationships you build and the strategies you carry home. Each conversation, breakout session, and roundtable is an investment in the next chapter. Plant them with vision. On behalf of the Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee (MBEIC), thank you for showing up and committing to a stronger, more resilient, more inclusive economy. Fifty years in, our foundation is strong. Let’s make BOC26 the launching point for what’s next. With purpose and partnership,

Alex Moore

Alex Moore Chair Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee (MBEIC)

PR OG R A M

ANNU AL RE P ORT

WELCOME FROM THE VP OF OPERATIONS Welcome to BOC26! I’m Greg Watson, Vice President of Operations and Advancement, and I’m excited to share a few insights on the future of marketing and what it means for small businesses across B2B, B2C, and B2G (government) sectors. Today’s marketing landscape is evolving at a rapid pace, shaped by technology, rising expectations, and an ever-changing customer base. Regardless of whether you’re serving businesses, consumers, or government agencies, staying ahead requires a thoughtful and adaptive approach. One of the most important trends is personalization. In B2C, customers expect tailored experiences that reflect their preferences. In B2B, decision-makers value messaging that directly addresses their operational challenges and growth goals. In B2G, agencies respond to vendors who understand compliance, procurement processes, and mission-driven outcomes. Leveraging data to deliver relevant, targeted communication is no longer optional—it’s essential. At the same time, artificial intelligence and automation are transforming how we work. These tools enable small businesses to operate more efficiently—whether that’s analyzing customer behavior, automating outreach, or strengthening proposal development for government contracts. The ability to do more with less is a powerful advantage. Equally important, relevant content is paramount. It’s not just about producing more content—it’s about delivering the right message to the right audience at the right time. Whether it’s a quick video, a case study, or a thought leadership piece, your content needs to speak directly to the needs and priorities of your audience. When content is clear, focused, and meaningful, it builds credibility and drives engagement across B2C, B2B, and B2G environments. Just as critical is the shift toward solution-oriented marketing. Today’s audiences are not simply looking for products or services—they’re looking for answers. B2B clients want measurable ROI, B2C customers seek convenience and value, and B2G partners prioritize reliability, compliance, and impact. Businesses that clearly communicate how they solve real problems—and deliver meaningful outcomes—will stand out. Finally, trust, consistency, and authenticity remain at the center of successful marketing. A seamless experience across channels, combined with clear and transparent messaging, builds lasting relationships in every sector. As you engage throughout BOC26, remember that every interaction is an opportunity to position your brand. Be intentional about how you show up and how you communicate your brand’s value to those you meet. Grab the opportunities to market your brand—your story, your solutions, and your impact—because those who position their brand effectively will be best positioned to grow and succeed.

Sincerely,

Greg Watson Vice President of Operations and Advancement CVMSDC

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AD SPACE

Executive Committee

Dominique Milton

Alex Moore

S. Dallas Simmons

President/CEO CVMSDC

MBEIC Chair Stratagon

Treasurer Dominion Energy

Jonathan Wilkins

Cathy Williams

Board Chair Presidio

1st Vice Chair Ferguson Enterprises

BOC26 • CVM SD C.O R G

BOARD OF DIRECTORS RING CHAIRS

J. Alex Agyemang

TJ Lewis

John Newell

Ring Chair, MLP Savannah River Nuclear Solutions

Ring Chair, Metrolina Ally

Ring Chair, Piedmont YMCA of the Triangle

Julie Rakes

Mia Lloyd Sullivan

Shaunne Thomas

Ring Chair, Virginia Capital One

Ring Chair, Upstate Fluor

Ring Chair, Piedmont Guilford County Government

PR OG R A M

ANNU AL RE P ORT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(cont’d) MBEIC CHAIRS

Jasmine Beard

Derrick Davis

Moses Foster

MBEIC Ring Chair, Triad A Joy Consulting

MBEIC Ring Chair, Metrolina Informatic Concepts

MBEIC Ring Chair, Virginia West Cary Group

Andrea Johnson

Kemah E. P. Washington, Ed.D.

Carlo White

MBEIC Ring Chair, MLP DP Sweet Moments

MBEIC Ring Chair, Piedmont Liminal and BRANDilly Creative Group

MBEIC Ring Chair, Upstate White Holdings Trucking, LLC

BOC26 • CVM SD C.O R G

2026 Board of Directors AT-LARGE

Wendell Brown

Rick Howard

Newport News Shipbuilding

Wells Fargo

Toyota

Les Lambert

Lissa Miller

Salvador Peinado

Bank of America

Truist

Holder Construction

Stephanie Vera

Shatara Weaver

Katina Adams

BMW

PR OG R A M

Sentara

ANNU AL RE P ORT

OUR VALUES

Integrity

Community

Relationships

Innovation

OUR MISSION To build a better, more inclusive future that creates opportunities for our clients, our people, and our community.

holtbrothersconstruction.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 1:00pm-6:00pm

Registration

Lobby

1:00pm-9:00pm

MULTI-DAY ACTIVATIONS: The Launch Point

Synergy

2:00pm-4:00pm

Board Meeting

Ballroom AB & C

6:00pm-8:00pm

VIP Reception

Halcyon/Rooftop

MONDAY, AUGUST 3

7:00am-2:00pm

Scholarship Swing Golf Tournament Tee time begins at 9:00am

Devils Ridge Golf Club

7:00am-4:00pm

MULTI-DAY ACTIVATIONS: The Launch Point

Synergy

9:00am-12:30pm

ALTERNATE ACTIVITY I: Freedom Park Tour Freedom Park Pickup 9:00am at The Westin Raleigh-Durham Airport

10:00am-1:00pm

ALTERNATE ACTIVITY II: Pickleball

YMCA of the Triangle

3:30pm-4:30pm

Wealth Building with Insurance

Grand Ballroom AB

4:35pm-5:30pm

Navigating CVMSDC & Current Environment

Grand Ballroom AB

6:30pm-8:30pm

CVMSDC Awards Reception

Grand Ballroom CD

9:00pm-11:00pm

Post-Awards Reception

Wye Hill Brewery

BOC26 • CVM SD C.O R G

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE TUESDAY, AUGUST 4 7:00am-4:00pm

MULTI-DAY ACTIVATIONS: The Launch Point

Synergy

7:30am-10:00am

Annual Meeting & Breakfast Chat w/ NMSDC CEO

Grand Ballroom

10:30am-11:30am WORKSHOPS (Choose one) Corporate

Corporate

Small Business

Delivering Better Customer Service Through Stronger, More Aligned Supplier Relationships Building a High Performing Team to Grow Into the Future

Rethinking Supplier Development — Advancing High‑Potential Suppliers Into Strategic, Innovation-Ready Partners Building Scalable Systems for Sustainable Growth

11:50am-1:00pm

Luncheon Keynote

1:30pm-2:30pm

WORKSHOPS (Choose one)

Scaling AI in Supplier Development & Procurement — From Pilots to Performance, Accountability, and ROI Operational Excellence – Operate Smarter, Grow Stronger, Lead with Confidence

Grand Ballroom

Corporate

Small Business

Delivering Better Customer Service Through Stronger, More Aligned Supplier Relationships Building a High Performing Team to Grow Into the Future

Rethinking Supplier Development — Advancing High‑Potential Suppliers Into Strategic, Innovation-Ready Partners Building Scalable Systems for Sustainable Growth

Scaling AI in Supplier Development & Procurement — From Pilots to Performance, Accountability, and ROI Operational Excellence – Operate Smarter, Grow Stronger, Lead with Confidence

2:30pm-4:30pm

Resource Room

3:00pm-5:00pm

Business Connections Roundtable Networking Grand Ballroom

PR OG R A M

ANNU AL RE P ORT

Promenade

BOC Connections Roundtable

Ally Financial

Allstate

Sentara

SONOCO

Hourigan

Siemens Mobility Inc.

Capital One

SAS

Messer

City of VA Beach

Truist

Atrium Health

JP Morgan Chase

Eli Lilly

Duke Energy

Bank of America

Holder Construction

Smurfit Westrock

Well Fargo

Carolina Complete Health

Savannah River Nuclear

Legrand

Guilford County

MEB

Dominion Energy

Toyota

YMCA of the Triangle

S.C. Dept. of Commerce

FLUOR

Enterprise Mobility

Ferguson

BMW

Barton Malow

Newport News Shipbuilding

WM Jordan

RDU Raleigh Durham Airport

Milliken

MERCK

BOC26 • CVM SD C.O R G

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MEET THE SPEAKERS

RICK ANICETTI Certified Mentor and Coach at SCORE

Rick Anicetti is a business executive, teacher, mentor, volunteer, and motivational speaker with almost 40 years experience, almost a third of which he spent leading as CEO. Anicetti is currently retired, and spends considerable volunteer time with SCORE, particularly in the greater Charlotte area. SCORE is the largest mentoring organization in the world with more than 10,000 volunteers nationwide. Anicetti provides mentoring and coaching services to individuals and partnerships who wish to launch a business, start a nonprofit, or who currently own a business but seek assistance to grow and scale. Prior to SCORE, Anicetti was one of three owners at Cielo Global Holdings (CGH), a systems integration and managed services business. Prior to joining CGH, Rick was a senior consulting partner at the Overfield Leadership Group (OLG), whose portfolio of services include executive leadership assessment, development and coaching, C-suite team assessment, development and coaching, leadership transitions, and change management leadership. Anicetti gained his executive

coaching certification at Georgetown University and the International Coaching Federation. Prior to joining OLG, Anicetti was President and CEO of The Fresh Market based in Greensboro, NC. The Fresh Market is an intimate, small box premium, specialty, and gourmet food retailer focused on providing its guests with highly curated, fresh, delicious food. The Fresh Market currently operates 174 stores in 22 states, with its greatest density in the southeast. Prior to The Fresh Market, Anicetti was President and Founder of The Anicetti Leadership Group LLC based in Charlotte, NC. In addition to general leadership consulting, strategic planning, business process redesign, organizational change management and executive coaching, Additionally, Anicetti served on the Board of 99 Cents Only Stores (where he also served as Interim CEO while a search for a new CEO was conducted across North America), the Board of Smart and Final (a publicly traded food retailer), was a Strategic Advisor to Ares Private Equity Management, and on the US Advisory Board for Brambles Ltd, a logistics company

BOC26 • CVM SD C.O R G

KEYNOTE headquartered in Sydney Australia. Anicetti was also a former member of the Board of Directors for A&P Supermarkets.

in leadership roles in a variety of disciplines, including operations, merchandising, marketing, and human resources.

Prior to creating The Anicetti Leadership Group, Anicetti was co-chief executive officer of Delhaize America, the U.S. subsidiary of Delhaize Group, an international food retailer present in six countries on three continents. Anicetti oversaw the company’s corporate shared service functions, including Corporate Development, Legal Affairs and Government Relations, Information Technology, Finance and Accounting, Corporate Communications, Public Relations, Organizational Change Management and Human Resources.

Additionally, Anicetti spends considerable time providing leadership in the not-for-profit world as well. He was a former member of the US Advisory Board for Duke Children’s Hospital, the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC, and the Board of Trustees for Bennett College (one of two historically black colleges for women in the US). Currently, he serves on the Board of Easterseals PORT Health in NC and VA, where he is the current Chair.

Previously, Anicetti was president and chief executive officer of Food Lion LLC, where he oversaw the retail operations of more than 1,200 Food Lion LLC stores and six distribution centers across 11 states. Anicetti joined Food Lion LLC as chief operating officer in August 2000. He assumed the position of president of Food Lion LLC in 2001 and was promoted to chief executive officer in 2002. Anicetti began his career at Scarborough, Maine-based Hannaford Bros., where he worked for 20 years

PR OG R A M

ANNU AL RE P ORT

A native of Oakland, Maine, Anicetti graduated from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine in 1980.

Joseph “Alex” Agyemang

Chanel Brown

Donald Cravins, Jr.

Senior Director, Contracts and Supply Supplier Diversity and Inclusion President & CEO at National Minority Manager at W.M. Jordan Company Chain Management at SRNS Supplier Development Council

Sadie Catlett

Derrick Davis

Keith L. Eakins Jr.

President at Progressive Business Solutions

Co-Founder & Principal at Informatic Concepts

Director Supplier Diversity at Smurfit Westrock

BOC26 • CVM SD C.O R G

SPEAKERS & PANELISTS

Dr. Sunil Erevelles

Valerie “VK” Fields

David L. Fitts

Associate Professor at Belk College of Business, UNC Charlotte

Chief PR PRO at PR PROS, LLC

Retired Global Director, Global Procurement Operations, Indirects at GSK

Sahra Halpern

Ron Harvey

Larry Jones

President & Chief Executive Officer at Business Consortium Fund

VP/COO at Global Core Strategies & Consulting

Director of Corporate Services at CVMSDC

PR OG R A M

ANNU AL RE P ORT

SPEAKERS & PANELISTS

(cont’d)

Nitika Kashyap

Alex Moore

Dominique Milton

Business Development Manager - MSP/VMS at Zolon Tech Inc.

Sr. Partner at Stratagon

President & Chief Engagement Officer at CVMSDC

John Newell

Chellon H. Porcher

Nikki Pounds

Sr. Director of Procurement at YMCA of the Triangle Area

Founder & CEO at Herbal Tea Cellar

CEO & Principal Consultant at HR Unequivocally

BOC26 • CVM SD C.O R G

Roberto Rivera-Sampayo Business Development Senior Director at Mentor Technical Group

Troy Roberts

Dallas Simmons

Supplier Diversity Program President & CEO at Alliance of Professionals & Consultants, Inc. Manager at Dominion Energy, Inc.

Terence Sims

Stephanie Vera

Gregory Watson

Director of Agency Partnerships and Distribution Strategy at Atlanta Life Insurance Company

Supplier Development & Engagement Op Lead at BMW

Vice President of Operations at CVMSDC

Jonathan Wilkins

Deborah Williams

Dr. Natalie Williams

Supplier Diversity Program Executive at Presidio

Founder & Principal Consultant at Alpha and Omega Consulting, LLC

President & CEO at NAW4 Integrated Business Solutions

PR OG R A M

ANNU AL RE P ORT

From Pain to Purpose... Tonya Goines

Founder & CEO

U. S Army Soldier

Menstrual health is a wellness, equity, and community impact priority.

Q: Tell us about yourself and your business. My name is Tonya Goines, Founder and CEO of LJ Health Solutions, LLC, and I am also actively serving in the United States Army while building my business. LJ Health Solutions is a women’s health-focused company that supplies safer, high-performance menstrual care products and provides education around menstrual wellness. My company was created from my personal experience with painful cycles and the frustration many women feel when their concerns are dismissed.

Q: Why “From Pain to Purpose”? This title reflects my journey. What began as my own search for better period care turned into a mission to help women and girls feel more comfortable, protected, educated, and confident during their cycles. I realized that many women are silently dealing with period pain, irritation, heavy flow, and lack of access to quality products. That pain pushed me to create purpose through advocacy, education, and better menstrual care solutions.

Q: What makes LJ Health Solutions different? LJ Health Solutions is built on the belief that period care should serve a greater purpose. We do not just supply pads; we help solve real life problems. Through our partnership with Reign Premium Sanitary Napkins, we provide products designed for comfort, absorbency, odor control, and confidence. Customers have shared stories of improved comfort, fewer interruptions at school and work, and feeling more secure during their cycles. AD SPACE

Q: Why should corporations and businesses care about period care? Menstrual health is more than a personal issue; it directly impacts dignity, education, workplace participation, and quality of life. When women and girls do not have reliable access to period products, they are often forced to miss school, leave work, use unsafe alternatives, or manage their cycles in silence. Period poverty continues to affect families across the United States, with two in five people struggling to purchase period supplies due to lack of income. For students, the impact is just as serious with nearly one in four students struggling to afford period products, and 39% of teens say lack of access affects their ability to do their best schoolwork. These numbers show why period care should be viewed as a wellness, equity, and community impact priority for corporations and businesses.

Q: How does giving back connect to your mission? Giving back is very important to LJ Health Solutions. Feminine hygiene products are consistently among the most requested items in homeless shelters, yet they are often under-donated. In addition, many states do not give schools funding for period care products and they must rely on donations. No woman or girl should have to choose between food, transportation, school, work, or period products. Through education, partnerships, donated period products, and community outreach, my goal is to help close that gap.

Q: What is your vision moving forward? My vision is to expand into schools, corporations, healthcare facilities, shelters, and community programs. As a woman, mother, Soldier, and entrepreneur, I am building LJ Health Solutions to create impact beyond the product; one cycle, one conversation, and one partnership at a time.

2 in 5 people struggle to afford period supplies due to lack of income

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Nearly 1 in 4 students struggle to afford period products

39% of teens say lack of access affects schoolwork.

EMPOWERING WOMEN. ELEVATING HEALTH. BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES. See the difference

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SAVE THE DATE

36th Annual Opportunity Exchange OCTOBER 14, 2026 • NOVI, MICHIGAN Be on the lookout for this year’s event! Scan to stay connected.

MONDAY, AUGUST 3 3:30pm - 4:30pm Wealth Building with Insurance Grand Ballroom AB

Terrence Simms Director of Agency Partnerships andDistribution Strategy at Atlanta Life Insurance Company

Discover how insurance can serve as more than protection—it can be a strategic tool for building wealth, safeguarding assets, and creating long-term financial stability. This session will explore how individuals and businesses can leverage insurance to support legacy planning and generational impact.

4:35pm - 5:30pm Navigating CVMSDC & The Current Environment

Chanel Brown Supplier Diversity and Inclusion Manager at W.M. Jordan Company

Sahra Halpern

Grand Ballroom AB

President & Chief Executive Officer at Business Consortium Fund

This session invites corporate members and certified MBEs to engage in a focused conversation on navigating today’s supplier diversity landscape. We’ll explore how CVMSDC membership can support your goals, strengthen connections, and provide strategic value in a shifting business environment.

Derrick Davis Co-Founder & Principal at Informatic Concepts

John Newell Sr. Director of Procurement at YMCA of the Triangle Area

Gregory Watson

Sadie Catlett

Vice President of Operations at CVMSDC

President at Progressive Business Solutions

BOC26 • CVM SD C.O R G

SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS TUESDAY, AUGUST 4 7:30am - 10:00am Annual Meeting & Breakfast Chat Grand Ballroom

Join Dominique Milton and fellow leaders for a comprehensive State of CVMSDC, highlighting key milestones, strategic priorities, and what’s ahead. Attendees will also receive important updates on RING and the organization’s ongoing initiatives. During this session, we’ll also get an inside look at the future of NMSDC, as the CEO shares their vision, priorities, and upcoming opportunities. This conversation will offer valuable insight into the evolving direction of the national network and its affiliates.

10:30am & 1:30pm Delivering Better Customer Service Through Stronger, More Aligned Supplier Relationships

Dominique Milton President & Chief Engagement Officer at CVMSDC

Donald Cravins Jr. President & CEO at National Minority Supplier Development Council

Jonathan Wilkins Supplier Diversity Program Executive at Presidio

Dallas Simmons Supplier Diversity Program Manager at Dominion Energy, Inc.

Dr. Sunil Erevelles Associate Professor at Belk College of Business, UNC Charlotte

CORPORATE WORKSHOP

Discover how aligning expectations, communication, and performance across supplier relationships can directly enhance customer experience. This session will explore how stronger collaboration and accountability lead to improved service delivery and greater value for all stakeholders.

PR OG R A M

ANNU AL RE P ORT

SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS

(cont’d) TUESDAY, AUGUST 4

10:30am & 1:30pm Rethinking Supplier Development Advancing High‑Potential Suppliers into Strategic, Innovation-Ready Partners CORPORATE WORKSHOP

Keith L. Eakins Jr. Director Supplier Diversity at Smurfit Westrock

Deborah Williams Founder & Principal Consultant at Alpha and Omega Consulting, LLC

Joseph “Alex” Agyemang Senior Director, Contracts and Supply Chain Management at SRNS

Stephanie Vera Supplier Development & Engagement Op Lead at BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC

10:30am & 1:30pm Scaling AI in Supplier Development & Procurement

Alex Moore Sr. Partner at Stratagon

From Pilots to Performance, Accountability, and ROI CORPORATE WORKSHOP

Explore how leading organizations are moving beyond AI experimentation to fully integrated, scalable solutions that drive measurable impact. This session will highlight how AI can enhance supplier development, improve procurement outcomes, and deliver real business value through accountability and performance.

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10:30am & 1:30pm Building a High Performing Team to Grow into the Future

Nikki Pounds CEO & Principal Consultant at HR Unequivocally

SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP

This session explores people-first principles that turn good teams into exceptional ones. Attendees will gain practical strategies to attract top talent, develop strong leaders, and build a high-performing culture that scales.

10:30am & 1:30pm Building Scalable Systems for Sustainable Growth SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP

Through shared insights and real-world experience, this session will guide attendees in designing systems that grow with their business. Learn how to build operations that are resilient, adaptable, and equipped to handle increasing complexity.

Ron Harvey President & CEO at Alliance of Professionals & Consultants, Inc.

Troy Roberts President & CEO at Alliance of Professionals & Consultants, Inc.

Roberto Rivera-Sampayo Business Development Senior Director at Mentor Technical Group

Nitika Kashyap Business Development Manager - MSP/ VMS at Zolon Tech Inc.

10:30am & 1:30pm Operational Excellence Operate Smarter, Grow Stronger, Lead with Confidence

Dr. Natalie Williams President & CEO at NAW4 Integrated Business Solutions

SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP

Unlock the secret to building a business that runs with precision—even when you step out of the room. This powerful session reveals how operational excellence transforms growing companies from founder-dependent to system-driven. You’ll discover how to design repeatable systems, document processes, and build accountability structures that deliver consistent quality without relying on the founder’s constant involvement. Whether you’re scaling fast, feeling stretched thin, or ready to reclaim your time, this session equips you with the tools to operate smarter, grow stronger, and lead with confidence. If you’re determined to shift from “holding it all together” to building an organization that performs at a higher level, this is your competitive advantage. PR OG R A M

ANNU AL RE P ORT

CONGRATS WINNERS!

When we work together, we all thrive Sentara Supply Chain supports the mission “to improve health every day” by empowering caregivers to deliver superior healthcare by providing access to safe and efficient supplies and services every day. We strive to have a collaborative relationship with our vendors. We realize the value we can bring to our patients by working together with our vendors to provide quality, cost effective and innovative products and services. About Sentara Health • 12 hospitals and 420 sites of care in VA and NC • Advanced imaging centers, outpatient campuses, therapy and rehabilitation services and more

“If we truly want our vendors to reflect the communities we serve, we understand it’s important to create a welcoming environment for our business partners.” Aubrey Layne EVP and Chief Administrative Officer, Sentara Health

• Over 34,000 colleagues in 29 states • Health Plans serving ~1 million members

Interested in becoming a vendor with Sentara Health? Visit SentaraSupplyChain.com

Scan the QR code to register online to be considered as a potential supplier for business opportunities

THE NEXT 50 YEARS: THE FUTURE OF SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT Dominique Simpson Milton As The Council prepares to celebrate 50 years of community impact in 2027, we pause to honor the visionaries who built this organization and the thousands of businesses, corporate partners, and community leaders who have shaped our journey. While anniversaries naturally invite us to reflect on the past, they also challenge us to ask an even more important question. What will supplier development look like over the next 50 years? The answer is clear. The future of our work extends far beyond certification. It is about preparing businesses to compete in an increasingly digital, data driven, sustainable, and globally connected economy. Success will be defined by readiness, capability, innovation, and the ability to create value within modern supply chains. Inclusivity Is an Economic Driver The future belongs to organizations that recognize the value of building inclusive supply chains, not simply because it is the right thing to do, but because it is smart business. Every dollar invested in a supplier creates a ripple effect throughout the economy. Research has shown that every $1 invested with a supplier generates approximately $1.72 in economic activity, supporting jobs, increasing tax revenues, strengthening local businesses, and creating wealth within communities.

At The Council, we witness this impact every day. Every contract awarded has the potential to create new jobs. Every growing business hires employees, purchases goods and services, invests back into its community, and strengthens the local economy. One opportunity becomes many. Our work has never been simply about connecting buyers and suppliers. It is about expanding economic opportunity, strengthening supply chains, and transforming communities, one contract at a time. As we look ahead, inclusivity must continue to evolve. Tomorrow’s supply chains will reward businesses that are innovative, competitive, resilient, and ready to deliver value. Our responsibility is to ensure that every qualified business has access to the relationships, resources, and capabilities needed to compete in that future. When businesses grow, communities prosper. When communities prosper, our economy becomes stronger for everyone. Artificial Intelligence Will Redefine Readiness Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept. It is today’s competitive advantage. AI is transforming procurement, logistics, manufacturing, finance, marketing,

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cybersecurity, and customer engagement. Businesses that embrace these technologies will make faster decisions, improve operational efficiency, identify new opportunities, and better serve their customers. For small businesses, the question is no longer whether AI will change the marketplace. It already has. The challenge is ensuring that entrepreneurs understand how to use AI responsibly and strategically to strengthen, not replace, their expertise. The Council’s role is evolving from helping businesses gain access to opportunities to preparing businesses to compete successfully in a technology enabled economy. ESG Is Good Business Environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and strong governance are no longer separate business initiatives. They have become indicators of resilience, transparency, and long term performance. Customers, investors, and procurement leaders increasingly evaluate suppliers based not only on price and quality, but also on sustainability, workforce practices, governance, innovation, and risk management. Businesses that embrace responsible growth today will be better positioned to win contracts tomorrow. Preparing suppliers for the future means helping them understand that ESG is not simply about compliance. It is about building stronger businesses that are prepared to grow, adapt, and thrive for generations. Opportunity Has No Borders

Today, a supplier based in the Carolinas or Virginia can compete for contracts across the country and around the world. Global sourcing, international partnerships, and resilient supply chains are reshaping procurement strategies. The businesses that succeed tomorrow will be those prepared to think beyond regional markets and embrace international opportunities. The Council is committed to helping businesses expand their vision through strategic partnerships, international trade initiatives, credentialing, and global business development. The future marketplace is global. Our businesses must be prepared to compete globally. The Council’s Next Chapter The next 50 years will require us to think differently. Supplier development must evolve from opening doors to preparing businesses to walk confidently through them. That means helping companies become bankable, credentialed, technologically advanced, environmentally responsible, globally connected, and supply chain ready. The next 50 years will not be defined by the businesses we certify. They will be defined by the businesses we prepare, the communities we strengthen, and the economic opportunities we create.

Together, we are building the future, one business, one partnership, and one contract at a time.

Technology has removed geographic boundaries from business.

PR OG R A M

ANNU AL RE P ORT

DAVID L. FITTS, A LEGACY OF INCLUSION, LEADERSHIP, AND UNWAVERING COMMITMENT CVMSDC is proud to honor Mr. David L. Fitts with the BOC26 Legend Award.

In his own words, David Fitts shares highlights from his career: “When I look back over the arc of my career, there’s a great deal I’m proud of— but nothing stands taller than the role I played in helping establish what is now the Carolinas Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council (CVMSDC). In the 1970s, I was part of an organization called the National Purchasing Council (NPC). We were a collective of committed individuals from corporations across the Carolinas, all working toward a vision that, at the time, felt ambitious and urgent. NPC evolved into the organization we celebrate today, and while I won’t name names for fear of leaving someone out, I carry deep gratitude for every person who helped build that foundation with me. That early work mattered because it set the framework for the CVMSDC we know now—a place where corporations and business owners can come together, build meaningful partnerships, and support objectives that create success on both sides of the table. We weren’t

just forming an organization; we were shaping an ecosystem of opportunity. One of my favorite success stories came in the 1990s, when the legacy CMSDC won National Council of the Year back to back. That had never been done before. I was fortunate to serve as chairman of the board during that time—at least three times over the years—and we had an exceptional team leading and managing the effort. Those wins weren’t just trophies; they were proof of what strong leadership, shared purpose, and relentless commitment can accomplish. As I reflect on legacy, mine is simple: I want to be remembered as someone who fought for inclusion—not set asides. My training and career in Procurement taught me to seek out qualified suppliers and to cultivate relationships where representation was missing. That was my way of working, and I was fortunate to have employers who supported that approach.

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LEGEND AWARD

Inclusion isn’t a slogan; it’s a discipline. It’s a choice you make every day. If I could speak to my younger self—the kid growing up in Weldon, attending Ralph J. Bunche and Weldon High School, dreaming big dreams in the 60s—I’d say, “You did it right.” Pursuing both education and athletics opened doors that led me to North Carolina Central University and shaped the path I walk today. I’d tell that young man to thank his wife, son, parents, siblings, grandmother, family, village members, teammates—everyone who invested in him and trusted him. None of us succeed alone.

some point; what matters is the willingness to remedy issues and prevent future failures. That’s how you build strong, resilient supply chains. To minority business owners: know your product lines, know your costs, and learn the art of the deal—especially in a partnering model. Opportunity favors those who are prepared, informed, and strategic.

To those coming behind me, I offer two messages—one for corporations and one for minority business owners.

As I accept the Legend Award from CVMSDC, I do so with humility, gratitude, and pride. This organization has been part of my life’s work, and seeing what it has become—what it continues to build—reminds me that the seeds planted decades ago have grown into something powerful, something enduring, and an organization full of promise.

To corporations: never forget the power of the pen. Train your procurement teams to recognize the power of opportunity. Eliminating a supplier because of a failure is not responsible procurement. Every supplier will stumble at

Last, my hope is that the next generation will carry on the CVMSDC torch with conviction, courage, and clarity of purpose. Now more than ever, inclusion is worth fighting for. And the work continues.”

PR OG R A M

ANNU AL RE P ORT

Awards

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AWARD WINNERS REGIONAL CORPORATION OF THE YEAR

SUPPLIER-2-SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

NATIONAL CORPORATION OF THE YEAR

MBE-2-MBE OF THE YEAR

ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR

PRESIDENT’S SUPPLIER INTENTIONALITY AWARD

FLUOR

SRNS

Chanel Brown W.M. Jordan

BUYER OF THE YEAR Kathy Vezina Milliken

COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR T.J. Lewis ALLY

Diversified Supply, Inc. Dan Anderson Chanel Brown W.M. Jordan

Tianna Harrison

PRESIDENT’S SUPPLIER INTENTIONALITY AWARD

Team Genius Squad Ava Simmons | Tia Simmons

PRESIDENT’S CORPORATE INTENTIONALITY AWARD

CLASS I SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

Truist Lissa Miller

CLASS II SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

PRESIDENT’S CORPORATE INTENTIONALITY AWARD

Stratagon Ryan Burkett | Alex Moore

BMW Stephanie Vera

CLASS iii SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARD

BRANDilly Kemah Washington

West Cary Group Moses Foster

Greg Watson

CLASS IV SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

David L. Fitts

2026 LEGEND AWARD

Environmental Service Systems, LLC Edgar Ruth

P R O GR AM

AN N UAL R E P O R T

VENDORS CORNER

THE INSTITUTE Contact: Erica Vasquez evazquex@theinstitutenc.org theinstitutenc.org

CAROLINAS SMALL BUSINESS Contact: Monica Molina mmolina@carolinasmallbusiness.org carolinasmallbusiness.org

NC GROWTH Contact: Christina Theodorou Christina.Theodorou@kenan-flagler.unc.edu unc.edu

LOAN MANTRA Contact: Raj Tulshan raj@loanmantra.com loanmantra.com

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NC STATE UNIVERSITY

GrowMetix

Contact: Jacquie Spearman jmspearm@ncsu.edu ncsu.edu

Contact: Nikita Allen nikita@growmetix.com growmetix.com

VIRGINIA ASSET MANAGMENT

Accountally

Contact: Anju Dhaliwal anju.dhaliwal@vamllc.com vamllc.com

Contact: Josh Royal j@joshroyal.com aventus.org

Greater Durham Black Chamber

Capital Region (CRMSDC)

Contact: C.J. Broderick thegdbcc@gmail.com durhamchamber.org

Contact: Claudia Barrera claudia.barrera@crmsdc.org crmsdc.org

LJ Health Solutions Contact: Tonya Goines info@ljhealthsolutions.com ljhealthsolutions.com

PR OG R A M

ANNU AL RE P ORT

BENEFITS OF

CERTIFICATION Larry Jones At the core of CVMSDC’s operations is “Certification” of Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs). This certification process is widely respected by national corporations and is the model used throughout the country by various government organizations. Certification offers minority suppliers the opportunity to connect face-to-face with many of America’s largest publicly-owned, privatelyowned, and foreign-owned companies, as well as universities, hospitals, and other buying institutions. Leveraging 50 years as an industry expert in minority-owned business enterprise enrichment, development, and impact, CVMSDC offers certified minority suppliers support from technical trainings to exclusive buyer forums and corporate procurement events. While CVMSDC’s portfolio of certified MBEs is deep with highly qualified MBEs, there are numerous MBEs that are not yet adequately prepared to maximize their potential with prospective corporations.

To be eligible for certification, a Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) must be a currently functioning, for-profit enterprise; physically located in the U.S. or its trust territories, and: is an independent business concern that is at least 51% independently owned, managed, and controlled by one or more minority group members; demonstrates the capacity and capability to perform a line of business; and provides a commercially useful business function according to customs and practices of the industry. For more information about the benefits of certification and how to become a certified MBE, visit CVMSDC.org

Larry Jones

To that end, CVMSDC provides training, tools, and other resources that are aimed at building internal capacity and growth for these firms to be more competitive and successful.

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CERTIFIED MBEs Premiere Service Brokers LLC

All Around Maintenance LLC

BCG NC, Inc

365 Digital Technologies Ltd. Co.

Alliance of Professionals & Consultants, Inc.

Believing In Technology

3P Advisors, LLC

Allied Staff Augmentation Partners, INC.

7 Brothers and Associates LLC A Celebration of Us! dba Corporate Stitch

Allwave Site Solutions, LLC Alpha Logistics Solutions LLC

A James Global Services, Inc

Altruistic Health Services LLC

AB Consulting GSS, Inc.

AndCap Images, LLC

AC Creative Collective

Applied Automation, LLC

Acadian Steel Incorporated

Applied Plastic Services, Inc.

Access Services, Inc.

Arete Technologies, Inc.

Active Ergonomics

Arrington Coaching, LLC

Ada Contracting, LLC

Artisan Management LLC

AdEast Specialties, Inc.

Artisan Tropic LLC

Advanced Precision Technologies Corporation

Ascendance Electric, Inc

Aerogreen Solutions, LLC AESARA INC

Asfalis Advisors, LLC Astyra Corporation

Bella Medical Associates, PLLC Bergman Brothers Staffing Inc Beroe Holdings, Inc. Bespoke Opulence Best Diamond Packaging, LLC Beyond Results, LLC BI Consulting Services Black Girl Group Inc BLUEMAPLEIT, LLC Bluestar Systems Inc Bogues Group LLC Bore Tech Utilities Inc BrandRPM, LLC Bridgera LLC BRING IT BY MACRO, LLC

Agilite Group, LLC

Atlantic Communication Products, Inc.

Ahmed Ihsaan LLC

Atlantis Graphics, Inc.

AICG, Inc.

Avonya’s Blends LLC

Bryan Contracting Services, Inc.

Alignexia Group Corp

B&C Care System, Inc.

Buckingham Greenery, Inc.

Alkat Electrical Contractors, Inc.

BAA Consulting LLC

Building Bridges LLC

Barrier South, LLC

BullRush Transport LLC

PR OG R A M

ANNU AL RE P ORT

Brownstone Construction Group LLC

CERTIFIED MBEs Bunty, LLC Callis Contractors, Inc. Capital Talent Partners Inc Catawba Lighting Solutions LLC Cave Solutions CD Industries, Inc. Celeste Kathleen LLC Central Carolina Products, Inc. Century LLC Certified Welding Mobile Services LLC

Culture Frame Studio LLC CYR Consulting, LLC D W Carr Jr & Sons Trucking LLC D&A Consulting Service LLC D. T. Read Steel Company, Inc. D2SOL, Inc. D3 Delivery LLC Darwish Transportation DataCaliper L.L.C.

Elite Utilities L.L.C. Encompass Supply, LLC Enirge Logistics, LLC Equagen Engineers PC Ethos Network Systems, LLC Executive Service Contractors (ESC) LLC Fermi Logistics Llc Fidelis Research Group LLC, Fiestic Inc Final Stop Consulting LLC Forever B, LLC

Chapman Products Co., Inc.

Daybreak IT Solutions L.L.C.

Chef Belinda Personal Dining Service, LLC

DD Consulting & Management

Forever Events and Designs, LLC

Deladem LLC

Forever Farms LLC

Delectus, LLC

Freeman Contracting and Consulting LLC

Chou Chemical Company CHS Enterprises, LLC Clean World USA

Dendy’s Hood Cleaning Services LLC

Clinical Choice, LLC

Detailed By Design, Inc.

GAC Enterprises LLC

CMA Services, Inc.

DeWhit Facility Services, LLC

Genius Talent Group, LLC

Code Power & Distribution, L.L.C.

Digital Apparel Printing

Gentle Shepherd Care

Direct Power, LLC

Global 1 Consulting

Direct Tower Services, LLC

Global Core Strategies & Consulting, LLC

COMNET GROUP, INC. Confidence by GaBBY Goodwin Continental Chemicals, LLC Control Infotech, Inc. Core Business Resources Inc. Core Technology Molding Corporation Corporate Distribution Services, Inc.

DJC Logistics LLC DLS Management Services LLC Dynpro Inc DZIO Global Enterprises LLC EAPPS TECH LLC Edmonds Ellis Consulting, LLC EdMotion Inc

Created For Greatness, llc

EEZYDOESIT LLC

Creative Talent Endeavors

Electrostatic Refinishing Solutions LLC

Creators Collab, LLC.

Crystal Clear Consulting Group LLC

G3BDigital LLC

Globalpundits Technology Consultancy Inc. GO8 IT INC Godliness Cleaning Service LLC Golden Personnel Services, Inc. Gott Law, PLLC GP Supply Company, LLC Grace Outdoor Advertising, LLC

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CERTIFIED MBEs Grahams Construction Inc.

Insight Intelli Inc.

Greater Works LLC

Intelligaia LLC

Green Tag Scaffold LLC

Intercooler Inc

Greight Company Limited LLC

Iron Grain

Grey Matter Solutions LLC

IT People Corporation

Growmetix, LLC.

It’s All Logic, LLC

GT Industrial LLC Co.

It’s My Affair, LLC

Haven Foods, LLC

J. Brown Consulting LLC

Haven Seafoods, LLC

Jain Chem Ltd

Healthcare Partner Associates, LLC

Janeice Products Company Inc

Herbal Tea Cellar, Ltd Co High Ready Coaching and Consulting HIIT80 Global Inc. Holt Brothers Construction, LLC

JBE, Inc. Jireh Family Farm JLGOV LLC JN Heating and Air Just Cause Apparel Justice 5 LLC

Home Energy Professional, LLC

Justin Myrick Entertainment LLC

Howard Equity Consulting LLC

KABA Group LLC

Humanity Communications Collective

Kaiban Consulting, LLC

I&E Capital LLC dba Rucker Roots IEM International, Inc. Ifab Corp

KAK, Inc. dba Express Employment Professionals Keen Info Tek Inc Kerma Medical Products, Inc

Ihsan Services LLC

Keshav Consulting Solutions, LLC

Indigo Innovation Group LLC

KMC Solutions, LLC

Inflateable Dreams Events LLC

Koko Products Inc

Infodyne Solutions LLC

Korvian Holdings LLC

Infomerica, Inc

Ky Engineering & Consulting LLC

Informatic Concepts Innovation Partners LLC Innovative Systems Group, Inc.

PR OG R A M

ANNU AL RE P ORT

L&T Resources LLC Lamy Electric L.L.C

Larry Outlaw and Sons Trucking LLC Laurel Street Residential, LLC LBA Group, Inc. LBS LLC Leoforce, LLC Lillie’s of Charleston Lingoverse LLC LJ Health Solutions, LLC Logisticus Projects Group LRW Holdings Inc LUMINOUS STRANDS LLC LWM Enterprises, Ltd. Liability Co M.G. Suber & Associates LLC M.L.Best Consulting Maintec Technologies Inc. Maintenance At Best Mechanical LLC Marand Builders, Inc. McCulloch England Associates Architects McFarland Building Group, LLC McFarland Wilhelm McPherson, Berry & Associates, Inc. McTosh LLC MDM Enterprises LLC MDSI INC Metcon, Inc. Mid South Medical Millennium Lighting Solutions, Inc., dba MLS Electric Mitchell Productions

CERTIFIED MBEs MKS GROUP LLC

Precise Translating, LLC

Mosaic Partners LLC

Press Yelder Trucking INC

MOVA CORP

Pride Communications, Inc.

MYCO Medical Supplies, Inc.

Prime Time Logistics LLC

Native American Group LLC

Priority 1st Healthcare Staffing

Network Cabling Systems, Inc.

Progressive Business Solutions, Inc.

Networking Technologies and Support, Inc.

Robinson Business Consulting, LLC Royal Quality Maintenance inc Rushin Global LLC S&M Utility Services LLC Sagamore Services LLC SAI Diversified Energy Services, Inc.

New Canaan Properties LLC

PStarrz Logistics LLC

Newbold Services, LLC

PWJ Enterprises, Inc.

Nex Reality Corporation

Pyramid Contracting, LLC

Nika White and Company LLC

Quality Fashions Unlimited LLC

Sar and Sash Neupane Builders LLC

Nonprofitability LLC

Quality Moving Services, Inc.

Scoggins Industrial INC

NorAg Technology,LLC

Que Chulada LLC

Norsan Media

Queens Waterproofing and Restoration LLC

Seaboard Traders of South Carolina

Ntegrity Ventures, LLC NWS Holdings LLC ONYX Elite, LLC Optiline Enterprises, LLC Owen Steel Company, Inc. Parson Williams Group LLC Partners Risk Strategies, LLC PecanO’s, LLC Penn Paper, Inc Percival Company LLC Philip Reese LLC PHT International, Inc. Pinnacle Consulting LLC Pinnacle Tek LLC Plan to Action LLC PortoPolish LLC PR PROS, LLC

Prudence B2B, LLC

RL Enterprise & Associates, LLC

Saponi Industries, Inc.

SELS USA LLC

Ramirez Roofing Inc

Sharp Cleaning Solutions LLC

RanierFit LLC

Sims Petroleum Company, LLC

Rant Post LLC

Sinaia Logistics LLC

Rapid Strategy, Inc

SJ Epoxy Flooring LLC

RBI Manufacturing, Inc

Sky Systems Inc

RCS Corporation

SMG CONTRACTING INC.

RDAF Energy Solutions, LLC

Smooth Flooring, LLC

Red Cloud International, LLC

Solar Cellz USA LLC

REELKLEEN

South Coast Paper, LLC

ReeSources, Inc.

Sparkle Insights Inc.

Refulgent Technologies Inc

Spectraforce Technologies, Inc.

RegVue LLC Renz Limited Liability Company RESORT BEVERAGE COMPANY Reveille Technologies Inc. Rexco Analytics LLC Rhino Medical Supply Inc

Spend Management Solutions, LLC SREE Hotels SSI2, LLC Staff 4 U, Inc

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CERTIFIED MBEs STATProg Inc

The Preston Group LLC

Virginia Transformer Corp

STEM Solutions & Consultants LLC

The Real Estate House International

Visionary Insights LLC

Stratagon Inc.

Thomas Enterprises of Greensboro Inc

Stratzian LLC

Tiger Controls Inc., LLC

STSS Inc. SunTechPros, Inc., Superior Shine of North Carolina LLC Supplier Resources, Inc. Swayne Brands LLC Synesis International, Inc. Synova Carpets, LLC Taino Biotech LLC Talent Management Solutions, LLC Tarifast LLC TaxSearch Inc.

Tilt Creative + Production, LLC Timeless-19 LLC Titan Service & Equipment Repair LLC TLTURNER GROUP INCORPORATED Tora Consulting, LLC Torque Technologies LLC Transforming Leaders Consulting Corp Treasure Holdings LLC TRENDCO LLC

Team Henry Enterprises, LLC

Trinity Strategic Consulting, Inc.

TEC Electric, LLC

True North Resilience

Technology Concepts & Design, Inc.

TWT Distributing, Inc.

TH LOGISTICS LLC The Affordable Pest Control Company The Art of Scholarships The Cut Buddy Inc The Daniele Company, LLC The Elite Group, Inc. THE LAVIZ GROUP, INC The Milbourne Group Consulting Engineers, Inc. The MJW Group, LLC The Original Salt Company, Inc.

PR OG R A M

ANNU AL RE P ORT

U.A.Medical Products,Inc UMatterIT LLC Uncle B’s Organic Farm & Garden LLC United Maintenance Corporation, Inc. UNITY CONSTRUCTION & SERVICES LLC

Vitana Inc VMek Group LLC W.C. Construction Company LLC Walker Investment Financial Services L.L.C. Walker Pyles Consulting WD Construction, LLC Webber Marketing and Consulting, LLC West Cary Group LLC WH Farms Co. White Holdings Trucking LLC Wiggins Design & Fabrication Inc WINTERS GROUP, INC. (THE) WRAP & ROLL GRAPHICS XELERA INC XOCHI PRODUCTS LLC XODUS LLC YU KEN CUT IT, INC Z BROS DRILLING, INC ZEUS LOGISTICS LLC ZOSO CONSTRUCTION INC INTERCHANGE STAFFING SERVICES, LLC

US&S, Inc. Validation & Compliance Solutions, LLC VANC Hemp, LLC Verge Innovation, LLC

LEADERSHIP JOURNAL

"The future isn't something we enter. It's something we create."

For the next two days, you'll hear new ideas, meet new people, and discover new opportunities. Don't just attend. Participate. Challenge yourself. Write down your ideas. Most importantly... Leave with an action plan.

My Vision If everything went exactly as planned over the next five years... What would my business look like? ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________

My “Why” Why did I choose to attend BOC26 this year? ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________

The One Problem I Need to Solve The biggest challenge facing my business today is... ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Meet Three People The best opportunities often begin with one conversation. Write down three people you want to meet before you leave Raleigh. Name _____________________________________________________________________________________ Organization ______________________________________________________________________________ Why I want to meet them_________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Name _____________________________________________________________________________________ Organization ______________________________________________________________________________ Why I want to meet them_________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Name _____________________________________________________________________________________ Organization ______________________________________________________________________________ Why I want to meet them_________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Ask Better Questions What is ONE question I want to ask... A Corporate Buyer? ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ A Successful Supplier? ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ A Fellow Entrepreneur? ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Be Honest... If my biggest customer disappeared tomorrow.... How prepared would my business be? Very Prepared

Somewhat Prepared

Not Prepared

What needs to change? ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Future Ready

The businesses that thrive tomorrow begin preparing today.

My Biggest Takeaway The most valuable thing I learned at BOC26 was... ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________

One Relationship Can Change My Business Who did I meet? ___________________________________________________________________________________________ How will I follow up? ___________________________________________________________________________________________ When? ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Readiness Check Select the areas where your business is strongest. Leadership

Finance

Workforce

Marketing

Sales

Quality

Operations

Supply Chain

Innovation

Technology

Marketing

NOW, select ONE area you’ll improve before BOC27. Leadership

Finance

Workforce

Marketing

Sales

Quality

Operations

Supply Chain

Innovation

Technology

Marketing

Think Bigger What new market should I explore?? ___________________________________________________________________________________________ What technology should I learn more about? ___________________________________________________________________________________________ What partnership should I pursue? ___________________________________________________________________________________________

My 90-Day Action Plan Within 7 Days I will... ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Within 30 Days I will... ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Within 90 Days I will... ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________

My Commitment When I return home, I will stop... ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ I will start... ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ I will continue... ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Before You leave... I met someone new

I asked a question.

I connected with a corporate buyer

I made a follow-up appointment.

I introduced myself to another supplier.

I learned one idea I can implement immediately.

I attended a session outside my comfort zone.

I committed to preparing my business for the future.Workforce

Remember... The future belongs to businesses that are prepared before opportunity arrives. See you at the Small Business Summit Richmond, Virginia | December 14–15, 2026

“Fortune is in the follow-up.”

BINGO Collect initials from all the people you’ve met!

Corporate Member

Certified MBE

First-Time Attendee

______

Student Entrepreneur

Board Member

Council Staff Member

______

Speaker

Sponsor

Resource Partner

______

BREAST CAN C

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ARTNERS

Milliken Momentum Supplier Engagement Conference October 14, 2026 | 8:00 AM EST | Milliken & Company Headquarters

Milliken Momentum brings together more than 60 of Milliken & Company’s Tier 1 suppliers, community partners, and select customers for a day focused on connection, learning, and meaningful engagement. Designed to foster strong, lasting partnerships, the conference creates opportunities to connect with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who share a commitment to innovation and collaboration. Throughout the day, attendees will participate in engaging educational sessions and hear from keynote speaker Ron Harvey , a leadership consultant and author whose message centers on innovation and collaboration in an ever changing business environment. These experiences are designed to encourage dialogue and shared learning, while inspiring fresh thinking and practical action. Attendees will explore emerging ideas, exchange strategies, and gain perspectives that support success amid continuous change. Whether you’re looking to launch new collaborations or strengthen existing relationships, Momentum is where ideas turn into action.

Scan the QR code to learn more.

The afternoon will feature a Networking Expo, oﬀering opportunities to connect one on one, discover new capabilities, and deepen relationships with Milliken teams, suppliers, and community partners.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired. Register for the FREE Supplier Engagement Conference today! Join us at the 2026 Milliken Momentum Supplier Engagement Conference and be part of a community driven by partnership, innovation, and excellence in business.

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ARTNERS

FEATURED SPEAKER

Ron Harvey, MBA, PCC

Our Partners

Ron Harvey, MBA, PCC is a dynamic leadership expert, executive coach, and sought-after speaker known for helping organizations unlock performance by transforming how leaders show up for their people. With more than 35 years of combined leadership experience —including over 20 years in military leadership and more than a decade coaching executives—Ron brings hard-earned wisdom, realworld insight, and practical strategies that leaders can apply immediately.

We’re pleased to welcome Goodwill Industries back again this year and encourage attendees to bring donation items to support their mission.

As Vice President and COO of Global Core Strategies & Consulting, he partners with corporate, government, and nonproﬁt leaders to build trust, strengthen culture, and lead through uncertainty without losing their people in the process. Ron is the author of Impact Leadership and creator of the People Always Matter™ philosophy—challenging leaders to rethink success by focusing on the one thing that drives everything: PEOPLE. His sessions don’t just inspire—they shift mindsets, challenge assumptions, and equip leaders to lead with clarity, purpose, and impact.

Scan the QR code to learn more.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month , the conference will also include a special session led by the American Cancer Society , focused on awareness, education, and meaningful community impact.

Bring your generous donations to the Goodwill Industries Donation Truck, on-site at the event! In addition to the programming, attendees will enjoy conference giveaways , complimentary professional headshots , a sit-down lunch, and the return of the T Mobile promotional truck, which will be on site again this year bringing an added element of energy, interaction, and fun throughout the day.

CORPORATE PARTNERS NATIONAL CORPORATE MEMBERS

AARP

Allegion, PLC

Abbott Laboratories, Inc.

Allison & Partners

AbbVie Inc.

Allstate

ABM Industries

**Altria Group, Inc.

Abt Associates Inc.

**Amazon

Accenture LLP

AMC Network

Accelerate Learning, Inc

American Airlines, Inc.

Accor

American Axle & Manufacturing

Adecco USA, Inc.

American Cancer Society

Adient

American Diabetes Association

ADM Group

American Express Company

Adobe

American Family Insurance

**ADP, LLC

American Public Media Group

Advance Auto Parts

American Red Cross

Advance Drainage Systems

**American Tire Distributors

AFLAC US

American Tower Corporation

Agilent Technologies

American Water

AIG

AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies

Aisin World Corporation of America

AmerisourceBergen Corporation

AJ Gallagher

Amgen Inc.

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

AMN Healthcare

Albermarle Corporation

Anschutz Entertainment Group

ALDI

Ansco & Associates, LLC

Alkermes, Inc.

Aon Service Corporation

Allegis Global Solutions

Apex Analytix, LLC

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Apollo Global Management

Barton Malow

Apple, Inc.

BASF Corporation

Applied Materials, Inc.

Bausch & Lomb

APTIV

Bausch Health US LLC

ARAMARK Corporation

Baxter Healthcare Corporation

Arbella Insurance Group

Bayer Corporation

Archer Daniels Midland

BBVA

Arco Design Build

Beam Suntory

Ares Management Company

Becton, Dickinson and Company

Armada

Bedford, Freeman and Worth Publishing Group, LLC

Artera Services ASM Global Assembly Global Association of American Medical Colleges Associated Wholesale Grocers Astellas

Bel Brands USA Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company Best Buy BGIS Global Integrated Solutions US LLC Bimbo Bakeries, Inc.

Aston Carter AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP Assurant, Inc.

Bio-Rad Laboratories BlackRock Black & Veatch Corporation

Asurion

Blank Rome, LLP

AT&T Inc.

Blackstone

A.T. Kearney **Atrium Health Auction.Com Auto Club Group Autodesk, Inc. AvalonBay Avangrid, Inc.(former Iberdrola USA) Avis Budget Group, Inc. Axis

Blink Charging Blue Cross Blue Shield Association BMC Software, Inc. BMO Harris Bank **BMW North American, LLC BNSF Railway Company BNY Mellon Corporation **Boeing Company BorgWarner Inc.

Axon B2GNow (AskReply, Inc.) Babson College Bain & Company **Bank of America Corporation Barclays PLC Barilla America, Inc.

PR OG R A M

Beeline, Inc.

ANNU AL RE P ORT

Booz Allen Hamilton Boston Consulting Group, Inc. Boston Scientific Corporation Bowdoin College BP America, Inc. Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC

Bread Financial

CHEP International, Inc.

Bright Health Group

Chevron Services Company

**Brighthouse Financial

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Broadcast Music, Inc. Broadridge Financial Solutions **Brookfield Properties Development, LLC Brother International Corporation Buck Global Burlington Stores Burns & McDonnell, Inc. C. H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. Calpine Corporation Caesars Entertainment Corporation Cambium Learning, Inc. Campbell Soup Company Capgemini USA Capital Group **Capital One Financial Corp. Cardinal Health, Inc. Cargill CarMax, Inc. Carnegie Learning, Inc Cartus Caterpillar Inc. **CBRE Group, Inc. CDW Corporation Cedars-Sinai Health System Celanese Centene Corporation CenterPoint Energy, Inc. Centuri Group, Inc. Change Healthcare Charles Schwab Charter Communications Cheniere Energy, Inc

CME Group Inc. Church & Dwight Co., Inc. Chipotle Mexican Grill Ciena Corporation CIGNA Corporation Cintas Corporation Cisco Systems Citigroup Inc. Citizens Bank, N.A. Clean Harbors, Inc. ClearCapital.com, Inc. CLEAResult Consulting, Inc. Clorox Company CNA Financial Corporation Coca-Cola Company Cognizant Technology Solutions Colgate-Palmolive Company Columbia Forest Products Comcast NBCUniversal Comerica Bank Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc. Communications Test Design, Inc. **Compass Group, North America Division Composecure Conagra ConocoPhillips Constellation Brands Consumers Energy Continental AG Convoy Costco Wholesale Corizon Health, Inc. Corning, Inc.

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Corteva Agriscience

DuPont

Coverys

E&I Cooperative Services

Covius Holdings, Inc.

Eaton Corporation

LenderLive (Former Covis Holdings, Inc.)

Ecolab, Inc.

Cox Enterprises, Inc.

Echo Global Logistics

Crawford & Company

Education Networks of America

Cresco Labs

Edwards Lifesciences

Crown Castle

Electrify America

Cruise LLC

Element Fleet Management

CSX Transportation Inc.

Elevance Health

Cummins Inc.

**Eli Lilly and Company

Cushman & Wakefield

Elior Inc DBA Elior North America

CVS Health

Ellucian

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

EMCOR Government Services

Dell Technologies

Empower

Deloitte, LLP

Enbridge

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

Endeavor

Delta Dental Insurance Company

Engie North America

**Denny’s Corporation

Encova Insurance

DentaQuest, LLC

Entergy Corporation

Dentsu

Enterprise Holdings

Dexcom Inc.

E-Procurement Services (EPS)

DHL Express, Inc.

Equipment Controls Company

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Ericsson Inc.

Digital Realty

Erie Insurance

Discover Financial Services

Ernst & Young

Discovery, Inc.

Essential Utilities, Inc.

Diversified Maintenance Systems

Essity North America

Dixon Hughes Goodman

The Estee Lauder Company

Dollar General Corporation

Experian

**Dominion Energy

Extreme Networks, Inc.

Domino’s Pizza

ExxonMobil

Dow Chemical Company

Fannie Mae

DPR Construction

Farmers Insurance Group, Inc.

DTE Energy Company

Fastenal Company

**Duke Energy

Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago

Dun & Bradstreet Corporation

Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines

PR OG R A M

ANNU AL RE P ORT

Federal Reserve System

GM Financia

FedEx Corporation

GMMB Inc.

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation

GO2 Partners , Inc.

Fidelity Information Services

Goldman Sachs (UK) Svs. Limited

Fidelity Investments

Google, Inc.

Fifth Third Bancorp

Grady Health System

Fiserv

Groom Construction Co., Inc.

First Advantage Corporation

Grosvenor

First Financial Bank

Guardian Life Insurance Company

Flagship Facility Services, Inc.

H&M

Flagstar Bank

Hackensack Meridian Health

Flextrack

Haier U.S. Solutions, Inc.

Floor & Decor

Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Florida Power & Light

Harman International

**Fluor Corporation

HCA Healthcare

Foot Locker, Inc.

HCL America

Ford Motor Company

Health Care Service Corporation

Fortinet SLED

HealthTrust Purchasing Group

Fortive

Hearst Service Center

Fox Corporation

Heidrick & Struggles

Fox Factory

Henkel Corporation North America

Freddie Mac

Henkels & McCoy

Fujitsu North America

Hertz Corporation

Fulton Bank

Hess Corporation

Gartner, Inc.

Highmark Health, Inc.

Genentech, Inc.

Hillenbrand, Inc.

General Electric Company

Hilton Worldwide

General Mills, Inc.

Hines

General Motors Company, LLC

Home Depot, Inc.

Genpact

Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, LLC.

Genworth Financial, Inc. George P. Johnson GHD Pty Gilead Sciences **GSK Global Experience Specialists, Inc. Global Payments

Honeywell Houghton Mifflin Harcourt HP Inc. HSBC Bank USA **Hubbell Incorporated Humana, Inc.

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Huntington National Bank

Kelly Services, Inc.

**IBM Corporation

KeyBank National Association (KeyCorp)

Idemia Identity & Security USA LLC

Kforce, Inc.

IDEX Corporation

Kia America

IHG Hotels & Resorts

Kiddom Inc.

Illinois Tool Works (ITW)

Kiewit

Imerys S.A.

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP

Impellam NA

Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Incyte Corporation

Knight Foundation

Indeed, Inc.

Kohl’s

Indiana University

Kohler

Infinera Corporation

Korn Ferry

Information Services Group (ISG)

Koppers, Inc.

Insight Enterprises, Inc.

KPMG LLP

Insight Sourcing Group

Kraft Heinz Company, The

Intel Corporation

Kroger Company

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

Kyndryl

International Monetary Fund

Layton Construction

International Paper Company

Leadec Corporation

Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.

Lear Corporation

Intuit

Leggett & Platt, Inc.

Invesco

Legrand, North & Central America

IQVIA, Inc.

**Lenovo (United States) Inc.

Iron Mountain

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

ISS Facility Services, Inc.

Levi Strauss & Co.

ITS ConGlobal

Liberty Mutual Insurance

JBT Corporation

LifeWorks

JetBlue Airways

Lincoln Financial Group

Johnson & Johnson

Lincoln Harris, LLC

Johnson Controls, Inc.

Lincoln Holdings, LLC

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.

Lindenmeyr Munroe

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Lionsgate Entertainment

JPS Health Network

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.

The Judge Group

LogiTech

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc

Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc.

KBS

L’Oreal, Inc.

Kellogg Company

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

PR OG R A M

ANNU AL RE P ORT

Low Income Investment Fund

**Michelin North America, Inc.

**Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

Micron Technology

LSQ Funding Group

Microsoft Corporation

Lululemon

Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)

Lyft, Inc. M&T Bank Macy’s, Inc. Magna Magnit Major League Baseball Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals ManpowerGroup Marathon Petroleum Corporation, LP Marriott International Marsh & McLennan Mars Incorporated Masco Corporation Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. Mastercard McCain Foods USA, Inc. McCormick & Company, Inc. McDonald’s Corporation McGraw-Hill Education McKinsey & Company Mears Group, Inc. Medtronic, Inc. Meijer Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Merakey USA **Merck & Co., Inc. Meredith Corporation Meridian Medical Technologies, Inc. Messer Construction Company Meta Platform MetLife, Inc. MFS Investment Management, LLC MGM Resorts International

Midwest Steel, Inc. Miller Electric MillerKnoll Miller Zell Mine Safety Appliances Company Mizuho Americas Services LLC Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority MolsonCoors Mondelēz International, Inc. Monumental Sports & Enterainment Morgan Stanley Motion Industries, Inc. Motorola Solutions, Inc. MRC Global MSC Industrial Supply Company MSCI, Inc MUFG Union Bank, N.A. NASCAR National Basketball Association (NBA) National Church Residences National Education Association National Football League (NFL) National Grid USA National Instruments (NI) Nationwide Insurance Navient Solutions, LLC NCR Corporation NEA Member Benefits Nelnet Nestlé USA, Inc. NetApp, Inc. Netflix

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Newmark Group

Peloton Interactive, Inc.

New York Life Insurance Company

Penn National Gaming

Newsweek Publishing, LLC

PepsiCo, Inc.

Nexant, Inc (Resource Innovations)

Performance Food Group

NFP

Pfizer Inc

Nielsen Company

Phillips 66

Nike, Inc.

Pitney Bowes Inc.

NiSource Inc.

PLH Group

Nissan North America, Inc.

PNC Financial Services Group

Nixon Peabody, LLP

Premier, Inc.

Norfolk Southern Corporation

Presidio

Nordstrom

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Northwestern Mutual

Principal Financial Group

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Procter & Gamble Company

Nutrien

Prologis

NWEA

Prudential Financial

o15 Capital Partners

Publicis Healthcare

O.C. Tanner Company

PVH

Occidental Petroleum

Quad

The ODP Corporation

Quanta Services, Inc.

OFS Fitel, LLC

Qdoba Mexican Eats

OhioHealth

Quest Diagnostics Inc.

Omnicom Group

QuidelOrtho

OneSpan North America, Inc.

Qurate Retail Group (QVC)

Organon, LLC

R&R Partners

Otis Elevator Company

**R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (Reynolds American Inc.)

Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Outworx Owens & Minor Pacific Gas and Electric Company Palo Alto Networks Panasonic North America Papa John’s Parexel International Paymentus Corporation **Peapod Digital Labs

Randstad USA Raymond James Financial, Inc RBC Wealth Management Recreational Equipment, Inc. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Regions Bank

Paramount

PR OG R A M

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company

ANNU AL RE P ORT

RELX Group (aka Lexis Nexis) Republic Services Resource Group, LLC, An Ascension Subsidiary

Revature

Skanska USA Building

Rexnord Corporation

Slalom, LLC

Reynolds Consumer Products

**Smithfield Foods

Rightsourcing

SMS Assist, LLC

Robbins Kaplan, LLP

Snap-on Incorporated

Robert Half International, Inc

Sodexo, Inc.

Rocket Companies

Softchoice Corporation

Ross Stores, Inc.

**Sonoco Products Company

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Sony Pictures Entertainment

RTX

Southeastern Grocers, Inc.

Rusken Packaging, Inc.

Southern California Edison

RXO, Inc.

Southern Company

Ryan Companies

Southern Company Gas

Ryder System, Inc.

Southwest Airlines

S&P Global

Spire, Inc.

Saatchi & Saatchi

Spirit Airlines, Inc.

Saks Off 5th

Splunk, Inc

Salesforce

Stanley Black & Decker

S and C Electric Company

Staples Inc.

Samsung Next

Standard Chartered Bank

Santander Bank North America

Starbucks Corporation

SAP SE

Starkey Hearing Technologies

**Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC

State Farm Insurance

Savvas Learning Company LLC

State Street Corporation

Schneider

Steelcase Inc.

Scholastic Corporation

Stellantis

Scientific Games, Inc.

Stallion Infrastructure Services

ScottMadden, Inc.

Stericycle

Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc.

Stride Inc

Sephora

Subway Restaurants

ServiceNow Shell USA, LLC. Shipt, Inc. Siemens Corporation Signet Group Services US Inc. Sinclair Community College

Stryker Corporation Summit Utilities Sun Life Financial SunPower Swinerton Synchrony

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Synovus

Turner & Townsend

Sysco

Twitter, Inc.

Tampa General Hospital

Tyson Foods, Inc.

Target Corporation

U.S. Bank

Tata Consultancy Services

U.S. Cellular

Taulia, Inc.

UAW Retiree Medical Benefit Trust

TC Energy

UBS

TCF Financial

UGI Corporation

TechnipFMC

UiPath

TE Connectivity

Ulta, Inc.

Tenneco Inc.

Under Armour

The Bancorp Bank

Unifi Global, LLC

The Hartford

UNFI (formerly SUPERVALU, Inc.)

The Hershey Company

Unilever

The Mosaic Company

Union Pacific Railroad

The New York Times Company

Unispace

The NRP Group, LLC

Unisys Corporation

The Pew Charitable Trusts

United Airlines, Inc.

The Suddath Companies

UPS

The Weitz Company

United Rentals Inc.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

United Services Automobile Association (USAA)

TIAA

United States Postal Service

Tinuiti Tishman Speyer TJX Companies, Inc. T-Mobile USA, Inc. Toppan Merrill,LLC **Toyota Motor North America Tram, Inc. Trane Technologies TransUnion, LLC TriNet USA, Inc. Troy Construction Trulieve

UnitedHealth Group Inc. University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Unum Group Upwork Inc. USA Today US Foods, Inc Vanderlande Industries Vanguard Veolia North America Veris Residential Verizon, Inc.

**Truist

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.

T.Rowe Price Turner Construction Company

PR OG R A M

United States Tennis Association

ANNU AL RE P ORT

VF Corporation

Victoria’s Secret & Co.

WPP

Visa

Wyndham Destinations

Vistra Corp

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts

Vitesco Technologies

Veolia North America

Vizient

voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak, LLC

VMWare

Vulcan Materials Company

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Xylem, Inc.

Volunteers of America

Yanfeng Global Automotive Interiors

Volvo Cars Charleston

Yum! Brands

**Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.

Zebra Technologies

Voya Financial

Zivaro, Inc.

VWR International, LLC

Zoetis

Walgreens Co. Walmart, Inc.

LOCAL CORPORATE PARTNERS

Walt Disney Company

Ally Financial

Waste Management, Inc.

AmeriHealth Caritas

Watts Water Technologies, Inc.

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Wawa

Capital Region Airport Commision (RIC)

W.B. Mason Company

Carolina Biological Supply Company

Weber, Inc.

Central Piedmont Commumity College

Wells Fargo & Company

Chamber RVA

Wellspan Health

Charleston County Aviation Authority

Wesco

Charleston County Schools

**West Rock

Charleston Metro Chamber

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc

Charlotte-Mecklenberg Board of Education

WEX

Charter Communications

Whirlpool Corporation

Chiesi

Wieden + Kennedy, Inc.

Cisco

William Blair

City of Charleston

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

City of Charlotte

Willis Towers Watson

City of Columbia

Winnebago Industries

City of Hampton

Wisconsin Energy Corporation/We Energies

City of Newport News, Department of Development

VMware Woodside Energy Workday, Inc.

City of Portsmouth City of Virginia Beach Clemson University

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Cone Health

NCIMED

County of Henrico

Newport News Shipbuilding

CreForm

Nexsen Pruet

CRVA CHARLOTTE REGIONAL VISITOS AUTHORITY

Novant Health

Duke Energy

Premier Inc.

Duke University Health System Durham County Elevate Textiles Enersys

Optus Bank Raleigh-Durham Airport RTI International Santee Cooper Savannah River Nuclear

Equitable Extreme Networks Ferguson Enterprises First Citizens Bank - C Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce Greensboro Chamber of Commerce Greenville Tech Guilford County Highwoods Properties Holder Construction Group Hourigan Construction Corporation IAMM - International African American Museum Ingevity J.E. Dunn Construction Company JTEKT

SC Dept of Commerce SCAN SOURCE SCRA South Carolina Research Authority Sefl Help Credit Union Sentara Health South Carolina Aquarium South State Bank Spartanburg Chamber Spartanburg Water The Beach Company The Budd Group Turner Construction UNC Health Care University of Richmond University of Virginia VCU Health System

Legrand Lockheed Martin M&F Bank Marmic Fire & Safety McKesson Mecklenburg County

Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity Virginia Natural Gas/Southern Gas W.M. Jordan YMCA Triangle

Milliken & Co Minority Sales Corporation, LLC NC Department of Administration (HUB) NC Department of Transportation (DOT) NC Education Lottery

PR OG R A M

ANNU AL RE P ORT

CONGRATULATIONS SONOCO Class of 2026

Alex Martinex

Amoura Carter

Chellon Porcher

Dawn Simmons

Dr. Christina Asare

Emily Jefferson

Hayley Dennis

Lance Carter

Manian CSB

Orlando Carr

Ebony Small

Kimberly Weaver

Tara McGee

Tita Simmons

Tonya Goines

Jennifer White

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Graduates! 2025 University of Richmond Executive Management Program

Barbara Smith

Cynthia Hayes

Damita Rhodie

Jason Blair

Justin Myrick

Khaliyak Barakhyahu

Manian CSB

Marshall Ellis

Nikita Allen

Patricia Ferguson

Ramon Cardona

Sertrice Shipley

Soliel Lindsay

Tonya Goines

Toureia Harrison

Tiffany Hollin Wright

Jasmine Beard

Sutrina Benge

PR OG R A M

ANNU AL RE P ORT

BY THE NUMBERS TOTAL MBEs

473

REVENUE CLASS CLASS I

INDUSTRY 264

CLASS II

143

CLASS III

CLASS IV

17 BROKER/AGENT 28 CONSTRUCTION 214 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR 50 MANUFACTURER 4 MANUFACTURER REP 160 SERVICE CONTRACTOR

GENDER 269 MEN

57%

204 WOMEN

43%

BOC26 • CVM SD C.O R G

THANK YOU I am writing to extend my heartfelt thanks for the outstanding execution of the Business Opportunity Conference 2026. Your hard work, professionalism, and attention to detail were evident in every aspect of the event—from planning and coordination to on-site execution and post-event engagement. BOC26 served as a vital platform for fostering connections, showcasing innovative ideas, and driving meaningful business opportunities. The quality of the sessions, the caliber of the speakers, and seamless logistics all reflected the high standards your team upholds. Thank you for creating such a valuable experience for all participants. Your efforts made a lasting impact, and I am confident the relationships and insights gained from BOC26 will continue to benefit attendees well into the future. With appreciation,

Larry Jones Director of Corporate Services

PR OG R A M

ANNU AL RE P ORT

UPCOMING EVENTS 2026 September 15, 2026

October 20-21, 2026

Dominion Energy Convergence 2026

Capital One Envision Summit 2026

Richmond, VA

September 27-October 2, 2026

October 26-28, 2026

CVMSDC 2026 University of Richmond

NMSDC 2026 Annual Conference & Exchange

Richmond, VA

Los Angeles, CA

October 13-14, 2026

December 14-15, 2026

Toyota 2026 Opportunity Exchange

CVMSDC 2026 Small Business Summit at Capital One

Novi, MI

Richmond, VA

October 14, 2026

Milliken Momentum Supplier Engagement Conference Spartanburg, SC

BOC26 • CVM SD C.O R G

2027 December 2026-May 2027

May 2027

CVMSDC SONOCO Leadership PrograM

BMW SUPPLIER eVENT Greenville, SC

VIRTUAL

August 2-4, 2027 January 23-February 7, 2027

EXPLORE ABROAd ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN KENYA

Business Opportunity Conference 50th Anniversary | BOC27

Kenya, Africa

Charlotte, NC

March 2027

PROFORUM (CORPORATIONS ONLY)

See you soon!

TBD

PR OG R A M

ANNU AL RE P ORT

POWERED BY RIGOROUS TRAINING, TEAMWORK, AND DEDICATION TO PEOPLE LIKE YOU. You can find them keeping reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy flowing to the communities we serve. But you can also find them volunteering, coaching, mentoring, and giving back in countless other ways. They’re the employees of Dominion Energy. And their energy is endless. It’s one more way we’re Powering Your Every Day.

BOC26 • CVM SD C.O R G

CONNECT WITH

South Carolina Office THE OPPORTUNITY CENTER 8570 Rivers Avenue North Charleston, SC 29406 843.822.1186 info@cvmsdc.org

North Carolina Office Charlotte Office 9319 Robert D. Snyder Road Charlotte, NC 28223 336.501.3551 info@cvmsdc.org

Virginia Office CVMSDC & MBDA 10124 West Broad Sreet, Suite G Glenn Allen, VA 23060 704.777.9541 info@cvmsdc.org

cvmsdc.org | info@cvmsdc.org Office visits by appointment only.