December 2023 Trends

T RE N DS

Vol. 36 • No. 6 • December 2023

GMA helps artists gain business acumen

D Photo courtesy of Transform GSO

Photo courtesy of Office Evolution of the Triad

Office Evolution of the Triad offers small and large single offices, conference rooms, coworking space and more at sites in Greensboro and High Point.

Transform GSO has two sites downtown that offer individual office space along with coworking space, conference rooms and more.

Two GMA members provide small businesses with a place to call home

They are sometimes called executive suites or offices or keyman suites or offices, said Peggy Barron-Antolin, franchise owner of Office Evolution of the Triad.

But they are usually pretty insular, with the various companies keeping to themselves.

“In coworking spaces, it’s the community part that I think is different, unique and essential,” said Peggy Hickle, executive director of Transform GSO. “So there’s networking organically coming out of the environment that we have created.”

Both Transform GSO and Office Evolution of the Triad offer opportunities for members, whether in an office

Sharing work spaces in the Triad C

oworking has become a popular choice for small businesses and freelancers looking for office space.

Coworking features open spaces with no dedicated spots and shared resources.

Through 2030, the global coworking space market is expected to see a compound annual growth rate of 12.5%, according to Industry Growth Insights.

Coworking spaces were the fastest growing type of office space in commercial real estate before the pandemic put a dent in that forward momentum. However,

interest has picked up and they are expected to make up 30% of the market by 2030, according to real estate company JLL. In the Triad, there are several options for coworking spaces including at least two who are members of the Guilford Merchants Association.

Office Evolution of the Triad and Transform GSO both offer individual offices, coworking areas and more.

Sharing office space is not a new concept. Smaller businesses housed in one large building are pretty common.

L OO K I N SI DE

space or in the coworking section, to co-mingle with shared kitchen and conference room spaces.

Transform GSO

Transform GSO, which started as HQ Greensboro in 2015, has two locations near each other in downtown’s Southend.

The site at 111 W. Lewis St. has 26 offices and five conference rooms. Two of the conference rooms can combine to make one large room. The site at 111 Bain St. site, which opened in August 2021, has 48 offices and five conference rooms, one of which is large enough to hold Continues on page 4

uring the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of artists struggled to access the small business aid that was available.

“I realized a lot of that was they didn’t have the business skills or the infrastructure of a business to demonstrate lost income,” said Laura Way, president and CEO of The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro, one of many nonprofit members of the Guilford Merchants Association.

Now, thanks in part to a $20,000 donation from the GMA/FirstPoint Foundation Fund, the arts council will be able to help creatives learn needed business skills.

The Small Business Development Hub for Creatives will offer local artists an online portal where they can fill out a needs assessment. They will then be connected to

More online Find out more about the project at: www.TheACGG.org Continues on page 4

Free Day Friday

225 Commerce Place Greensboro, NC 27401

RISERS..................... 2

An advertising supplement to The Business Journal

Loyal Member........... 3 Volunteer Spotlight... 5 New Member Profile.5 Swarm Update........... 6

Strike a pose

CelYOUbration......... 7

Maribel Tapia (left) and Tinker Clayton, both of stitchFX, show off their new GMA hoodies at the Sept. 15 Free Day Friday. The free items, from clothing to discounts and more, are just one of the perks of being a member.

Trends is a publication of the Guilford Merchants Association.

Trends – Published for members of the Guilford Merchants Association

Dave Fox named VP of FirstPoint Background Screening Resources

D

ave Fox has joined FirstPoint Background Screening Resources as vice president.

He will be responsible for establishing corporate strategic direction and managing day-to-day activities.

FPBS offers employee background check services, tenant screening services, student background screening services, volunteer screening, social media screen- Fox ing, I-9 and E-Verify, and drug testing services.

Fox comes to FirstPoint with 20 plus years in the human capital management space where he spent the majority of the time working for a large Fortune 500 company. During that time he served in multiple leadership and senior leadership roles across various divisions.

Fox, who is originally from Rochester, N.Y., moved to North Carolina in 2007.

He joined FirstPoint after an opportunity presented itself and is excited about the growth potential in the industry, he said.

“It really is about continuing to elevate and grow our customer-centric model, gaining market share with our vast industry experience, technology, and product capabilities in the market for our customers. This will also provide our employees and organization growth opportunities as we continue to be a bestin-class provider and support both our local and global communities. Our model gives our customers the freedom to focus on hiring the best talent they can and we take pride in being an essential partner along the way,” he said.

Outside of work, he likes to spend time with his family, supporting the sporting endeavors of his children and being active in the community. He is the chair of the All Pro Dads chapter at Morgan Elementary School. The nonprofit helps dads and father figures connect with their children through monthly breakfasts that include sessions on core topics such as respect and leadership, among others.

Fox and his wife, Lynette, live in Clemmons with their three children, Ethan, Noah and Hunter.

REMEMBER WHEN ...

Royalty comes to Greensboro

Sharon Kay Ritchie, Miss America 1956, joined in the annual Holiday Jubilee Parade in Greensboro that was for many years organized by what is today the Guilford Merchants Association.

President & CEO

G. Mark Prince

Vice President

Michelle Bolick

Events and Programs Manager

Morgan Meyer

Operations/Special Events Coordinator

Monzi Jimenez

Membership Development

Sharon Smith

Administrative Assistant

Melinda Thomas

TRENDS is published for the members of the Guilford Merchants Association.

Publication Coordinator – Michelle Bolick Phone (336) 378-6350 225 Commerce Place, Greensboro, N.C. 27401 www.mygma.org The Guilford Merchants Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 1906.

The Association is a business membership organization focused on supporting member companies with educational programming, lead generation activities, marketing opportunities, and overall enrichment while serving as a catalyst for community growth and prosperity.

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Name: Joshua Hand Residence: Julian Hometown: Liberty Age: 26 Education: UNC Greensboro Business: Grace Financial Services Role: Financial adviser Responsibilities: I create thorough financial plans to help people achieve their future goals. Whether that be saving for retirement, starting their own business, or simply becoming financially healthy, I assist my clients using a combination of investment, insurance, and planning tools to help them prepare for the future.

What made you want to get into financial services?: I didn’t originally plan to pursue a career in financial services. When I left the military several years ago, I had these lofty plans to get a job in corporate finance somewhere like New York or Chicago. However, as I was going back to school, I was given the opportunity to work part time as an administrative assistant at Grace. Over time I really fell in love with the job and grew fonder of the industry as I got the chance to work with clients and see the impact that was being made in their lives. As a financial adviser you get the chance to help people in an area of their lives that is so important and yet too often so neglected. Getting the chance to use my skills with mathematics and planning to change the financial direction of families for generations to come is so incred-

ibly rewarding. I am very grateful to have found a career I see myself pursing for many years to come.

What would you say to someone considering joining GMA? : Do it!

It’s a great opportunity to meet people you probably would never come into contact with otherwise and learn from their experience.

It has expanded my network of connections and given me so many resources to grow in this area.

On Risers: The Risers’ group is fantastic. It’s so nice to know that there’s other people out there in a similar situation who are earlier in their career, passionate about what they do, and committed to growing. It is great to have that kind of community and support!

Personal: I am married to my beautiful bride Breana and we have a 6-month-old daughter named Hazel.

We are very involved in our church and spend most of our free time volunteering there or spending time with our large extended family.

Joshua Hand Grace Financial Services 336-953-7213 joshua@gracefinancialservices.com www.gracefinancialservices.com

Upcoming events Here’s what’s coming up: Nov. 19 — High Point Holiday Festival Parade.

Starts at 3 p.m. at Green Drive. Rain or shine.

Dec. 1 — Meet & Eat, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., GMA, 225 Commerce Place, Greensboro. Free lunch from Pepper Moon Catering provided by GMA. Dec. 12 — Center City AM Briefing, 8-9 a.m., GMA, 225 Commerce Place, Greensboro. Free breakfast.

Note: GMA offices will be closed Nov. 23-24 and Dec. 24-25.

Trends – Published for members of the Guilford Merchants Association

Joining GMA was part of their recipe for success Community support is important, say owners of longtime member The Extra Ingredient

O

ne of the first things Art and Martha Nading did when they started The Extra Ingredient in 1985 was join what is today the Guilford Merchants Association.

Back then, there weren’t many local stores dedicated to all things cooking. Gourmet coffee was unusual. Making your own pasta was unusual. No one had heard of Williams-Sonoma, a big name today in cookware and gourmet food, but at that time they were a West Coast store with only a catalog here, according to Martha Nading.

However, it was an era of increasing interest in the topic, with Julia Child still on the air with cooking shows and Martha Stewart beginning to make her mark in the food and entertaining world.

The Nadings had long been interested in food and entertaining. While in high school, Art Nading even cooked dinner for his future wife and another couple for their prom.

“We were part of the trend and the rest of the world was not,” Art Nading said about opening The Extra Ingredient. “Greensboro especially was not quite there. So we felt like it was a grand opportunity to jump on this trend.”

As long-standing GMA members, the Nadings said they’ve benefited from the many connections they’ve made over the years, as well as some programs that no longer exist.

Years ago, GMA offered a check validation process, Art Nading said.

Back then, most customers paid through cash or check. They would

LOYAL

MEMBER have stacks of checks at the store, he said. And some of those checks would be bad because there was no money in the person’s account to cover them. The validation system helped them avoid bad checks.

“That was probably one of the most useful things at that time,” Art Nading said.

With a long-established business, the Nadings said they don’t have the same needs as a new business looking to network. Still, they find their membership valuable for multiple reasons, including as a way to support their business colleagues and community.

“You just never know what another business person may teach you,” Martha Nading added. “Even after 38 years in business, there’s somebody out there still that knows something else that I don’t know.”

If she was giving advice to someone looking to take part in GMA, Martha Nading said that along with networking, supporting the community is important.

“Because that’s really, really important, that you support whatever’s going on in your community and the people who live in a community because they are going to be your business. And they’re going to be the people you work with day to day,” she said.

Art and Martha Nading The Extra Ingredient 801-D Friendly Center Road, Greensboro 336-299-9767 www.extraingredient.com

Lynn Hey/The Extra Ingredient

Art and Martha Nading started The Extra Ingredient in 1985. They immediately joined GMA, in part because they wanted to support the community.

From the recipe files of The Extra Ingredient

Homemade Peppermint Patties Makes 50 patties

Today we’re making homemade peppermint patties! Soft, creamy peppermint filling is coated with rich dark chocolate in this classic holiday treat! This recipe may be made with family members young and old, and is perfect for gifting and enjoying together this holiday season! Make a double batch and freeze some to enjoy all winter long!

In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix the condensed milk, corn syrup, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until combined. Taste peppermint ‘dough’ and add a few more drops of peppermint extract if desired.

Remove the mixture from the bowl and form two discs. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Once chilled, unwrap one of the discs and place on parchment paper that’s been dusted lightly with powdered sugar. Use a rolling pin to roll out the doughy mixture into a roughly 1/4” thick slab. Use a 1-1/2” cookie cutter to cut out peppermint rounds.

Peel back the extra dough from the circles, roll out again and repeat the cutting process until all of the mixture has been used.

Place patties on a rimmed sheet pan lined with wax paper and place in the freezer for 20 minutes. Repeat the rolling and cutting process with the second batch of ‘dough’.

Use a double boiler to melt the chocolate and coconut oil (or microwave in a micro-

wave safe bowl for 1 minute and 20 seconds, stirring halfway through), stirring to ensure there are no lumps and that all of the chocolate has melted.

Remove the patties from the freezer and use a fork or a candy dipping tool to dip the patties into the chocolate until fully coated.

Tap to remove any excess chocolate. Transfer the chocolate-coated patties back to the wax paper and top with crushed peppermint before the chocolate sets. Let the chocolates cool and harden. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or the freezer until ready to enjoy.

Tip: Make sure the centers have been fully frozen before dipping! If they are still warm, they may begin to melt under the heat of the chocolate, causing the patty to lose its form.

INGREDIENTS

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk 1/4 cup light corn syrup 1-1/4 tsp peppermint extract, (plus more, if desired) 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 7 cups powdered sugar, (plus more, for sprinkling) 3 cups dark melting chocolate discs 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy (for sprinkling) (about 14 Peppermint discs)

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Trends – Published for members of the Guilford Merchants Association

Support

Continued from page 1

professional development opportunities that meet their needs.

American Rescue Plan Act dollars from Guilford County will cover the cost of content providers. The Arts Council is partnering with regional content providers, including SCORE, Triangle Arts Works, Small Business Center at GTCC, High Point Arts Council, and Winston-Salem Forsyth Arts Council.

The FirstPoint/GMA funding will help with the infrastructure of the portal and staffing, Way said.

“This is making a huge difference in our ability to do this,” she said of the donation.

The support comes from the GMA/ FirstPoint Foundation Fund, which aids eligible organizations with an emphasis on workforce education,

Coworking Continued from page 1

about 65 people.

There’s also a common area for coworking, a day office for members who just need an office for a few hours or day, and “phone booths” for taking private calls.

Office Evolution

Office Evolution of the Triad opened its Greensboro location in December 2017 and the High Point location in October 2019.

The Greensboro site, 806 Green Valley Road, Suite 200, has 21 private offices, two micro-offices, three designated desks (where members have their own spot but it isn’t in an enclosed office), a day office, and a coworking space.

The High Point site, 3980 Premier Drive, Suite 110, has 25 private offices, but no designated desks or cubicles. There’s a coworking space with about eight to 10 seats. And like Greensboro, there’s a shared kitchen, a small meeting room, larger meeting room and a day office.

There are also “phone booths.”

Expanded reach

The “virtual office” option is popular at both businesses. That includes getting to use the physical location as a business address and access to the coworking space, and other amenities.

“So basically, you could say, ‘Yeah, this is my office,’ and then you use the physical space only when 4

Laura Way, president and CEO of the Arts Council of Greater Greensboro accepts a check from GMA/FirstPoint President and CEO Mark Prince (left) and chairman of the GMA Board of Directors, Richard Beard, Greensboro Sports Foundation (right). The money will help create the Small Business Development Hub for Creatives.

entrepreneurship, and economic development in Guilford County.

“The GMA/FirstPoint Board is proud to support this new initiative in a significant way,” said Mark Prince, president and CEO of GMA/FirstPoint.

Way said the new program will you need it,” Barron-Antolin said.

“So even when our offices are full, we can have new people coming in from that standpoint, and using those other shared resources.”

Having that physical address can help with Google Maps and profiles, she said. Google profiles don’t accept residential addresses and Google Maps won’t list post office boxes.

The shared office spaces aren’t just for small companies looking for a physical location.

Transform GSO housed some of the first employees of the Toyota battery plant in Randolph County before they had built out enough to have offices on site, Hickle said.

And Office Evolution of the Triad helped out a large corporation that needed space for its employees during a major renovation project.

Sometimes, companies just need somewhere to hold a meeting or retreat.

“What we’re seeing is that a lot of businesses that have downsized their physical space because a lot of their workers are working remotely, still need a place to meet,” Hickle said.

Support is key

Membership with GMA helped Barron-Antolin when she initially set up her business. She was able to turn to members to help her with furniture, insurance, promotional items, and even getting a printer, she said.

“I also feel like for the amount that you pay in your membership, there’s so much offered. The training,

really help local artists, who generally have not been trained to think about their work as a business. Business concepts just aren’t taught in art school, she said. Many artists don’t record expenses. They don’t think about forming a limited liability corporation. They tend to be reticent

about transactional activities, which she said is really a skill set.

“Understanding the value of your work is really important,” Way said.

“That is just one of the fundamentals that artists need to learn.”

She is thrilled that FirstPoint/ GMA have joined in the effort.

“I love the fact that GMA is in many ways seeding this, because what we have here with creatives could be a lot of small businesses,” Way said. “Economics, for the most part, are fueled by small businesses. So (this is) helping creatives understand that they are a driver of economic outcomes in our community and GMA is there to help them.”

Laura Way The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro 336-279-7080 lway@theacgg.org www.TheACGG.org

Above: Office Evolution of the Triad offers several conference rooms in its Greensboro and High Point locations. There’s also a a full-time business center manager who greets clients, answers questions and can help with projects.

Right: The large coworking space at Transform GSO in downtown Greensboro includes a shared kitchen area. Transform GSO serves Synchronicity coffee, made by a local roaster. The coffee beans are ground daily.

the events, the networking group, all of that. I really feel like I get a lot of value from my GMA membership,” Barron-Antolin said.

She believes in it so much she is offering GMA memberships when people rent one of her offices.

Hickle said Transform GSO proudly displays its GMA membership sticker. New members are referred to GMA. “We always say, GMA is a great resource,” she said.

Peggy Hickle Transform GSO 336-551-8386 peggy@transformgso.com www.transformgso.com Peggy Baron-Antolin Office Evolution of the Triad 336-396-8950 Greensboro or 336203-6781 High Point peggy.barron@officeevolution.com www.officeevolution.com/locations/ greensboro

Trends – Published for members of the Guilford Merchants Association

GMA gives new member chance to learn, connect

W

hen William “Rome” Clinard starts something new, he’s all in.

Clinard, who owns Sir William Financial Group, just joined Guilford Merchants Association in mid- to late September. In that time, Clinard though, he’s attended as many GMA events as possible.

“I was just like, you know, let me see what everything is about. So I signed up for everything in October,” he said.

He found out about GMA from someone at Urban Ministry one day when he was delivering food there that was left over from a work event.

He saw it as an opportunity for his new business, which he started in August.

Sir William Financial Group in Greensboro offers retirement planning, investment management, risk management, tax planning and estate planning. On his website, Clinard said he likes to understand a client’s individual needs and goals, and creates a financial plan that is tailored to their specific situation.

Financial education is important, he said.

“So I’m like, let me talk to people, then we educate them, change their mindset, and change the way they see it,” he said.

A lot of people don’t think about insurance until something happens and they need it, he said.

He knows how that can happen. When his mother became sick last year, he found out she didn’t have life insurance. Nothing was in place.

NEW

MEMBER He’s got experience running a business already. He had a company that sold natural body butter and scrubs, a care product he says ultimately helped a lot of people. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and retail businesses like his took a beating. When it came time to renew the lease on his space, he opted to close instead.

Before making the transition to insurance, he committed a few years to the car industry. The change was partly driven by a personal experience with his mother’s lack of insurance coverage.

“Luckily, I had the means to cover funeral expenses with the help of my uncle, but everyone isn’t as fortunate,” he said. “I see Go Fund Me pages or people putting together fundraisers to cover medical or funeral costs.

That’s fine, but I want to educate and change the way you see insurance, so those things aren’t a necessity.”

The car industry served as a stepping stone, teaching him about talking to people and problem-solving, among other skills.

GMA membership has provided opportunities to learn as well, and networking has already connected him to some potential clients.

Clinard said he’s had the opportunity to meet new people, have some fun, eat great food and enjoy great fellowship since joining GMA. “Everything I’ve been to I’ve loved,” he said.

William “Rome” Clinard Sir William Financial Group, 111 Bain St., Greensboro.

919-289-8669 contact@sirwilliamfinancial. com www.sirwilliamfinancial.com

Scott Elkins, M7 Technology Solutions, hands out stickers during a networking event to encourage participants to meet new people. For the “flashers” who give out the stickers, that’s not a problem. “You get to meet pretty much everybody there,” he said.

Giving back, one sticker at a time Scott Elkins often volunteers at GMA networking events to help out.

I

f you see a man in a red polo shirt handing out stickers at a Guilford Merchants Association networking event, you’ve likely met Scott Elkins.

The owner of M7 Technology Solutions likes to give back to the community in any way he can.

“It’s two prong. One, it gives a sense of feel-good, of course,” said Elkins, who has been a GMA member for about six or seven years.

“Also, it’s kind of a way for me to give back to an organization that to me has, frankly, they’ve given so much to me that I don’t know if my business would still be open if it wasn’t for (GMA).”

GMA has its own technology crew, so Elkins found other ways to contribute to the organization. He’s helped set up and break down for events. He’s stuffed gift bags.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped GMA deliver food to fire departments.

But the thing he’s done the most at GMA is volunteer as one of the “flashers” for the Noontime Network events.

They get the name “flasher” for the flashing IDs they wear so people can find them eas-

VOLUNTEER

SP OTLIGHT ily in the crowd during the event.

“When you walk in they’ll give you a sticker that you put on and you try to find somebody else with that sticker and introduce yourself,” he said. Once you get a match, you go back to a “flasher” to get a new sticker and a ticket, which can be entered for door prizes.

The idea is to get members out of their shells so they meet new people and get a chance to network.

For the volunteers like Elkins handing out the stickers, “You get to meet pretty much everybody there, even if it’s just briefly.”

February will mark 10 years since he started his business. It’s in his blood.

Both of his parents, as well as an aunt and an uncle, had technology jobs. Now his son works in cybersecurity.

M7 Technology Solutions handles “pretty much anything computer related,” from hardware to software, networks, security, and wired and wireless services, he said.

In his free time, Elkins likes to give a helping hand whenever he can.

“I volunteer kinda any-

where it fits and I have the time to,” he said.

Over the years he’s helped clean up the community through the Adopt-A-Highway program and put together Christmas shoebox packages to send to those in need.

He also volunteers at his church, where he is a trustee.

While that often includes sharing his technology knowhow, he also helps in other ways, such as joining a team putting out mulch for one church work day event.

But much of his volunteer hours have gone to GMA, he said. There’s only a handful of full-time workers and they couldn’t pull off all the events they do without the help of volunteers, he said.

“The GMA folks are always very appreciative of any of the volunteer work that I do,” he said.

Helping out is his way of saying thank you to an organization that has helped him with making business connections and more over the years.

“The whole ‘participation equals success’ is a perfect slogan for them, in my opinion,” he said. “If you participate, you can’t help but succeed in some way.”

Scott Elkins M7 Technology Services 336-338-1590 selkins@m7ts.com https://m7ts.com

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Trends – Published for members of the Guilford Merchants Association

Thank you to our firefighters

Courtesy of the Greensboro Swarm

The Greensboro Swarm added a new video board at the Novant Health Fieldhouse.

Swarm kick off 8th season in GSO A

new video board and new playing court design are among the changes basketball fans will see during the Swarm’s eighth season in Greensboro.

Efforts to enhance the experience for fans also include moving ductwork that had impeded views and adding a few new concessions options.

“The video board is really going to enhance our in-game entertainment,” said Steve Swetoha, president of the Greensboro Swarm, who have been a member of the Guilford Merchants Association since 2016.

The 23-by-16 foot video board will give fans a view of live action, replays, in-game programming during breaks and more.

Behind the scenes, the Swarm added more space for coaches, three baskets to the court to allow players more development, a recovery plunge pool, and expanded the weight room. The visiting team also now has more

New member orientation New members participated in orientation on Oct 25. Pictured are: At front, Karen Robertson, Hilton Garden Inn Greensboro.

First row from left: Susanna Albright, Rent A Home of the Triad Inc.; Omar Rivera, Aurora Pro Services; Lisa Hmiel, Home Helpers; Michele Walker, ProActive Therapy and Wellness; Brandin Bennett, Rent A Home of the Triad Inc. Second row from left: Michelle Bolick, vice president of GMA; Kevin Slate, CST Carolina Services; Jennifer Fernandez, Dragonfire Communications; Rome Clinard, Sir William Financial Group; Annette Hayes, Meridian Convention Center; Jawa Muniyandi, Meridian Convention Center.

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Firefighters enjoy a free meal courtesy of the Guilford Merchants Association. The annual event, put together by GMA volunteers, is a way to say thank you for their service to the community.

Get tickets, game schedule and more Swarm news at www.greensboroswarm.com space for coaches and a women’s locker room and shower.

Again this season, kids will get some court time during Free Play Fridays. They will have a chance to play on the court for 30 minutes after the game, Swetoha said.

“We wanted to figure out a different way to have kids get engaged after our Friday games,” he said.

The NBA G League affiliate team is led by returning head coach Jordan Surenkamp. Cole Teal has taken on the role of general manager this season.

Last season, the Swarm’s home court at the Greensboro Coliseum’s Fieldhouse became the Novant Health Fieldhouse under a naming rights agreement. The Swarm also signed a five-year lease extension through the 202728 season.

Sept. 20, 2023 at GMA Kimberly Vaughan, The Relocation Guide (left) and Asha Burnette, Greensboro-High Point Marriott Airport (right), chat during the Sept. 20 Meet & Eat in the parking lot at the Guilford Merchants Association.

From left, Joshua Hand, Grace Financial Services; Forrest Howard, Kimpton Cardinal Hotel; Kelsey Huffman, Kimpton Cardinal Hotel; Reinier Smit, Tuggle Duggins; and Will Chappell, Banker’s Life enjoy lunch from Ghassan’s.

Trends – Published for members of the Guilford Merchants Association

From left: Abby Donnelly, The Leadership & Legacy Group; Terri Moore, Terri L. Moore & Team; Sue Falcone, Remarkable! A Speakers Bureau; and Alison Schwartz, All Pets Considered, take a break from dancing to make a photo.

Time to celebrate

Guilford Merchants Association threw a “CelYOUbration” party on Nov. 2 for GMA members and guests at The Vineyard in Greensboro. The Painted Plate catered the event, which was sponsored by the Summit Credit Union.

Members show off their moves on the dance floor during the CelYOUbration party Nov. 2.

GMA members have a little fun while posing for a photo. Pictured from left are: Alison Huber, Dynamic Quest; Brittany Bivens, BelFlex Staffing Network; Lindy Fuller, Summit Credit Union; Alasha Jones, BelFlex Staffing Network; Karen Williams, Bravo Signs; and Sharon Smith, GMA membership development.

Wesley Johnson (right), WJ Specialty Motors, poses for a photo with his wife, Cynthia.

DJ Scottie DaBody Springer (left) poses with Derrick Brady of bcookmedia Inc.

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Brighter banking is a commercial lending team with roots in the Triad, not just branches.

Offering commercial real estate financing solutions with fast and local lending decisions, Zach Nichols and our experienced Triad Commercial Lending Officers can help you grow your business and our community.

Zach Nichols Vice President, Commercial Market Executive zach.nichols@truliantfcu.org 336-870-4706 Truliant.org/Commercial Equal Housing Lender. Loans subject to credit approval.

SHFB_Fall2023_GMA.pdf

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9/22/23

4:54 PM

Harvest hope.

Nourish families.

Help Second Harvest fill plates and hearts this holiday season.

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