Issuu

Vol. 39 • No. 5 • September 2026

GMA workshop focuses on how to best use AI

T RE N DS

From creating websites to handling sales inquiries, artificial intelligence can help businesses in many ways, experts say

ay Vics hears from Guilford Merchant Association members all the time about how they’re using artificial intelligence, or AI. At a recent meeting of GMA’s Networking Gurus, a member shared how he built a five-page website using the AI-fueled Studio Builder. The development platform helps people design, build, and manage custom web and mobile apps without needing to create extensive computer coding. Vics said members are using AI to create company documentation and build their brand and strategy. They use

AI to look at how they can rank better online. They’re also using it to create elevator pitches for networking, Power Point presentations and sales sheets. “I tell people there’s really no limitation,” said Vics, who will be a speaker at GMA’s “AI in Action” mini-conference on Nov. 5 at the Marriott Airport in Greensboro. Vics, of JVI Mobile Marketing, will be joined by Marcia Soutto Mayor and Marcelo Guimaraes of LAGOA, and Trey Copeland of North Carolina Media Group at the expanded Digital Marketing Institute event.

Photo courtesy of Jay Vics Jay Vics, JVI Mobile Marketing, often shares insights on digital marketing and artificial intelligence (AI) with GMA members. He’s one of four speakers who will discuss how businesses can make the most out of AI during GMA’s special, four-hour Digital Marketing Institute on Nov. 5.

While many businesses are using AI, there are others that may not know how to get started or how to best use AI tools. “We know members have questions about using artificial intelligence for their businesses. Instead of having to go to multiple places

L OO K I N SI DE

to get answers, we gathered local experts for an expanded training session to help our members get the most out of AI,” said GMA Vice President Michelle Bolick. The four-hour mini-conference is free for GMA members and their employees. Participants can expect

to learn about how to use AI for operations, compliance, safety and legal aspects of their businesses, not just marketing, Vics said. Ashley Strand, REMS Mobile and Better Bones, resisted using AI at first. AfContinues on page 4

Welcome!

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

225 Commerce Place Greensboro, NC 27401

Tailgate photos......... 3

An advertising supplement to The Business Journal

Business Success...... 4 Volunteer profile...... 5 Participation............ 6 New Member........... 7 Trends is a publication of the Guilford Merchants Association.

Timera Poteat, GMA (left), and Julie Howe, Carolina Digital Phone (right), take a break from the registration desk to pose for a photo during the July 23 Noontime Network. See more event photos on pages 3, 6 and 7.

Trends – Published for members of the Guilford Merchants Association

Name: Taji Vanhook Hometown: Burlington, N.C. Residence: Rural Hall, N.C. Age: 37 Education: high school graduate. Currently enrolled at A&T majoring in Liberal Studies: Applied Cultural Thoughts Business: Allegacy Financial Vanhook Role/title: Regional business and community development specialist (East Region) Responsibilities: Connects communities and businesses with financial solutions through relationship-building, outreach, and strategic partnerships that drive growth and impact. On GMA: I joined GMA because of

the encouragement from my supervisor to expand my network and the opportunities to connect with other professionals in the city. On GMA benefits: I think GMA is a wonderful organization, and I’ve enjoyed the opportunities to meet other career driven individuals in Greensboro. All of the events are enjoyable. Any chance I get to socialize and network is a good time to me. On RISERS: I love the Risers program because it brings me closer to individuals that have similar demographics as me. Helping me to break some walls down and share similar ambitions and goals. I’ve created a network of resources not only for my role at Allegacy but also for personal use. Is there something you have learned that you would like to share: Take a chance and leap of faith. Work the room you’re in with the goal in mind to leave with at least one new connection. Then also follow up and keep in contact. Personal: Married with two kids (daughter, 10 years old and son, 5 years old). Tvanhook@allegacy.org 336-813-0927

Consider joining a GMA networking group

MA manages three weekly networking groups. Members of these category-exclusive groups share information and exchange sales leads and referrals. The groups encourage strong rela-

tionships, and members feel like an extension of your own sales team. Contact GMA at 336-378-6350 for more information and to schedule a visit to the group of your choice.

President & CEO

G. Mark Prince

Vice President

Michelle Bolick

Membership Development

Sharon Smith

Program/Events Manager

Stacey Speight

Administrative Assistant

Melinda Thomas

Operations Assistant

GMA members pose for a photo at Cel-YOU-bration in 2025. Pictured from left: Lindy Fuller, Summit Credit Union; Alison Schwartz, All Pets Considered; Michelle Shanks, Summit Credit Union; Johnny Alson, PMJ CleanUp Service; Kelly Ingram, City of Greensboro; and Aiden Schwartz, All Pets Considered. The annual party for GMA members will be on Oct. 1 this year.

Upcoming events Here’s what’s coming up: Sept. 16 — Risers Lunch Meet Up, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Freeman’s Grub & Pub, 1820 Spring Garden St., Greensboro. *Attendees responsible for their own checks. Sept. 23 — Meet & Eat,11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Grapes & Grains, 2001 Yanceyville St., Greensboro. Oct. 1 — Cel-YOU-bration, 5:30-8 p.m., The Vineyard, Painted Plate Catering, 3404 Whitehurst Road, Greensboro. Free for members and employees of member companies; $20 for guests of members. Oct. 6 — Teach Me Tuesday, noon-1:15 p.m., 225 Commerce Place, Greensboro. Lunch provided with registration. Oct. 8 — Noontime Network, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn (Airport), 238 NC 68, South Airport at Pai Park, Greensboro. Lunch provided with registration. Oct. 13 — Center City AM Briefing, 8-9 a.m., 225 Commerce Place, Greensboro. Registration/breakfast begins at 7:45 a.m.

Registration required for all events. Please register at www.mygma.org.

Timera Poteat

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.

The Guilford Merchants Association partnered with Reading Connections to host a “Pack the Garment Rack” earlier this year. The professional clothing drive supported the Ready for Work Closet, a resource that provides professional clothing for people preparing for job interviews and new employment.

Trends – Published for members of the Guilford Merchants Association

Grabbing a bite before the game

Mark Prince, GMA/First Point president and CEO (center), gets his photo made with Taji Vanhook, Allegacy Financial (left) and his son.

Gene Dolan, Culinary Visions Catering, sets up the food for the tailgating party before the game for the GMA Grasshoppers Night Out on July 30.

Park Williams, Raymond James (center) grabs a bite to eat with family members at the tailgate party before the game. Stacey Speight, GMA (left), goes through the pile of fans while Joan Rogers, Compass Insurance Services (right), takes advantage of her fan to cool off during the tailgate party.

PARKING MADE EASY.

PTI’s new EasyPark service lets you book your spot in advance.

Reservations must be made a minimum of 24 hours in advance.

LEARN MORE

Trends – Published for members of the Guilford Merchants Association

Turnover is down from the ‘Great Resignation,’ but managing it is important BY MARK MOSER

emember “The Great Resignation” of 2022 when over 50 million people quit their jobs? There was a huge shuffle as people changed both employers and careers as we were coming out of the COVID pandemic. The Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows voluntary turnover has declined Moser since the 2022 peak. It’s no longer a crisis, but it is still important. Certainly, turnover varies greatly by industry. But, if your voluntary turnover is greater than the bench-

AI workshop

BUSINESS

SUCCESS marks for your peers, you are losing the war for talent. Identifying and implementing ways to close the back door can result in an enhanced bottom line and, over time, a competitive advantage. Turnover can also be too low. Sure, a few organizations are stocked from top-to-bottom with “A” players. But most benefit from cycling out of poor performers and cycling in fresh talent each year. The key is to make sure that the right people are staying, and the right people are leaving. I hear many owners/managers with above average turnover rates blam-

• Train your supervisors and managers to effectively lead. • Don’t skimp on the training budget. It’s no surprise that studies by Gartner, the Journal of Business Venturing, Rauch and Hatek, and many others have found that small and mid-sized businesses that spend more on HR tend to outperform their peers who spend less. Good HR platforms lead to less turnover, stronger engagement and better leaders. Mark Moser is a principal with Davidson Group HR Solutions who specializes in strategic human resources for small and midsize firms. 336-314-8470 www.davidsongrouphr.com

Want to go?

Continued from page 1

What: AI in Action: Turning Innovation into Impact

ter hearing a presentation by Vics, he was intrigued about using AI to build a website. “What really attracted me to that was there was no learning curve,” he said. Strand is a certified REMS technician. It’s a relatively new technology to scan bones and predict fractures more accurately. Strand said he’s one of only four providers in the state. In recent months, he’s used AI to not only build a website, but to create a whole suite of documentation for an organization that hired him to bring his mobile scanner to use on their clients. AI created contracts, information sheets to help staff explain the scanning process, and a three-step email campaign tailored to the organization to reach its clients, Strand said. For the website, he “prompted” the AI by explaining he wanted a website similar to one for another company but tailored to what he offers. It took the AI about 10 minutes to create the website he wanted, Strand said. However, the finished product wasn’t perfect, he added. He had to do some tweaking. For example, AI said that a REMS scan takes 15 minutes

When: 8 a.m. to noon, Nov. 5

ing younger workers — “These kids today just don’t want to work.” The same thing has been said about every generation, ever. What they really should be saying is, “These kids today don’t want to work here.” Most are going to eventually stick somewhere. Better to figure out how to make your place attractive to them than to use generational stereotypes as an excuse. Here are five strategies to help close the back door: • Ensure your compensation and benefits are competitive. • Conduct stay interviews and/or employee surveys and act on the feedback. • Develop easy-to-understand career pathways so workers know what is achievable.

Where: Marriott Airport, 1 Marriott Drive, Greensboro Cost: Free to GMA members and their employees Register at www.mygma.org

when it is closer to 45 minutes, Strand said. As a self-described “one-man” show, Strand said AI has helped fill in gaps that would have been covered by a marketing team or web-designer. “I’m not breaking any headlines here when I say AI saves me a lot of time,” he said. Vics said many people are using AI for things like creating an image or writing an email. There’s so much more that AI can do for businesses, he said. “We’re really showing people now how you can use AI to truly save you the time and do the things you don’t want to do,” he said. Vics believes in AI so much that he offers free training sessions every Friday live on his website (JayTheAIGuy. com ) and YouTube channel. Strand suggested that companies not

Photo courtesy of Ashley Strand Ashley Strand uses a REMS scanner to check bone density. Strand has used AI to help him build a website, write email pitches and create other documents for his REMS Mobile and Better Bones companies.

sure about whether to use AI should try giving it a task that they’ve been putting off. “What’s the thing in your business that you’re avoiding because you don’t have the time or the expertise to do it? See if you can use AI to solve that,” he said. Here are three key things Vics said people should know about incorporating AI into a business: • You don’t need to be technical to

understand AI. If you can create a cohesive sentence, you can use AI. • If you don’t know what to say, just tell AI what you want it to do and it will do it. You can even ask AI to create the perfect prompt to ask it to create something, then use that prompt. • AI is no longer the future. AI is the present; it’s here. You are already going to be left behind if you don’t adapt in some way.

Trends – Published for members of the Guilford Merchants Association

Volunteer likes to bring her energy to GMA events

elcoming people to GMA events is Karen Robertson’s favorite part of volunteering. She likes to set the tone with an upbeat energy. How people are welcomed to an event is important, said Robertson, director of sales for Hilton Garden Inn Greensboro. The hotel is part of Daly 7, a 42-year-old family-owned business with corporate offices in Greensboro and Raleigh. “I’m very outgoing and upbeat, so I think personally for me, that energy when you first come into an organization’s meeting is important,” Robertson said. “They come in feeling welcome and feeling good about being a member,” she continued. “I think it breaks the ice.” Throughout her career, she has attended many association events. “I can certainly say the ones where people were welcoming at the registration desk made me feel better about being there and being a part of it and not feeling alone,” she said. Robertson has been a member of GMA for about three years. She was

VOLUNTEER

SPOTLIGHT also a member many years ago with a previous employer before leaving Greensboro for another job. After she returned to the area, the hotel she works for joined GMA. But Robertson didn’t start volunteering until this year. “I wanted to get back into the market and let people know I was here,” she said. She also wanted to be a good steward of the organization. “When you’re a member of something, you’re only going to get back what you put in,” she said. She has mostly volunteered for the registration desk at afternoon events. She has also helped with the sticker game, where participants try to match stickers with other people, providing a fun way to network. “It’s just really good to be able to meet the other individuals involved in the organization,” she said. She believes it’s important to give

Karen Robertson likes to volunteer for the registration desk at GMA events. She said it’s a great way to meet other GMA members.

back to the community. She also serves as a board member for the Guilford County Hotel Association and her homeowner’s association in Kernersville. Her company also does several community volunteer projects throughout the year. Her favorite volunteer project so far has been Feed the Hunger. She’s in talks with the Greensboro Cerebral Palsy Association to have her company provide volunteer hours for them. How does she squeeze in the time to volunteer? Robertson said it’s simple: “You make time.” Try not to overextend yourself, she added. Pick one or two things that you’re passionate about so that you

can give 100 percent. One thing she loves about volunteering with GMA is the flexibility offered. You’re not locked in and can pick what fits your schedule, she said. There’s another reason to volunteer, according to Robertson. “The one thing we should all strive to do is continue to grow every single day in some capacity,” she said. “And I think volunteering allows us to do that.” Karen Robertson Hilton Garden Inn Greensboro 336-852-1491 karen.robertson@dalyseven.com www.hilton.com/en/hotels/gsogrgihilton-garden-inn-greensboro/

Member Orientation GMA welcomed new members and new employees of member companies at orientation on July 22. Seated from left: Mark Podolle, Wireless Ventures; Lindy Fuller, Summit Credit Union; Alison Huber, Dynamic Quest/Triad Honor Flight; Julie Howe, Carolina Digital Phone; and Michelle Bolick, GMA. Second row from left: Carrie Thompson, Family Room Triad; Leigh Cannon, Bricks & Minifigs Kernersville; Emily Purcell, Freeman’s Grub & Pub; Kristin Howerton, Revity Federal Credit Union; Tanya Monroe, Ascendia Business Services LLC; and Lisa Graves, Creative Directions Inc. Third row from left: Zachary Morgan, Truist; David Campbell, 4th Figure; John Graves, Creative Directions Inc.; Jennifer Ball, Knot Your Average Events (& Travel); Andrew Malocu, Greensboro Sports Performance; Josh Porter, Nexa Lending; and Morgan Moore, First Citizens Bank.

Trends – Published for members of the Guilford Merchants Association

BIZ-Links is helping to boost business, owner says

Waldo’s Lock & Security is reaching more customers in Greensboro area now.

or Waldo Smith III, locksmithing is in his blood. He started helping in the family’s Reidsville-based business when he was just 16 years old. Smith took over the family business in 2010, two years after his grandfather, Waldo Smith Sr., passed away. In 2023, the company rebranded to Smith Waldo’s Lock & Security to better reflect the array of security solutions offered. Today, Smith is taking steps to improve the company’s expansion beyond Reidsville. Joining the Guilford Merchants Association about three months ago has helped with that endeavor, Smith said. His company is

PARTICIPATION

= SUCCESS also part of BIZ-Links, one of GMA’s networking groups. Smith recently gave a 10-minute presentation about his business at BIZLinks. Members take turns presenting at each meeting, giving them an opportunity to go more in-depth about what their business offers and share any changes or updates from the last time they presented before the group. He got a lot of questions about his business after his presentation, Smith said. “A lot of people wanted to talk to me about what we do. Once people sit down and I explain what we do as a company, they see where we could help them,” he said. Smith added that he’s picking up business after almost every BIZ-Links meeting. “We’re starting to get more traction,” he said. “It’s been very good for

us.” A church friend connected him to GMA, Smith said. He was invited to attend GMA’s Competitive Advantage Networking (CAN) Group and longtime GMA member Alison Huber, Dynamic Quest, encouraged him to join the merchants’ association. He figured GMA would give him an opportunity to meet more people in Greensboro, since he was expanding his business to the area. “We’re expanding out as we continue to grow,” he said. The company now reaches into Greensboro, High Point and Burlington on this side of the state line, and to Danville and Martinsville in Virginia. Technically, they could work anywhere in either state since the company is licensed in both, Smith said. Waldo’s Lock & Security still provides residential, auto, safe and vault services, but has been focusing on the commercial side, such as camera installation, access control systems (keycards and door readers, for example),

master key systems, and a variety of security features, Smith said. A new job will extend the company’s reach to Washington, D.C., to set up a master key system for some Jersey Mike’s and Dave’s Hot Chicken restaurants in the nation’s capital. Smith said GMA has been a great opportunity to meet people and businesses. And membership has also afforded him the chance to learn from other business owners, he said. “I’m just grateful for the people that I’ve met with the GMA,” he said. He really enjoys the one-on-one meetings set up between BIZ-Links members. It’s a chance to get to know each other better and share. “It really is just encouraging,” he said. “Everybody wins when everybody shares.” Waldo Smith Waldo’s Lock and Security 336-613-5307 waldo@waldoslock.com https://waldoslock.com

Summer

State of Mind GMA members enjoyed summer bites, tropical drinks and networking fun at a special, summerthemed Afterwork Network Aug. 18 at Centennial Station Arts Center in High Point.

Bill Howard, senior vice president and COO of FirstPoint (left) and Stephanie Ward, Print Plus Inc. (right), pose for a photo.

Stephanie Trippe, Window Works Studio (left) laughs as Julie Howe, Carolina Digital Phone, gives her a wristband for free drinks.

Gene Dolan, Culinary Visions (left) stands at the ready while Amber Fair, The Carolina Signsmith, (center) and Dick O’Donnell, Man in Green, grab some food. From left: Ronnie Copeland, Merrill Lynch; Weston Fischer, Fidelity Bank; and James Cass (guest), participate in the sticker game. 6

Trends – Published for members of the Guilford Merchants Association

GMA is a great cheerleader and ally, new member says Longtime event planner, travel agent likes GMA’s networking, training

etworking and education opportunities are the two things that Jenn Ball looks for before becoming part of an association. Since officially joining the Guilford Merchants Association in July, she’s had the chance to experience both. GMA’s training sessions have offered “tons of great information just to make my business stronger,” said Ball, who owns Knot Your Average Events & Travel. “I’ve been doing this for 28 years, but you can always teach the old dog new tricks,” she said. “Our world is changing ever so fast. So I love the topics that GMA covers.” Ball said speakers are relevant for any industry. GMA also does a great job setting up resources and opportunities to help companies be successful, she said. “And then the staff really push and really support, and are great cheerleaders and allies,” she said. “That’s a really big part as well.” Ball originally planned to become

NEW

MEMBER a teacher. But her senior year in college, she changed her major. School officials didn’t know where to put her, so they suggested recreation, parks and tourism. “I took one event management class. It changed my world completely, and then I ended up teaching that class for over a decade at UNG,” she said. Ball previously worked in corporate marketing and managed a venue for 10 years before starting her own business 14 years ago. She broke off travel into a separate company three years ago. “Back in the day, there wasn’t a big push for wedding coordinators,” she said. “I became a certified wedding planner so I could offer that service to our clients at that venue. And so that’s where I really honed in on a lot of my skill sets.” When that company closed, Ball decided to start her own business, which is based in Whitsett. Knot Your Average Events handles weddings, corporate events, fam-

Snapshots

Photo courtesy of Jenn Ball Jenn Ball shows off her GMA membership placard during a recent trip to Jamaica.

ily fun days, birthday celebrations and other personal celebrations. The travel business ranges from destination weddings and honeymoon trips to group getaways and other milestone celebrations. “I tell people all the time: I create memories that last a lifetime,” she said. Ball said she doesn’t do event or trip planning as a side hustle. They’re her main focus. “Your events, your memories, are why I do what I do. They’re why I wake up every day,” she said. “I want to be that support, and that you can trust that I’m going to be the quiet

Jenn Ball Knot Your Average Events & Travel 910-617-2271 jenn@knotyouraverageevents.com www.knotyouraverageevents.com

Teach Me Tuesdays

Scenes from GMA events in July and August

Risers Workshop

Noontime Network

Bryce Prine, Kosmos Cleaning (left); Kelsey Maners, Kosmos Cleaning (center); and Wendy Loftis, NorthGroup Real Estate (right) pose for a photo at the Noontime Network at Hilton Garden Inn (Airport) on July 23.

whisperer behind the scenes, so you can just be a guest and enjoy the moment.” She enjoys networking and building relationships in the community. “For me, that’s your best piece of marketing you can be a part of,” Ball said. “So for me, I’d rather go meet with people, break bread with people, have conversations, shake hands, and actually know people.”

Joe Novara, Growth Academy Coaching (left) connects with Steve Taylor, Solace IT Solutions, during the Aug. 4 Teach Me Tuesdays event at GMA’s offices. The session focused on building business relationships that last.

Emily Purcell, Freeman’s Grub & Pub (left) chats with Rachel Turner, LRNC Office Products, at the Aug. 13 RISERS Workshop on negotiation skills.

Trends – Published for members of the Guilford Merchants Association

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BTS_2025_GMA.pdf

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10:42 AM

Every child deserves to start school nourished and ready to learn.

SecondHarvestNWNC.org Call 336-378-6350 to find out more about advertising and sponsorship opportunities with GMA. 8