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 Each year Business Leader profiles a
list of dedicated members of the business community through their
personal mottos and greatest accomplishments.This year the first entry is
the epitome of an Impact 100 nominee. It is, in itself, the introduction to
the endeavors of those dedicated members of the Triangle.
Louise "Scottie" Stephenson Capitol Broadcasting Company, Corporate Secretary
A positive and lasting impact on the community…those words apply to no
one more than Louise "Scottie" Stephenson, icon and matriarch
of Capitol Broadcasting Company (CBC) and the Triangle community. She is
to Raleigh broadcasters what Amelia Erhart is to aviators.
This
nomination is not about what Scottie gave to the Triangle this year,
because she fell ill at the end of 2001 and never recovered enough to
return to her desk, even though her white sweater still hung on her
chair, waiting for her to come back. This nomination is about how her
passing on April 15, 2002, reminded us of more than a half-century of
dedication and determination from a tough-as-nails Southern lady.
Stephenson
came to work for WRAL-AM Radio in 1944 where she wrote ad copy, answered
the phones, posted the daily casualty list during WWII, gathered birth
announcements from the local hospital and became the "Lost
&Found" lady on the air. Stephenson never went to college, but
was a veritable encyclopedia of knowledge. She morphed into whatever was
needed, learning an entire field of information at the drop of a hat. She
mastered the difficult and overwhelmingly complex task of coordinating
WRAL's FCC documents. During the fight to get Raleigh's first television
license for WRAL, she sat through grueling questioning by hotshot DC
lawyers, never flinched and stood firm as an equal member of a five
-person team that came home victorious.
She worked
for CBC longer than any other employee, including its founder, A.J.
Fletcher, logging in 58 years of active service that ended only with her
death. Forty-nine of those years she sat on the CBC board and served as
corporate secretary. She served in the capacity for all 12 of CBC's
current subsidiaries and for a myriad of companies CBC acquired and sold
over the years.
Stephenson
made an impact on the community as well, working as an advocate for the
arts and the underprivileged. She spent 16 years on the board of the
Tammy Lynn Center for severely disabled children. She volunteered for the
Raleigh Fine Arts Society and the North Carolina Symphony and chaired the
Communications Committee of the Raleigh Junior Women's Club for several
years. She coordinated The Raleigh Golden Age Club's annual Christmas
luncheon for over four decades and saw it grow from 50 to over 1,500
people.
Although
no one could ever properly thank Stephenson for her many contributions,
several awards were bestowed upon her throughout the community. As her
years at the company grew, CBC had to create gifts for her years of
service at the annual long-term employee's luncheon. The company
presented her with several unique awards, including a marked parking
space by the door. After her death, CBC president and CEO Jim Goodmon
permanently affixed her parking sign at the company's locations on
Hillsborough Street and at the television station on Western Boulevard as
a reminder of her legacy and contributions. He wanted future employees to
ask, "Who is Scottie Stephenson?" and thus learn her story of
determination, quality and excellence.
This information was submitted in memory of Scottie
Stephenson by Andrea Osborne, CBC communications specialist.
B. Drew Robison BP
Studios, President & CEO
Accomplishment: In June, BP Studios launched a new company called
BP Message Center, Inc., an automated, web-based email message tracking
system. Despite the down turn in the company, I have continued to move BP
Studios forward as a successful and respectable company. We continue to
be a very active company in the community, predicating in and sponsoring
many local events. I attempt to attend as many as the "after
hours" and "breakfast/lunch" events as I can, so that I
can stay apprised of local community issues and concerns, and to also
have a chance to meet local business owners that are facing the same
challenges that I face from time to time. I am excited to say winning the
Pinnacle Award from the Raleigh Chamber and the Small Business Award from
the Cary Chamber were highlights this year. We weren't expecting to win
at all, so it was truly a great surprise for us. We felt so honored to be
awarded with both.
Motto: "You can't always get what you want, but if you try
sometime you just might find you get what you need."
Kelly M. Lumpkin
Alternate Access, CEO and Director of Business Development
Accomplishment: Personally - the safe and happy delivery of baby
boy Justin Professionally - Alternate Access has managed to keep its
doors open and has found different markets and different methods of
selling products and services while creating new markets. When many
economic indicators have shown the economy was down and companies were
downsizing, Alternate Access has maintained its work force intact by
using employees‚ collective creativity to forge new directions. The
prospects for Alternate Access are bright, not for macroeconomic reasons,
but for the path that Alternate Access chooses to go.
Motto: "Always go the extra mile."
Linda S. Leake CHANGE
by Leake, President
Accomplishments: Leadership is about serving others - giving of
your time and talents to get results with others. When I receive emails
from unemployed professionals stating that they obtained a job and how
much CareerNet helped them, the executive team gets re-energized and
focused on contributing more.
Motto: "My life is focused on faith, family, friends, fun,
and finances. Now, make a difference!"
Kristen M. Burnette
SKY Marketing Communications, LLC, President
Accomplishments: SKY is pleased to serve as a strong advocate in
the movement to end domestic violence. The agency provides pro-bono
services to both the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence
(NCCADV) and Interact to promote events, services and community
awareness. This contribution of time and professional resources has
helped generate extensive awareness of domestic violence in our local
community. In fact, according to the interim director of NCCADV, Mary
Beth Loucks-Sorrell, they have received more media attention since I
began working with them than they have in the past six years. This is an
issue that requires significant community awareness and involvement, and
I am pleased to be able to serve as a voice in the movement.
Motto: "True wisdom lies in gathering the precious things out
of each day as it goes by." - E.S. Burton
Robin U. Smith
Biologics Inc., President/ Founder
Accomplishments: Slowly but surely I feel that I have challenged
several manufacturers and managed care organizations to think about the
human element of oncology care: the patient. I've always enforced
"patient advocacy" as the focus of Biologics, but over the last
year I feel that I have successfully extended this focus beyond the walls
of Biologics and enlightened drug manufacturers and managed care
organizations on the challenges that cancer patients face. A few of the
results have come in the form of new versions of patient assistance
programs and getting insurance companies to cover a new cancer drug for
patients, even though the drug is not in their formulary.
Motto: The more you give of yourself, the greater the reward.
Janet Fox-Kreielsheimer ACH Investment Group, Pres/Financial Consultant
Accomplishments: Creating and developing a strategy whereby all
members of our firm can maintain our integrity and standards without
compromise in order to continue providing our clients with an exceptional
level of service and assisting them throughout one of the most difficult financial
periods of our time. By working closely with our clients we have been
able to keep them informed, answer questions and concerns in order to
minimize their anxiety during this volatile nerve racking period. This
action has provided us with minimal attrition in our customer base and in
some cases has enabled us to gain clients through referrals and growth.
Personal Motto: Trust is our mission. Our team is dedicated to meeting
our clients needs by providing quality financial products and providing a
high level of personal service.
Kelly D. Campbell
Interface Technologies, Inc., President
Accomplishment: Navigating the economic downturn has been a
primary focus of the last year. We have had to look beyond traditional
sources for new business, and now offer services to the legal community
by supporting their clients involved in software litigation matters.
Motto: Maintaining a positive outlook on life.
Jack W. Smith
TCGServices, Principal
Accomplishments: 1.) Successful implementation of TCGServices
providing an expanded portfolio of staffing options to the private sector
as well as City/County/State public sector and not-for-profit
organizations. 2.) Leading economic development initiatives to promote
business growth in the region. In response to client needs, The Carter
Group, recently launched TCGServices, focused on mid-career professional,
technical and scientific recruiting for both the public and private
sectors. I put together the business & implementation plan and now
head up that effort. Motto: Take care of your family, contribute to your
community, serve with integrity - you only have one life, live it to the
fullest.
Joe Cece
Business Telecom, Inc. (BTI), CEO
Accomplishments: Developed a new bundled product strategy to
better serve our business customers and to address a void in the
marketplace. I increased BTI charitable contributions and community
participation. I installed a new management team enabling BTI to
establish a common vision, which has reinforced business integrity and
supported the commitment to excellence in everything we do. The other
accomplishment of note must be the creation of a new corporate culture,
which understands that every employee plays a role in making the company
successful. Our new culture is based upon my belief that a company is
only as good as its people. Everyone at the company is empowered to
manage and implement their individual work and we are committed to
helping employees achieve their goals.
Motto: Think Different (Apple's slogan)
Cindy L. Green
Bedrock Concepts, Inc., President and CEO
Accomplishments: Being able to have a growing company during the
economic downturn. Bedrock Concepts, Inc. turned 3 years old in October
of this year. We hired 3 new employees, including Alan J. Clark as Vice
President and COO, Dana Hutchings as Office Manager and Robert Ellis as
Systems Technician. Another notable accomplishments is our partnership
with another business, Defense Point, Inc., the start of a government and
military company creating better CyberSecurity Systems.
Motto: The truth will set you free! Be careful for what you wish
for, you might get it! God is Great!
John J. Campbell
Campbell Alliance Group, President
Accomplishments: Despite an economic downturn, my firm, Campbell
Alliance has achieved 100% revenue growth in 2002, the clearest indicator
of the impact the firm had this year on its pharmaceutical clients.
During 2002, we have continued to scale our unique business model- a
combination of the best attributes of a large management-consulting firm
with the hands-on, service-oriented nature of smaller, more highly
specialized firms. As the firm expanded its client base into Europe
during 2002, we also continued to add to our talented pool of
consultants, each with the industry-specific expertise and experience
that makes Campbell Alliance the leading management consulting firm
specializing in the pharmaceutical industry. Marrying the love of my
life, Ann and bringing our families together last August.
Motto: "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine
percent perspiration"- Thomas Alva Edison
Angela Velazquez Making
the Connection, President
Accomplishments: My greatest accomplishment is being selected to
pilot starting a radio show to address the challenges and opportunities
many new pioneers (immigrants) must overcome to provide for their
families and succeed in the United States. Our team, formally known as
has helped over 100 families find employment, register for citizenship,
seek education, and provide for their families. The truth is that several
dedicated and prayerful people associated with various local and national
agencies have come into my life at just the right time to synthesize the
makings of the Triangle areas next great network syndicate.
Motto: Faith is knowing that, "one person can make a
difference"
David A. Chatham
Brodeur Worldwide, Account Director
Accomplishment: Assisting charities like the Duke Brain Tumor
Center and the ADA by successfully promoting them in the local media to
drive awareness and increase contributions. Along with my colleague,
Bradd Pavur, we successfully managed the Brodeur Raleigh office through a
challenging 2002 in a climate where many of our competitors chose to
leave the Triangle area. We continue to keep current clients like LabCorp
and gain new ones like SciQuest. Motto: Knowledge is power. - Sir Francis
Bacon I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more
I have of it. - Thomas Jefferson
Amy L Smith JMP, A
Business Unit of SAS, Corporate Comm. Specialist
Accomplishments: Since I joined the team, in March 2002, we have
successfully implemented a comprehensive public relations campaign and
developed a stronger awareness through increased press exposure. I have
had two articles published in one of our industry publications,
Scientific Computing & Instrumentation. A third article on Procter
& Gamble will be published in the January issue of sas.com magazine.
In June of this year, we successfully launched a new version of our product
and generated extensive coverage from the press community. Our team works
with an organization called RhinoWatch to help with the conservation
efforts of rhinos in the wild - our product is used to analyze data about
the rhinos. This conservation effort is now being expanded to do tiger
research using JMP.
Motto: "God grant me the courage to change the things that I
can, accept the things that I can't change, and the wisdom to know the
difference."
Ken Holec
Peopleclick, President and CEO
Accomplishments: I've helped build a company of true enduring
value in Peopleclick. Since I stepped in at Peopleclick, we've been
building, both organically and through acquisition, a technology platform
for all personnel acquisitions, management and regulatory requirements.
Many vendors in our space offer fragmented solutions but none have the
scope, breadth and integration to help enterprises build a productive and
diverse workforce. Our acquisition of itiliti in August gave Peopleclick
the tools for what we are calling total workforce acqusition. In short,
through our technology companies we can direct recruitment management,
vendor management, employee management and affirmative action/EEO
compliance. No other company can make this claim.
Motto: "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity,
an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."- Sir Winston
Churchill
Kurt D. Weaver Womble
Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC, Member/Partner
Accomplishments: I have been fortunate to accomplish two important
goals in the past year or so, one personal and another as part of a team.
I hope that I have increased Womble Carlyle's long standing commitment to
community participation through my personal involvement in the Wake
County United Way and my graduation from the Greater Raleigh Chamber of
Commerce's Leadership Raleigh XVII. Professionally, I am a senior member
of the defense team that has protected a valued client of the firm in
complex product I uprooted my wife and two daughters in late 1999 and
moved here from Cleveland. This year, I feel like I have finally achieved
balance here in the Triangle. I have the privilege simultaneously to be
in a profession I love, work with people whom I respect, participate in
important community decisions, and have a family that is thriving.
Motto: "Important principles may and must be
inflexible."- A. Lincoln
Monica S. Smiley
Enterprising Women, Publisher/CEO
Accomplishments: Others have tried to produce a national magazine
targeted to this market, but have not been successful. Though we are
still a young, struggling company, we have succeeded in creating a
quality publication that is right on target for our audience. Especially
in this challenging economic environment, I consider this a great
accomplishment and something we can build on in the years to come. This
past year, I have organized an Advisory Board for Enterprising Women
comprised of successful women business owners, the leaders of the major
organizations that serve women-owned businesses and representatives from
Fortune 500 companies that are actively working to serve the interests of
this fast growing segment of the marketplace. Working with a
Triangle-based, woman-owned technology company, we have also launched
EnterprisingWomen.com.
Motto: Susan B. Anthony said, "Failure is Impossible." I
am the eternal optimist and I like to believe that Susan was right. It
takes real courage to be an entrepreneur today.
Roger D. Carter
Winston's Grille, Assistant General Manager
Accomplishments: Contributing to the development of our
community's future leaders. Being a role model and mentor for several
people as they begin their careers in hospitality management, retail
management, and business management. It is quite an accomplishment to
share with these people my insights and experiences with leadership and
then to observe them become successful in leadership roles themselves. A
major remodeling of the restaurant, including a complete overhaul of the
menu, to better reflect current design trends, menu trends and our customers
needs for a great restaurant in north Raleigh. All management and
supervising personnel are certified in Serve Safe, a nationally
recognized certification for food service professionals. Decrease in
staff turnover.
Motto: "Seek first to understand, then to be understood"
Chris A. LeGrand
Analytical Sciences, Inc., Vice President, Operatinos & CTO
Accomplishments: Going to India on a 2-week mission trip and
following up with raising funds for India social ministry projects.
Professionally we had a revenue growth rate of more than 40% per year for
past 3 years. Our growth includes expansion into new markets, including
international business in Russia. Motto: Living life with authenticity
and with a purpose, one that is larger than myself.
Barry F. Mitsch The
Pyramid Resource Group, Inc., Vice President
Accomplishments: Launching the Cary Chambers' Honor a Teacher
Program. 2002 was a year for challenges. As a small business, we have
successfully navigated through the downturn and have opened new possibilities.
As a company and as individuals, we have made significant contributions
to our community and to the profession of coaching. I have had two
articles published this year and we will be self-publishing a book as
well. Have held leadership positions in 3 organizations and made
significant contributions. Motto: Make a Difference
Lorraine G. Stephens
L. Stephens & Associates, Inc., President
Accomplishment: During the last year L. Stephens & Associates has
provided training to over five hundred educators, implemented a special
laptop training program for Title I teachers and grown the client base by
8%. Publishing of a book that finally simplifies many of the tasks
performed in Microsoft Word. It is named "I Wish I Had Known That
Yesterday!"
Motto: I live my life motivated, inspired, and with confidence.
While assisting clients I share this feeling with them and encourage the
to always "Learn Without Fear."
John C. Boling SAS
inSchool, a Division of SAS Institute, Director
Accomplishments: SAS inSchool, a R&D Division of SAS
Institute, focuses on more effective technology applications for K-12
education. The products and services delivered by the organization
received a number of national awards in addition to increase sales. The
pleasure of working with a team of dedicated staff demonstrating thought
leadership in the education technology market space and the creation and
delivery of qualitative solutions to the market.
Motto: Service to others is the rent we pay for living. Schools do
not need a technology plan. Instead they need an academic plan technology
can deliver.
David W. Tucker
Thomas, Judy & Tucker, P.A., Vice President and Director of
Outsourced Accounting Division
Accomplishment: Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) is a new field.
As the owner responsible for this division of Thomas, Judy & Tucker
PA, I keep on top of emerging technologies, as well as streamline
processes by which our clients can reduce their accounting cost, improve
HR, and strike a competitive advantage in their respective industries. I
have also worked to maintain a successful business in this tough economy;
providing vision and direction for the outsource accounting division,
working together with firm management to provide opportunity for
employees‚ career growth; providing service to enhance clients‚ success;
embarking on new technology in an otherwise traditional profession
Motto: Personal success will come by taking a personal interest
and assisting others in their success
Cary E. Kinross-Wright Intersouth Partners, Principal
Accomplishments: Professionally, my ability to step in and act as
the CFO for one of our portfolio companies (with no prior CFO or related experience)
was a major accomplishment to me. This was a constant learning
experience, but I also felt I was able to act as a major contributor to
the company. I successfully found a full time replacement for myself when
it was clear the company needed a full time finance person. I remain
close to the founders and the rest of the management team, and will
continue to be active with the company. On a personal front, I would say
that my greatest accomplishment has been in my adventure-racing career.
Many people wonder how it is possible to race competitively and also hold
down a demanding full time job. My answer is that, if it is important
enough to you, you will find a way! I feel I took my racing to the next
level this year. My team placed very well in several major races, which
was extremely exciting. Another personal racing goal for me is to become
a mentor and role model to younger people.
Motto: "Do the one thing you think you cannot do"
Holly E. Woods Overbey Positive Image Consulting, Inc., President
Accomplishments: As a personal image coach I have supported
individuals and businesses in achieving their common goal of expressing
their integrity, style and values from the inside out. I have helped
individuals feel empowered and confident in various business and social
settings. I encourage clients, workshop participants and colleagues to be
specific in their goals and desires and create personal, positive
strategies to achieve them. My greatest accomplishment can be expressed
in the words of a student from CET (Center for Employment Training)
"...you helped me feel better about being me... thank you." My
greatest accomplishment is when I see the aha in a young person's eyes,
when they realize how beautiful, empowered and special they are. I also
volunteered my time and coaching skills to support and empower CET, NC
State Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search participants. They have
been a personal source of inspiration.
Motto: Today is tomorrow's yesterday; Live Now! If beauty is in
the eye of the beholder, when was the last time you looked in the mirror?
"Try? There is no try. Do, or do not." Yoda
Paul R. Pope , Jr.
Capitol Broadcasting Company, VP., Community Relations
Accomplishment: Under my leadership, the Interfaith Food Shuttle
and Meals on Wheels was able to form a partnership to build a community
kitchen. This is a great example of what a collaborative effort can do.
In 2003, there will be a new facility built to feed more hungry people in
our community. I also helped get the national affiliation for the
Triangle Urban League.
Motto: Our youth are our hope for the future, we must invest in
and protect our future. Remember when someone helped you.
Sue Toth MRPP,
President
Accomplishments: The past year has been the most challenging in
MRPP's 15-year history. September 11 had a devastating effect across the
advertising industry. Many of our clients were forced to cut back and
even cancel advertising campaigns. I am proud of how MRRP reacted to
these challenges. We resisted the temptation to sit back and lick our
wounds. Instead we focused on improving our capabilities. We can now
compete even more effectively alongside the best of the best. The goal we
have today is the same goal MRPP started with in 1987- to make clients
wildly happy. Perhaps my proudest moment this year occurred as I reviewed
the results of a customer satisfaction survey. The core values that we
hold sacred -integrity, trust, knowledge and expertise- were repeated
again and again from the mouths of our clients. It told me that we were
accomplishing exactly what we set out to do. It was an incredible
feeling.
Greatest accomplishment: Surround yourself with people that are
smarter than you.
James R. Tobin, Jr. (Jim) Brogan & Partners Convergence Marketing, Partner
Accomplishments: Brogan & Partners has grown from a two-person
sales office of a Detroit-headquartered advertising and public relations
agency to a 24-person, full service operation located in Cary's Weston
Office Park. In this, the worst advertising climate in years, we have
been able to attract clients in our fields of expertise with both
long-term contracts and project work.
Motto: If the game's worth playing, it's worth playing to win.
Lyle H. Estill Blast
Internet Services, CEO
Accomplishments: I led the merger of BLAST Inc. and EMJ Internet,
forming Blast Internet Services--the largest web company in the Triangle.
I also formed the Moncure Museum of Art.
Motto: "Get obsessed and stay obsessed." I believe I
picked that up from a John Irving novel.
David P. Rizzo MCNC,
President and CEO
Accomplishment: In my first five months at MCNC, I have
spearheaded a much more aggressive marketing program; restructured the
organization to meet our clients' needs more efficiently and effectively;
and negotiated an appropriate and amicable agreement with the NC
university system for MCNC to continue to provide high performance
computing resources to them. I also successfully completed the sale of
Osprey to a large publicly traded foreign firm. I helped build Osprey
Systems, Inc. from ground up to $30 million in annual sales revenues and
225 employees, positioning the company as a leading player nationwide. I
spearheaded an aggressive operations, revenue and profit improvement
program to strengthen competitive market lead during fundamental changes
taking place in the second half of 2000. I successfully divested certain
assets of the company, focusing on core businesses.
Motto: "The greatest hurdle is convincing yourself that what
you want is possible."
Dana C. Dorroh HumanCentric
Technologies, Director, New Ventures and Bus. Dev.
Accomplishment: During 2002, HCT has opened a satellite office in
the Boston area, been recognized with a technology award from NCEITA, expanded
its marketing reach and added several new clients. I'm an investment
partner in two additional ventures - One Source of NC and Peakton
Corporation. For the last two years, I have co-chaired an annual
fundraiser, A Toast to the Triangle, benefiting Raleigh's Tammy Lynn
Center for Developmental Disabilities. The 2002 event grossed more than
$165,000 for the special lives served by the Tammy Lynn Center where
operational funding continues to be desperately needed. I make quality
time for friends and family and cherishing that time. I also celebrated
my 40th Birthday!
Motto: "You can accomplish anything in life, provided that
you do not mind who gets the credit." - Harry S. Truman
Fred D. Hutchinson
Hutchison & Mason PLLC, Partner
Accomplishment: I have worked extensively with the CED as a
volunteer over the past year to help them with their Capital Campaign.
This certainly is not a single effort by any one volunteer and the
Campaign has had great leadership by Tim Tompkins, a CED staff member. Through
all these efforts CED was able to well exceed its initial goal of $3
million and, in fact, exceeded $4 million in funds raised, a remarkable
record especially in these tough economic times. My greatest
accomplishment is continuing to provide service to our early-stage
technology companies especially in the face of almost no venture money
being available for early-stage companies.
Motto: Don't ask anyone to do anything you wouldn't do yourself.
Donovan E. Moxey East
& Roland Consulting, LLC, Founder & President
Accomplishment: During the past year I worked at LIPSinc, a
company I co-founded in 1998. I believe my major accomplishments over the
past 12 months are two-fold. First, I played a key role in getting the
company's products into the computer games market. The product is now
being use to bring to life characters in a number of new games being
created by publishers such as Sierra, Electronic Arts, and Rockstar
Studios. The second major accomplishment for me was helping to lead the
smooth closing of LIPSinc this past summer. In closing down the company,
we were able to treat the remaining employees fairly by paying the
appropriate severance, pay all of the company's creditors, and return
some money back to the investors. Given our current tough economic times,
I consider this an accomplishment. My greatest accomplishment is leading
the Community Outreach and Development Committee of the CED, and helping
to expose under-represented minority groups to the Triangle's
entrepreneurial community thru the CED. To date this effort is moving in
a positive direction.
Motto: Always learn as much as you can; enjoy life while you can;
and give back to your community whatever, whenever, and wherever you can.
Michael J. Malone
MJM Investigations, Inc., Chairman/CEO
Accomplishment: My greatest accomplishment has been the ability to
grow our company in a questionable economy and continue to support all my
employees and their families without the threat of layoffs. MJM has
recently released a new business model for clients to utilize. Sales have
increased by 34% in the past year and the company has grown 150% in the
last 3 years. Not only are we growing, but we have hired 100 new
employees this year alone. My employees don't have to worry about whether
they have a job to come into, or not. And while the company has been
growing, I take great satisfaction in the fact that we can contribute
more to our community and increase our charitable giving. MJM also
sponsors one charity/volunteer activity with employees per month.
Motto: "Being a true entrepreneur, it is important to share
the rewards of your success both internally (employees), as well as
externally (community). It is energizing."
Orrick G. Nepomuceno
Cosmic Ice Cream Company, President
Accomplishment: Over the past twelve months, we have built a
retail ice cream operation from scratch. Our operations have grown to
include a retail shop, off-premise catering, wholesale to local
restaurants and catering companies, and a national web presence. Cosmic
Ice Cream Company offers gourmet ice cream, sorbet, and desserts all made
in our store from the most natural and fresh ingredients. We have opened
an ice cream store based on friendly service and a fun atmosphere,
providing Raleigh with the best homemade ice cream.
Motto: "You win with people." Woody Hayes.
Roy L Roberts
Alliance of Professionals & Consultants, Inc., President/CEO
Accomplishment: APC has been fortunate to be chosen by several new
Fortune 500 clients for their staffing and professional services
engagements. These new clients have allowed APC to maintain growth in a
difficult economy. I founded APC Medical Resources, a firm providing
permanent placement and Locum Tenens staffing of physicians.
Motto: "Nothing would be done at all if a man waited until he
could do it so well that no one could find fault with it." Cardinal
Cushing
Mary Ellen Randall
Ascot Technologies, Inc., President/CEO
Accomplishment: Ascot Technologies, Inc. developed a new wireless
technology and product providing high-speed data access from a cell
phone, created jobs, expanded the company and attained funding. I founded
and chaired Women In Engineering, this Affinity Group for Eastern North
Carolina provides mentoring, support, development and monthly programs.
As program chair for Business & Professional Women/Raleigh and helped
develop a series of monthly programs with the theme: "Celebrate
Leadership!" which highlighted, introduced & supported women
leaders to BPW audiences. Developed a sponsorship program for BPW to
highlight businesses and to help fund BPW activities. Personally I helped
my teenagers acquire life skills and assets.
Motto: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto
you." This applies to business and life.
W. Troy Roberts Alliance of Professionals & Consultants, VP of
Corporate Development
Accomplishment: Even during times of a challenging economy,
Alliance of Professionals & Consultants, Inc. (APC) has enjoyed
exceptional success. APC has over three hundred and ninety billable
professionals across the nation. As vice president of corporate
development, I am responsible for streamlining our internal business
operations and assisting with client proposals and presentations. Our
General and Administrative expense is below 4% (industry average is 18%),
which is due to many of the automated operations that have been
implemented during my tenure. I have also played an integral role in
starting a new business, APC Medical Resources. This year I was also
accepted into the Kenan-Flagler Executive MBA Program
Motto: Always do what you say you are going to do.
Peter Coad
TogetherSoft, Chairman of the Board, Founder
Accomplishment: TogetherSoft has upgraded its leadership team,
trimmed its burn rate, improved its processes with emphasis on customer
satisfaction, and produced new products. In addition, we negotiated an
agreement to be acquired by Borland Software Corporation for $82.5
million in cash and 9.05 million shares of stock (valued on the day of
the announcement as being worth approximately $185 million). This was the
largest sale of my career.
Motto: Serve with integrity and heart.
John E Ramsay Ramsay
GMK Architects, Principal
Accomplishment: While maintaining a 20-year-old architectural practice,
we have expanded to offer a fully integrated design build capability. Our
staff has increased from 4 to 9 and construction revenues have grown from
$1.5 million to $6 million. Contracts for 2003 exceed $8 million. As a
Board Member of Capital Towers Inc., I raised $250,000 in equity capital.
Through the Kiwanis Club of Raleigh, I raised over $100,000 to help
eradicate Iodine Deficiency Disorder worldwide. I Teach Sunday School to
forty 8th graders.
Motto: "You are not measured by what you plan to do, you are
measured by what you accomplish."- Henry Ford
Susan D Barnes ACC
Staffing, Director of Business Development
Accomplishment: In the past year, our revenues have increased by
40% -mostly due to new clients I have obtained. We just received our 4th
Fast 50 award. This increase in business has allowed ACC staffing to
employ more than 250 contract employees- a great accomplishment in an
economy that has seen so much downsizing. This economy has been so
frightening, and so many families have been devastated due to job loss,
that the continued growth of our business, has allowed us to put folks
back to work and enrich their lives. On a more personal note, the
involvement I have with charitable organizations has been most rewarding.
Working with children who have life threatening illnesses by putting a
smile on their faces with wish granting, and my continued work with the
homeless. Helping women get back on their feet and getting their lives
back! ACC Staffing has allowed me the flexibility in my schedule so that
I have the time to devote to the community and giving back!
Motto: I have always had the motto, which definitely applies to
the business I've chosen, "Everyone has a Home."
Jud Bowman
Pinpoint Networks, Inc., President, CEO, & Co-Founder
Accomplishment: Pinpoint recently closed its second round of
venture capital in October 2002, bringing the company's total funding to
more than $18 million. The company has licensed Fuel, Pinpoint's Mobile
Application Management Platform, to 3 of the world's largest operators
representing more than 50 million mobile subscribers (Verizon, largest in
the US; Rogers AT&T, largest in Canada; and mmO2, one of the top 4
pan-European operators) and Pinpoint's Fuel Developer Program includes
more than 175 application developers from 30 countries. The past 12
months have been a very challenging environment for all companies,
particularly for high-tech and startup companies like Pinpoint. Our
greatest accomplishment over the past 12 months has been a laser-like focus
on execution, which has enabled Pinpoint to attract world-class investors
and land significant global customer contracts in an environment when
many companies are fortunate to have simply survived. We have executed
the business in the face of the typical issues challenging a rapidly
expanding successful company: scaling the business efficiently, retaining
talented employees, delivering world class solutions to customers, and
maintaining focus in the face of significant opportunity.
Motto: "A business that makes nothing but money is a poor
business" -Henry Ford
M. Rita & Tom Geiger InfoStrength, Inc., President/CEO & VP of
Technology
Accomplishment: The greatest accomplishment of the past 12 months
is our ability to grow InfoStrength despite the well-known economic
difficulties. Rita and Tom focused this past year on the company's
strengths and discovered new ways to create value for businesses by
turning challenges to opportunities. In 2002, InfoStrength developed its
first product, the InfoStrength Smart Enterprise Suite. This is a
configurable suite of modular applications that specifically addresses
the needs of the growing businesses in life science and related
industries. This product creates significant ROI and operational
efficiency throughout organizations. In addition to the intuitive and
point-and-click user interface the InfoStrength Smart Enterprise Suite
includes features such as Security of information and role-based
permissions to allow companies to safeguard internal documents, particularly
around intellectual property and standard operating procedures.
Motto: "Follow your intuition, be passionate about what you
do, and never give up."
Edward
D. Fulbright, CPA-PFS Fulbright Fin. Consulting PA &
Fulbright & Fulbright, CPA, PA, President
Accomplishment: This year I have been able to enhance the firm by
adding Comprehensive and Holistic Financial Advisory services. I
increased exposure and the ability to perform more philanthropy towards
the financially challenged. Hosting and producing a weekly radio program
"Mastering Your Money" which grants me the opportunity to
educate the public (including the financially challenged) on how to take
charge of their financial lives. I get to host some of the most prominent
national and local authors and speakers and share this live
"conversation" with an appreciative audience.
Motto: I enjoy helping others successfully handle extraordinary
business and personal change.
Mary B. Conyers
Protect Every Child, Founder and President
Accomplishment: When my granddaughter accidentally stumbled across
pornography on the Internet by going to a website called
"teens.com," I promised her I would do all I could to see that
young people are not lured into this adult world through these innocent sounding
sites. I immediately started writing to anyone who would listen asking
that they join me in writing to our elected officials asking that
legislation be created to move these sites to .XXX or a domain of its
own. This effort has grown from a few friends to a group of over 300
letter writers who are now part of an organization I call Protect Every
Child. Through the work of these people, the NC House of Representatives
unanimously adopted a resolution encouraging the Congress of the United
States to enact legislation to protect every child by moving pornographic
websites to an exclusive web domain extension of .XXX. We are hoping to
receive the same support from the NC Senate. Our work has only just
begun. We have grown to the point now that we realize we must become
non-profit in order to succeed. This must be a nationwide, even
worldwide, effort. We are trying to find a lawyer who will be willing to
help us set up our organization.
Motto: For years I have had a quote on my refrigerator to remind
myself to be more assertive. Now I don't need the reminder that "If
you make yourself a mouse, a cat will eat you!"
John W. Ward First
Union/Wachovia, Raleigh Market Pres./Senior VPt
Accomplishment: Achieving professional success while balancing
time for family and community involvement. To be a part of building the
new Wachovia (First Union/Wachovia) in the Triangle is a very special
time in my career. I have enjoyed a fifteen-year career with First
Union/Wachovia. When the merger with First Union and Wachovia was completed
in late 2001 I was asked to take the position as the Raleigh market
president. In this role I have been perfectly positioned to lead our bank
as we move forward with the merger. As the Raleigh market president, I
work with and coordinate the efforts of all of our market presidents in
the Triangle (Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, Garner) as well as some markets
outside of the Triangle (Southern Pines, Fayetteville, Sanford,
Laurinburg, Roxboro, and Siler City). First Union/Wachovia has a
commitment to have a strong leader operating as a Market President in
every market. As I do in Raleigh, all of our market presidents are
responsible for being strong business development officers, as well as
leading our local board of directors, handling all of our employee
involvement and corporate contributions. The Market President structure
is a key to our success as we move forward with the merger. The structure
has kept employee turnover very low and customer retention very high.
First Union/Wachovia has the #1 market share in the Triangle and our
strong commitment to the community will help us maintain and grow this
position while merging these two great companies.
Motto: Attitude makes the difference. We achieve far more as a
team than as individuals.
Jim Gale Smith
Moore LLP, Litigation Partner
Accomplishment: Successful transition implementation of Raleigh
office of Smith Moore LLP as newly organized firm. Success in achieving
client business objectives through favorable dispute resolution
Motto: Demand of yourself what you expect of others
Deborah H. Justice
Five
Star Staffing, Inc./Accounting Recruiters , Vice President
Accomplishment: This year I developed a new compensation program
focusing on combining base salary and commission based on individual and
company wide performance. I have identified all tasks associated with the
operations of the organization, identified the skills required to
complete tasks and training needs. Consequently I have been able to
assign each task to an employee and clearly define job descriptions. This
has been essential in allowing us to maintain operations with fewer
employees. We are operating in the "black" this year!
Personally, my greatest accomplishment is my two children. Any year that
I continue to live reminds me that my greatest accomplishment should and
will always be to be the best mom that I can. That can be challenging at
times when you have the type of responsibility I have. However, I believe
it is important that my children see me busy and helping others, as this
was the example that was set for me and inspired me to be a servant to
others. There is so much reward in serving others that you only
experience if your heart is sincere and you are content with your life.
Motto: I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90%
how I react to it.
William J. Bennington
Blue
Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, V.P., Training
Accomplishment: The impact that I have had on developing people
and organizations in the community through seminars, technical assistance
and counseling. The successful launch and impact of BlueUniversity.
Motto: Leadership isn't about achieving goals or attaining our
current vision, it's about developing the next generation of visionaries
whose dreams and accomplishments will carry us to heights of which we
never dreamed.
Paul C. Ridgeway
Everett Gaskins Hancock & Stevens, LLP, Attorney/Partner
Accomplishment: My firm, collectively, has a tradition and
commitment of supporting important public policy initiative - both in its
legal engagements and in its volunteer activities. We believe that this
is one of the hallmarks of professionalism. In the past several years, I
have taken on increasing responsibilities in legal affairs of this sort,
and intend to continue to be a part of guiding the firm in this direction
in future years. With the assistance of a great many people, I have
participated in and led the development of a comprehensive and aggressive
strategy for the deployment of affordable broadband internet access to
citizens and businesses in rural North Carolina, and am currently
participating in the allocation of $30 million of private funds to
further this strategy.
Motto: Integrity is absolute.
Genevia Gee Fulbright, CPA Fulbright & Fulbright, CPA, PA, VP/Marketing
Director
Accomplishment: National marketing exposure for the firm as well
as expanding services beyond traditional tax and other compliance
accounting services and into coaching and income enhancement/growth
consulting. I published my first trade book and went on my first book
tour. I also joined a committee that will help change my profession,
AICPA's Taxation Simulations Committee, which is responsible for
computerizing the tax portion of the CPA examination.
Motto:I'm in search of opportunities to help others achieve
greatness!
Timothy J. Tompkins
CED,
Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Alliances
Accomplishment: With the help of CED Board members and staff, we were
able to surpass a $3 million capital campaign goal -- ultimately raising
$4.5 million -- during arguably the worst economic conditions in recent
memory. These funds will be used to tackle several new entrepreneurial
initiatives important to the economic health of our region. We have also
greatly expanded the breadth and depth of smart individuals and strong
companies who are active with CED.
Motto: "To be rather than to seem." --Esse Quam Videri
Julia M Wing Animal
Protection Society of Durham, Development Director
Accomplishment: For the first time ever, this organization now has
a development program and a structured development plan which is going to
have a direct impact on the care of the animals and other APS programs. I
have helped thousands of animals by increasing the amount of funds raised
for the Animal Protection Society of Durham. This legacy will live on for
years as the APS development program builds on the foundation that I have
established and the increased revenues result in the expansion and
improvement of APS programs and improvements in the quality of life for
the animals that we serve.
Motto: "The soul is the same in all living creatures,
although the body of each is different."--Hippocrates
Lee Johnson, Jr.
Mechanics and Farmers Bank, President and CEO
Accomplishment: Accomplishments: I augmented management depth and
capacity. Also, I launched two new products; commercial sweep account and
relationship checking, which significantly enhance our ability to retain
key customers and attract new ones. I launched a company-wide financial
literacy campaign provided by our bankers at no cost to churches, schools
and community organizations. Led cultural change effort, which has
resulted in a double-digit increase in earnings year-to-date. I
spearheaded cultural shift and overhauled long-term strategic planning
process, which have resulted in significant earnings increase as well as
enhanced awareness of M&F Bank.
Motto: Proverbs 29:18 says "Where there is no vision, the
people perish". I believe this applies to my professional and my
personal life, and try to focus on the long view.
Ernie C. Mills, Sr.
Durham Rescue Mission, Executive Director and Founder
Accomplishment: In two years we have seen a 50% increase in the
number of people coming to us for help. We are committed to giving the
homeless and needy in our area a helping hand and therefore we have been
compelled to expand our ministry. This year we purchased a 130-room motel
located on I-85. We had 90 days to raise a $400,000 down payment and were
amazed at the community's response to our need- the entire amount in just
57 days. We have hundreds of volunteers coming over to the motel to help
renovate and prepare this property for abused, addicted and abandoned
women and their children to have a safe place to live while working on
skills that will enable them to provide a home for their children. We
offer hope to the hopeless.
Motto: Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy
soul and all thy mind and thy neighbor as thyself! Matthew 22:37, 39
William A. Shore
GlaxoSmithKline, Director, Commmunity Relations
Accomplishment: One of the contributions I have been able to make
is to continuously emphasize a regional approach to addressing issues such
as transportation, education, and economic development. Personally, I
made it through my older daughter's wedding and paid for it this past
June. Professionally, I continued to lead GSK's community relation's
efforts through recent merger activities.
Motto: Always try to treat everyone you meet like you want to be
treated.
Louise Collis Willow
Computing Technologies Inc. (Willowtec), President
Accomplishment: During the past year have we achieved sales growth
of 8%, developed and beta tested a new product to be released in January
2003. I have been heavily involved in the Greater Raleigh Chamber of
Commerce and have assisted in the establishment of programs to increase
small business purchasing power. Working with the Fred Fletcher Memorial
Golf Committee we raised more then $25,000 for the American Cancer
Society.
Motto: The key to success in all things is an open mind.
Ellen J. Solomon, MSOD Strategic Change, Inc., President/ CEO
Accomplishment: With strategic Change, Inc. I designed and delivered
a one-day workshop, PowerStart: From Employee to Entrepreneur, for people
who are considering starting their own business, who want to jump-start
their business or grow to the next level, and people who are in
transition. In addition to fortune 100 clients, I extended the consulting
practice to small and family-owned businesses. With Leadership America
North Carolina, I graduated in the inaugural class of 2002; I am on the
founding board of directors and chair of the inaugural Triangle session
in 2001. I initiated and catalyst for bringing in a national speaker for
an event sponsored by LANC. I was president of and revitalized the
Greater Raleigh NAWBO chapter by working on new mentoring program, a
diversity series, new strategic alliances, more innovative programming
and the creation of the Young Entrepreneurs Special Interest Group.
Learning that I have made a difference in someone's life by being a
catalyst for their actions.
Motto: "Challenge the opportunity for greatness… and courage
is what we need to achieve it." "Success is failure turned
inside out; the silver tint of the clouds of doubt; and you can tell how
close you are; it may be near when it seems afar. So, stick to the fight
when you're hardest hit- It's when things go wrong that you musn't
quit!"- Anonymous
Jamie N. Nunnelly
Research
Triangle Foundation of NC, Communications Director
Accomplishment: In addition to my regular job, I took on a whole
new PR campaign to reach out to the rest of NC reminding people who live
here why RTP is important to our state. I've helped develop a new
marketing video/DVD; produced our first 'Report to the People," and
am planning a newly elected official's orientation. I have also joined
the board of directors for the International Association of Business
Communicators this year. I hired and helped train a new employee to
handle travel demand management for RTP. I also began building a new
house while trying to sell the old one!
Motto: We should remind ourselves that there is an inherent worth
and dignity of each individual and that the greatest power in this world
that will overcome fear and hate is love.
John W. Healy Kelly
IT Resources, Director of Business Development
Accomplishment: With Kelly IT I helped create dramatic market
share growth in the national IT staffing sector, implemented a new
service delivery model that is delivering 12- 20 percent hard dollar cost
savings to our customer base and worked with NC community college system
to create and alignment with our industry. Through NCEITA I received
federal appropriation for a technology demonstration project. Creating a
greater balance of work, family, and civic responsibilities.
Motto: Find a passion in everything you do
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