April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15

Classes held for six Wednesdays 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
You should attend if:

You are a business owner, partner, manager, or an involved employee who wants to build a business.
You need a chance to step back, think about where you are going, how you will get there, and what you would need for the journey.

You will learn how to:

• Establish goals, objectives, and a mission statement
• Analyze financial statements and prepare effective budgets
• Develop and execute marketing strategies and tactics
• Determine funding needs and identify sources of capital
• Formulate and implement strategies for managing growth
• Write and communicate a detailed business plan

Your investment:
$199 and 3 hours per week (for 6 weeks)

Your return:
Comprehensive text and workbook
Enhanced management and business
Planning skills
Individual counseling and coaching

Masters of Motown

You've got two evenings to travel to Motor City for hit after hit after hit from all the Motown groups' iconic songs of the 60s. The full live band and high-stepping vocalists pay tribute to tunes forever etched into our consciousness from legendary Motown recording artists. Anyone up for a party?! "Memories of Motown come flooding back... the ultimate stroll down Memory Lane."- Grenada Star

Admission: $35 $28 $18

Terry Spicer Presents "Treasure Her™": A Celebration of Our Legacy's Elegance!Durham, North Carolina Friday, May 03, 2013

WOMEN & GIRLS "EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION RATE" IS AVAILABLE UNTIL OCTOBER 1, 2012! REGISTER GIRLS On the "Treasure Her More™!

Women: "REQUIRED: "Elegant Chic™" Ivory Attire & Pearls for Friday Night Reception!"
Girls: REQUIRED Attire: "Girly Chic™" for their Friday Night Party"
Women & Girls: REQUIRED Attire: Saturday Tea, Elegant Hats, Gloves, Dresses & Pearls"

For the last Seven Years, Terry W. Spicer, CEO of Epiphany Public Relations, LLC of North Carolina has meticulously worked on this God-given Vision with great deliberation and careful stewardship; proudly and remarkably, her Vision will leap off of the pages in her debut literary project, “Lessons From Her Skirttail™” which is slated to be released in the fall of 2012. Her Vision is clear.     

Picture more than one thousand women and girls in one room, one magnificent setting of elegance, celebrating the truest spirit of Her Lessonsâ„¢ that are Our Legacy, abundant with love, rich in history, adorned in the most beautiful crown covering pieces of art with stories to tell. On May 3-5, 2013, this Seven Year Vision will rise as a powerful movement of our womanhood; COMPLETION.

We will spotlight the phenomenal legacy and we will expose the promise that was predestined by virtue of our predecessors.     

The inexperienced will break bread and receive from the wise. It's not a matter of separating ourselves from the rest of the women in the world. It's about recognizing, distinguishing and accepting where we came from, collectively embracing the fullness of who we are in our footsteps of womanhood in order that we boldly and progressively believe in where we can go. We've been pulled apart losing our own voice and identity; its our responsibility, only, to mold us back together, to tell the story how it is meant to be told. It's time to appreciate, preserve and embrace the virtues of who we are like never before. Join Terry in this Inaugural Signature Celebration. It's what we were born to do! 

The Inaugural Treasure Her Celebration of 1000+ women and young girls ages 7-17, will Honor OUR mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, daughters, sisters and friends in an epic celebration of elegance and womanhood the weekend before Mother’s Day!Lodging Information
Sheraton Imperial Hotel
View or Change Your Existing Registration
Start Your Registration
Treasure Her™ Women 3-Day Registrant: $177.00
You can also register a group. Learn More
You will have the opportunity to add additional group members later in the registration process. If there are fees associated with this event, the total fees for all registrants in the group will be charged to the first person in the group. If members of the group are paying individually (for example, with different credit cards), you must create separate registrations for each.

DRENCHED IN elegance, ADORNED IN pearls AND CREATED IN love,
THIS EPIC MOVEMENT OF SISTERHOOD AND WOMANHOOD WILL BE ONE TO  remember! IT IS HERE, WHERE WE WILL BEGIN TO SEE THE GAP BETWEEN OUR legacy AND OUR destiny BEGIN TO DIMINISH.

Sixth Annual Carry Your Cross 5K
"if anyone would come after me. he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Matthew 16:24

Saturday. May 4. 2013
6 am - 11am
Check-in begins at 7am

Registration
$25 pre-registration
$30 day of event
Price per person & includes t-shirt

USAT Certified Course
Free Refreshments
All Ages Welcome
Awards Ceremony
Proceeds to benefit Angel Cops
Greenville, North Carolina
5K Run/Walk

Safari Hunt

The Safari Hunt is like an underwater easter egg hunt on a shipwreck.  At 9:00am, we blow a horn at the Liberty Ship off Wrightsville Beach, NC.  Divers hit the water to search for numbered tokens that are hidden on the 400' wreck.  Each diver is allowed a maximum of 3 tokens.
On average we have 80-100 people signup for this exciting event.  After the dive, everyone heads back to the Bridge Tender Marina.   Everyone who participates gets a Safari Hunt T-shirt.  Then, we begin to call out numbers.  When the number is called that matches one of your tokens, you come up and draw a prize from the hat.  At the end of calling out all the token numbers, people who didn't get a token put their names in a hat to draw the remaining prizes. Around 120 tokens will be hidden and over $4000.00 in prizes will be given away, usually including a Regulator, BC, Dive Computer, Riffe and AB Biller Spear guns, and tons more (prizes are dependent on what our generous vendors give us).  Entry is $20.00 up to 6PM May 1st and $25.00 if paid between May 2nd and 7PM May 3rd, the evening before the Hunt.  Please sign-up at the shop.

Great fun is had by all, and we look forward to kicking off the 2013 dive season.

Signup now at Aquatic Safaris!!
Space on our charter boats are limited to 30 divers.  If you would like to signup for the Safari Hunt charter to the Liberty ship, please ask when registering for the event.  There will be many private boats.  Tell us if you need a ride.  We may be able to help.

Rules:    Take only 3 tokens per person please
Please leave all other tokens behind so others can find them
No Divers are allowed in the water until the horn blows at 9:00am
You MUST be present at the drawing to collect prizes.  Your buddy cannot redeem your tokens.
Have fun
Win cool stuff
Meet local divers

Admission: Entry is $20.00 up to 6pm May 1st and $25.00 if paid between May 2nd and 7pm on May 3rd. Please sign-up at the Aquatic Safaris shop.

Come learn more about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program. We train individuals to complete their first Half or Full marathon, Triathlon or century ride. In exchange for fundraising for LLS you will recieve the following. -Individualized training plan by our amazing coaching staff -Weekly training with certified coach -Online community of supportive Teammates -Flexibility and convenience to fit your busy schedule -The excitement of meeting up with your teammates on a weekly basis -Smartphone apps for on-the-go training For more information please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 910-254-9363

Have lunch with us and earn more about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program. We train individuals to complete their first Half or Full marathon, Triathlon or century ride. In exchange for fundraising for LLS you will recieve the following. -Individualized training plan by our amazing coaching staff -Weekly training with certified coach -Online community of supportive Teammates -Flexibility and convenience to fit your busy schedule -The excitement of meeting up with your teammates on a weekly basis -Smartphone apps for on-the-go training For more information please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 910-254-9363 Venue: Betty H. Cameron Women's & Children's Hospital 2131 S. 17th St. Wilmington, NC 28401 Meeting will be held in the Women's and Children's Classroom

April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15

Classes held for six Wednesdays 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
You should attend if:

You are a business owner, partner, manager, or an involved employee who wants to build a business.
You need a chance to step back, think about where you are going, how you will get there, and what you would need for the journey.

You will learn how to:

• Establish goals, objectives, and a mission statement
• Analyze financial statements and prepare effective budgets
• Develop and execute marketing strategies and tactics
• Determine funding needs and identify sources of capital
• Formulate and implement strategies for managing growth
• Write and communicate a detailed business plan

Your investment:
$199 and 3 hours per week (for 6 weeks)

Your return:
Comprehensive text and workbook
Enhanced management and business
Planning skills
Individual counseling and coaching

The YWCA of the Lower Cape Fear presents the 28th Annual Women of Achievement Awards at the Convention Center in downtown Wilmington, NC. This event recognizes the wonderful women of the Port City and surrounding areas for their amazing accomplishments. Admission fee includes food and drinks. Social hour from 5-6pm; awards ceremony at 6pm.

Admission: $60.00

Contact: Katie Tate
Phone: (910) 799-6820
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Drop in anytime between 5:00pm and 7:00pm to learn more about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program. We train individuals to complete their first Half or Full marathon, Triathlon or century ride. In exchange for fundraising for LLS you will recieve the following. -Individualized training plan by our amazing coaching staff -Weekly training with certified coach -Online community of supportive Teammates -Flexibility and convenience to fit your busy schedule -The excitement of meeting up with your teammates on a weekly basis -Smartphone apps for on-the-go training For more information please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 910-254-9363 Venue: Starbucks 1705 Eastwood Rd. Wilmington, NC 28403

The Raleigh Jaycees & Cary Jaycees Present Leadership Seminar Workshops
featuring Jeff Davidson, Work-Life Balance Expert ®

Come hear nationally dynamic speaker, Jeff Davidson, as he presents a must-attend event for individuals looking to find work-life balance solutions.  Jeff will present on, "Managing Communication and Information Overload" to teach others how to win with information and not be deluged by it, and how to manage interruptions without being overwhelmed by them.  Afterwards, stay for bowling, food, and drinks at Raleigh's new hot spot, Sparians, the North Hills bowling boutique and bistro! Space is limited so sign-up today!

About Jeff

Jeff, the Work-Life Balance Expert ®, is the author of 59 books and a national in-demand professional speaker. Jeff is among the most productive individuals you could meet. He walks the talk and makes sure he has Breathing Space every day. Jeff has inspired thousands with his humorous, energetic, riveting presentations, and extraordinary breadth of knowledge. It’s no surprise that Jeff has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and USA Today, and on top TV and radio talk shows, countless times.

Transformational Leadership and Movement Building at The Stone House

Mother's Day Cruise

2 options for a fun cruise with mom. 1pm-2:30pm and 2:30pm-4pm. 1 1/2 hour cruise with dessert included! Happy Mother's Day!

Charlotte Small Business Week /Business Resources Conference         

Chef Jeff Henderson, an award-winning chef, motivational speaker, New York Times best-selling author, and Food Network television personality, is the keynote speaker for Charlotte’s small business week event. Growing up on the tough street of Central LA and San Diego, Henderson was running a $35,000 a week drug operation by the time he was 19. At 24 he was arrested and sent to prison, where he spent the next ten years behind bars. It was while incarcerated that he discovered a passion for cooking and committed himself to turning his life around. 8:00 – 2 p.m. CPCC Harris Campus. $39. www.charlottebusinessresources.com  

Charlotte Small Business Week
Connect with members of the small business community and and learn about best practices and innovative technology to grow your business. Plan to join this inspiring event that honors small business’ contribution to the Charlotte community!

2013 Small Business Week details coming soon!

Come learn more about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program. We train individuals to complete their first Half or Full marathon, Triathlon or century ride. In exchange for fundraising for LLS you will recieve the following. -Individualized training plan by our amazing coaching staff -Weekly training with certified coach -Online community of supportive Teammates -Flexibility and convenience to fit your busy schedule -The excitement of meeting up with your teammates on a weekly basis -Smartphone apps for on-the-go training For more information please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 910-254-9363 Venue: Hilton Garden Inn Mayfaire Town Center 6745 Rock Spring Rd. Wilmington, NC 28405

April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15

Classes held for six Wednesdays 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
You should attend if:

You are a business owner, partner, manager, or an involved employee who wants to build a business.
You need a chance to step back, think about where you are going, how you will get there, and what you would need for the journey.

You will learn how to:

• Establish goals, objectives, and a mission statement
• Analyze financial statements and prepare effective budgets
• Develop and execute marketing strategies and tactics
• Determine funding needs and identify sources of capital
• Formulate and implement strategies for managing growth
• Write and communicate a detailed business plan

Your investment:
$199 and 3 hours per week (for 6 weeks)

Your return:
Comprehensive text and workbook
Enhanced management and business
Planning skills
Individual counseling and coaching

Business Wellness – IS YOUR COMPANY STRATEGICALLY FIT FOR NEXT-LEVEL PERFORMANCE?

A healthy bottom line depends on effectively managing and nurturing the well being of your business. Join other strategy-minded, performance-driven business owners for a morning of inside-out thinking. Engage with experts who will facilitate discussion around your critical issues of concern uncovered from your personalized EvaluSys Business Wellness Checkup. Led by management expert, Tom Bixby, President of Level Management Partners and Developer of EvaluSys, this By Invitation Only Business Wellness Workshop will be eye-opening and provide a true pulse on what you need to do in your business for next-level performance.

This program is for CEOs, Presidents and Business Owners managing businesses at least three years old that exceed $500,000 in annual revenues.

Contact workshop host Laura Hampton at The Employer’s Association at (704) 522-8011 for an invitation including a special link to take the Business Wellness Checkup for this event. You will complete the EvaluSys® Business Wellness Checkup in about 15 minutes. Upon completion, registration of your Checkup results will serve as your Business Wellness Workshop registration and generate a confirmation email containing your Checkup Results. You must print your Checkup Results email and bring it with you for reference at the Workshop.

A healthy bottom line depends on effectively managing and nurturing the wellbeing of your business. Join other strategy-minded, performance-driven business owners for a morning of inside-out thinking. Engage with experts who will facilitate discussion around your critical issues of concern uncovered from your personalized EvaluSys® Business Wellness Checkup.

Led by management expert, Tom Bixby, President of Level Management Partners and Developer of EvaluSys®, this By Invitation Only Business Wellness Workshop will be eye-opening and provide a true pulse on what you need to do in your business for next-level performance.

What does it cost?

THE FEE: By Invitation Only, this program is being underwritten by sponsoring companies. If you have been invited, you have been pre-qualified for inclusion through a special invitation.

Do I qualify?

WHO IS INVITED: This program is for CEOs, Presidents and Business Owners managing businesses at least three years old that exceed $500,000 in annual revenues.

How do I register?

THE SPONSORS: Contact any of our sponsors, our Wellness Experts, or our workshop host Laura Hampton at The Employers Association at (704) 522-8011 for an invitation including a special link to take the Business Wellness Checkup for this event.

THE CHECKUP: You will complete the EvaluSys® Business Wellness Checkup in about 15 minutes. Upon completion, registration of your Checkup results will serve as your Business Wellness Workshop registration and generate a confirmation email containing your Checkup Results. You must print your Checkup Results email and bring it with you for reference at the Workshop.

USA Jump Rope will host the North Carolina All-Star Workshop in Raleigh, North Carolina, with the Tri-Force Jump Rope Team on Saturday, May 18, 2013. Participants will learn from the absolute best in the sport of jump rope –the USA Jump Rope All-Star Team members! Participants will learn Single Rope, Double Dutch, Chinese Wheel, Long Ropes and Traveler. All USA Jump Rope members and non-members are invited to attend. All ages and ability levels are welcome!

The ending show will be the most awesome closing ceremony and staff show you have ever seen! That’s a promise!

For Registration information, please visit the USAJR website.  http://www.usajumprope.org/calendar.asp

Come learn more about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program. We train individuals to complete their first Half or Full marathon, Triathlon or century ride. In exchange for fundraising for LLS you will recieve the following. -Individualized training plan by our amazing coaching staff -Weekly training with certified coach -Online community of supportive Teammates -Flexibility and convenience to fit your busy schedule -The excitement of meeting up with your teammates on a weekly basis -Smartphone apps for on-the-go training For more information please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 910-254-9363 Location: TrySports at Mayfaire Town Center 925 Town Center Dr. Wilmington, NC 28405

The 2013 North Carolina Gospel Announcers Guild Convention Set for May Slated to Be The Biggest & Best Ever Held

All roads are leading to the 2013 Convention of the North Carolina Gospel Announcers Guild (NCGAG) that is slated for May at the Imperial Sheraton Hotel in Durham, North Carolina. The Convention is on tap to be the biggest ever held by the Guild and top industry experts from around the nation will fully engage, educate, empower and motivate participants. This annual event is one of the flagship events of the gospel industry that is solely committed to broadening the educational welfare and professional expansion of its membership.

A 501c3 organization, the NCGAG is one of the largest in the nation. During the Convention informative seminars will be led by dynamic and empowering speakers who outline current industry trends, standards, marketing strategies and protocol for radio announcers, promoters, station owners, record labels, media and gospel artists. Attendees will also be given specific guidance for the deliberate distribution of their products and services. They will leave the Convention empowered and knowledgeable with regard to perfecting and advancing their artistic craft and professional aspirations. Last year delivered record participation of the membership including high profile recording artists, industry executives and power brokers from around the country. Vendors will be on hand and a substantive increase is expected for this year's event.

Pastor Arvetra Jones, Jr., President of the NCGAG stated, "We are so excited about the 2013 Convention as we return to Durham, NC. Aspiring artists and industry professionals with incredible talent and a thirst for knowledge will come from around the country to learn the best in trade practices to springboard their careers forward and equip their personal toolboxes with invaluable resources. Everything will be done to glorify God and leave lasting impact in their hearts, minds and careers. We will have awesome vendors as well. You don't want to miss out on this glorious affair!"

Pastor Lydia Jones will stand behind the sacred desk as she brings forth a powerful message straight from God's heart to our ears in a special Dedication Night Service on opening night May 15th. Voices in melodic harmony will grace the stage on Choir Night, Wednesday, May 16th and the best in Quartet artistry will be showcased Thursday, May 17th during Quartet Night. Sheilah Belle will co-host The Prestige Awards Banquet on Friday, May 18th at 7:00 p.m. in the Ballroom; the Awards presented will honor outstanding achievement and service in the gospel industry. National recording artist, Ernest Pugh, is a featured instructor and will perform on the main stage during the Convention. Other artists are being added to the program and will be announced.

Pre-registration for the Convention is $125 before April 30 which includes membership and convention registration. Contact the Imperial Sheraton directly at (919) 941-5050 to reserve the NCGAG room rate of $99. Rooms are filling up quickly and are reserved on a first come first serve basis.

Mark your calendars and make plans to attend! Visit our website at www.ncgag.org for more information.

This is the theme for Women’s Day at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 719 Walnut Street, Wilmington, NC.  Women’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, May 20, 2013 during the 11AM worship service.  The guest speaker for the occasion is Rev. Monica D. Redmond, Executive Minister of the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Charlotte, N.C., serving under Senior Pastor Rev. Gregory K. Moss Sr.

Related activities:
May 13, 2013 (Mother’s Day) Hat Day at Shiloh, all women are asked to wear their most beautiful crowns
May 19, 2013 Women’s Retreat 
Dale’s Seafood, 100 Canal Cove Rd, Lake Waccamaw at 12 noon
Guest speaker:  Rev. Nikki Bramlett-Reid
The retreat is open to all women, lunch is on your own, (buffet or from the menu).
Please bring toiletry items to be given to the homeless

If you would like to travel with the women of Shiloh, please be at the church by 11:15.(departure at 11:30)
The colors for Women’s Day are navy blue and white, you may wear all navy blue or all white, or a combination of both colors

Please Contact Shirley McKoy 675-8174

Go Forth & Export 2013

Start:    June 26, 2013 8:30 am     June 26, 2013 10:00 am   
Cost:    FREE

Charlotte Export Assistance Center
521 E Morehead St Ste 435,
Charlotte, 28202
704-333-4886

Discover new markets for your product or service. Learn from local successful exporters along with federal, state and private sector export service providers.

Grow revenue through Exporting!

Starting the fourth Wednesday of the month in 2013, you can discover new markets for your product or service. Learn from local successful exporters along with federal, state and private sector export service providers.

Topics include:

Best practices for exporting
How to assess export readiness
Identify best export markets
Locate qualified foreign buyers
Compliance with U.S. export regulations
Maximizing Free Trade Agreements
Access export working capital
How to negotiate and get paid for export sales
Participation in federal and state export assistance programs

WHEN: 8:30 – 10:00 am
April 24
May 22
June 26
August 28
October 23

TIME:
8:30 to 10:00 a.m.

LOCATION:
Charlotte U.S. Export Assistance Center*
521 E. Morehead St. Ste 435
Charlotte, NC 28202
*Location subject to change

INFO & RSVP: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
704-333-4886 x229

May 23, 2013 7:30 AM

The Coastal Entrepreneur Awards honors our region's up-and-coming entrepreneurs. Apply or nominate someone and/or reserve your seats for the May 23 event at www.CoastalEntrepreneur.com.

UNCW's Entrepreneurship Center and the Greater Wilmington Business Journal
are searching for the region's top up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

The mission of the Coastal Entrepreneur Awards is to help foster more entrepreneurial activity —and higher paying jobs — in the region. The winners will be profiled in a special Coastal Entrepreneur Awards section in the May 10 Business Journal and honored at a large awards breakfast May 23 at UNCW's Burney Center.

Award Categories
Black Bullet Biotechnology Black Bullet Film Black Bullet Health Care Black Bullet Internet-Related  Business Black Bullet Manufacturing & Distribution Black Bullet Nonprofit
Black Bullet Retail & Hospitality Black Bullet Professional Services Black Bullet Technology
Black Bullet Emerging Company

Eligibility: Any company in New Hanover, Brunswick or Pender county is eligible for the Coastal Entrepreneur Awards. The company can be a start-up or a more established business, but must be actively engaged in entrepreneurial activity — crating new products or services for people in the Wilmington region or beyond. Companies can fill out the applications themselves or be nominated by others.

Judging Process: There will be two rounds of judging. First, the category winners will be selected by a diverse group of judges representing the competition's sponsors and other business leaders in the community. Each category winner will then appear before a panel of some of the region's top business and community leaders. After meeting with each category winner, that group will determine the 2012 Coastal Entrepreneur of the Year. The winner of this overall award will be announced at the May 23 event.

YOU ARE INVITED TO A FREE COMMUNITY SEMINAR:

Minority And Women Owned Businesses Market Opportunitties 

"HOW FEDERAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS GROW"
[Presenters are Government Contracting Officials]

Thursday, May 24, 2012 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cumberland County Department of Social Services Building
1225 Ramsey Street
Fayetteville, NC

[ Limited Seating ]
Call and reserve your seating at 910-483-6439 ASAP

Delightful Foods:
Heavy Hors D’oeuvres will be served.

- Dress as you are -

Seminar Partners:

Cape Fear Valley Health System [CFVHS]
&
Cumberland Regional Improvement Corporation  [CRIC]
**[HUBs – Historically Underutilized Businesses]

Marketplace: Procurement Opportunities for Small Businesses

As a Marketplace attendee, you will have the opportunity to network and learn how to sell your goods or services to federal, state, and local governments. This biennial "reverse" trade show allows small business owners like you the opportunity to meet contracting officers from over 50 federal, state, and local government agencies and large prime contractors.

To learn more about Marketplace, visit www.sbtdc.org/events/marketplace. You can read more about the event, see past event details and register online.

www.sbtdc.org/events/marketplace