NAWBO

How long have you been a NAWBO SEVA Corporate Partner? I've been active since joining the City of Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development team, 3 years ago. I support the mission of the national organization and believe that it is very effective in building an ideal business community.

Thank you for being an active partner and advocate for NAWBO SEVA. Can you tell our readers why you are so passionate about the organization? I have always been an advocate for business development. One of the key components in growing your business and raising awareness of your products and services is to build relevant business relationships. NAWBO provides a forum to accomplish successful networking with industry and community leaders and connect with influential business women.

Based on your experience, what do you see as the most important thing a member or corporate partner can do to grow with NAWBO SEVA? As a member or corporate partner, it's important to follow up with contacts and continue to attend outreach focused events in order to promote products & services and expand your customer base.

Can you describe the key business services and solutions you provide?As an advocate for business development, our department provides services to support business attraction, retention and expansion. Services include Site Selection Services, Business Advocacy, Marketing Information, Financial Guidance, Business Counseling, Entrepreneurial Support, and City Contract & Procurement Process Assistance.

In a few sentences, what makes your services unique? Economic Development teams have to be strategic in moving our communities forward and the team has to be innovative and united in order to accomplish goals to create the ideal community. Virginia Beach has the leadership that works together to achieve the ideal community for a lifetime that we can all celebrate and enjoy.

Which city in Hampton Roads do you call home? I moved from Durham, NC to Virginia Beach, VA in October, 1993.

What do you like to do when you're not working? I enjoy spending quality time with my family & friends, inspirational reading and also dance aerobics. My husband Kenneth and I have three school aged children. We stay busy with their activities and enjoy catching a movie occasionally.

The last really great book you read that you'd like to recommend to NAWBO SEVA members and partners? After hosting a regional business leader's roundtable discussion with Dr. Dennis Kimbro, I read my autographed copy of What Makes the Great Great…by Dr. Dennis Kimbro. Being great depends on a commitment to making dreams come true: "All high achievers make choices, not excuses." Dr. Kimbro believes we all have the seeds of greatness in us, and his book gives readers the tools to discover and nurture those seeds, showing them how to motivate themselves to master every aspect of their lives. …phenomenal!!!

Someone you admire and why? I admire my mom, Dorothy J. Rascoe. She has always been very strong and encouraging. She was a single mom to three kids and achieved her Bachelors Degree while supporting the household. She has always had the gift of counsel and managed the Veterans Affairs Office at Durham Technical Community College for more than 20 years.

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