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Business Performance
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Eighteen Graduate from University of North Carolina Wilmington’s
Second Historically Underutilized Business Academy
Eighteen leaders from historically underutilized businesses (HUB) in southeastern North Carolina graduated Dec. 18, 2007 from the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s second HUB Academy.
Participants, some of whom traveled from as far away as Rocky Mount and Kinston, attended evening classes for 12 weeks, developing knowledge and skills in subjects as varied as blueprint reading and business law. Through instruction, hands-on team exercises and networking, the academy prepared participants for greater business success, especially in working with state agencies such as the university.
According to Cheryl Sutton, office of facilities special assistant and HUB coordinator at UNCW, academy participants showed dedication and perseverance as they “studied in order to raise the bar in their businesses.”
Provost Paul Hosier recognized the importance of the academy in the university’s efforts toward diversity and meaningful regional engagement. “UNC Wilmington is very committed to diversity, and the fact we’re hosting the academy reflects how that commitment extends to our vendors and contractors, people who will be working on our campus. Thank you for joining and working with us,” he said.
Carl Parker, Carl & Sons Construction Company of Bolivia and 2007 HUB Academy graduate, spoke on behalf of the class, thanking Sutton for putting together a great program with excellent speakers.
During the keynote address, Michael Washington, certified ActionCOACH business coach and academy instructor, emphasized that the difference between good and great is just a little more – that one degree of difference between 211 and 212 degrees Fahrenheit, when water is transformed to steam. He encouraged the graduates, “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to get to the great. You’ve received a great education at UNCW. Now the task is yours. Take what you’ve learned and apply to it to your business. Turn up the heat.”
For more information about the HUB academy and the university’s continuing outreach efforts, please contact Cheryl Sutton at 910.962.7597 or suttoncd@uncw.edu.
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HUB
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