Metairie, LA (PRWEB) December 09, 2015
With its longtime leader retiring at the end of the year, the Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) South, a regional partner organization of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) the nation’s largest third-party certifier of women-owned businesses, welcomes its next President, seasoned supplier diversity executive, Phala Mire.
For more than a decade, Mire successfully led the Southern Region Minority Supplier Development Council (SRSMDC) and its predecessor the Louisiana Minority Supplier Development Council (LAMSDC), affiliates of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). While at the helm of LAMSDC, Mire implemented programs and special events to effectively meet NMSDC’s strategic objectives and to foster minority-owned business growth. She subsequently oversaw the complex merger of three independent councils and continued her excellent work as the President of the resulting entity, SRMSDC.
“Phala is one of the most recognized leaders in supplier diversity within our region and across the nation,” stated Mia Spicer, Chairman of WBEC South. “We are impressed with all she has accomplished on behalf of SRMSDC and are excited that she is joining WBEC South.”
Mire and WBEC South’s outgoing President, Blanca Robinson, had a close working relationship and frequently had common members of their organization’s respective boards.
“We’ve enjoyed successful collaborations between WBEC South and SRMSDC for many years,” shared Blanca Robinson. “Phala is an outstanding leader and I am delighted to pass the torch on to her.”
Aside from her stint in a leadership role for Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), Robinson has led WBEC South since 1998. During her tenure, WBEC South, which serves in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and the Florida Panhandle, has grown to include nearly 700 Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs) and 40 Corporate Members.
“Blanca is a tough act to follow,” said Mire. “She is handing over a very healthy, robust organization, one that has many opportunities in front of it.”
At SRMSDC, Mire also oversaw operation of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center in New Orleans. Prior to joining LAMSDC, Mire served as a Vice President for the Committee for a Better New Orleans and Executive Director of the New Orleans Multicultural Tourism Network. She serves in a number of volunteer leadership roles, including serving on the 2018 NOLA Foundation Board, New Orleans Public Library Board, and MBN USA Magazine Advisory Council.
“I look forward to working with WBEC South’s strong staff and volunteer leadership team in what will be a big year for WBEC South,” Mire added. “In 2016, we will co-host the WBENC National Conference in Orlando and there is nothing like starting with a bang.”
About WBEC South
The Women’s Business Enterprise Council South (WBEC South) is a regional partner organization of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and represents numerous corporate members and women’s business enterprises throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and the Florida Panhandle. WBEC South is a 501 (c)(3) organization that provides certification to businesses that are majority women-owned and managed and helps them to network with other women-owned businesses and other entities looking for opportunities to diversify their profile. To learn more about WBEC South or inquire about membership call (504) 830-0149, email info(at)wbecsouth(dot)org or visit http://www.wbecsouth.org.
About WBENC
Founded in 1997, WBENC is the leading third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women, with over 12,000 WBENC-Certified WBEs. WBENC-Certification is accepted by more than 1,000 corporations representing America's most prestigious brands, in addition to many states, cities and other entities. Throughout the year, WBENC and its 14 Regional Partner Organizations provide opportunities for interactions between more than 650 member corporations, government agencies and thousands of certified WBEs at business building events and other forums. WBENC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks and accepts donations from corporations, foundations and individuals that support its mission and programs. For more information, please go to http://www.wbenc.org.
Contact:
Michelle Linton
WBEC South
michelle(at)wbecsouth(dot)org
(504) 830-0149
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