Thanks to the over 950 attendees who made our 2022 annual luncheon a resounding success. Clients, funders, partners, volunteers, staff and friends all gathered at the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino on November 15th to celebrate WWBIC’s 35th anniversary.
Three industry thought leaders – Connie Evans, Dan Betancourt and Donna Gambrell – discussed the latest trends and opportunities in the world of economic development; and four WWBIC clients – Rafael Escobar, Danielle Goss, Sandra Harvey, and Christye Johnson also shared their success stories with luncheon attendees. Before and after the luncheon, 70 entrepreneurial clients showcased their products in the Small Biz Market. Centerpieces and desserts featuring WWBIC clients were also shared with attendees.
Stay tuned to this page to browse photos from the event and a recorded video of the event livestream as they become available, or follow the links provided below to access our client directory for your holiday shopping needs or donate to WWBIC now online.
DONNA GAMBRELL
Donna J. Gambrell is President & CEO of Appalachian Community Capital, which attracts and directs investments to CDFIs and other mission-driven lenders in Appalachia. Gambrell serves on several CDFI boards and is the board chair of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Towson State University and a Master of Science degree from New York University.
DANIEL BETANCOURT
Dan Betancourt is President & CEO of Community First Fund with over 25 years of experience in community economic development lending. Under Betancourt’s leadership, Community First Fund has grown into a regional Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), attracting multimillion-dollar investments and with nearly $200 million under management.
CONNIE EVANS
Connie E. Evans is President & CEO of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), the national trade association for microbusiness representing over 1700 practitioners and advocates in the United States. With international experience spanning 43 countries, Evans draws on her expertise in developing and implementing strategies to further economic development, health and social change in communities.