Women of Impact Brunch

Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Committee honors all the local business women who are making a difference.

The Women in Business Committee is a group of community leaders brought together by the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce. Five years ago, they developed the Women of Impact Brunch in an effort to champion women from diverse backgrounds and industries and to ensure that their achievements become part of the fabric of the community.

The 2022 Women of Impact Brunch was held on November 16 at The Isles Restaurant in Ocean Isle Beach. Attendees enjoyed time to mingle, a brunch, a raffle and a guest speaker.

In previous years, a handful of women were honored with awards at the event for their achievements in the community, but this year was a bit different.

“We felt that there were numerous women in our community impacting the growth and culture of Brunswick County,” says Linda Stinson, member of the Women in Business Committee. “We wanted to celebrate all women.”

Paula Ogden & Dr. Mary Hemphill

A video shown during the brunch showcased the impressive stories of more than a dozen outstanding business women in Brunswick County. Women from several industries, including small business, real estate, marketing and public service, were included this year.

Dr. Mary Hemphill, CEO and founder of The Limitless Lady LLC and The Limitless Leader Program, was invited to address attendees.

Originally from Hickory, Dr. Hemphill was chief academic officer of the N.C. Board of Education. She led all of the major education initiatives for the state, including content areas, multi-lingual programs and counseling. Today she works as a leadership/education coach and inspirational speaker with her own company, The Limitless Lady.

Dr. Hemphill spoke about tapping into their limitless potential as women. “Follow your passions with everything inside you, it will breadcrumb you to your purpose,” she said at the event. “All of you have a gift or a purpose and you are effectively using those gifts to impact others in your community.”

Sponsors for the event included Novant Health, Arbor Landing of Ocean Isle, First Citizens Bank, redbox+, Metro to Coast Realty, Coastal Race Productions LLC, A+ Pro Services Inc. and Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation.

The impact of these women was felt on a large scale this year.

“If you look at the leadership of the industries in Brunswick County, as well as the small business owners, you will find many women in positions of significance contributing to the growth and success,” Stinson says.