DBC Spotlight on Success

Here’s the chance to learn first-hand what it takes to succeed as an MWBE in Charlotte. The profiles below are intended to provide you with the inspiration and information necessary to make the most of the DBC and the annual Procurement Conference. If you would like to be included on this page as a "success story", or know someone who would, please contact us.

Spotlight One

Name: Phrantceena Thate-Halres
Company: Aelmings Human Resources Corporation
Email address and contact phone:
phthalres@aelmings.com, 919-532-0988 or cell 919-413-2998

How long have you been in business? 8 years

How long have you been a member of the Chamber? 2 yrs

What products or services do you sell, and what is your primary market?
Aelmings Human Resources Corporation, formerly known as Judges Human Resources, is a human resources management company specialized in the areas of recruitment and staffing (both temporary and direct-hire); customized diversity training programs; consulting, coaching, mentoring and organizational development; outplacement services; a full-spectrum human resources corporation. Target Market: Corporate, Government, Non-Profit, Educational Institutions.

Specifically, how has the DBC helped you in quest for success?
By understanding the unique needs of the corporate workforce and MWBE business and formalizing a venue for the two entities to collaborate and develop meaningful relationships for mutual benefit.

If you could give a bit of advice to another MWBE who is just starting out, what would that be?
There are several bits of advice I’d offer. First, you must be spiritually grounded and believe in yourself. Second, love what you do. If you’d do it for free, then you’re doing the right thing. Third, build quality relationship and establish mentorships with people who can help guide you (and eventually where you help someone else). Finally, you must have a sound business infrastructure to be efficient and nimble enough to handle the demands of entrepreneurship. Remember - character, diplomacy and accountability are the cornerstones for success.

Spotlight Two

Name: Cary Cox
Company: Cox Marketing Group
Email address and contact phone:
cary@coxmarketing.net 704-510-1323

How long have you been in business? 11 yrs

How long have you been a member of the Chamber? 11 years

What products or services do you sell, and what is your primary market?
Cox Marketing Group offers businesses bright ideas to effectively market their products to targeted audiences through an integrated strategy of public relations, advertising, direct mail and events. We cross over many industries, but most of our clients are small businesses.

Specifically, how has the DBC helped you in quest for success?
DBC's annual procurement conference is worth every penny of my Chamber dues.
Initially, on the sign-up form for the conference, I had to succinctly state who I was and what I did. A lot of new companies, unfortunately, haven't taken the time to do this simple step. Then choosing the companies I wanted to talk to at the conference made me target my efforts - I couldn't talk to everyone. Finally, I had ten minutes of their time so I had to bring the best examples of my work and present them in a way that I kept their attention. Ten minutes can be verrryyy long if they're bored and you're the fifth boring person they've talked to that day. I'm glad to say, the time went quick and I was energized to follow-up with everyone I met. A great benefit was that I had an awesome presentation tool that I used for years after my first procurement conference.

If you could give a bit of advice to another MWBE who is just starting out, what would it be?
Get a business line and business cards. Create the image of a successful company, know what you can and cannot do, be honest and always hold your clients in great esteem.

For more information, please contact Keva Walton at kwalton@charlottechamber.com or Cherise Walker at cwalker@charlottechamber.com.