09.25 - September 2025 Message from the President

A Mindful Future

For businesses that operate on a calendar fiscal year, September marks the close of the third quarter—a natural time to reflect on progress made and to refocus on the final stretch of the year.

In what has been another year of challenges, both corporations and small businesses have had to adapt by reassessing priorities, reorganizing operations, and refining marketing strategies. Many have also leaned on key relationships to discover new opportunities for growth and expanded market share.

At the 2025 Toyota Opportunity Exchange, one of the highlighted seminars, “Mindfulness and Resilience in Times of Change” led by Pandit Dasa, reinforced the importance of pausing to reset. As we close the third quarter, it is valuable for each of us to cultivate a “mindful future”—one grounded in openness, wisdom, ethical action, and intentional engagement with both business and personal goals.

While none of us has a crystal ball to predict the future or control every circumstance, we do have the power to determine how we respond. Our mindset, choices, and actions will shape the path forward.

Corporations also recognize the critical role of small businesses in driving economic impact within the communities they serve. Many continue to elevate these opportunities through initiatives such as Independent Procurement Opportunities (IPOs)—for example, Dominion Energy’s Convergence 2025. These platforms create meaningful connections that strengthen supply chains and open doors for our small businesses to thrive.

Together, let’s commit to embracing change, building connections with purposeful action, and mindful decisions that bring lasting success to both your business and personal journey. Let’s finish the year strong.

Always in your service,

Roz