Dana Buchanan
Owner
Primal Alchemy
President, WBC
2024-2025
Core Values
Our programming focuses on shedding light on relevant issues that affect our local businesses here in Long Beach, subject matter that is intriguing and important to all valued members of our community. Adding onto that, we want to be sure to create a positive, welcoming environment for ALL members of our community,
WBC Women of Excellence &
Small Business Grant Applications
The WBC Women of Excellence event honors the achievements and accomplishments of local women in their careers, businesses and communities. Winners are chosen for their vision, courage, compassion, proven success, generosity and involvement in our community as demonstrated by how they help other women succeed. Ideal candidates are women who have exemplified resilience during the pandemic and/or have demonstrated a commitment to furthering diversity and inclusion as part of their leadership.
Women of Excellence Categories
A winner will be chosen for each of the following categories. You are encouraged to nominate someone that you believe is a Woman of Excellence.
Outstanding Woman in Business is a business woman who not only strives to build a great company, but also contributes to the success of other women in business.
https://forms.gle/WgEmr61TxRiRKszy7
Outstanding Community Leader is a woman who has attained a high rank and utilized her position, stature and expertise to break down gender bias and effect positive change for women in her business and in our community.
https://forms.gle/CWjHMXgfN8WZxbtu5
Outstanding Woman in Education is a woman who serves as an example of hard work and effective leadership through education, and who demonstrates a powerful commitment to her students. This nomination applies to teachers, principals and counselors.
https://forms.gle/1ebdEecCAcveDVWk9
WBC Small Business Grant
The WBC Small Business Grant - the Women’s Business Council is proud to partner with its Members to offer a $2,500 small business grant to one deserving Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce member! Its purpose is to help small business owners to grow their business.
https://forms.gle/g53dZNfxhsgkVQpm7
Applications are due by Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 4pm.
Applications can be submitted using the Google Doc links below or forms attached.
The event will take place in person in May, 2024 where we will be able to honor our winners. Winner must be present. Registration: www.lbchamber.com, Events, WBC Installation & Awards Event. Staff Contact: Judy Nelson jnelson@lbchamber.com
WBC Officers
President
Dana Buchanan, Primal Alchemy
Immediate Past President
Yvonne Santos, Poppy Bank
Vice President Programs / President-Elect
Cheryl Vargas, Vargas Consulting
Vice President Communications
Kris Gragson, GK Media
Vice President Membership
Kristina Kovacic, Hotel Maya
Treasurer
Julie Noggle, Coldwell Banker Realty
Secretary
Thea Mercouffer, The Wicked Wolf
Co-Government Affairs
Diana Rodriguez, Actum LLC
Brissa Sotelo-Vargas, Valero
Nominating Committee
Aimee Mandala, Environ Architecture, Inc.
WBC Directors
Claudia Ayala, Shoreline Village
Megan Christensen, Bryson
Francesca Douglass-Franco, Humansave
Jose Sanchez, Boos & Associates
Heather Summers, LBS Financial
Credit Union
Sumer Temple, Don Temple Storage
Renee Trepagnier, Here I Am
Kathryn Wells, Tinsel & Bow Gifting
Monica Wong, YMCA of Greater Long Beach