Terri Dennis began the first of her three companies, Tidewater Coffee Distributors in 1979. Dennis Foods was established in 1983 and United Vending followed in 2001. Together she employs over 50 individuals. Ms. Dennis is constantly updating her product line to meet the needs of her customers most notably changing a product line to include healthy snack alternatives for public schools. She informs others of the importance of options in child nutrition.

Ms. Dennis is involved with organizations such as the Citizens Committee to Protect the Elderly and the Neptune Festival. For Virginia School Food Service she has been the Chairperson, the Industry Advisory Chairperson and is currently the Legislative Representative.

Sandy Sammons purchased Sammons Commercial Printer in 1982. The company brought printing into the 21st century through innovative techniques to produce printed material. Ms. Sammons assists her clients to effectively communicate their message that resulted in a ten-fold increase in sales over a 20-year period. She developed a program to help small businesses obtain volume discounts but still order in small quantities to help their budgets.

Ms. Sammons takes pride in providing a service and mentoring other businesses to succeed. Organizations such as the Kiwanis Club of the Peninsula at Oyster Point, the Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America, the Peninsula Woman’s Network and NAWBO benefit from her involvement.

Doña Storey, president and CEO of Quality Technical Services founded the company in 1980. QTS is a service-focused company with associates experienced in project management, training, leadership coaching and facilitation. QTS is also uniquely recognized for innovations in programs providing assistance to women and minority owned businesses. The company simultaneously manages hundreds of projects in 49 states.

Ms. Storey is known as an ambassador for small business and mentors numerous small business owners. She is a keynote speaker to commercial and government audiences and is often invited to sit on national and regional panels. Ms. Story plays an active role in impacting legislative decisions at state and national levels.

Mary Wyld’s passion for birds is quite obvious if you visit Wyld’s Wingdom. There you will find close to 4000 items for pet birds. Ms. Wyld created her niche distribution business in 1986 from a home garage and a van to today’s 11,000 sq. ft. commercial warehouse. Her success is due in part to her commitment to superior customer service and order accuracy. Attention to detail and the constant search for new products are the company cornerstones.

Ms. Wyld is frequently consulted by manufactures for her opinion on products they are developing. She speaks to groups on bird nutrition, products and safety. Ms. Wyld volunteers her time with the Disaster Team Leaders of the Salvation Army. She is serving as Vice-President of the Cabinet at her church and is a Past President of NAWBO SEVA.

Dr. Lynnette Young opened her private general dentistry practice in 2000. She empowers patients by her own testimonial - “A smile can change your life”! From her own experience Dr. Young is very sensitive to a patient’s needs. Her care and concern has resulted in the business growing to over 3500 active patients and a staff of fifteen.

Dr. Young has been in practice for over 20 years. She received her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Temple University School of Medicine. Dr. Young is very active in many organizations including Suited for Success, Humanity Empowerment and Resources Team, and currently appointed to the board for Leadership Hampton Roads. In May 2004 she was a recipient of the Outstanding Professional Women of Hampton Roads award.