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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCITY OF ILM NHCCFW December 2025 Minutes CITY OF WILMINGTON/NEW HANOVER COUNTY COMMISSION FOR WOMEN A Joint City-County Commission NHC Government Building – Rm 155 December 3, 2025 - 4:00 PM Meeting Minutes Called to order at 4:04 p.m. In Attendance - Sheila Evans, Olivia Thames, Velva Jenkins, Beth Ann Bryant-Richards, Debbie Todd, Hon. Robin W Robinson, ex officio, Hayley Jensen, Jen Wilson-Mathis, Lindy Ford Absent - Emily Mitchell (excused), Jen Peterken (excused), Tracey Newkirk (excused) Staff in Attendance - Mary Vigue, Deputy City Manager, City of Wilmington; Linda Thompson, NHC Chief Civic Engagement Officer Guest Speaker - Maaike Brender a Brandis - local business owner October Minutes Approved– motion made by Sheila Evans, seconded by Debbie Todd. All approved. December Agenda - motion made by Velva Jenkins, seconded by Jen Wilson-Mathis . All Approved NHC Commission for Women’s Bylaws & Articles - read by Hayley Jensen Hayley introduced our guest speaker, Guest Speaker: Maaike Brender à Brandis is a local business owner and musician. She is the president of Cape Fear Spirits & Beer and plays in several local bands. She was raised in Canada and the United States and is the daughter of local filmmaker and humanitarian Jock Brandis. Cape Fear Spirits and Beer has been in business for 22 - nearly 23 years. There are challenges in downtown areas, especially for women-owned businesses. The bar industry is predominantly male-owned. She feels that downtown businesses are truly a community. Maaike shared that she is celebrating her 6 months of sobriety, which she shared is especially challenging in the bar industry. Her entrepreneurship and supporting her neighbors are a reward for her. She has been featured in WILMA Magazine. Hayley spoke briefly about entrepreneurship and our community. Jen asked if there is a specific downtown female entrepreneur group. Hayley served on the WDI Board for six years and shared that she is not aware of a specific female group. Jen Wilson-Mathis feels that we (NHCCFW) interconnect with Girl Scouts, GLOW, etc. Debbie Todd asked about the new plans for Front Street and if anyone had comments about the plan. It was shared that the police presence is understaffed. There is a negative perception of safety, drugs, and homelessness in downtown Wilmington. Some business owners attended a city council meeting to share their concerns about the street climate. Mary Vigue shared that some of these concerns were related to the camping ordinance. Mary also shared that more money has been spent on Christmas lights this year to enhance the downtown atmosphere. The City of Wilmington is making efforts to promote bringing families downtown. There was a suggestion to promote all the downtown events more widely. There are resources beyond the police force for homeless folks, such as social workers and portable showers. Old Business Ukrainian Festival Update - Arts and Crafts - nice people, nice weather. It was nice to meet our colleagues on the other commissions under the NHC Office of Civic Engagement. Calendar for Speakers for the year - Emily Mitchell will take the May vacancy on the calendar. New Survey - The survey was launched - Seven (7) responses as of today, per Linda Thompson. Luncheon Planning Updates ● Theme, Guest Speaker, Panelists & EMCEE - Velva Jenkins o At Her Best (Theme) o Key Note Speaker is confirmed - Annette Taylor - ready to share the results of the Status of Women in NC Report o Panel Speaker suggestions that were turned in to the committee: ▪ Kristen Bechtel - female entrepreneur - bought the Boombalatti’s Handcrafted Ice Cream in Forum and grew to more locations and nationwide shipping - a local success story. Wilmington Start Up. They serve on a national ice cream board. ▪ Honey Heads Film - amazing two-women filmmakers ▪ Dr. Ada Sutter - Family Health and Wellness - ▪ Cassidy Santaguida- she is a new councilwoman and can speak to workforce development. ▪ Chakema Clinton-Quintana - newly elected councilwoman and community outreach. ▪ NC Child - Excel may be able to provide a speaker Kristen Bechtel from Boombalatti’s, Dr. Ada Sutter: NC Child-Excel; Cassidy Santaguida were chosen as speakers Frances Weller is confirmed as the emcee. ● Luncheon Vendors - 3-4 vendors this year - offering space to last year’s luncheon speakers. ● There was a discussion about the venues. Once availability is gathered,the committee will meet to select the venue and report back at the next meeting. Velva shared that this is her last meeting as she is stepping away from the YWCA. Julie Potter will serve on this commission until the new CEO is hired. Announcements - January 15th - 9:30 - 11 a.m. partner with Women’s Business Center of NC. Start Strong Business setting for the new year. They would like us to sponsor the food - CFCC. Multicultural Festival at UNCW on January 31st.10 a.m. - 2 p.m., NHC Office of Civic Engagement may have a booth. Linda Thompson will let us know at our next meeting. The Special Joint Commission Meeting - a meeting with all four(4) committees under the Office of Civic Engagement was discussed and will be added to the agenda for the next meeting. We could sponsor the meeting. Our annual presentation at the City Council meeting will be determined at the next meeting. The County Commissioners' presentation will take place on Monday, February 2nd, at 4 p.m. NEXT MEETING - January 28, 2026 Public Comments - None Meeting Adjourned at 5:17 p.m. Function of Commission The Commission shall be organized for the purpose of acting as an advocate for women and a resource of information on the status of women in New Hanover County for the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners (Board) and Wilmington City Council (Council): • To identify the status of women and assess the needs of women in New Hanover County (County) and the City of Wilmington (City); • To provide a status of women in New Hanover County report on an annual basis to the Board and Council; • To provide information and recommendations to the Board and Council on the needs and issues important to women as it deems necessary in improving and upholding the opportunities in employment, education and community services for all people, regardless of sex; • To work toward the betterment of the status of women with respect to employment and educational opportunities, health services, childcare services, welfare services, financial services, and community leadership opportunities; • To serve as an umbrella to coordinate and support all women’s initiatives, organizations, and networks in the County and the City including coordinating and cooperating with the YWCA and other organizations involved in activities on the status of women; and • To conduct educational seminars in collaboration with other organizations for residents and businesses in the County and the City.