Greater Winston-Salem Inc.

?? Capturing Life, Unfiltered, the most touching Member Spotlight Friday to date! Since 2018, Unfiltered Photography LLC has been celebrating the raw, authentic beauty of life—without heavy filters or edits. Founded by a Montgomery, AL native (Jai'Lyn Lover) now based in Winston-Salem, NC, Unfiltered offers family portraits, lifestyle shoots, weddings, events, and professional headshots. Inspired by her father’s technical skills as a cameraman and her mother’s heart for service, the founder’s mission is simple: preserve the real essence of every moment. What sets Unfiltered apart? Authenticity. The motto says it all: “You can’t fully appreciate the true beauty of something if you’re always looking at it through a filter.” Beyond photography, Unfiltered gives back through an initiative she founded, the Hidden Figures Freedom Fest—a Juneteenth celebration that uplifts the homeless with free resources, meals, haircuts, and entertainment. Now in its fourth year, it's more than an event—it’s a movement of dignity and love. We’re proud to have Unfiltered Photography as part of our community at Greater Winston-Salem Inc. and are grateful for the meaningful impact she’s making both behind the lens and beyond. ???Photography Website:?https://lnkd.in/gDSCQ7vh

?? Take note! We are anticipating reaching capacity for the upcoming State of the Economy presented by Reynolds American Inc. featuring North Carolina Governor Josh Stein. A limited number of tickets and tables are remaining so please ensure you register soon to guarantee your seats. We are excited for this upcoming gathering to hear from Governor Stein and take a look at our state's economic outlook!

Partnership and collaboration between our local municipalities, businesses, and education make our community stronger! Thank you to Forsyth Technical Community College for co-hosting our Legislative Breakfast where we got to hear priorities from City of Winston-Salem manager Pat Pate and Forsyth County manager Shontell Robinson. Learn more about GWSI's 2025 Legislative Priorities here: https://lnkd.in/eZRcPdM9 Photos: Forsyth Technical Community College

Here comes the sign! ? Today, our friends at Burchette Sign Corporation installed a brand new exterior Greater Winston-Salem Inc. sign at our office located at 525 Vine St. in Innovation Quarter.

?? Scientists, researchers, and early-stage founders—your journey from ???????? to ???????????????????? to ???????????? starts here! Join us ?????????? ????-????, ????????, at Winston Starts for Founders' Journey 2025, an exclusive event designed to help innovators turn groundbreaking research into thriving startups. Gain firsthand insights from experienced entrepreneurs and startup executives who have successfully launched and scaled their companies. Thanks to support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), this event is offered at ???? ????????—?????? ?????????? ???? ??????????????, so secure your spot now! Event Highlights: ?? Blueprint & Whiteboard Sessions – Hands-on workshops to refine your business concept ?? CEO Fireside Chat – Learn from startup leaders who have built and scaled successful companies (Virtual option available!) ?? Exclusive Networking – Connect with investors, industry experts, and partners ready to fuel your journey This is more than a conference—it’s a movement to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in the Carolina Core. If you’re ready to take the next step in transforming your idea into a venture-backed startup, this is your chance. ?? Spots are filling fast—register today! https://lnkd.in/epSMqFtF #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Startups #FoundersJourney2025 #RegenerativeMedicine #RMtechnologies

Enhance your workplace and company culture! The Forsyth Works Employer of Choice credential helps your company attract talent, boost retention, and stand out as a leading employer. You have the opportunity to participate in the pilot cohort for the Employer of Choice program. Request more information today! https://lnkd.in/ex_H83JJ

Our Member Spotlight this Friday at Greater Winston-Salem Inc. celebrates Mitchell's Greenhouse and Nursery, the perfect business to kick off Spring. Founded in 1979 by Jim and Judy Mitchell on a small lot next to their home, the couple's passion for horticulture blossomed into a thriving business. Both graduates of North Carolina State University with degrees in horticulture, they began selling a variety of plants and, over the years, expanded to 17 greenhouses at their current Dalton Road location. Today, the family-run business includes their son and offers a wide selection of trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetables, and herbs, along with a new retail space for customers to find their ideal plants. What’s the takeaway? Embrace growth, both in business and community. Jim and Judy have stayed deeply involved in organizations like the North Carolina Agritourism Networking Association, NC Commercial Flower Growers, NC Nursery and Landscape Association, and local chambers of commerce, proving that success goes hand in hand with giving back. Thank you, Jim and Judy, for being an outstanding model of a community partner!

Congratulations on 150 years, Reynolds American Inc.! ??

Along with lots of networking and making new connections, we heard an inspirational message from our hosts at today's Wake Up Winston, the The Salvation Army of Greater Winston-Salem at the Ken Carlson Red Shield Youth Center! The teens served at the center were integral to the design and planning for their new Teen Center and it turned out beautifully. Wake Up Winston happens once a month - so come out and join us at the next one at Aware Hot Yoga on April 9th! ?

It was a great day of collaboration discussing the impact of early childhood education in our community and workforce. Three primary issues are at the center of the childcare conversation: quality, access, and affordability. By addressing these in different ways, we can ensure that every parent can reach their career potential and every child is ready for school. So what can businesses do to get involved? Get Informed - learn from The Pre-K Priority and other organizations tackling solutions for our community Partner with Providers or other Businesses - Look for ways to add childcare resources to your employee benefits Get Certified - become a Forsyth Works Employer of Choice or a Family Forward NC Certified Employer Let us know what your business plans to do to support family life for your employees! Childcare is Everyone's Business is supported by Kaplan Early Learning Company