Truliant Small Business Award – IV Smiles Hydration & Wellness
IV Smiles Hydration and Wellness is breaking new ground in the health and wellness space as one of the first IV hydration providers in our city. It was launched by Stephanie Miles, a nurse who combined her passion for healthcare with her determination to set out as an entrepreneur.
IV Smiles is pioneering new ways to deliver holistic wellness solutions that can help individuals with many symptoms and conditions. Since launching the business in 2021, Stephanie has found such success that she’s also been able to establish a second company – Smith’s Primary Care and Wellness – using the innovative “direct primary care” model which offers options for those that may be uninsured or under-insured.
Truliant Small Business Award – Nu Dimensions Hair Studio
Nu Dimensions Hair Studio, under the leadership of master stylist and owner Tia Archie-Myers, has become a vibrant institution in our community. Tia has built strong, lasting relationships with her clients over the past 20 years, and her salon has become a place where people come for a sense of belonging and trust.
Tia’s commitment to her clients took on an even deeper meaning after her grandson was diagnosed with autism. Inspired by his journey, she earned her sensory safe certification and, in doing so, launched the “Serenity Suite” within her salon. This space is a sanctuary for clients with sensory needs, those undergoing challenges like cancer treatments, or those healing from domestic violence. The Serenity Suite offers these clients a safe and peaceful environment, allowing them to receive the care they deserve while also feeling beautiful, inside and out.
What makes this achievement even more inspiring is that Tia was able to expand her salon and create the Serenity Suite through a grant from Greater Winston-Salem Inc., awarded through their MBE Grant program. This is a powerful example of how community resources can help elevate small businesses, allowing them to innovate and better serve the diverse needs of our community.
Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award – Paul Fulton
Paul is an extraordinary leader who has served as the CEO of leading national brands including Hanes Hosiery, Sara Lee, and Basset Furniture. In these roles, Fulton was key in driving economic growth and development in the region, helping establish Winston-Salem as a hub for business innovation and corporate leadership.
Beyond his corporate roles, Fulton has been deeply involved in North Carolina’s higher education system, having served on the University of North Carolina Board of Governors and the boards of trustees for both UNC-Chapel Hill and Winston-Salem State University. H served as dean of UNC Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School from 1993 to 1997.
Fulton is also an advocate for public education, chairing Public Ed Works, a nonprofit focused on increasing support for North Carolina’s public education system. He is a key voice in efforts to improve governance and funding for public schools and colleges across the state. His work reflects his commitment to strengthening educational institutions and fostering economic development in the region.
Paul was instrumental in the formation of the Crosby Scholars program, working with Kathryn Crosby to form the program as a way to honor her late husband, Bing Crosby. He has served as honorary chair for countless campaigns and committees to support the program, including their current Achieve Apply Afford capital campaign.
Dr. Anthony Atala Innovator of the Year Award presented by Allegacy Federal Credit Union – Three Strands Recovery Wear
Leah Wyrick founded Three Strands Recovery Wear during her freshman year at Wake Forest University. You see, a few years before Leah started college she walked alongside her mother, Nancy, during treatment, surgery, and recovery from breast cancer.
Unsatisfied with the limited options of post surgical bras available for her mother’s recovery, Leah decided to take action. She founded Three Strands Recovery Wear and created the Resilience Bra, an innovative solution designed to make the recovery process easier for breast cancer patients. What started as a personal project has now grown into a business with the potential to impact patients all over the world.
Leah is also working with hospital systems and medical professionals to get the Resilience Bra approved for reimbursement through private insurance and Medicare.
Keynote Address – Carl Armato, President & CEO, Novant Health
Headquartered in Winston-Salem, Novant Health is a nonprofit integrated health system with 40,000 team members, and 850 locations including 19 hospitals and urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, and imaging and pharmacy services. Last year in the Triad, Novant Health created a total economic impact of $3.6 billion.
A $400 million investment at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center will modernize infrastructure, enhance women’s and children’s services, and build a state-of-the-art critical care tower, opening early next year.
Investments in technology have made Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center a nationally certified Comprehensive Stroke Center. Experts are using artificial intelligence to diagnose and treat strokes in 22 minutes. The national standard is 60 minutes.
Investments to improve black maternal and infant health outcomes across the system have led to Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center receiving a US News and World Report High Performing Maternity Center designation.
Last year, Novant Health provided more than $1.6 billion in community benefit, including services to improve community health and direct financial assistance to patients who can’t afford to pay.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Novant Health, Truliant Federal Credit Union, Duke Energy, Bethany Medical, Allegacy Federal Credit Union, Kelly Office Solutions, Mercedes-Benz of Winston-Salem, NC Carolina Core, Winston-Salem Dash, NAI Piedmont Triad