Nearly a month on the job, CED’s new leader says she’s 'listening’

Research Triangle Park, N.C. — It’s been almost a month since Joan Siefert Rose swapped the radio airwaves at WUNC-FM for the top spot at the Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED), and in a short time she already has developed a clear vision of connecting with entrepreneurs statewide and listening to their needs.

“We are listening. We want to learn from our members of what we can do better,” Rose says. “CED really has an impact in shaping this area in so many ways, and my goal is to make sure everyone in the entrepreneurial community has a chance to succeed.

“This is a perfect time to evolve as an organization by simply listening and doing a better job at customer service,” she continues. “I want to make sure everything we do is of the highest quality.”

Rose, former general manager of the station and CED board member, became the RTP non-profit’s new president Aug. 11, taking the helm from longtime executive Monica Doss after her 22 years in the role. A longtime friend, Rose says Doss did an amazing job building and creating what CED is today.

“She has been wonderful and very generous to me in my transition,” Rose adds. “I’m so pleased to continue her legacy.”

Formed in 1984, CED is the largest entrepreneurial support organization in the nation, with more than 5,000 members representing nearly 1,100 entrepreneurial companies, financiers and professional firms.

Since 2001, CED has helped Triangle-area companies raise more than $2.6 billion in venture capital while also providing education, mentoring and capital formation resources to new and existing high-growth entrepreneurs through conferences, seminars, workshops and programs.

Rose says CED is a vital part of North Carolina. But, in soft economic times, is CED’s future limited by economic woes not only in the state but all over the nation?

“Every cloud has a silver lining,” Rose explains. “There are two things: Often the slowest economic times mean more new businesses starting up, and two, it’s a slow time for initial public offerings for companies, so it’s an interesting and active time with a lot still going on although the economy is slow.”

As the fourth quarter of 2008 approaches and 2009 knocks on the door, CED is gearing up for two major events early next year. In February, the non-profit will host a Biotech Conference at the Raleigh Convention Center followed by the 26th Annual Venture Conference on April 26 in Pinehurst. The group also continues its 10-week FastTrac Tech classes to help new business owners achieve their goals.

“It’s so encouraging to me personally and professionally to be here at CED because entrepreneurs have an amazing amount of energy and they don’t mess around,” Rose adds. “They get right to the point, and as I get to know more in this community, I’m excited about this opportunity and CED’s strong future.”

Mary U. Musacchia, chairwoman of the board of directors, said, “Joan’s strengths in collaboration and great connection to the Research Triangle community will help CED spread its message.”

Four weeks in, only time will tell. But, after speaking with her this week, it appears to be so far, so good.