Nan Baldwin
When Nan Baldwin became the president and CEO of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce after 15 years with the Birmingham Business Alliance, she quickly looked for a way to leave her mark on the city. Now, after more than a year in her role, Nan reflects on what she hopes will be her crown jewel: the Women’s Business and Leadership Council.
Enjoy Hoover: July marked one year in your role as president and CEO of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce. What has been your greatest accomplishment during the last 12 months?
Nan Baldwin: I’d have to say launching the Women's Business and Leadership Council has been my greatest accomplishment. It launched this year in March 2025 to provide and empower women entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals with mentoring and networking opportunities for personal and professional growth.
When I began this role and looked around, that was the one missing link I saw in the Hoover Chamber. When you take on a new position, you look for what is going to be your jewel, and this is going to be my jewel.
We started out with 50 women at our kick-off event and had 100 attend our spring luncheon. Each monthly event has around 30-50 attendees, which makes for a meaningful and productive networking opportunity.
EH: Why did you start this initiative?
Baldwin: Women-owned businesses and women in business are the fastest-growing sectors of the US economy. It really showed during the pandemic when women had to pivot to help sustain their households or rethink their current professions to be successful in what quickly became a nontraditional working environment.
But there can be complex barriers to entry. This council exists to address those issues so women can really do it right. It’s a safe space to ask questions like: where can I find a mentor, how do I get capital, how do I manage the business that I am in, how do I do all that I can to feel successful in my own right – and find trustworthy answers.
The Women’s Business and Leadership Council is a community of women coming together to help each other out. It’s a village to help each of us rise to the occasion we are trying to rise to.
EH: What are your goals for the Women’s Business and Leadership Council?
Baldwin: I would like for it to keep gaining momentum and for the women who participate to find their place, both in Hoover’s business scene and in the community at large. Long term, I’m working to have data that shows how the Women’s Business Leadership Council has helped women achieve success; to see how many members accomplished their goals, received promotions and more.
EH: How can women get involved in the Women’s Business and Leadership Council?
Baldwin: One way to get involved is to be a chamber member! This is the best way to stay updated and find out what is going on. We also invite non-chamber members to these events. It’s a great way to meet other women in different industries and professions. The events calendar on the chamber website will tell you about our upcoming events. Just look for the Women’s Business and Leadership Council designation!
Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce
WBLC
Nan Baldwin, far left, The Women's Business Leadership Council on June 4 at Biz and Biscuits. The topic for the free event was “Networking That Works,” and offered practical tips on turning introductions into meaningful opportunities.
Baldwin: My vision is for the Chamber to be a place where businesses can truly grow and scale by being part of the overall Hoover community. I believe that small, medium and large-sized businesses all have a stake in Hoover’s success. When businesses stop investing in the community, that negatively impacts tax revenue, neighborhoods, the workforce and local schools. A vibrant business community supports overall community success.
About the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce
The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce is more than a networking organization. In addition to connecting business leaders with one another, they also strive to educate small business owners on the resources available to help them grow; advocate and be a non-partisan voice for local businesses and business owners; and provide tools that help businesses build strong brands.
Photos courtesy of Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce
Save the Date
Note: The events fluctuate to accommodate women’s various scheduling needs.
September 24: Biz + Biscuits, a morning event, featuring a panel of women small business owners in different stages of business ownership, from start-up to seasoned.
October 22: Lunch meeting focusing on mental health and self-care.
November 13: Biz + Biscuits morning meeting and vision board session.
December 11: Wine Down the Year, an evening networking event.
Go to hooverchamber.org and check out the “events calendar” for details.