About

Wake Up Wednesday was started in 2008 by Lesley Landis and Leslie Fesperman to help non-profits get together to share ideas and resources. In 2010, Jeff Philips took over the group. It has since grown into a much anticipated meeting, attracting businesses, non-profits and individuals just wanting to know what is going on in the community. Business is done each month between people attending and the contacts they know.
The People Who Make It Happen: Jeff Philips, owner of In Focus Studios, is the host of the monthly and quarterly meetings. Karen Tiede, owner of Red Tuxedo, is in charge of posting to our Facebook page. Lee Shanklin, with Shanklin Wealth Planning, runs the sign in table during the meetings. Lee is also a substitute host when Jeff can't make a meeting. 
About Admission: We charge a $7 admission to pay the Carolina Brewery for the labor and food. Your are required to pay whether you eat or not. This is not a money making enterprise.
Why We’re Here: We meet every third Wednesday of the month. We do this to serve the community following the economic model successfully implemented by Becky Anderson, founding E.D. of HandMade in America.
​Our Goal at Wake-Up Wednesday is to bring together a variety of Chatham-based professional occupations, non profits and individuals each month, who are working to improve life in the county and surrounding areas. Our goal is to inform one another about our work and to encourage a cross-pollination of ideas.
How it Works: At every monthly meeting, you will have 30 seconds to introduce yourself, describe your work, announce events, report on what resources you have to share, and those you need. We ask that you represent one group or effort only.
When the 30 seconds are up you will hear a bell that will signal the conclusion of your time. Please sit down so the next person can speak.
How to give a powerful commercial: Stand-up, give your name/company, make eye contact, tell us what you do, announce events, and ask for what you want. There are 2 things to remember when doing a commercial. The first is to be specific. The second is to be memorable.
Speaker info: Each month we have 2 six minute keynote speakers. The only requirement to speak is that you attend the 2 Wake-Up Wednesday meetings just prior to your talk. This helps you build trust and likability between attendees.  There are no exceptions to this requirement.

In the event of inclement weather, we follow the Chatham County school schedule. If schools are delayed or closed, there will be no meeting.
Contact Jeff Philips for more information - [email protected]