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PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 16, 2016 -- At its Annual Awards Luncheon held Friday, September 16, the Women’s Business Enterprise Council of PA-DE-sNJ (WBEC) honored those corporations, government agencies and the Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) that have made a difference by opening the doors of opportunity to women business owners throughout the year.
According to WBEC President, Geri Swift, corporations reporting deals documented more than $86 million in contracts with 186 regional companies certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
WBEC has certified nearly 1,100 WBEs that generate $8 billion in revenue and employ almost 40,000 in the region. It also counts 54 corporations and government agencies as members, ranking it third among councils across the country.
WBEC’s annual awards give recognition to corporations, government agencies and WBEs for their success in advancing opportunities for WBEs. The companies receiving recognition include:
WBEC Corporation of the Year: The Day & Zimmermann Group, Inc.
Awarded to one WBEC corporate member that has been instrumental in the WBEC’s successful achievement of its annual goals. The award also acknowledges the company’s exemplary achievements in support of the success of WBEs.
Advocate of the Year: Manuel A. Diaz, Johnson & Johnson
Presented to an employee of a WBEC corporate or government member who has done the most to promote business opportunities for WBENC-certified WBEs. This individual has provided exceptional support to WBEs and demonstrated leadership in the use of WBENC-certified WBEs.
National Corporation Done Deals Award: Aramark
Given to the WBEC National member reporting Done Deals and having the highest number of deals with WBEs that are certified by WBEC.
National Corporation Done Deals Award: Pfizer Inc.
Given to the WBEC National member reporting Done Deals and the having the highest amount of spend with WBEs that are certified by WBEC.
Regional Corporation Done Deals Award: Independence Blue Cross
Awarded to the WBEC Regional member reporting Done Deals and having the highest amount of spend and highest number of deals with WBEs that are certified by WBEC.
Women Business Enterprise Done Deals Award: Kalstar Enterprises, LLC
Presented to the WBE reporting Done Deals and having the highest spend with WBENC-certified WBEs.
Women Business Enterprise Done Deals Award: M. Davis & Sons, Inc.
Presented to the WBE reporting Done Deals and highest number of deals with WBENC-certified WBEs.
Shining Star Award: Jessica Mazzeo, Griesing Law LLC; Jennifer L. McClendon, Merck & Co., Inc.; Robert A. James, Highmark Health
Acknowledges woman business owners, individuals, companies or government entities who have been instrumental in the successful development of the WBEC and whose voluntary support of and commitment to supplier development initiatives have enhanced business opportunities for certified WBEs.
The Women’s Business Enterprise Leadership Award: Vivian Isaak, Magnum Group, Inc.
Given to a WBENC-certified WBEC that is certified by WBEC and whose leadership, mentoring, business acumen, and community service have contributed significantly to the growth and development of other WBENC-certified WBEs in her community.
About WBEC PA-DE-sNJ
The Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) is a purchasing council for certified women’s business enterprises (WBEs) in Pennsylvania, Delaware and southern New Jersey. The Council provides WBENC women business enterprise certification as well as educational, networking, procurement-related, and informational programs and services that foster growth and business opportunities between WBEs and purchasing entities, including major corporations and government agencies. WBEC also is the third-party certifier of women-owned businesses for the City of Philadelphia, the State of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women-Owned Small Business Program. For more information, visit its website – www.wbecouncil.org.
Contact: Nicole Lasorda 610.649.9292 [email protected]
