Parker Philips Certified By the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council

ERIE, PA (September 13, 2017)—Parker Philips, a boutique consulting firm specializing in economic impact analysis, research and strategic marketing, was approved for national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise Council of PA-DE-& NJ, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

“We always knew we were women-owned, but this certification allows a firm like ours to contribute to large scale projects that we may not otherwise be considered for and helps to recognize the further need for women to start their own businesses, become employers, and access capital to support growth,” said Nichole Parker, Principal Partner, Parker Philips. “The process to obtain this certification is time-intensive so we are very proud to have earned the designation and hope to help other women achieve the certification.”

According to an American Express OPEN study published in 2016, women are the majority owners of 38% of the country’s businesses, which marks a dramatic increase from 29% in 2007. These firms employ just 8% of the nation’s private sector workforce – up from 6% nine years ago – and contribute only 4% of the nation’s business revenues.

Economy-wide, just 3% of firms in the country could be considered as having “high economic impact” – meaning that they generate $500,000 or more in revenues – are owned by women. The distribution of the growth in the economic clout of women-owned firms is more geographically dispersed, with Pennsylvania ranking nearly dead last.

“As evidenced by the gender pay gap and inequitable representation of women in the board rooms, CEO corner offices, and the Congress of America the need for a certification like this still exists,” said Principal Partner Kate Philips.  “Women face unique challenges and clever justifications for ongoing inequity. And while women now own nearly 40% of businesses, our firms employ a very small percentage of the workforce and contribute a minuscule percentage of the economy’s revenue—a share that hasn’t changed in 20 years.”

While overall women-owned businesses made gains in revenue and employees at a faster pace than their male counterparts, their businesses are still dramatically smaller. Women continue to face challenges accessing capital and markets, as well as other obstacles to growth.

WBENC’s national standard of certification implemented by the Women’s Business Enterprise Council of PA-DE-& NJ is a meticulous process including an in-depth review of the business and site inspection. The certification process is designed to confirm the business is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by a woman or women.

By including women-owned businesses among their suppliers, corporations and government agencies demonstrate their commitment to fostering diversity and the continued development of their supplier diversity programs.

About Parker Philips:
The Parker Philips team has worked extensively in the government, corporate and non-profit sectors.Principal Partners Nichole Parker and Kate Philips, with a combined 40-years-experience, bring a unique set of experiences to help advance the goals of their clients.

Prior to her work in the private sector, Philips spent most of her time serving on the front lines of politics and government as a spokesperson for Maryland Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell and Pennsylvania Congressman Bob Brady.  She is regarded as an expert in building narratives and accelerating her clients’ business goals.

Before co-founding Parker Philips, Parker was recognized as an expert in the field of economic impact having completed 400 economic impact studies in the past 20 years for large academic health centers, health systems, and research collaboratives. Her research and consulting skills have served her clients well and spanned industry segments from ball bearings to higher education.

 About WBENC:
Founded in 1997, WBENC is the nation’s leader in women’s business development and the leading third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women, with more than 13,000 certified Women’s Business Enterprises, 14 national Regional Partner Organizations, and over 300 Corporate Members. More than 1,000 corporations representing America’s most prestigious brands as well as many states, cities, and other entities accept WBENC Certification. For more information, visit www.wbenc.org.