On September 30, 2020 over 100 local business owners, government and corporate representatives, supplier diversity professionals, and entrepreneurs will gather virtually to honor four corporations, a corporate representative, and five certified women business enterprises (WBEs). In addition to honoring the 2020 award winners, the evening will consist of door prizes, a virtual toast and networking. Those interested in joining the celebration should visit www.wbeceast.com/events for registration details – all are welcome to attend.
Partner of the Year: This award is given to an organization that has been instrumental in the WBEC-East’s successful achievement of its annual goals. This year’s nominees include AstraZeneca and Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW). The 2020 Partner of the Year Award will be presented to PGW, in recognition of their year round support and contributions to the successful growth of local women owned business enterprises.
National Corporation Done Deals Award: This award is given to an organization that is also a member of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and has had the highest spend with the highest number of women business enterprise (WBE) firms over the last 12-month fiscal year reporting cycle. The 2020 National Corporation Done Deals Award will be presented to Aramark who reported $12.2 million in spend with WBEs in the Pennsylvania, Delaware, and southern New Jersey region.
Regional Corporation Done Deals Award: This award is given to an organization that is also a member of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and has had the highest spend with the highest number of women business enterprise (WBE) firms over the last 12-month fiscal year reporting cycle. The 2020 Regional Corporation Done Deals Award will be presented to two organizations. AstraZeneca will receive the award for reporting $10.1 million in spend with WBEs in the Pennsylvania, Delaware, and southern New Jersey region. Delaware River Port Authority will be receiving the award for investing in their local community and awarding contracts to 10 WBEs in the Pennsylvania, Delaware, and southern New Jersey region.
WBE Done Deals Award: This award is given to a WBE firm with the highest spend over the last 12-month reporting cycle with the highest number of certified women business owners. This year’s nominees include CD & Associates, Inc. and M. Davis & Sons, Inc. The 2020 WBE Done Deals award will be presented to CD & Associates, Inc. who reported over $2.8 million in spend with WBEs in the Pennsylvania, Delaware, and southern New Jersey region.
Advocate of the Year and Commitment Awards: These awards are given to individuals who have done the most to promote business opportunities for women owned businesses. Nominees for this year include: Barbara Bosha, Bosha Design+Communications and George Ehrgott, Communications Test Design, Inc. (CTDI). The 2020 awards will be presented to George Ehrgott. In addition to working with CTDI on Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Diversity, he works tirelessly with WBEC-East in creating opportunities for businesses to grow and succeed. Ehrgott is being recognized for his voluntary support of and commitment to supplier development initiatives have enhanced business opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
Bravery Award: This award is given to a WBE that started their business from scratch, has a five-year plan, ability to serve corporates, access to funding, and is actively engaged in WBEC-East. Nominees for this year include: Katey Evans, The Frozen Farmer; Peggy Gionta, Partner’s Consulting; Vivian Isaak, Magnum Group, Inc.; Mary Jayne McCullough, Global Wordsmiths; Maki San Miguel Paulson, Verde Architecture Consulting LLC; Wendy Verna, Octo Design Group; and Tammy Williams, Envision2bWell, Inc. The 2020 Bravery Award will be presented to Wendy D. Verna. Verna is the owner of Octo Design Group, Inc., a business based in Philadelphia that has worked to create overall brand/strategy, messaging, website development, and campaign execution for organizations such as Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, The City of Philadelphia Education Works, Philadelphia International Airport, Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, and several more.
New Leaders Award: This award is given to a NextGen WBE that is actively engaged in WBEC-East and has new ideas or innovations that differentiate their business from others. The 2020 New Leaders Award will be presented to Kristen M. Berman. Berman is the CEO of Philly Made Creative, an advertising and branding agency in Philadelphia focused on offering creative marketing services for businesses in a variety of industries such as manufacturing, construction, food service, and education.
Trusted Advisor Award: This award is given to a WBE who has taken the initiative for helping and supporting less experienced WBEs. This year’s nominees include: Peggy Del Fabbro, M. Davis & Sons, Inc.; Lisa Frederick, Unity Printing Company, Inc.; Marian Neilson, Abator Information Services, Inc.; and Trish Parkhill, MarketSpace Agency. The 2020 Trusted Advisor award will be presented to Peggy Del Fabbro for her mentorship and the positive impact she has had on other WBEs and their businesses. Del Fabbro is the CEO of M. Davis & Sons, Inc. an industrial construction company that builds, installs and maintains plants and facilities for national and international companies.
WBE Leadership Award: This award is given to a WBE whose leadership, mentoring, business acumen, and community service have contributed significantly to the growth and development of women entrepreneurs in her community. This year’s nominees include: Kathy Bellwoar, PPT Consulting; Kari Donovan, Precis Commissioning, Inc.; Nicole Galli, Law Offices of N.D. Galli, LLC; and Marcia O’Connor, The O’Connor Group (TOCGRP). The 2020 Trusted Advisor award will be presented to Nicole D. Galli, founder and Managing Member of the ND Galli Law LLC. Galli embodies leadership in her women-owned and operated law firm and lends that leadership to the fellowship of women business owners. ND Galli Law LLC focuses on business advice and commercial and litigation, especially with regard to intellectual property protection and trade secrets.
