Adding a new distinction, Impact PR & Communications, Ltd., an award-winning Hudson Valley public relations firm, has been granted status as a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) by the New York State Department of Economic Development, Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development (DMWBD).

“We’ve always been 100-percent woman-owned and operated, but obtaining this official designation will allow the public and private companies we work with to be acknowledged for their commitment to supplier diversity and inclusivity,” said Filomena Fanelli, CEO and founder of Impact PR & Communications. “In undergoing the extensive review process associated with certification, which included a deep analysis of our firm’s financial standing and stability, we were vetted as a reputable firm to partner with and one that meets the state’s diversity requirements. We are confident this certification will be helpful to the not-for-profit agencies, tourism entities and real estate and construction clients that we work with, as well as those we intend to partner with.”

Cynthia Marsh-Croll, project director at the Women’s Enterprise Development Center (WEDC), which assisted Impact PR & Communications with its application process, said certification opens doors to various projects and can have a significant impact on a company’s bottom line.

“Not only is there a 30-percent diversity requirement in place for all New York State contracts, but those who are funded by the state have MWBE requirements as well,” said Marsh-Croll. “Whether an operation is a solopreneur or small business, this is an opportunity that is expanding and anyone who is eligible should apply.”

As part of the WBE certification, Impact PR & Communications is now listed in New York State’s Directory of Certified Businesses and has access to state contract and procurement opportunities.

About Impact PR & Communications, Ltd.

Impact PR & Communications, Ltd. is an award-winning, strategic public relations firm based in Poughkeepsie, New York. Founded in 2014, the company offers media relations, copy writing, cause-related marketing and speaker's bureau services to a variety of clients in the Hudson Valley and throughout the New York metropolitan area. For more information on Impact, visit www.prwithimpact.com, call 845.462.4979 or follow the firm on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.