firstPRO Achieves WBENC Recertification, Strengthening Position as Premier Women-Owned Staffing Partner

Established Boston and Philadelphia staffing firm returns to Women's Business Enterprise National Council after strategic five-year growth period

PHILADELPHIA, PA – September 25th, 2025 – firstPRO, a leading workforce solutions provider serving the Boston and Philadelphia markets since 1986, today announced its recertification as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) through the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). This milestone positions the 115+ employee, $30M+ revenue firm to serve organizations seeking both exceptional talent delivery and supplier diversity partnerships.

The recertification validates firstPRO's status as a business that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by women, positioning the company to serve organizations seeking both exceptional staffing solutions and supplier diversity partnerships. Learn more about firstPRO's WBENC certification at www.firstproinc.com/wbenc-certified.

"We're thrilled to be back in the WBENC community," said Mike Stanziola, key leadership team member at firstPRO. "WBENC represents the gold standard for women-owned business certification, and joining this prestigious network creates competitive advantages for our clients while connecting us with corporate leaders who value both excellence and diversity. This certification validates what we've always been—a women-led organization committed to delivering exceptional results."

firstPRO's recertification reflects the company's commitment to partnering with WBENC's mission of advancing women-owned businesses and helping corporate partners achieve meaningful supplier diversity objectives. The decision aligns with firstPRO's quality-driven approach that has defined the firm since its founding in 1986.

Addressing Critical Market Needs Through WBENC Excellence

WBENC has established itself as the premier organization for women-owned business certification, with rigorous standards that ensure only qualified businesses earn certification. The organization's network includes over 1,000 corporate members representing America's most prestigious brands, making WBENC certification the most widely recognized and respected credential for women-owned businesses.

firstPRO's recertification aligns with increased corporate focus on supplier diversity initiatives that drive real business results. According to recent studies, companies with diverse supplier bases demonstrate stronger financial performance and enhanced innovation capabilities. However, many organizations struggle to identify certified women-owned firms with deep expertise in specialized sectors like staffing and recruiting.

"There's real demand for WBENC-certified partners who can deliver results, not just diversity statistics," explained Kennedy. "Our clients don't want to compromise on quality to meet diversity goals—they want both. That's exactly what we provide."

firstPRO specializes in accounting & finance, information technology, supply chain & logistics, professional services, and insurance placements across multiple talent delivery models—professional services, full-time placement, and staff augmentation. The firm's consultant team includes more than 50 experienced associates dedicated specifically to the accounting & finance market segment across the Philadelphia and Boston regions.

Strategic Advantages for Corporate Partners

The recertification offers immediate competitive advantages for firstPRO's corporate clients, many of whom face increasing pressure to demonstrate meaningful supplier diversity engagement. Companies working with firstPRO can now leverage their workforce solutions partnerships for diversity procurement targets, potentially improving their competitive positioning for government contracts and corporate partnerships that prioritize inclusive supply chains.

WBENC's sophisticated network provides firstPRO clients with access to market intelligence and business development opportunities that extend far beyond traditional workforce solutions relationships. The organization's exclusive events connect decision-makers from Fortune 500 companies with certified women-owned businesses, creating strategic partnerships that drive mutual success.

Beyond compliance benefits, firstPRO's WBENC membership provides access to the organization's exceptional networking events, educational programs, and industry intelligence that benefit client organizations. WBENC's sophisticated platform creates connections between certified women-owned businesses and decision-makers at Fortune 500 companies, fostering partnerships that drive mutual success.

"WBENC has created an incredible platform where women-owned businesses like ours can showcase our expertise while helping corporate partners achieve both their talent delivery goals and diversity objectives," Kennedy added. "Our values have always aligned with WBENC's commitment to excellence—this certification simply makes that alignment official and opens doors to opportunities that benefit everyone in our network."

Maintaining Quality Standards

Despite the expanded opportunities that come with WBENC certification, firstPRO emphasizes that its core operational philosophy remains unchanged. The company continues to prioritize long-term client relationships over transactional placements, maintaining the consultative approach that has generated sustained client loyalty across multiple business cycles.

"Our certification doesn't change how we work—it enhances why clients choose to work with us," Kennedy added. "We've always focused on quality over quantity, and that commitment is what makes our diversity credentials meaningful."

The firm's track record includes successful placements across Fortune 500 companies, mid-market organizations, and growing businesses throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic regions. Client relationships often span multiple years, with many partnerships extending across various hiring initiatives and market conditions.

Industry Impact and Future Outlook

firstPRO's recertification comes as the staffing industry faces ongoing talent shortages and increased competition for skilled professionals. The company's position as a WBENC-certified specialist in high-demand sectors like accounting, finance, and technology provides a differentiated value proposition in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

The workforce solutions industry has shown particular growth in diversity-focused partnerships, with corporate clients actively seeking certified women-owned and minority-owned firms to handle specialized recruitment needs. This trend reflects broader recognition that diverse suppliers often bring innovative approaches to traditional business challenges.

Looking ahead, firstPRO plans to leverage its renewed WBENC status to expand partnerships with organizations that prioritize supplier diversity while maintaining its reputation for delivering exceptional workforce solutions. The company sees particular opportunities in government contracting and corporate partnerships where diversity credentials provide competitive advantages.

About firstPRO

Founded in 1986, firstPRO is a specialized workforce solutions provider with offices in Boston and Philadelphia. The company provides professional services, fulltime placement, and staff augmentation across accounting & finance, information technology, supply chain & logistics, professional services, and insurance sectors. With over 115 employees and $30M+ in annual revenue, firstPRO is one of the largest independent workforce solutions firms in the United States. The company emphasizes quality over quantity, focusing on impactful career advancements for candidates and long-term talent delivery solutions for clients through honest, efficient communication and commitment to lasting relationships.

For more information about firstPRO's services and WBENC certification, visit www.firstproinc.com.