New York, NY, January 28, 2008 - The Women Presidents’ Educational Organization (WPEO), a regional affiliate of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), announced a new regional corporate sponsorship with the national law firm of Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC.  The firm will sponsor WPEO events and initiatives in the New York and Washington, D.C. regions, geared at giving local women’s business enterprises (WBEs) access to continuing education forums and networking opportunities. 

“Eckert Seamans is thrilled to support the efforts of the WPEO.  We are committed to aiding in their mission of promoting supplier diversity and opening doors for WBEs in the regions in which we serve, and look forward to further developing the partnership to increase the visibility of this dynamic group of women,” said Alicia Kabiri, a partner at the firm.

Through the WPEO, local women’s business enterprises (WBEs) can apply for the national Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certification and achieve access to Fortune 1000 supplier diversity programs, which can ultimately lead to new business for the entrepreneurs. 

“According to the Center for Women’s Business Research, nearly 10.4 million firms are 50% or more owned by women, employing more than 12.8 million people, and generating $1.9 trillion in sales.  This is a resource that Fortune 1000 companies can not afford to ignore,” said Marsha Firestone, Ph.D., president and founder of the Women Presidents’ Educational Organization.  “We are proud that the WPEO is able to facilitate new relationships between WBEs and our corporate sponsors.” 

About the WPEO