FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact: Shannon Mischuk
shannon@grafmartin.com
519-342-3703 ext. 107
Graf-Martin Recognized as a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise Joins 1% of Ad & Marketing Agencies Owned by Women
Agency Awarded Status as Certified Women’s Business Enterprise by WBE Canada
WATERLOO, Ont., March 1, 2023 – Waterloo Region-based marketing agency, Graf-Martin Communications, is proud to announce its certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE). Working in the male-dominated agency-owned world, the agency has successfully met the eligibility criteria for certification as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) as required by corporate and government supplier diversity programs.
Graf-Martin Communications was certified by the Women Business Enterprises Canada Council (WBE Canada), a Canadian non-profit organization committed to the success of Canadian Women Business Enterprises. The meticulous process includes an in-depth review of the business to confirm it is at least 51 percent owned, managed and controlled by women. With this endorsement, Graf-Martin Communications adds the distinction of becoming one of the 1% of North American marketing and advertising agencies owned by women.
“When I launched Graf-Martin in 2008, I had no idea that women lead and own less than 1% of North America’s marketing and ad agencies. I was doing what I loved – using skilled marketing and communications to strengthen organizations committed to hope, generosity and justice,” said Ellen Graf-Martin, President and Founder of Graf-Martin Communications. “While it’s not been easy, it’s an honour to forge the path for women entrepreneurs and women working in marketing and advertising.”
Historically, women entrepreneurs and business owners in Canada have faced undeniable barriers. Estimates show that while women own only 17% of small and medium-sized businesses, and only 5% of corporate and government contracts are awarded to women-owned businesses, advancing women’s participation in the economy could add up to $150 billion to Canada’s GDP.
“Having faced – and worked incredibly hard to break through systemic and cultural barriers since day one, we work differently,” says Graf-Martin. However, Graf-Martin maintains that this has only served to make her organization stronger and better serve clients well. “We uniquely understand challenges and are well-designed to overcome obstacles, design creative solutions, and keep our skills sharp. The benefit this experience provides to the organizations and clients we serve is immense.”
Organizations setting diversity initiatives in place and seeking to diversify their vendor supply chain can start making change happen simply by engaging WBE Canada-certified businesses like Graf-Martin. The agency is encouraged by the commitment to supplier diversity embraced by corporations and government organizations today and looks forward to participating in supply chain diversity initiatives. Graf-Martin looks forward to the many opportunities to connect with other Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), corporations and government organizations committed to diversity to provide our products and services.
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About Graf-Martin
Since 2008, Graf-Martin has provided award-winning, excellent integrated brand strategy, publicity, social media marketing, and strategic marketing communications services to strengthen organizations committed to hope, generosity and justice. Graf-Martin’s team of skilled marketing and communications experts generously offer their skill, experience and robust toolbox to develop and implement strategic publicity campaigns, integrated marketing solutions, strategic branding and fundraising that connects. Visit grafmartin.com to learn more.
About WBE Canada
Women Business Enterprises Canada Council (WBE Canada) is a Canadian non-profit organization opening doors for Canadian women-owned businesses to supply chains across North America. Founded by corporations to provide certification services for their supplier diversity programs, WBE Canada also provides supplier development training and resources, networking and matchmaker opportunities and supplier diversity program support. Learn more at www.WBECanada.ca.