Patti Goethals Rowlson, the founder and communications director of Bellingham PR & Communications, recently completed a rigorous certification process through the Washington State Office of Minority and Business Enterprises.
The process concluded Aug. 9, 2023. At that time, BPRC became one of only 15 businesses in Whatcom County to be certified as both a Women Business Enterprise and a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise.
WBE/DBE certification acknowledges businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by women or socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The certification process, which took nine months to complete, involved a meticulous evaluation of BPRC’s ownership structure, financials and operational procedures.
“Bellingham PR & Communications has been 100% woman-owned since its inception in 2009, providing public relations consulting and communication services to large and small businesses in Whatcom County,” said Rowlson. “Achieving WBE/DBE certification is a significant milestone that documents that ownership and makes it possible for us to serve the community in a new way.”
WBE/DBE designations provide small businesses like BPRC with increased visibility and access to education and networking opportunities.
The designations can also provide access to procurement opportunities that might not be available otherwise. Many government agencies, corporations and large businesses have diversity and inclusion initiatives in place that encourage or require them to work with minority-owned and women-owned businesses.
“I’m excited to join the WBE/DBE communities and to learn and grow as a result,” said Rowlson.
For further information about Bellingham PR & Communications, visit www.bellinghampr.com or contact Patti Goethals Rowlson at (360) 305-3720.
