May 27, 2020

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The architectural millwork and contract furniture market has a new M/WBE option in New York City.

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Mark Richey Woodworking, the parent company of WallGoldfinger Furniture, was certified this month as a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) by the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS).

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An architectural millwork company, Mark Richey Woodworking has long been certified as M/WBE in its home state of Massachusetts. The company sought certification in New York City because of the increasing volume of work it does there, especially through its WallGoldfinger Furniture division.

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The certification recognizes majority owner Teresa Richey, who is a native of Peru. Richey is also the company’s treasurer and spouse of company namesake Mark Richey.

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“I am humbled,” Teresa Richey said of the SBS’s certification award. “Not only is this a recognition of me, but we have an inclusive company with fair hiring practices, including for women and minorities. My daughter-in-law is a woodworker on the factory floor, we employ people from many cultures and my mom is frequent visitor to the office. This commitment is probably second only to our commitment to green energy.”

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According to the SBS, the City of New York Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) Program expands opportunities for minority and women entrepreneurs to access government contracts and grow their businesses. Through an online directory, certified businesses become more visible to prospective buyers, including city agencies and private contractors seeking to purchase goods and services.

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“Especially at this time when businesses are in turmoil, it’s encouraging to hear about a minority and woman-owned business looking at an even brighter future in such an important market,” Teresa Richey said.

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Government agencies, non-profits and for-profits often seek out M/WBEs either voluntarily or through agreements and mandates.

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Earning the certification involved a rigorous application and review process that took 10 months. The certification lasts through May 2025. Look for Mark Richey Woodworking in the Online Directory of Certified Businesses. http://mtprawvwsbswtp1-1.nyc.gov/

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Learn more about Mark Richey Woodworking, based in Newburyport, Mass., and its skills and services online at www.markrichey.com. Learn more about its Vermont-based WallGoldfinger Furniture division and custom and product line corporate furniture offerings on these pages.

 

 

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