Melaco Sisters, LLC, a business specializing in retail hardware and industrial supplies, is proud to announce national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise Council South, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). WBENC Certification is the gold standard for women-owned business certification in the United States.
“We are so proud to make this announcement,” said Owner Vanessa Pierce. “Becoming WBENC Certified was always part of our business plan, and we are excited to work with this organization, as well as other members.”
The WBENC standard of certification implemented by the Women’s Business Enterprise Council South is a meticulous process, including an in-depth review of the business and a site inspection. The certification process is designed to confirm the business is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by a woman or women, and that the business has appropriate structure and strategic business planning and implementation in place.
By including women-owned businesses among their suppliers, corporations and government agencies demonstrate their commitment to fostering diversity and the continued development of their supplier diversity programs, which in turn empowers women as leaders and brings about a more diverse, balanced, and sustainable economy.
WBENC Certification combined with professional development and engagement in the WBENC network provides unsurpassed opportunities year-round, both virtually and in-person, for women-owned businesses to grow and expand their business and innovation through events, programming, and connections with major corporations and other WBEs.
“At Home, we recognize that work is just one part of life. Our goal is to provide programs and resources that support our Team Members’ overall well-being,” said Scott Bryant, Chief Human Resources Officer, Home Hardware Stores Limited. “From group benefit plans to wellness classes and education scholarships, we want every Team Member to have what they need to reach their full potential.”
Forbes and Statista Inc. co-present this award to recipients based on independent surveys from Canada-based employees who gave feedback on their workplace. Evaluations were based on direct and indirect recommendations from employees who were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their employer to friends and family. These evaluations also included participants’ opinions on a series of work-related topics such as working conditions, salary potential, and company image.
About Melaco Sisters, LLC
Melaco Sisters Hardware & Supplies was founded in 2018 by sisters Vanessa Melancon Pierce and Lauren Melancon Guidry. As third-generation leaders of their family’s offshore service vessel company, Lauren and Vanessa blazed their own trail in another industry, keeping in mind the needs of their family business. Melaco Sisters Hardware & Supplies is a 23,000-square- foot retail hardware store devoted to the South Lafourche community they serve. With a focus on customer service, the team prides itself in assisting homeowners, contractors, commercial fishermen, oil companies, and others with any project. Leveraging their knowledge of offshore oil and gas operations, Lauren and Vanessa began planning an Industrial/Commercial (INCOM) Department that could service offshore and commercial customers. Melaco Sisters Hardware & Supplies continues to grow as customer needs arise. They have recently added large equipment rentals to their inventory.
About Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
Founded in 1997, WBENC is the nation’s leader in women’s business development and the leading third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women, with more than 18,000 certified Women’s Business Enterprises, 14 national Regional Partner Organizations, and more than 500 Corporate Members, most of which are Fortune 500. Thousands of corporations representing America’s most prestigious brands, as well as many states, cities, and other entities, look for and accept WBENC Certification. Through the Women Owned initiative, WBENC also is a leader in supporting consumer-oriented female entrepreneurs and those who do business with them by raising awareness for why, where, and how to buy Women Owned
