BOULDER, Colo., Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following an extensive approval and vetting process, Boulder-based Sterling-Rice Group has been certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West in partnership with WBENC.

WBENC is the largest national certifier of women-owned businesses in the United States and a leading advocate for women business owners and entrepreneurs. The marketing agency’s certification follows a 10-year planned ownership transition at the 35-year old agency that also resulted in the elevation of Cindy Judge as the first female Chairman and CEO of the agency. The ownership shift also made SRG a majority female owned and run company.

“Being certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise is a huge accomplishment for SRG and underlies our mission to build a diverse and inclusive company that is a great place to work,” commented Cindy Judge.  “Our ability to deliver over $10 billion in new revenue over 5 years to our clients is tied to the organization we have built, the depth of our offerings and the amazing people who work here.”

Nearly 60% of the agency’s senior leadership is female. Its 12-member senior leadership team includes nine women in such significant roles as Chairman, CEO, COO, CFO and Heads of Design, Accounts, Insights, Strategy and HR.

To achieve WBENC certification, woman-owned businesses must complete a stringent documentation and site visit process. Out of the more than 12.3 million women-owned businesses in the United States, only 15,000 are able to achieve WBENC certification. WBENC certification gives women-owned businesses the ability to compete for real-time business opportunities provided by WBENC corporate members and government agencies.

About Sterling-Rice Group (SRG)

Headquartered in Boulder, Colo., SRG is a nationally recognized brand consultancy and creative agency. The agency has expertise in consumer insights, brand strategy and positioning, new product innovation, advertising, and design SRG has been ranked on Outside Magazine's Best Places to Work list for the past eight years and was also recognized by Ad Age as a 2016 and 2017 Best Place to Work.

Toni Lee, toni@tonileepr.com , 203-246-7524