CLAY — Charles Signs, Inc., a small business that provides custom signage, says it has been certified as a women’s business enterprise (WBE). Empire State Development’s Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development awarded the certification, per its March 25 announcement. The City of Syracuse has also awarded Charles’s Signs WBE certification, the company tells […]
CLAY — Charles Signs, Inc., a small business that provides custom signage, says it has been certified as a women’s business enterprise (WBE).
Empire State Development’s Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development awarded the certification, per its March 25 announcement.
The City of Syracuse has also awarded Charles’s Signs WBE certification, the company tells CNYBJ in an email. The firm, under the leadership of CEO Linda Hickey, calls the certification a “significant milestone” and says it “reflects the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the business community.” Hickey has led Charles Signs since 2002. Founded in 1968 by Charles Spinoso (Hickey’s father), the company currently has 11 full-time employees, per the April 9 email.
Charles Signs, a second generation, family-owned business, is located at 7856 Goguen Dr. in the town of Clay.
The certification enables Charles Signs to pursue a broader range of contracting opportunities with state agencies, as well as with private-sector firms seeking to fulfill their diversity and inclusion goals. It also positions the company to play a “significant role” in state and local economic-development initiatives, per its announcement. For example, Charles Signs was recently awarded its first contract from a woman-owned boat tour company seeking a WBE-certified sign company. Hickey called the contract a “direct testament to the value and recognition” that the New York State WBE certification brings to the business.
“Without this certification, I do not believe we would have had the opportunity to quote on this project,” Hickey tells CNYBJ. She also notes, “the certification has significantly enhanced our visibility, leading to a substantial increase in inquiries.” “The certification as a Woman-Owned Business is more than just a title. It’s a testament to our dedication to excellence and equality in the business world,” Hickey said in the firm’s announcement. “We are proud to be recognized by New York State for our efforts and are excited about the new opportunities this will open up for our company and our community. I began working side by side with my dad when I was ten years old! This work has been my life’s vocation. So, to see it come full circle like this at a whole new level of recognition of my work and commitment to my company, employees, and customers… is truly an incredible honor!” In the email to CNYBJ, Hickey calls the process to secure its WBE designation “both rigorous and rewarding.” “It began with the initial documentation phase in early 2023, leading up to the formal application submission to New York State in August,” Hickey explains. “The application was formally submitted in November, followed by a review period that included a series of questions from New York State starting in December through February and a Zoom interview with myself in March. I received the congratulatory email of our certification on March 9th, officially marking Charles Signs as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE).”