Celebrating Our WBE Certification
Can an achievement be remarkable and routine at the same time? Can it be worth celebrating while also being standard operating procedure? The answer to these questions can be found in the latest certification within Canerector.
This year, several Canerector companies within Canada successfully completed Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certification, an acknowledgment that a business is majority women-owned, operated, and controlled. They are now on a growing list of businesses recognized for their diversity and commitment to women-led leadership. WBE certification provides an even greater market advantage by opening new doors to working with large corporations and governments.
The certification is a source of pride to Canerector CEO Amanda Hawkins, and something she reflects on with interest. In 2023, only 18.4% of all Canadian businesses were majority owned by women1, but Amanda has never viewed female leadership as rare or unusual. In the Hawkins family, women’s ability to lead was never questioned.
“In our family, leadership was never about gender,” Amanda shared. “My father, a history enthusiast, often pointed out that the strongest and most successful monarchs of England were women. He believes success in business, as in leadership, comes down to capability —not gender. I feel the same.”
A Gateway to Growth and Opportunity
Canerector is a growing network of over 50 companies that design and manufacture industrial products. We are laser focused on driving the long-term growth and success of our businesses, and uncovering ways to strengthen and create opportunities for all. Securing WBE certification is a great example of this commitment.
“By obtaining a WBE certification, your business can gain a competitive edge, access exclusive networking opportunities, and enhance your visibility in these markets,” said Brad Tully, President of The Machining Group (TMG). “In sectors such as nuclear, automotive, and power generation, large corporations often have supplier diversity goals, and WBE-certified companies are uniquely positioned to fulfill these mandates.”
To that point, Ontario Power Generation has earmarked $1 billion for companies that meet diversity goals, opening significant opportunities for WBE-certified companies to become key suppliers in critical sectors.
Leading the Charge
While it’s true Canerector meets the requirements for this recognition, obtaining certification required more than checking off a few boxes on a piece of paper. In fact, the process was quite exhaustive, with multiple forms, interviews, and reporting requirements. It was clear that WBE is thoroughly committed to verifying how all companies seeking certification operate.
The certification process was led by Dolly Bolu, Legal Counsel at Canerector, with the guidance and support of CFO Jeff Major and General Counsel Debora Pinkus. For Dolly, taking on this initiative was both a challenge and a privilege.
“The process was rewarding,” Dolly shared. “Knowing that this certification would open doors for Canerector’s companies motivated me, but on a personal level, it filled me with pride. Being part of such a successful female-led organization makes the hard work worth it.”
She went on to share that Amanda’s dedication through the process was inspiring. “Amanda took the time to participate in interviews just days before her due date!” Dolly said.
Sharing the news about the certification was also an incredible moment for Dolly, due in large part to the enthusiastic response she received from Canerector’s businesses. Tully, for one, was delighted. “My team knows that greater opportunities can be unlocked due to our ownership. It was a talking point before, but now we have official WBE certification to back it up!” he said.
Strengthening Client Relationships
WBE certification not only provides access to new business opportunities but also strengthens existing client relationships. In sectors like nuclear, where diversity checks are part of supplier evaluations, the certification can make a significant difference. That said, Tully is quick to point out that the biggest deciding factor is always going to be the foundation of a strong organization.
“Having the certification opens doors and we’ve even seen a bump in growth with existing clients. Of course, it doesn’t decrease the importance of expertise and a competitive bid. Certification is something to be proud of, but it’s still business.”
Looking Ahead
Canerector’s WBE certification is a milestone that reflects both the company’s values and its commitment to expanding opportunities for its network in an increasingly competitive global market. By embracing diversity and unlocking new markets, the certification serves as a catalyst for future growth. With a foundation built on excellence and an eye toward the future, Canerector is well-positioned to drive success for years to come.