Vendi Advertising certified as Woman-owned Business Enterprise

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) – Vendi Advertising of La Crosse earned the Woman-owned Business Enterprise (WBE) certification by the State of Wisconsin’s Department of Administration.

State legislature implemented the WBE certification process in 2006 as a part of its supplier diversity initiative, according to a news release from Vendi.

Vendi has been owned and managed by women since its founding 16 years ago. Principals Kathy Van Kirk and Julie Haas lead a team of 20 employees who serve regional and national clients in education, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, non-profits, and other industries.

“We’re grateful the state recognizes the contributions of women entrepreneurs and leaders in this way,” said Van Kirk. “It’s a rigorous certification process but we applied because it’s ultimately about recognition for women-owned businesses.”

According to the release, thirty-one percent of businesses in Wisconsin are owned by women and just over 500 have been certified as WBE. Vendi is the only WBE-certified Wisconsin business in La Crosse County.

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