NEW YORK - Siwel Consulting Inc., a solution provider specializing in the design, implementation and maintenance of business solutions, today announced it has achieved Women Business Enterprise status as appointed by New York's Women Presidents' Educational Organization.

The designation is based on the standards, procedures and requirements of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and qualifies Siwel Consulting for consideration by organizations seeking vendor relationships with companies owned and operated by women or minorities.

Marjory Horowitz has been serving as Siwel Consulting's Chairperson since 2003 and has been an owner of the company since its inception in 1992. Siwel Consulting sought Women Business Enterprise status because many large enterprises, including Fortune 500 companies, are instituting supplier diversity programs that require a certain percentage of their vendor relationships to be with women or minority owned businesses.

"Supplier diversity is becoming more and more common and valued in today's business environment," said Horowitz. "Being certified as a Women Business Enterprise not only makes me proud that the business world is beginning to see the inherent value of doing business with women business owners but it also helps me bring new opportunities to the company -- something that is good for both the business and our employees."

To qualify for Women Business Enterprise status, a company must pass a rigorous examination in accordance with WBENC policy. Women-owned businesses must also demonstrate that their woman owner directs policy, fiscal, and operational matters for the company. Finally, women business owners must have the ability to perform in the company's area of specialty without reliance on the finances or resources of a non-women owned entity.

Siwel Consulting met these requirements, providing over a hundred pages of documentation and hosting on-site inspections by the Women Presidents' Educational Organization as part of the process. This certification enhances Siwel Consulting's ability to compete in today's marketplace, opening up thousands of new business opportunities for the company.

About Siwel Consulting Inc.

Siwel Consulting Inc., a woman owned and operated firm, is a solution provider specializing in the design, implementation and maintenance of business solutions for a broad range of enterprise clients across the continental U.S. and abroad. A top-rated solutions provider, Siwel recently has been named both an IBM Partner of Distinction and a Premier Business Partner for its outstanding customer service and business performance, maintaining a 97 percent customer satisfaction rating for the past six years. Founded in 1992, Siwel is headquartered in New York, has 80 employees and consultants, and had revenue of $88 million in 2003. For more information, visit the firm's Web site at www.siwel.com.

About The Women's Business Enterprise National Council

The Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition created in 1997, is dedicated to enhancing opportunities for women's business enterprises in America's major business markets. In partnership with women's business organizations throughout the United States, WBENC provides access to a national standard of certification and provides information on certified women's businesses to purchasing managers. The goal of the WBENC is to foster diversity in the world of commerce. Its programs and policies are designed to expand opportunities and eliminate barriers in the marketplace for women business owners.

Siwel Consulting Inc.

Siwel Consulting Inc.

More from Siwel Consulting Inc.