Peabody Properties, Inc. earns certification as a Women's Business Enterprise from the State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance

Peabody Properties, Inc. has earned certification as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) from the State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance (SOMWBA). The WBE certification process, which includes a comprehensive review of the business as well as a site inspection, helps SOMWBA confirm that applicants are at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by one or more women. Peabody has been owned and operated by principals Karen Fish-Will and Melissa Fish-Crane since the passing of the firm's founding father and mentor Edward Fish in June 2010. In order to earn SOMWBA certification, women business owners must demonstrate that they direct policy, oversee fiscal and operational matters for the company and have the expertise needed to perform in the company's core services without dependence on the finances or resources of a non-women owned entity. WBE designation is important to businesses in the commonwealth as many private corporations and local, state and federal agencies consider this certification an asset when identifying vendors to participate in an RFP or other selection process. "Peabody Properties has many women in leadership positions, so gaining this certification was an important milestone for us. We recognize that both responsibilities and opportunities can come with this certification. We are ready to grow our company and share our experiences with other women owned businesses," said Karen Fish-Will, vice president. About Peabody Properties, Inc. Headquartered in Braintree, Peabody Properties manages in excess of 14,000 units of housing— primarily in New England, and is a full-service real-estate firm. Divisional offices are located in Florida and Georgia. An award-winning privately held corporation, Peabody Properties was incorporated in 1976 and, is currently under the direction of Karen Fish-Will and Melissa Fish-Crane along with Catherine Hult and Doreen Bushashia. In 1995, Peabody Properties recognized its long-term commitment to resident services as a unique area of expertise within the field of property management and established a new and separate entity. Peabody Resident Services, Inc. is dedicated solely to the development of support services and programs for residents of affordable housing.