FIA NOW Co-Founder & President Lindsay Watson Hosts New Radio Show Influence Unplugged on WDIY
Allentown, PA – FIA NOW Employment Solutions is proud to announce that our Co-Founder & President, Lindsay Watson, is the host of WDIY 88.1 FM’s newest radio series, Influence Unplugged: Celebrating Black Legacy.
This powerful series is dedicated to honoring Black leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers who are shaping industries, communities, and culture. Through deep conversations, real stories, and impactful insights, Influence Unplugged highlights those whose shoulders we stand on and introduces the next generation of trailblazers.
“Hosting Influence Unplugged is an incredible opportunity to amplify the voices of Black excellence and bring untold stories to light,” said Lindsay Watson. “This show is about more than conversations—it’s about celebrating impact and legacy.”
FIA NOW is committed to empowering talent, fostering inclusive workplaces, and championing leadership. We invite our community and partners to tune in, engage, and support this platform for authentic storytelling and meaningful discussions.
For media inquiries or collaboration opportunities, please contact us at: www.fianow.com
Allentown, PA, 9/27/2024 – FIA NOW Employment Solutions, a leader in providing customized workforce solutions, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the highly regarded Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) verification by the National Supplier Diversity Management Council (NSDMC). This recognition underscores FIA NOW’s ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation, and diversity within the staffing and recruitment industry.
The NSDMC MBE verification is a nationally recognized certification, verifying that FIA NOW is a minority-owned business dedicated to upholding the highest standards of service and business practices. This distinction also affirms FIA NOW’s role in fostering diversity and inclusion within the supply chain, providing an opportunity to contribute unique perspectives and solutions to its clients and partners.
“Our achievement of the NSDMC MBE verification is a testament to our dedication to providing exceptional workforce solutions and supporting diversity at every level of our organization,” said William Brown, Co-Founder & CEO. “This certification allows us to better support our clients in achieving their own diversity goals while empowering us to expand our reach and impact across the industry.”
About FIA NOW Employment Solutions Founded to address the ever-evolving needs of businesses and organizations, FIA NOW specializes in three core areas: Staffing and Recruiting, Career and Performance Coaching, and Outplacement Services. FIA NOW provides customized solutions designed to increase operational efficiency, improve employee retention, and ensure access to a diverse talent pool. With the NSDMC MBE certification, FIA NOW continues to advance its mission of delivering transformative employment solutions while actively promoting inclusivity and opportunity in every engagement.
As a certified MBE, FIA NOW looks forward to forming strategic partnerships that leverage this accreditation to drive mutual success and create a more inclusive business environment.
For more information about FIA NOW Employment Solutions or to explore partnership opportunities, please visit www.fianow.com.
About the NSDMC The National Supplier Diversity Management Council (NSDMC) is a premier organization dedicated to promoting diversity within the supply chain by offering certification, training, and development opportunities for minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. Through rigorous evaluation, the NSDMC MBE verification ensures that certified businesses are fully qualified and capable of meeting the high standards required by corporate and government entities.
AS THE CO-FOUNDER AND VICE PRESIDENT OF FIA NOW EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS, Lindsay Watson is a creative social butterfly with a passion for connecting people to their purpose.
Through her corporate experience from Wall Street to Main Street, Lindsay has gained valuable insights that have propelled her to success as an entrepreneur, HR leader, and public speaker.
As a small-town girl raised in a predominantly white community, Lindsay learned the value of diversity and visibility from a young age. “It’s easier to be what you can see,” Lindsay said. “If people can’t see others who look like them in places that are visible, it’s more difficult to visualize themselves there.” Lindsay’s drive to create safe places for black and brown community members is evident through her community activism. Lindsay is proud to be the first African American woman to serve on the boards for Miller-Keystone Blood Center, Habitat for Humanity, and Women United.
“I come from a family of firsts,” Lindsay said. “My father made history as one of the first African Americans to reach the rank of Admiral in the U.S. Navy. My mother made history by helping to establish a magnet school, which her grandchildren later attended. I know my responsibility is to stand on the shoulders of those who have worked hard before me and to honor them.”
Lindsay, with support from her mentor William Brown, co-founded FIA NOW after leaving her job on Wall Street. “My business partner and FIA’s CEO, Bill Brown, has been a mentor to many over the years. It was his investment and belief in me that allowed me to become an entrepreneur through FIA!”
FIA NOW is the first minority-owned employment services company in the Lehigh Valley, serving the community for eleven years. Their latest division in outplacement services offers career coaching and severance package options to companies during layoff processes. With their extensive access to information and expertise, FIA NOW’s goal is to keep talent in Lehigh Valley and fill in the gaps throughout the workforce.
In addition to her work with FIA NOW, Lindsay is the proud founder of Joy Fluent: a 100% woman and minority-owned virtual assistance company in the Lehigh Valley. She is also a public speaker and workshop facilitator. “I love being in a community where I can use my experiences to support our growing and diverse Lehigh Valley,” Lindsay said.
Learn more about Lindsay and her work by visiting fianow.com.
In the realm of professional achievements, few accolades carry as much prestige and recognition as being named a WHO’s Who by Marquis. This year, we proudly celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of William Brown, an esteemed professional from FIA NYC Employment, who has been honored with this distinguished title for 2023. This blog post aims to shed light on the significance of this achievement and the reasons why it is a testament to William Brown’s exceptional career and contributions.
1. A Respected Recognition:
The WHO’s Who by Marquis is widely regarded as one of the most reputable and authoritative sources for recognizing outstanding professionals across various fields. The prestigious title serves as a testament to William Brown’s exceptional accomplishments and expertise in his respective industry. It acknowledges his dedication, hard work, and the significant impact he has made in his career.
2. Expertise and Excellence:
To be acknowledged by Marquis as a WHO’s Who recipient, an individual must possess exceptional expertise and demonstrate consistent excellence in their profession. William Brown’s recognition underscores his mastery of skills, deep knowledge, and profound experience in the field of employment, reflecting his commitment to achieving excellence in every aspect of his work.
3. Influential Leadership:
Being honored as a WHO’s Who indicates not only professional expertise but also exceptional leadership qualities. William Brown’s achievement recognizes his influential role within FIA NYC Employment and the broader employment industry. Through his leadership, he has likely spearheaded innovative approaches, fostered growth, and positively impacted the lives and careers of numerous individuals.
4. Outstanding Contributions:
The WHO’s Who by Marquis acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. William Brown’s recognition suggests that his work has positively impacted the employment sector, contributing to its advancement and evolution. His contributions may include pioneering initiatives, thought leadership, or transformative projects that have reshaped the landscape of employment and made a lasting difference.
5. Inspiration and Motivation:
The recognition of being a WHO’s Who by Marquis for 2023 serves as an inspiration and a source of motivation for professionals across various industries. William Brown’s achievement showcases the possibilities that can be attained through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. His success story can inspire aspiring professionals to strive for greatness and make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.
William Brown’s recognition as a WHO’s Who by Marquis for 2023 is a momentous achievement that highlights his exceptional expertise, leadership, and contributions to the employment industry. This prestigious title reflects his dedication to excellence, inspiring others to aim high and make a significant impact in their respective professions. We extend our warmest congratulations to William Brown and celebrate his remarkable accomplishments, confident that he will continue to leave an indelible mark on the industry for years to come.
Lehigh Valley Business has selected Lindsay Watson, Co-Founder of FIA NYC Employment as a 2023 Women of Influence recipient.
Women of Influence Awards honor high-achieving women for their career accomplishments. The honorees are selected based on their professional experience, community involvement and a commitment to mentoring.
Circle of Excellence honorees are women of longstanding, notable success in the community who are leading the way for other women. Women to Watch honors women leaders under the age of 35 who demonstrate outstanding professional accomplishments, community involvement and commitment to positive change.
To be eligible for the awards, the winners must live or work in the Greater Lehigh Valley region.
“This year’s Women of Influence are professionally successful and committed to making a difference, inspiring change and mentoring the next generation of leaders,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of Lehigh Valley Business/BridgeTower Media. “The Circle of Excellence honorees are trailblazers who have followed their dreams and passions, and they inspire and grow other strong women. The Women to Watch are on the move as the next generation of leaders in the Lehigh Valley. We are pleased to recognize these incredible women.”
The winners will be honored at a celebration on May 10 at DeSales University’s University Center, 2755 Station Road in Center Valley. A networking reception begins at 5 p.m. followed by dinner and an awards celebration at 6 p.m.
Attendance is limited. Honorees and sponsors get the first chance to secure tables. Sponsorship includes a table for guests, multimedia marketing, an ad in the awards publication, logo usage and more. To secure a sponsorship, contact Suzanne Fischer-Huettner at shuettner@bridgetowermedia.com. The event hashtag is #LVBevents.
Winners will be profiled in a special magazine that will be inserted into the May 8 issue of Lehigh Valley Business and will be available online at LVB.com.
For more information and updated sponsorship information about Lehigh Valley Business’ 2023 Women of Influence, visit www.LVB.com.
About Lehigh Valley Business
Lehigh Valley Business is a multimedia news source with 37 years of journalistic excellence that breaks news daily on its website, LVB.com. It also publishes a print and online edition. In addition, Lehigh Valley Business publishes special focus sections and products throughout the year including Reader Rankings in addition to the yearly Book of Lists. It also hosts eight annual events, including Women of Influence, Icon Honors and Forty Under 40, to recognize excellence and provide leadership opportunities. Lehigh Valley Business facilitates thoughtful discussion with market leaders through its webinar series. Its Digital Marketing Solutions helps customers with social media, search engine marketing and optimization, retargeting, email marketing and more. Lehigh Valley Business and its sister publication, the Central Penn Business Journal, which covers business in Central Pennsylvania, are part of BridgeTower Media, the leading provider of B2B information, research, events and marketing solutions across more than 25 U.S. markets and industries.
We are thrilled to announce that FIA NYC Employment, a staffing agency that focuses on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in hiring candidates and matching them to client’s businesses, has been recognized with the prestigious 2022 Corporate Vision Magazine Award for Best Diversity-Focused Human Capital Staffing Consultancy for our commitment to DEI in the human capital staffing industry.
At FIA NYC Employment, we are committed to promoting DEI in all aspects of our business, especially in our staffing solutions. We understand that by fostering a culture of inclusivity and equity, we can make a real impact in our field by providing equal opportunities for candidates from diverse backgrounds and matching them to clients’ businesses that value DEI. This award is a validation of our efforts to our ongoing commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in our community.
The award was presented by Corporate Vision, where FIA NYC Employment was recognized alongside other leading staffing and consulting businesses. We are honored to be recognized among such a distinguished group of companies and individuals.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our team, clients, partners, and everyone who has supported us along the way. This award is a testament to the quality of our work and the impact we are making in promoting DEI in human capital staffing.
We are committed to continuing our efforts to promote DEI in human capital solutions and we will continue to strive for excellence in matching the best diverse talent to clients’ businesses that value DEI.
Stay tuned for more updates from FIA NYC Employment.
For more information about FIA NYC Employment and our services, please visit our website at www.fianyc.com.
Contact:
Name: FIA NYC Employment
Phone: 866-519-4446
Email: DIVERSITY@fianyc.com
About FIA NYC Employment
FIA NYC Employment is an award-winning, 100% minority-owned staffing agency (MBE) headquartered in Lehigh Valley, PA. We specialize in diversity staffing and direct hire staffing for professional services, healthcare, and education roles across all industries. Founded in 2012, our vision is to provide quality staffing services to clients across the United States. Our motto “Corporate service with a personal approach”, reflects the drive and commitment to quality that we strive to deliver each day.
A toxic work environment can have a significant impact on our health and wellness. Career Coach and Co-Founder of FIA NYC Employment, Lindsay Watson, defines a toxic work environment as a place that creates continuous stress, makes you feel small or belittled, and gives you the sense of not being able to grow. If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s important to take steps to protect your health and well-being.
In this interview, Lindsay provides three options for those who find themselves in a toxic work environment:
Stay and implement change: Partner with your HR team to see if any changes can be made within the department.
Move departments: If the toxicity is related to the department, consider moving to a different department within the company.
Leave: If the situation is extremely toxic, it may be necessary to leave the company and find a new job.
To avoid getting into a toxic work environment in the first place, Lindsay suggests seeking advice from a coach, mentor, or someone you trust. If you see red flags, talk to someone about them and get their opinion. This can help you make a decision about whether to stay, move departments, or leave the company.
Additionally, it’s important to consider your own role in creating a toxic work environment. If you find that you are responsible for creating a toxic environment, take a moment to pause, get quiet, and talk to someone about it. Express your intention to change and ask for advice on how to do so. This will not only help improve your work environment, but also show your co-workers and peers that you are committed to creating a positive and healthy workplace.
If you need to make a complaint, experts advise documenting everything.
In conclusion, a toxic work environment can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health, and it is essential to take steps to avoid or escape it. From recognizing the signs of toxicity to seeking advice and support, it’s important to prioritize our well-being and take charge of our professional lives. Remember, you have three options – stay and try to make changes, move to a different department, or leave the company. No matter what, it is crucial to stay mindful, reflective and proactive in your approach. By taking these steps and creating a positive and healthy work environment, we can safeguard our health, improve our quality of life, and reach our full potential in our careers.
Poor leadership can be defined as an inability or unwillingness to relinquish control and empower team members. A leader who is too focused on maintaining control can block creativity and innovation and create a negative work environment in the business.
Great leaders, however, understand the importance of trusting and relying on their teams. They empower their team members to take ownership of their work, fostering a sense of teamwork and collaboration. This type of leadership can lead to a higher level of job satisfaction and ultimately contribute to the success of the company’s business.
Trust is a crucial element in any team or organization, and it is important for leaders to establish and maintain trust in order to build and maintain a great company. By empowering their team members and fostering a culture of trust, leaders can create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. This, in turn, can lead to better performance of employees, greater job satisfaction, and ultimately, a more successful company.
In addition, it is essential for leaders to prioritize DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) in the workplace. This means creating an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued regardless of their background, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. This can be achieved through various means such as by creating a diverse workforce, providing training and education on unconscious bias, and fostering an inclusive culture.
Workplace management is also important for leaders to consider. This means ensuring that the workplace is safe, healthy, and productive for all employees. This can be achieved by providing the necessary resources and tools, promoting clear communication and collaboration, and fostering a positive work-life balance.
By prioritizing DEI and workplace management, leaders can create a more inclusive, equitable, and productive work environment.
In conclusion, poor leadership is characterized by an inability or unwillingness to relinquish control and empower team members, while great leaders understand the importance of trusting and relying on their team to achieve their goals. A leader who trusts their team empowers them to take ownership of their work and prioritizes DEI and workplace management is more likely to foster a sense of teamwork and collaboration, which can lead to higher levels of job satisfaction and ultimately contribute to the success of the company.
For more information on our commitment to DEI, please contact us at:
FIA NYC Employment is an award-winning, 100% minority-owned staffing agency (MBE) headquartered in Lehigh Valley, PA. We specialize in diversity staffing and direct hire staffing for professional services, healthcare and education roles across all industries. Founded in 2012, our vision is to provide quality staffing services to clients across the United States. Our motto “Corporate service with a personal approach”, reflects the drive and commitment to quality that we strive to deliver each day.
William D. Brown’s path from aspiring New York City manager and producer to co-founder of a successful staffing firm was anything but conventional or predictable, but his journey led him to the Lehigh Valley and he has never looked back.
“If you want to be somewhere that has all the big corporate fanfare and benefits of a big city, but a very family atmosphere and environment where you can actually grow and be seen, this is the place,” he said. “It’s the best of Wall Street and Main Street. That’s what I love about it.”
William D. Brown, CEO & Co-Founder of FIA NYC, began his career as a manager and producer who segued into the management side of the entertainment industry. He discovered the Lehigh Valley almost by accident, after purchasing a few properties in the region to fix up and later re-sell.
But as he explored his various entrepreneurial ventures, he quickly realized the Lehigh Valley was exactly where he wanted to be.
“The first thing the Lehigh Valley has over New York by a landslide is a support system,” Brown said. “It’s like that show Cheers: everybody knows your name. The Lehigh Valley is very supportive of its people, like a family. It’s a great environment if you want to grow.”
When Brown became a manager and producer for musical artists in New York, he discovered he loved the business side of music, and also believed strongly in treating the artist fairly. This passion put him onto an entrepreneurial path, and when William first came to the Lehigh Valley in 2009, he started an encryption and storage solution company called SeKur Technology, Inc.
William D. Brown’s 20 years of experience working in information technology, on Wall Street, and for global firms, coupled with his experience in the music industry, led to SeKur Technology being developed to prevent digital piracy.
This in turn led him to join the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s business incubation program. Brown quickly found in the Lehigh Valley a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem with plenty of resources and mentors to help startup companies grow and thrive.
“It’s a place where I can pick up the phone and call the CEO of a company and not have to go through a bunch of red tape,” he said. “That to me is something that makes the Lehigh Valley great. If you get a good reputation, everybody supports you, and that’s not something I was used to coming from New York City.”
As his business grew, William D. Brown called Lindsay Watson, a singer he mentored and worked on two albums with as a manager and producer. Like Brown, she also transitioned into the business side, and was working at a staffing agency in New York City, but Brown wanted her at his side in the Lehigh Valley.
He was so confident she would fall in love with the region, he offered to pay for six months of living expenses if she left the Big Apple and moved to the Lehigh Valley to work with him. She made the jump, and it’s a decision she didn’t regret.
While growing the tech company, Brown and Watson started a small staffing company as a “side thing” to help support it, but they quickly realized the staffing company was becoming the more profitable venture. They shifted their focus there, and 10 years later, FIA NYC is an award-winning, 100% minority-owned business providing staffing services to clients across the nation.
“With some staffing firms, it’s like a cattle call: they send you as many people as they can so hopefully you pick one, and that’s quantity over quality,” said Brown, who also founded 11Thirty Entertainment LLC as well as FIA NYC and SeKur Technology. “I decided I wouldn’t do that. I’d send quality. If I sent you people, you’d know they were the right people for you.”
William D. Brown still works on the production and management side of the entertainment industry, and also recently joined the Board of Directors for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, is a published book author, and is an expert speaker on the subject of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
Brown said the Lehigh Valley has made great strides in the area of DEI, and while he feels there is still room for improvement, he believes the region could be a great leader in that area in the next 5 to 10 years if it stays on its current path.
“For this area to be growing the way it is and so progressive corporately, and still have that real family business, Main Street type of touch is huge,” Brown said. “It’s a beautiful thing.”
Looking for a new job can be an arduous process and going through the interview process can certainly be stressful, but nailing the job interview it’s an important part of landing that perfect job you’ve been hoping for. The more preparation you put in leading up to an interview, the greater your chances of landing the job.
In a recent interview with Career Coach and Co-Founder of FIA NYC Employment, Lindsay Watson, she discussed how to effectively communicate who you are and why you’re the right fit for the job. To help with this, Watson suggests 3 top tips with Nancy Werteen on WFMZ-69 News’ Workplace Lessons.
TIP #1: Stop and really look at what you’ve accomplished and the theme of your resume. This means taking the time to reflect on your past work experience, accomplishments, and skills. Look for patterns and themes in your work history. This will help you understand how you can communicate your strengths and qualifications in a way that is clear and easy for others to understand.
TIP #2: Practice and rehearse what your resume says. This will help you feel more confident and comfortable during the interview, and will also help you communicate your qualifications and skills more effectively. It’s also important to have examples from your past work experience that demonstrate your qualifications, so you can use them to answer any questions that the interviewer may ask.
TIP #3: Keep your resume with you during the interview. With so many phone and Zoom interviews happening these days, it’s a good idea to have your resume on hand in case you need to refer to it. This will help you stay calm during the interview and take the pressure off of you. Additionally, it will help you clearly communicate your qualifications and skills in case you forget something from your past work experience that you want to highlight.
By following these tips, you’ll be better prepared and more confident during your next job interview. Remember to be yourself and let your qualifications, skills, and experience shine through.
For more information, please contact us at: FIA NYC LLC DIVERSITY@fianyc.com 866-519-4446 x.1 www.fianyc.com
About FIA NYC Employment FIA NYC Employment is an award-winning, 100% minority-owned staffing agency (MBE) headquartered in Lehigh Valley, PA. We specialize in diversity staffing and direct hire staffing for professional services, healthcare and education roles across all industries. Founded in 2012, our vision is to provide quality staffing services to clients across the United States. Our motto “Corporate service with a personal approach”, reflects the drive and commitment to quality that we strive to deliver each day.
The divisions of FIA NYC are: ⁃ Staffing & Recruiting ⁃ Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consulting (C-level Executives, HR & General Staff) ⁃ Career Coaching & Resume Writing Services
Learn more about FIA NYC Employment at www.fianyc.com
Faces International, a staff development, PR and Marketing firm based in Allentown PA have formed a formal partnership with FIA NYC Employment, an award-winning staffing agency to provide comprehensive Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Employment services across the region. Faces is a Black Owned company that recently committed $100k to encourage financial philanthropy, and is a longtime community driven organization who has recently done DEI work with global and regional powerhouses such as Olympus, East Penn Manufacturing, Air Products, Butz Family of Companies and PPL. FIA NYC Employment, also black-owned, is a 2022 Excellence in Business Award Winner headquartered in Allentown. FIA is a professional services staffing agency, with three divisions: Staffing/Diversity Staffing, DEI Consulting & Career Coaching. They support all industries, and staff for well known brands including PBS, Crayola and Liquid Interactive.
The two have combined to help organizations tackle some of the most pressing issues that hurt DEI within organizations; staff development, staff recruitment and staff retention.
Tyrone Russell, CEO of Faces said “When we are working with these companies to create a more inclusive environment where people of all walks of life feel they belong, we constantly hear about the struggles from leadership about their struggle with attracting and retaining talent from different backgrounds. FIA is a monster in recruitment and this partnership allow us to really assist our clients from A-Z”
William Brown, CEO/Co-Founder and Director of DEI commented “This is what it’s about, leveraging relationships to better support our community. From our first meeting with the Faces team, there was a strong synergy between us. Faces’ approach to DEI and dedication to excellence works perfectly with our commitment to supporting our clients’ goals for placement and retention of employees in any organization. The combination just makes sense”.
The two companies are entering year ten in existence and have continued to provide service while challenging clients to create systems and relationships that drive them to the 22nd century.
FIA NYC Employment announced today that their CEO and Director of DEI, William D. Brown, has been Appointed to the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors. The first time FIA will be represented within this prestigious board, William D. Brown brings over 25 years of business and entrepreneurial leadership experience to represent the company and its initiatives. In addition to leading the organization, Brown currently leads FIA NYC’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, is a 2022 Men of Influence awardee and has been featured on several media platforms including PBS, WFMZ and Lehigh Valley Style Magazine.
About FIA NYC Employment A proud member of the Greater Lehigh Valley community, FIA NYC Employment continues to focus on providing “Corporate service with a personal approach”. Specializing in professional services and healthcare staffing, FIA NYC works with clients ranging from startup-Fortune 500, including global brands. FIA NYC’s journey began in New York City, and relocated its headquarters to Lehigh Valley, PA in 2013. FIA NYC is a 2022 Excellence in Business Award Winner, as well as a two-time Best Staffing Agency (PA) Winner in both 2020 and 2021.
The divisions of FIA NYC are: ⁃ Staffing & Recruiting ⁃ Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consulting (C-level Executives, HR & General Staff) ⁃ Career Coaching & Resume Writing Services Learn more about FIA NYC Employment at www.fianyc.com
About The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber’s mission is to improve the economy and quality of life in the Lehigh Valley. Serving more than 5,000 businesses and members with more than than 280,000, the Chamber is the largest in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and in the top six nationwide. Our thirty-plus affiliated chambers, councils and committees are On Every Main Street with more than 1,500 community focused volunteers who actively contribute, at the grass roots, to develop and achieve their respective and collective goals.
Allentown, PA- FIA NYC Employment, a professional services staffing firm, today announced it was named the winner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce 2022 Excellence in Business Award, in the Micro Business Category.
The award was presented to FIA NYC by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Business Council at the Northampton Country Club in Easton, PA on June 16, 2022.
About FIA NYC Employment
A proud member of the Greater Lehigh Valley community, FIA NYC Employment continues to focus on providing “Corporate service with a personal approach”. Specializing in professional services and healthcare staffing, FIA NYC works with clients ranging from startup Fortune 500, including global brands. FIA NYC’s journey began in New York City, and relocated its headquarters to Lehigh Valley, PA in 2013.
The Excellence in Business Awards (EIBA) are awarded to companies and individuals who exemplify outstanding business practice as demonstrated by their mission, Chamber and community involvement, customer satisfaction, and demonstrated commitment to quality, leadership, marketing, training, and development.
The Chamber’s mission is to improve the economy and quality of life in the Lehigh Valley. Serving more than 5,000 businesses and members with more than than 280,000, the Chamber is the largest in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and in the top six nationwide. Our thirty-plus affiliated chambers, councils and committees are On Every Main Street with more than 1,500 community focused volunteers who actively contribute, at the grass roots, to develop and achieve their respective and collective goals.
A diverse and inclusive workplace is the result of a long-term commitment from company leadership, according to the local business leaders participating on Lehigh Valley Business’s Diversity and Inclusion panel.
The panel, held as part of LVB’s virtual Diversity Summit on September 16, followed up a presentation by Eric Ellis, president and CEO of Integrity Development Corporation, an Ohio-Based inclusivity-training firm.
Sustainable inclusion, or the constant state of being more inclusive of people of color, LGBTQ persons, women and minorities, is a necessity in today’s business world, he said. And creating a diverse and inclusive workplace isn’t just the right thing to do, but also makes good business sense. The global Black Lives Matter protests have shone a light on the changes that need to be made, Ellis said.
“Don’t be silent,” he advised employers, take the time to strengthen your inclusion efforts.
To make effective changes, Ellis encourages employers to address unconscious bias, which operates outside of conscious awareness, or outside of our stated beliefs. For example, we may say out loud and even believe that we don’t have a problem with certain minorities, as long as they get the job done, but our actions may say differently, he said.https://c95aba02b490dc13bf9e5a19a42ae003.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
Bias limits innovation, while also reducing a potentially diverse talent pool that leads to an increased turnover of employees. People don’t want to stay in workplaces where they feel marginalized, he said.
Desha Dickson, associate vice president of community wellness at Reading-based Tower Health and panelist at the event, said it is important for company management to reflect the community that it services. Patients of color who receive care from doctors of color have better health outcomes, Dickinson said.
“We need to bring the community’s perspective to the table and create a space for those who don’t have the same privileges as you,” she said.
Judith Harris, an attorney with Allentown’s Norris McLaughlin, said that while businesses may tend to hire a homogeneous staff because people “like to work with people who are like them,” working with people who are like you should be about shared values, more than race, gender or age.
William D. Brown, CEO at FIA NYC Employment Services, said it wasn’t logical to expect companies to fire people in order to bring in more people of color. Rather, he said, start with the Human Resources Department. Bring in a diversity consulting firm that can partner and be a resource to top-level leadership as diversity becomes a part of the company culture. Mindsets change over time and it takes time to build habits, he said.
Reading Hospital’s Dickson added efforts must be put into not just hiring diverse leadership but retaining those employees. “Diversity needs top-down support from the C-Suite.”
Underscoring Ellis’ point that creating a diverse and inclusive workplace is good for the bottom line, Norris McLaughlin’s Harris said clients are demanding diversity of businesses today. “If you want to be current, part of being current is showing that you value diversity,” she said.
