The City of Philadelphia has recently spotlighted a select group of local businesses for their commitment to quality jobs and economic growth. According to a city press release, fifteen organizations were honored with the Employer of Choice Awards for their progressive practices in recruitment, retention, and promotion that help bridge the skills gap and promote economic mobility among residents.
These awards, administered by the City College for Municipal Employment (CCME) and the Workforce Solutions team in partnership with the Workforce Professional Alliance, were announced by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, who emphasized the importance of workforce development. "The Employer of Choice Awards highlight organizations investing in their people and building career pathways to long-term success," Parker noted. Her administration has prioritized initiatives like CCME, providing locals with free education and career opportunities critical for cultivating a skilled workforce.
The press release also quoted Carol de Fries, Executive Director at the Municipal College and Workforce Programming, stating, "The prosperity of Philadelphia’s employer community depends on a highly skilled workforce." The Employer of Choice initiative is pivotal in recognizing businesses that pour resources into their teams, which in turn fosters a workforce representative of the community's vibrant diversity.
Among the celebrated organizations, Rhoads Industries and Triple Bottom Brewing were pinpointed as exemplars of the symbiotic relationship between corporate success and equitable workforce development. Rhoads has been commended for their early career pathways and partnerships with Philadelphia high schools, fostering a direct link between education and employment. Meanwhile, Triple Bottom Brewing, lauded for being the sole brewery with B Corp Certification in Pennsylvania and a staunch supporter of justice-impacted individuals, runs an exemplary job training and leadership program.
The acknowledgment of these employers by "the city serves not merely as a pat on the back, but as a challenge for other businesses to rise to the occasion," said Emma Baylin, the Director of Workforce Development, quoted in the city's announcement. Indeed, Lou Rodriguez, CEO of the 2025 Employer of Choice recipient Rodriguez Consulting, reaffirmed this sentiment, recognizing the inherent bond between flourishing local businesses and robust workforces.
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