PHILADELPHIA – The Department of Commerce’s Office of Workforce Solutions, in partnership with the Workforce Professional Alliance, announced the latest recipients of the Employer of Choice awards. This initiative recognizes Philadelphia impact-driven employers who are committed to recruitment, retention, and promotion practices that help close the skills gap. Fourteen employers have been selected to receive this workforce distinction from the City of Philadelphia.
“Our administration is committed to bridging economic disparities by investing in workforce development and supporting innovative pathways to initiatives that benefit local workers,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “In collaboration with economic development partners, we are laser-focused on quality jobs— with family-sustaining wages, benefits, and a path to economic mobility. Through the Employer of Choice initiative, we celebrate the ongoing investment and dedication of Philadelphia’s businesses that are strengthening the city’s economy and enriching the lives of its residents.”
“We are committed to positioning Philadelphia as a global business hub with a skilled, performance-driven workforce,” said Alba Martinez, Commerce Director, City of Philadelphia. “It is our pleasure to recognize our Employer of Choice awardees for their significant efforts and investments in strengthening Philadelphia’s workforce. Together, we will continue to bring workforce partners together, support employers’ talent needs, and expand equitable access to training opportunities for Philadelphians from all neighborhoods and backgrounds.”
“Partnerships are at the heart of Philadelphia’s workforce system that continues equipping Philadelphians with the skills that employers need,” said Gianna Grossmann, Deputy Commerce Director, Office of Workforce Solutions. “We are proud to recognize and celebrate these partnerships between employers and the Workforce Professionals Alliance. The awardees will benefit from personalized business services, opportunities to network with like-minded businesses, and access to workforce providers to help them continue to develop and grow their talent pipelines. We are also committed to hosting roundtables and storytelling initiatives to raise awareness of workforce best practices and further enhance collaboration in our city.”
The 14 Employer of Choice awardees are:
- Community Integrated Services
- EDSI
- FSH Tech
- High Street Hospitality Group
- Integral Molecular
- Jefferson
- OIC Philadelphia
- PECO
- Rodriguez Consulting LLC (dba Rodriguez University)
- Saxbys
- Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)
- SPIN Inc.
- Truist Bank
- Philadelphia Works
“Employer of Choice awardees are driving positive change in Philadelphia by forging strategic partnerships with workforce development organizations, offering comprehensive benefits while prioritizing continuous education and career progression opportunities,” said Emma Baylin, Director of Workforce Development, Department of Commerce. “Through targeted brand awareness efforts—such as networking, social media, and job fairs—they not only attract top talent but also foster long-term retention by empowering employees to grow and succeed.”
Integral Molecular is recognized, in part, for their commitment to developing internal talent. Integral Molecular hosted a 3-week intern from the Wistar Biomedical Technician Training Program, who was subsequently hired, earned multiple promotions, and today is a Project Leader for Antibody Discovery with deep expertise in the lab and managing a team.
Saxbys is a coffee company on a mission to support and empower the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs through experiential learning. The Experiential Learning Platform (E.L.P.)®, created and developed by Saxbys, is an ecosystem of work-based learning and career readiness offerings designed to drive student success. Through the E.L.P.®, Saxbys builds educational partnerships to launch and operate student-led, on-campus businesses that provide exceptional, paid, experiential learning opportunities for all students, regardless of major or desired career path.
“Recognition as an Employer of Choice reflects PECO’s commitment to fostering a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and creates meaningful career pathways,” said Mary Walker, Vice President of Human Resources, PECO. “This honor underscores our efforts to not only provide rewarding career opportunities but also to invest in the well-being of our employees and the communities we serve. It reinforces our dedication to building a workforce that drives innovation and supports Philadelphia’s future. Being an employer in Philadelphia means being part of a vibrant, diverse, and historic city that values innovation, community, and growth. Philadelphia’s rich history and dynamic workforce inspire us to create opportunities that make a meaningful difference for individuals and families.”
Photos from the awards ceremony are available in this album.
The Workforce Professional Alliance (WPA), spearheaded by The Department of Commerce’s Office of Workforce Solutions, is a collaborative of high-impact organizations focused on developing and executing talent solutions for Philadelphia. The WPA’s membership is made up of more than 30 workforce development organizations representing more than $70 million in workforce investments in Philadelphia. Alongside partners at The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia and Philadelphia Works, we are working to build a more coordinated, innovative and effective workforce system.