Dependable Cleaners - In The Press

DEPENDABLE CLEANERS NAMED #41 AMONG TOP 100 WOMAN-LED BUSINESSES IN STATE
Woman-Run Business in Massachusetts Double State of National Growth Rates!

Quincy , MA (November 20, 2006) – Christa Hagearty, President of Dependable Cleaners, was selected as #41 among the top 100 woman-led businesses in Massachusetts as part of a major research study, released on October 23rd by Babson College and The Commonwealth Institute. The Top Woman-Led Businesses in Massachusetts: 2005 Results study found that 55% of woman-led businesses in Massachusetts grew by more than 5% in 2005, which more than doubles the state average, and nearly doubles the national growth rate.

The study states that woman-run businesses are key drivers of the Massachusetts's revenue and employment, as well as strong sources of philanthropic activity. The companies in the survey that reported revenues generated $10 billion, and together, all the companies that participated in the study employed more than 21,000 people in Massachusetts. The study identified the top 100 woman-led businesses in Massachusetts based on 2005 revenues and those that exhibited strong growth from 2004 to 2005.

The Top Woman-led businesses in Massachusetts: 2005 Results research study was co-developed by The Center for Women's Leadership as Babson College and The Commonwealth Institute. The study found that the main priority for women-led businesses to drive future growth is "expanding customer relationship," followed by new product, new geographic markets and strategic alliances. In addition, CEOs identified health insurance benefits for employees as having the most impact on their businesses, followed by information technology and infrastructure; and advertising and marketing. The study also found that nearly 98% of women-led businesses regularly contribute to local charitable and nonprofit organizations. Finally, the study found that even though most CEO's are founders and controlling owners of their firms, more than 77% use a participatory leadership style, seeking opinions of their decision-making.

"It is an honor and an achievement for Dependable Cleaners to be named among the Top 100 Woman-Run Businesses in Massachusetts," Hagearty said. "It's amazing that the findings do match my operating philosophies to expand customer relations utilizing participatory leadership, while focusing on charitable contributions and employee benefits."

"The study uncovers valuable business lessons from which we can all learn," said Professor Nan S. Langowitz, Director of the Center for Women's Leadership at Babson College and Chief Researcher and Author of the study. "The women CEOs (in the study) are committed to building strong and thriving organizations for the long haul; their businesses are major engines of growth for the economy and key sources of philanthropy for the community. The CEOs' focus on top-line growth has made their companies tremendously successful despite the economic environment of the past few years."

Dependable Cleaners, founded in 1944 and headquartered in Quincy , Massachusetts , is a three-generation, family company. Presently, there are 17 retail locations in Massachusetts , Delivery Service is available in more than a dozen towns. For more information, or a list of locations, please call Dependable Cleaners at 617-471-1900 or log onto www.dependablecleaners.com.

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