25 years ago, in January 1991, this was some of the big news:
- George H. W. Bush was President, Operation Desert Storm began in Kuwait, and the Cincinnati Bengals won their last NFL playoff game.
- The U.S. economy was in the midst of a significant recession, and Madonna and Janet Jackson shared bragging rights for the top singles on the Billboard 100.
- In Massachusetts, the New England Patriots were all at home watching the NFL playoffs on television after a franchise-worst 1-15 season.
- And on January 3, the big news was that William Weld was sworn in as governor of the Commonwealth becoming the first Republican governor in 16 years.
The not-so-big news? On that same day, January 3, Genesis Employment Services was incorporated. And while the name of the company has since changed, for those of us at Genesis HR Solutions, it is considered a seminal moment.
The industry has come a long way in the last quarter century. 25 years ago, less than 4,000 employees had access to the benefits PEOs provide. Today, an estimated 50,000 workers in Massachusetts work in a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) partnership. Indeed, what a difference a quarter century makes!
Today, as the largest accredited PEO headquartered in New England, we are proud of our role in the growth of our industry and promoting the growth and security for countless small businesses across the Commonwealth.
Yes, much has changed in 25 years. The Patriots have moved from the outhouse to the penthouse in the NFL, and for those of us at Genesis, and indeed for all PEOs who service the small business community in New England, an important component of the business services sector has matured and grown.
As the need increases for small businesses to be compliant, competitive, and able to attract top talent, the PEO industry will be ready to provide the partnership needed. Here in New England, Genesis takes pride in our role to do just that.
