Washington, D.C. (08/25/15) – The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) recognized excellence in local chambers on Thursday, August 25th at the 2016 International Business & Leadership Conference in Palm Springs, California. Top honors went to the Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC).
Each year, the Chamber of the Year is seen as a role model for other chambers and an example of what an LGBT chamber or business organization should be.
“The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to receive this award,” said Jack Kinley, President of AGLCC. “We work tirelessly to create award-winning business development and educational programming for our members, connect global corporations with our member businesses for contract opportunities, and create an engaged local network of LGBT businesses. The true reward for all of this effort is in the success stories of our members but it certainly feels good to be recognized by our partners and colleagues at the NGLCC. We couldn’t do this work without the passionate support of our members, corporate partners and the NGLCC team. We are so grateful for the recognition and for the opportunity to do this work.”
The Rising Star Award honors a chamber that has exhibited a steep trajectory of growth, new vitality and relevance in their local LGBT business community and a demonstrated commitment to being part of the broader national movement. This year, NGLCC honored the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “While not a new chamber, the pace of our growth over the last four years has been phenomenal. We owe this success to our leadership, members and corporate partners as well as the overwhelming support we received from the NGLCC team. This recognition symbolizes the hard work, passion, and collaboration that has allowed us to achieve success and continue our journey of making Nashville a welcoming city for LGBT business owners and professionals,” said Lisa Howe, Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Director.
The NGLCC also recognized chambers for innovative leadership programming and meaningful community impact. NGLCC presented four Chamber Excellence Awards, including:
Global Affiliate Chamber of the Year
Colombian LGBT Chamber of Commerce (Cámara de Comerciantes LGBT de Colombia)
Excellence in Communication
Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Excellence in Programming
Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Nevada
MBA Orlando
Twin Cities Quorum
Excellence in Community Impact
Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce
Independence Business Alliance
Greater Seattle Business Association
Golden Gate Business Association
“NGLCC affiliate chambers are beacons guiding and nurturing LGBT allied business communities,” said Sam McClure, NGLCC Senior Vice President. “These affiliate leaders are the backbone of the LGBT business equality movement, and I am proud to recognize their achievements.”
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About NGLCC
The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global not-for-profit advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT-owned businesses. www.nglcc.org
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jonathan Lovitz
202-427-3603
