WASHINGTON, D.C.—July 31, 2014— The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) recognized excellence in local chambers today at the 2014 National Business & Leadership Conference in Las Vegas. Top honors went to the Independence Business Alliance, the Greater Philadelphia Region’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
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 Independence Business Alliance is developing innovative ways to engage with their community,” said Justin Nelson, NGLCC Co-Founder and President. “Board President Rich Horrow and the dedicated board of directors truly embody the national-local partnership. Their work partnering with major corporations, their extensive educational and outreach programming, and their engagement with the local business community never fails to impress us.”
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 Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
“The NGLCC is proud to recognize the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce with the 2014 Rising Star Award,” said Chance Mitchell, NGLCC Co-Founder and CEO. “The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce truly encapsulates the spirit of this award. In only 22 months as an organization, they have accomplished so much and seen substantial financial and membership growth; we are excited to see what they will do in the future.”
The NGLCC also recognized chambers for innovative leadership programming and meaningful community impact. NGLCC presented 3 Chamber Excellence Awards, including:
Excellence in Programming
Excellence in Community Impact
“NGLCC affiliate chambers are beacons guiding and nurturing LGBT and allied businesses in their local economies” said Sam McClure, NGLCC Vice President of Affiliate Relations and External Affairs. “These affiliate leaders are the backbone of the LGBT business equality movement, and we are proud to recognize their achievements.”
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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.
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