May 10, 2017
Washington, DC – The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the business voice of the LGBT community, is proud to recognize excellence achieved by NGLCC Local Affiliate Chambers by naming The Metropolitan Business Association of Orlando (MBA Orlando) as the 2017 NGLCC Chamber of the Year. Each year, the Chamber of the Year is seen as a role model for other chambers and raises the bar for impacting the LGBT business community where they live and work.
“MBA Orlando is creating new, exciting opportunities for its members and for local businesses to thrive throughout Central Florida,” said Justin Nelson, NGLCC Co-Founder and President. “Executive Director Kellie Parkin, and the dedicated Board of Directors and volunteers, have fostered consistent growth in membership, programming, and corporate partnerships, and inspiringly served as a valued hub of support for the entire Orlando community following the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. We are proud to have them as our local partner, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with MBA Orlando in the important work of certifying our businesses, connecting our communities, and working toward the full inclusion of LGBT businesses in Orlando and Orange County contracting opportunities.”
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 honors Quorum with this distinction.
“Quorum is an incredible resource for LGBT business enterprises and their supporters in the Twin Cities and beyond,” said Chance Mitchell, NGLCC Co-Founder and CEO. “Executive Director Rebecca Waggoner and the Board have created a consistently growing organization that champions the business case for a fully inclusive and prosperous community. We are very pleased to recognize their accomplishments with the 2017 Rising Star Award and look forward to watching Quorum reach new heights.”
The NGLCC will recognize and award additional achievements and programs by Affiliate Chambers at the 2017 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference, August 1-4, 2017 in Las Vegas. Chamber development grants, sponsored by Wells Fargo, will be dispersed to Affiliate Chamber who continue to innovate and empower the LGBT business community.
“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 we are proud to recognize their achievements.”
# # #
ABOUT NGLCC:
The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global 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
Senior Vice President, NGLCC
National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
954-695-5896
@nglcc
