Cleveland Pride

SOURCE: http://www.nglcc.org/2011+Chamber+Awards
8/11/2011

Washington, D.C. (08/11/2011) – The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) recently honored excellence in local affiliate chambers at the 2011 Out For Business Conference in Las Vegas, NV. In addition to naming the best NGLCC affiliated LGBT business organizations in the nation, the NGLCC recognized chambers for innovative leadership programming, expansive economic impact, and meaningful community services.

Top honors went to the Connecticut Alliance for Business Opportunities (CABO), which won 2011 Chamber of the Year. 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.

“CABO has been a stand-out chamber since they were formed four short years ago,” said Justin Nelson, Co-Founder and President. “Executive Director Jenn Tracz Grace has really shown how a certified LGBT-owned business leader can become a strong and powerful chamber director. CABO Founder and President Dena Castricone and their entire board of directors continue to live and work their mission of helping LGBT business owners find economic growth in Connecticut.”

The Rising Star Award is given to a chamber that exhibited vitality and relevance in its community, brought a unified voice to the LGBT business community it serves, and proven its commitment to being part of the broader national movement. This year, NGLCC selected Plexus, the regional chamber for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.

“The NGLCC is excited to recognize Plexus with the 2011 Rising Star Award,” said Chance Mitchell, Co-Founder and CEO. “We’re especially proud of their innovative Supplier Diversity Summit in Cleveland;it’s a great model for other chambers. The Plexus leadership continues to be a powerful example of LGBT leadership and entrepreneurship in their community.”

For the first time, NGLCC also named Excellence Awards in important fields such as programming and community impact. Winners included Tucson GLBT Chamber of Commerce, North Texas GLBT Chamber, and Independence Business Alliance in Philadelphia.

“NGLCC affiliate chambers are having a powerful impact all around the country because they are leveraging every possible opportunity for businesses to grow and become strong engines that will drive their local economies,” said Sam McClure, NGLCC Director of Affiliate Relations. “These affiliate leaders are the backbone of the LGBT business movement, and we are so proud to work with them and recognize their accomplishments.”

CONTACT:

Laura Berry, communications director, at 1-202-234-9181 or lberry@nglcc.org

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About the NGLCC

The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is the only national not-for-profit advocacy organization dedicated to expanding the economic opportunities and advancements of the LGBT business community. With more than 29,000 members, 130 corporate partners and 62 local, state and international affiliate chambers, NGLCC is the largest LGBT business development and economic advocacy organization in the world.

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