National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is a trade organization that promotes the interests of LGBT-owned businesses and advocates for LGBT rights in the United States. The organization was founded in 2002 by Justin Nelson and Chance Mitchell, and it is headquartered in Washington, D.C.. The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce has partnerships with major corporations such as IBM, Microsoft, and Wells Fargo, and it works closely with organizations like the Human Rights Campaign and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. The organization's efforts are supported by prominent LGBT advocates, including Harvey Milk, Marsha P. Johnson, and Billie Jean King.

● History

The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce was established in 2002, with the goal of promoting economic growth and development within the LGBT community. The organization's founders, Justin Nelson and Chance Mitchell, were inspired by the success of other minority business organizations, such as the National Minority Supplier Development Council and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce has grown rapidly since its founding, with a current membership of over 1,000 businesses and a network of affiliate chambers in cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The organization has also received support from prominent politicians, including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Nancy Pelosi, as well as from business leaders like Tim Cook and Mary Barra.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The mission of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is to promote the economic growth and development of LGBT-owned businesses, and to advocate for LGBT rights in the United States. The organization's objectives include increasing access to capital and contracts for LGBT-owned businesses, promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and advocating for policies that support the LGBT community. The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce also works to promote LGBT tourism and to support LGBT-friendly businesses, in partnership with organizations like the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. The organization's efforts are guided by a commitment to social justice and human rights, and it works closely with organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

● Membership_and_Certification

The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce offers membership and certification programs for LGBT-owned businesses, as well as for businesses that are committed to diversity and inclusion. The organization's certification program, known as the LGBT Business Enterprise certification, is recognized by major corporations like Apple, Google, and Facebook, and it provides a way for LGBT-owned businesses to demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion. The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce also offers a range of benefits and resources to its members, including access to networking events, business development opportunities, and advocacy support. The organization's members include businesses like Olivia Travel and Gay Men's Health Crisis, as well as major corporations like Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble.

● Advocacy_and_Policy

The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is a leading advocate for LGBT rights in the United States, and it works closely with organizations like the Human Rights Campaign and the National Center for Lesbian Rights to promote policies that support the LGBT community. The organization's advocacy efforts focus on issues like marriage equality, employment non-discrimination, and hate crimes prevention, and it works to promote LGBT-inclusive policies in the workplace and in government. The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce also provides support for LGBT-friendly legislation, such as the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the Equality Act, and it works to oppose discriminatory laws and policies, like the Defense of Marriage Act and Don't Ask, Don't Tell. The organization's advocacy efforts are supported by prominent LGBT advocates, including Harvey Milk, Marsha P. Johnson, and Billie Jean King.

● Events_and_Programs

The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce hosts a range of events and programs throughout the year, including the annual National Dinner, the LGBT Business and Leadership Conference, and the International Business and Leadership Conference. The organization's events provide opportunities for LGBT-owned businesses to network and connect with major corporations and government agencies, and they offer a platform for LGBT advocates to promote their work and to connect with other leaders in the LGBT community. The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce also offers a range of programs and resources to support the development of LGBT-owned businesses, including mentorship programs, business development workshops, and access to capital and contracts. The organization's events and programs are supported by partners like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, as well as by organizations like the National Association of Black Journalists and the Asian American Journalists Association.

● Leadership_and_Governance

The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is led by a team of experienced professionals, including Justin Nelson and Chance Mitchell, who serve as the organization's co-founders and presidents. The organization's board of directors includes leaders from major corporations like AT&T, Bank of America, and Cisco Systems, as well as from organizations like the Human Rights Campaign and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce also has a network of affiliate chambers and local leaders, who work to promote the organization's mission and objectives in cities and states across the United States. The organization's leadership and governance structure is designed to promote diversity and inclusion, and to ensure that the organization is responsive to the needs of the LGBT community. The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is also supported by prominent LGBT leaders, including Anderson Cooper, Ellen DeGeneres, and Neil Patrick Harris.

Category:Business organizations