The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce ® (NGLCC) is partnering with affiliate chambers across California to educate business owners on the opportunities associated with national membership with a special focus on certification as a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Business Enterprise (LGBTBE).
The roadshow is a part of the NGLCC Supplier Diversity Initiative which was piloted in 2006 after a corporation approached the NGLCC to verify majority LGBT business ownership and operational control. LGBT certification is similar to that of Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) certifications, for women and minority owned businesses.
"NGLCC's Supplier Diversity Initiative is experiencing extraordinary growth throughout the country," said Phil Giorgianni, Certification Specialist for the NGLCC. "Our affiliates in California have done an outstanding job of supporting the local LGBT business community and we are ecstatic to partner with them in our initiatives. We are also looking forward to seeing the California LGBT community well represented at our Conference in Las Vegas this summer."
The NGLCC is the exclusive national certifying body for LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs). Certification connects LGBT entrepreneurs with the billions of dollars corporate America spends annually with diverse suppliers, as well as government procurement opportunities through the U.S. Department of Commerce and other agencies.
Certified suppliers gain instant access to NGLCC's searchable online database of corporate partners and business peers, as well a customizable profile of their own. The NGLCC also provides educational, networking and mentorship opportunities throughout the year, including opportunities for scholarship funding.
"The collaboration between NGLCC and its affiliates is providing regional members access to national benefits," says Sam McLure, Director of Affiliate Relations for the NGLCC. "Additionally, certification will open up opportunities to increased revenue streams otherwise not accessible to these businesses, if garnered will help to reinvigorate regional and state economies."
The roadshow will include participation from affiliate chambers, certified suppliers and NGLCC corporate partners. Panel discussions will follow networking mixers where attendees can meet with NGLCC representatives, Joanna Dees, Senior Manager of Corporate Relations, Giorgianni and McLure.
Beginning in San Francisco on March 15th with the Golden Gate Business Association, the roadshow will continue with several other planned events through the Southern California region and will end with an event combining Long Beach Community Business Network and the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce on March 18th.
Business owners are encouraged to contact their local LGBT chamber of commerce for further information. If you are a chamber affiliate and would like more information on how your chamber can participate in this opportunity, please contact Phil Giorgianni at 202.234.9181 or via email at supplierdiversity@nglcc.org.
