Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke delivered an impassioned keynote address to conference attendees Friday morning, before receiving the NGLCC's first Champion of Enterprise award for his efforts in supporting small businesses in the nation's economic recovery.
In his speech Locke acknowledged the NGLCC's partnership with more than 120 major corporations and the importance of an estimated 1.4 million LGBT-owned businesses as "economic firepower that we're all going to need in helping rebuild this American economy."
Noting that he will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the NGLCC, Locke said the partnership between the Department of Commerce and the chamber will increase the pool of LGBT businesses that can successfully compete for contracts and program opportunities. The MOU would also improve the quality and effectiveness of the Commerce Department's technical and financial assistance in various programs, and encourage the Commerce Department's prime contractors to enlist diverse suppliers for second-tier contracting opportunities, he said.
He also spoke of the Obama administration's work to build a "sustainable, lasting economic recovery" through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, including the billions of dollars in tax cuts for working individuals, investment in infrastructure for long-term job growth and creation, and extending unemployment benefits. Locke also applauded the NGLCC-backed Small Business Jobs Act, which is helping to increase financing, tax breaks and hiring incentives to small- and medium-sized businesses.
"This administration understands full well that the private sector can and must lead us out of this economic quagmire and all the way to economic success, because you are the engines of innovation and growth," he said.
After acknowledging the success of the NGLCC's first trade mission to Argentina, Locke emphasized the importance of exporting America's goods and services to more countries worldwide, and spoke of the many important resources provided by the Commerce Department to help companies successfully sell their products globally. He also mentioned that he looked for ward to the department's involvement in the NGLCC's 2011 trade mission to Brazil.
Locke called on business owners to help in the administration's efforts by communicating to their stakeholders and politicians their views on policies that are critical in providing jobs, supporting community infrastructure, and for global economic growth.
"I believe that our current economic challenges makes it even more important for organizations like the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and its members to be involved in shaping public policy and public opinion," Locke said. "We need you at the table to help set those policies, but you've got to tell your story. Let people know of the benefits that you and your company provide. Not just to your employees, but to your community. All of you have a tremendous opportunity to help America move down the path of growth and innovation and opportunity—use it."
