The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce® (NGLCC) is accepting applications for the 2010 NGLCC/Wells Fargo LGBT Business Owner of the Year Award, and is encouraging all LGBT business owners to fill out the application and be recognized for the great work their business is doing in the community.
For the sixth consecutive year, the NGLCC has teamed up with founding corporate partner, Wells Fargo, to recognize an LGBT small business owner for his or her entrepreneurial spirit and personal service to the community.
"We are excited to once again team up with Wells Fargo to recognize an outstanding LGBT business," said Justin Nelson, NGLCC co-founder and president. "One of the great things we get to do as an organization is to identify those businesses that truly shine and are setting the bar higher and higher for the entire LGBT business community."
In evaluating potential business owners, a committee consisting of leaders from NGLCC and Wells Fargo consider each applicant company's innovation, performance and personal service in the community.
The winning LGBT business owner will receive a $5,000 grant and will be honored, along with two finalists, for their outstanding accomplishments at the NGLCC's 2010 National Dinner: An Evening of Courage at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 19.
Previous years' winners include Joy Silver, president and CEO of Rainbow Vision Properties (2009); Sean and Todd Bavol-Montgomery, Integrity Staffing Solutions (2008); Noma Hanlon, president of Hanlon Brown Design (2007); Bob Witeck and Wes Combs, Witeck-Combs Communications (2006); and Howard Buford, founder and CEO of Prime Access (2005).
"Like many small business owners, we aim to build a reputation respected by all," Witeck said. "Earning the NGLCC/Wells Fargo honor truly was a magical experience, and we value the recognition from two of the most respected organizations we know."
"We are proud to offer this award together with the NGLCC," said Shelley Freeman, Wells Fargo regional president for Florida and national spokesperson for the company's LGBT business services program. "Our two organizations share a mutual passion and commitment to the growth of the LGBT business community, and we are glad to recognize the contributions of LGBT business owners with this award."
To be eligible for the 2010 NGLCC/Wells Fargo Business Owner of the Year Award, nominees must be: at least 18 years of age; an LGBT business owner with at least 51-percent ownership and an active principal of the company; an owner for at least the last three years; a legal resident of the United States; and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Download the application form here! Applicants must complete the form, answer all evaluation criteria, provide references and submit a brief personal biography. All applications must be received by June 30, 2010 for consideration.
For more information about the award and how to apply, visit www.nglcc.org/community/lgbtaward.
