DAY TWO:
Out for Business started Day Two with a rousing plenary session recognizing the contributions and accomplishments of the nation's top LGBT business leaders and two of its valued local chambers of commerce.
NGLCC awarded Joyce Marieb, CEO of the Greater San Diego Business Association , with the Lifetime Achievement Award. NGLCC leaders also recognized Quorum: Twin Cities GLBTA Chamber of Commerce as the 2009 Chamber of the Year and the Connecticut Alliance for Business Opportunities as the Rising Star Chamber of the Year.
Then LGBT business owners and corporate allies heard from U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash. (video), who delivered a thoughtful address on a variety of issues facing small businesses in the United States. She talked about her support for health care reform and LGBT issues, including the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and measures to ban hate crimes against LGBT individuals and provide domestic partneship benefits.
The conference isn't for business owners alone, though. NGLCC's affiliate chamber leaders have come to Seattle to participate in a series of sessions designed exclusively to address their needs and concerns.
Mona Smith, president of the Greater Seattle Business Association, said Seattle was pleased to host the conference and noted that affiliate chamber members have really benefited from being able to sit and talk about their shared opportunities and challenges.
Marvin Reguindin, president, Inland Northwest Business Alliance, an NGLCC affiliate, said that one of the recurring themes at the conference is the importance of turning to LGBT business members first when seeking services in these tough economic times.
One of the highlights of the day was the Women's Business Initiative roundtable, which brought together women business leaders and executives to talk about their experiences as lesbians in the work world.
During the roundtable, Retired Col. Margrethe (Grethe) Cammermeyer shared her experience in challenging the Pentagon on its anti-gay policies and her post-military life. Karen Bryant, CEO, Seattle Storm, Seattle's women's professional basketball team, talked about the various opportunities and challenges for women in the sports business. Shannon Wentworth, CEO, Sweet Cruises , said she sees her successful business as a exceptional tool to change the world and its perception of the LGBT community. And Trish Millines Dziko, founder and executive director, Technology Access Foundation, shared her experiences as an LGBT business executive and mother.
