Dinner Honorees 2007

Honorees
 

NGLCC/America Airlines Extra Mile Award:
Martina Navratilova

Martina Navratilova is a giant among giants in LGBT advocacy and visibility. Martina is dedicated to the health and life of LGBT people and the community at large. Martina represents one of the best intersections of the LGBT segment and the human community at large. Martina’s willingness to lend not only her name, but her personal time LGBT issues on several continent make her near unmatched in her reach and commitment to equality. (previous recipients include John Lawrence and Tyrone Gardner for the Lawrence v. Texas Supreme Court Case, Logo Television and The Mautner Project)

Corporation of the Year:
Wyndham Hotel Group

In addition to Wyndham being a Founding Corporate Partner of the NGLCC, there are many other qualities that make them a good choice. Wyndham is the only major hotel group to have a dedicated LGBT sales team. Wyndham was the first hotel group to do a focused advertising campaign specifically targeting LGBT travelers – and their campaign continues to grow. Wyndham is an extremely active partner in supplier diversity. Wyndham was among the first hotel groups to receive a perfect 100 on the HRC CEI. (previous awardees have been IBM, Wells Fargo, Intel)

Chamber of the Year:
Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber (already named at the conference in Miami, but will be recognized at the National Dinner) The NGLCC Chamber of the Year Award recognizes one outstanding LGBT chamber or business organization each year that continually stands out for their exceptional efforts and leadership within their community. AGLCC’s continued excellence and dedication to Atlanta’s LGBT business community and commitment to the LGBT business equality movement in general are major reasons for their selection. The AGLCC has persistently demonstrated a commitment to driving value back to the AGLCC membership and to working with the NGLCC. AGLCC has consistently worked as a leader on the NGLCC’s Council of Chambers and Business Organizations and helped in mentoring newly established chambers. (previous awardees are Golden Gate Business Association, Greater Phoenix Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and the Greater San Diego Business Association)

Courage in Business:
Robert Hanson, President, Levi Strauss North America

Robert Hanson is the highest ranking “out” executive of a major US company. As president of Levi Strauss, Robert has pushed the company to shed its stogy company persona in exchange for a hipper, more up to date company – and that includes its employee policies that are inclusive of LGBT equality measures. Robert is responsible for the company’s perfect 100 on the CEI. Robert serves on the Board of HMI, is active in AIDS awareness, LGBT equality and consistently stands as an out and proud role model for LGBT youth and young professionals. (previous awardees include Maggie Stumpp, Senior Managing Director, Prudential, Sally Susman, Global VP for Communications at Estee Lauder, and Ross Klein, President of W Hotels)

Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year:
Irwin Drucker, IBM

Irwin Drucker is the Director of GLBT and International Supplier Diversity. Irwin has championed LGBT supplier diversity within IBM and was the catalyst for IBM becoming the First Founding Partner of the NGLCC and the LGBT Supplier Diversity Initiative – IBMs reputation in the marketplace, coupled with Irwin’s dedication to the NGLCC and LGBT suppliers has made this program what it is today. Additionally, Irwin serves as the chair of the procurement council and has helped strategize with NGLCC corporate relations on attaining new corporate partners, programming, education, and general understanding and participation by the broader corporate community. Undoubtedly, a father of LGBT supplier diversity. (First time for the award)

Hanlon Brown Design (HB of Portland, Oregon, specializes in creative graphic design solutions for print, web and interactive. The firm built its business by cultivating client relationships and providing outstanding service. HB's roots extend back to 1978 when its President, Noma Hanlon, started the company while studying for a degree in architecture at the University of Oregon. Today HB is a company of 25 known for its deep experience in providing design services to some of the worlds leading brands. HB has been certified by the NGLCC since 2005.