Washington, DC (February 12, 2010) - As January 2010 came to a close, a new record was set for the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce® (NGLCC). In January alone, 11 new corporations joined the NGLCC and confirmed their commitment to LGBT-owned businesses across the country. Some of the NGLCC's newest corporate partners include Capital One, Darden Restaurants, Hewlett-Packard, Limited Brands, Mattel, MMC, New York Life Insurance, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Pfizer, US Bank and Waste Management.
With these new additions, the NGLCC has now topped 100 corporate members, 75 of which have committed to buying back from the LGBT business community through participation in the NGLCC's LGBT Supplier Diversity Initiative.
"At a time when all eyes are looking to small businesses as a key force in helping to revive the nation's economy, we are thrilled to see the commitment that many top corporations are making to do business with LGBT companies," said Justin Nelson, president and co-founder of NGLCC. "It makes smart business sense for corporations to seek new clients and suppliers in the talented, competitive and innovative network of certified LGBT businesses across the country."
Covering a broad spectrum of industries and geographic locations, these new additions to the NGLCC's roster of corporate partners are sure to usher in exciting opportunities for certified LGBT-owned businesses as diverse suppliers.
"New York Life is proud to be a corporate partner of the NGLCC," said Annette Ficucello, assistant vice president of supplier diversity at New York Life Insurance Company. "Our supplier diversity program demonstrates our commitment to an inclusive approach when selecting vendors. The establishment of the NGLCC as a certifying agency and as a direct link to these businesses enables us to preserve the integrity of our program."
Since LGBT supplier diversity was announced as a scored component of the Human Rights Campaign's annual Corporate Equality Index, many companies with traditionally high scores on the index are ensuring their standings as leaders on LGBT inclusion by expanding the scope of their supplier diversity programs to include certified LGBT Business Enterprises.
By working with the NGLCC through its LGBT Supplier Diversity Initiative, companies have direct access to LGBT suppliers certified by the NGLCC.
"Mattel is committed to supplier diversity efforts and the NGLCC database will allow Mattel to consider certified LGBT suppliers when sourcing opportunities occur," said John Ballotti, senior director of global procurement at Mattel.
Participating corporations also gain access to tremendous opportunities for networking, education, and engaging potential suppliers.
"We are proud to welcome our new partners, and look forward to supporting their efforts in LGBT inclusion while opening doors for certified LGBT businesses," said Victoria Fulkerson, director of supplier diversity and corporate relations at the NGLCC.
Corporations are able to partner with the NGLCC through the LGBT Supplier Diversity Initiative, Chamber Development Initiative, Financial Services Program, and Women's Business Initiative, as well as by becoming a benefits partner, signature event sponsor or a general corporate member.
For detailed information on partnering with the NGLCC, please contact the NGLCC corporate relations department at corporaterelations@nglcc.org or call 202-234-9181.
More information about the NGLCC, its programs, please visit www.nglcc.org .
About the NGLCC:
The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is the business advocate and direct link between LGBT business owners, corporations, and government. The NGLCC was founded as the exclusive organization for certification of LGBT owned businesses, and works to foster mutually beneficial opportunities for small businesses and corporate members. The NGLCC represents the interests of more than 1.4 million LGBT businesses and entrepreneurs and is committed to forming a broad-based coalition of LGBT owned and friendly businesses, professionals, and students of business for the purpose of promoting economic growth and the prosperity of its members.
NGLCC's New Logo
NGLCC's new logo represents our three main communities--corporate partners, affiliate leaders, and certified suppliers--and how they work together to find opportunities.
2012 Small Business Priorities
On January 25, NGLCC President Justin Nelson conducted a 30-minute Q&A conference call with Chairman Fred Hochberg from the Export-Import Bank about ongoing Obama administration priorities for small business owners.
