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LGBT-owned and friendly businesses can officially join their very own chamber of commerce.
Created by the LGBT Network, the first and only local LBGT Chamber of Commerce will focus on helping LGBT-owned businesses grow and connect with one another.
“The LGBT Chamber has been years-in-the-making,” said LGBT Network President/CEO David Kilmnick. “This is a logical next step to meet the growing needs of our community.
“LGBT-owned small businesses on Long Island lack a way to connect, lack support to grow their businesses, and lack a way to promote their products and services to the broader community – each of which the LGBT Network can help with locally,” he added.
The new chamber plans to host networking events, coordinate a member directory and organize informational programs to support the growth of LGBT-owned businesses of all types and sizes as they fill a void in the local business community.
The LGBT Chamber also serves as a resource to LGBTQ+ consumers who want to shop at LGBT-friendly and owned establishments.
Chamber members will have access to various benefits, such as exclusive networking, business development support, educational programming and business connections.
In addition, they receive discounted rate access to meeting space (LGBT Meet) and a new flex office space program (LGBT Desk) at the LGBT Network Hauppauge Center.
Along with the LGBT Chamber, there is also a new program called LGBT Network Certified, which recognizes companies and organizations for their LGBT diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) efforts, as well as community involvement in supporting their employees, customers and clients.
The LGBT Chamber of Commerce is open to any type of business interested in supporting LGBT-owned businesses and the LGBTQ+ community.
“LGBT-owned business owners continue to face unique obstacles that limit economic attainment and business success,” Kilmnick said. “Anti-LGBT discrimination still exists, and it impacts the ability of LGBT people to start, grow, and sustain businesses.
“The Long Island LGBT Chamber of Commerce will break down those barriers by providing support and by incorporating the broader business community,” he added.
For more information about the chamber and how to join, visit the LGBT Network website by clicking here.
Top photo: The LGBT Network announces its new LBGT Chamber of Commerce. (Photo courtesy of the organization’s website.)
