GBBC hosts NGLCC Diversity Roadshow & Northeast Regional Summit
The Greater Boston Business Council (GBBC), Massachusetts gay and lesbian chamber of commerce, was host to two prominent National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) events from May 2 - 4, 2012. The events began at the TD Garden with the NGLCC Roadshow, which focused on their Supplier Diversity Initiative (SDI). The Roadshow was followed by an opening reception for the NGLCC Northeast Regional Summit held at the Top of the Hub surrounded by panoramic views of the Boston skyline.
The NGLCC Roadshow presented the Supplier Diversity Initiative (SDI), which certifies Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender owned Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs) and works to provide opportunities for LGBTBEs to gain exposure within the corporate procurement processes. The Roadshow offered many opportunities for businesses to increase their revenue, apply for the SDI certification with a waived $399 application fee and to network and meet fellow gay owned businesses in the Greater Boston area.
"The GBBC partnership with the NGLCC Certification Program continues to strengthen our commitment to our Community, which will increase gay business visibility, consequently increasing the success of our members," said Valerie Clark, GBBC Secretary.
The ability to become a certified LGBTBE presents an unprecedented opportunity for the LGBT business owner to work with NGLCC corporate partners who are committed to creating a diverse supply chain that is inclusive of LGBT businesses, and have targeted amounts for spending with diverse business enterprises.
The well-attended Roadshow provided the opportunity to learn how to begin the certification process followed by a lively Q&A session.
"The NGLCC Supplier Diversity LGBT Certification Program is a powerful tool to increase revenues for those businesses that qualify for the certification. The GBBC is extremely proud to be delivering these opportunities to members of our Community right here in Greater Boston," said Ed Travers II, GBBC President.
The third annual NGLCC Northeast Regional Summit (NRS) was the largest and most successful to date. The NGLCC-NRS started in 2010 when it was hosted by the Philadelphia, PA chapter, Independence Business Alliance (IBA). The 2011 NRS was hosted by the Connecticut chapter, Connecticut Alliance for Business Opportunities (CABO).
This year the GBBC took the Summit to new heights for the delegates with opportunities for knowledge sharing and local entertainment. The delegates were welcomed with a reception at the Top of the Hub. The entertainment continued through the week with a Boston Duck Tour one evening and dinner and entertainment at Club Café Restaurant. The 2 ½ day Summit consisted of workshops covering topics related to corporate partnerships; community partnerships; LGBT certification; board member recruitment; Chamber contributions to the community; and business communication.
"The Northeast Regional Summit was the best yet. To have affiliate chambers work so closely to enhance all of our members is quite exciting and crucial to all of our success," said Vivian Meranda, GBBC Vice President.
The GBBC feels very fortunate to have such strong support from their corporate sponsors. TD Bank and their dedicated staff worked closely with the GBBC to produce the Diversity Roadshow. The great success of the Summit was due to the contributions from GBBC Corporate Partners including TD Bank; the Sheraton Boston Back Bay; the Top of the Hub Restaurant; Club Café Restaurant and Lounge; and Boston Duck Tours.
For more information on the Supplier Diversity Initiative please contact the GBBC at services@gbbc.org. To learn about GBBC, visit their website.
