Tompkins Chamber Partners with nglccNY to Offer Additional Resources to LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses
The Tompkins Chamber is pleased to announce a new partnership with nglccNY: the NY headquarters of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Through this partnership, all active members of the Tompkins Chamber or nglccNY now have access to a special membership investment level when they join the partner organization, making active participation in both organizations more accessible for businesses and organizations of all sizes.
“The Tompkins Chamber is proud to partner with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce of New York to expand their offerings in upstate New York, and add new benefits to our existing members,” said Jennifer Tavares, CEcD, Tompkins Chamber President. “This new partnership allows us to continue supporting LGBTQ+ owned and operated businesses and their employees in our community and region.”
“As the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce of New York we want to provide resources for all New Yorkers across the state and beyond,” said Kellie Parkin, nglccNY President. “We’re thrilled to partner with the Tompkins Chamber to equip queer and ally-owned businesses in the region with tools and support to help their businesses thrive.”
To kick off this partnership, on June 6th the Tompkins Chamber and nglccNY will be co-hosting a virtual information session on how to become certified as an LGBT Business Enterprise. Certified LGBTBE companies are routinely sought after by those who are looking to increase their spend with the LGBTQ+ business community. Certified LGBTBE companies are also eligible for scholarship programs, mentorship, leadership training, and other business development tools following one year.
This new opportunity with nglccNY expands on the Tompkins Chamber’s recent efforts to create unique spaces for LGBTQ+ professionals to network and support one another through the introduction of a quarterly LGBTQ+ Roundtable. The next Roundtable session will be held on August 31st and is open to all Tompkins Chamber members in good standing who identify as LGBTQ+.
“We are looking for new opportunities every day to enhance the benefits offered to our members and to build meaningful relationships with mission-aligned organizations,” said Tompkins Chamber Member Relationship Manager, Sarah Barden. “I am honored to steward our newest Roundtable. As a queer professional I find enormous value in building relationships with my peers and have heard from fellow participants and allied members about how much these programs mean to them.”
For more information about Tompkins Chamber events, programs, or member benefits, visit their website at tompkinschamber.org.