Chamber Connection
June 2020
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Dear Chamber,
The last few months have been challenging to say the least. This month is historically recognized as LGBTQ+ Pride month, but it is difficult to feel prideful when we are faced with the brutalization of our Black community and communities of color. Many of us may feel upset that Pride has been “cancelled” — but Pride isn’t an event, it’s a movement based on our deep feelings of pride. Moreover, it’s a feeling that brings our community together, reminds us of our history, and encourages us to support each other. You will find our official Black Lives Matter response below, in addition to an array of exciting programming our team is offering to members and the public throughout June.
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BLACK LIVES MATTER STATEMENT
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MASSACHUSETTS LGBTQ+ JOB WEEK
Hosting an in-person job fair this Pride season is not possible. However, the Chamber is dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ individuals find employment, and our team has developed a virtual method of connecting job seekers to employers during the first-ever Massachusetts LGBTQ+ Job Week.
LGBTQ+ Job Week creates opportunities for job seekers to develop application materials and soft skills sought after by recruiting teams, and culminates in a call for application submissions for open positions at partner hiring companies. Programming for the week will include a resume and cover letter webinar, a workshop on remote and in-person interview tips, and advice on how to present yourself authentically in your current or future workplace.
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WEBINARS
To facilitate business development during the current slowdown across industries and to help member businesses stay connected, our Chamber launched a webinar series to give business owners an opportunity to share their skills and learn from one another. Webinar recordings will be made available to members after the initial live stream. Please contact
carly.davis@malgbtcc.org for more information.
A NEW ANGLE FOR THE NEW NORMAL
On May 28, we launched the first of these webinars with Douglas Spencer of
Spencer Brenneman. Attending members gained insight into authentically communicating their brand messaging with tips to potentially pivot in response to the new normal we are all living in.
REOPENING MA & PPP UPDATES
The second of these webinars took place on June 4. Representatives from the State government, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Berkshire Bank reviewed various resources available to business owners, employees, and individuals as the economy begins to reopen following the initial COVID-19 shutdown.
A FRESH START: REOPENING MARKETING STRATEGIES AFTER QUARANTINE
On June 11, Chamber Founding Member and
Tomo360 owner Susu Wong offered a workshop on social media best practices for businesses in the digital age. Susu led viewers through new online strategies and tools available help businesses thrive.
Additional webinars are in development and will be announced soon. Keep an eye out for updates by following us on social media and checking member email updates between newsletters.
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VIRTUAL PITCH PRESENTATIONS
Our chamber is hosting its first pitch competition — virtually! The competition is open to
ALL LGBT-owned businesses in Massachusetts and consists of three rounds — pitch deck submissions, video pitches, and a live pitch-off via Zoom! This program provides businesses with an opportunity to create or improve their decks, tighten their pitch, and receive feedback from a panel of judges in each round. Chamber staff will be distributing resources to help develop materials prior to each cut of the competition, and we encourage everyone to participate and be eligible for constructive feedback and a cash prize for the winner!
Register now on our website or contact
carly.davis@malgbtcc.org for more information.
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MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
From now until June 30, we are running our first Chamber Membership Drive — a chance for us to work together and grow our chamber, and an opportunity for your business to receive a free year of membership. We are asking you to suggest to other LGBTQ+ business owners you know that they should join the Chamber. The business that makes the most successful referrals between now and the end of Pride month will receive a free 2021 membership! For additional details, please contact
thais.demarco@malgbtcc.org.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
LIZ PAGE OFFICE HOURS
JAY’S B&B FOUR YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Congratulations to
Jay's Bed & Breakfast for celebrating four years of business in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Throughout this pandemic, Jay has continued to offer his delicious meals to go. If you're in the area, support Holyoke's only minority-owned lodging and event space!
THE GREATER US WORKSHOP: WHAT NOW? STRATEGIES FOR FOLKS NEW TO ANTI-OPPRESSION WORK AND ACTION
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Time: 2:00–4:30PM EST
Cost: Sliding scale $25–$75
In the wake of protests against police violence that have been surging in May and June, many people have come to a new or renewed awareness of the pervasiveness of racial injustice, and specifically anti-blackness, in the United States. We’ve seen great demand for resources and education, and while
resource lists abound, engaging fully in this work entails reflection, working with the heart, and learning different ways of being in addition to increasing one's knowledge.
The Greater Us’ Founder & Principal
Leena Akhtar and equity coach
Jessie Justin are hosting this workshop to allow folks new to the work to come together, share their emerging feelings and understandings, do reflective identity work, and develop strategies for next steps in a supportive community space.
Because this is a discussion-oriented workshop, it is limited to 20 participants.
Please register here.
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BLACK LIVES MATTER RESOURCES
Here are some organizations you can look to for more information about how to support the Black community and the ongoing protests against police brutality:
QUEER THE SCENE: FREE BLM GRAPHICS
Want another way to demonstrate your support for Black Lives Matter? Member business
Queer the Scene has developed graphics for social media and stencils for physical posters & signs, and are sharing them with anybody who wishes to use them. You can find these materials by
following this link and downloading them from Google Drive.
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STAY CONNECTED
Proudly,
Grace R. Moreno
Executive Director
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The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs invites you to participate in a study focusing on your health behaviors and life experiences as a Veteran with a LGBT or related identity.
The goal of the Health for Every Veteran Study is to better understand the experiences of Veterans from all backgrounds and promote their health and well-being, including those with LGBT or related identities. We are especially interested in hearing the diverse voices within our communities. Participants will be helping advance LGBT research, without leaving their homes!
The study is being conducted by researchers at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System. It consists of completing a confidential, web-based questionnaire every 9 months for approximately 2 years (for a total of 4 questionnaires). All research activities are completed online, with no in-person visits required.
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