Chamber Connection
February 2020
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Hello chamber!
What a busy short month we've had — even with the leap day! Let's see what our chamber has been up to and what we have in store for March.
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EVENT RECAP
FIRST EVENT JOB FAIR
In partnership with the
Trans Club of New England, we hosted our Second Annual First Event Job Fair on January 31. The event was hugely successful and participating companies reported that they found many talented job candidates. Our June 10 Boston Pride Job Fair may seem far away, but we are already working hard to make it bigger and better than ever! If you or your company is interested in registering for the June Job Fair, please contact
Owen Kobrel.
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WESTERN MA NETWORKING & SURVEY REVIEW
This month, as part of the Chamber’s statewide outreach, we traveled to Northampton to discuss the results of our targeted survey. The survey revealed the needs of LGBTQ+ owned businesses in Western Massachusetts and showed the Chamber exactly where it can help. Hosted on the campus of recently-joined partners Christopher Heights, this insightful event is one of many planned for the Western Massachusetts community this year.
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WORCESTER ROUNDTABLE
After our holiday event in Worcester last year, the Chamber made a commitment to come back and hold a roundtable to discuss how to best serve LGBTQ+ businesses in Central Massachusetts. This month, we fulfilled that promise by hosting our first ever Worcester Roundtable for local business owners, advocates, and community members. The Chamber came out of this conversation with actionable next steps and a targeted strategy that will greatly benefit Worcester and surrounding counties.
Special thanks to Chamber member Juan from
Kikos Coffee and Tea for providing complimentary coffee for this event! If you would like to purchase his coffee you can do so by following
this link.
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ADVANCING INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES
One of the Chamber’s biggest undertakings this year is our
2020: The Year of Inclusive LGBTQ+ Leadership series in partnership with
Pride In Our Workplace. The series kicked off this morning with the first panel “Advancing Inclusive Workplaces.” It was a rich dialogue between individuals who are leaders in making their workplaces more inclusive and ensuring LGBTQ+ employees feel safe and respected. It was an excellent start to a year of programming that tackles the crucial issues facing our community's workforce.
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LUNCH & LEARN SERIES
LUNCH & LEARN WITH NAGLREP
Date: Wednesday, March 4
Time: 11:30AM–2PM
Location: CIC Boston
50 Milk Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02109
The Chamber welcomes the Boston chapter of the National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals to lead a session focused on topics relevant to LGBTQ+ housing professionals. In addition to realtors, professionals such as attorneys, lenders, home inspectors, accountants, and building contractors are encouraged to attend. This event is free. Registration and networking begins at 11:30AM, with lunch and a speaking program from 12–2PM.
MASTERING EXCEL PIVOTTABLES & PIVOTCHARTS
Date: Monday, March 23
Time: 11:30AM–1PM
Location: CIC Boston
50 Milk Street, 1st Floor, Boston, MA 02109
In our second Lunch and Learn of the month, Jamie Storella, Chamber founding member and owner of
Launch Computer Training & Consulting, will lead a workshop on utilizing the power of Microsoft Excel PivotTables and PivotCharts. Chamber members who have already participated in one of Jamie’s seminars will tell you just how straightforward they are and how useful the tools you learn will be for your business. Members and their guests are welcome to attend. This event is free.
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BBJ BUSINESS OF PRIDE NOMINATIONS
The
Boston Business Journal is currently compiling data for a list of LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses in Massachusetts. If you'd like your business to participate, fill in
this survey
no later than March 27.
The BBJ will also honor an LGBTQ+ businessperson as part of its annual Business of Pride event. The nomination process is open to LGBTQ+ identified business owners as well as executives at local companies. Nominees should be based in Massachusetts and have an established track record of accomplishment in their respective field as well as active engagement in the community, particularly in regard to LGBTQ+ issues.
For more information, visit the BBJ's website.
The BBJ is accepting nominations for its annual LGBTQ+ Corporate Ally Award, recognizing a Massachusetts company that has demonstrated commitment and innovation in an effort to promote greater awareness of and solidarity with our community. To nominate a company, complete
this form. Self-nominations are welcome.
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HEALTH INSURANCE FOR MEMBERS
The Chamber has teamed up with the Massachusetts Health Connector to help our members access affordable healthcare plans. Chamber members with 50 employees or fewer can now purchase high-quality plans from leading health and dental carriers in Massachusetts through the Health Connector for Business at no additional cost.
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(NEW WAYS TO) STAY CONNECTED
The Chamber now has a private statewide Facebook group aimed at encouraging networking and opportunity development, advertising upcoming events, and giving additional visibility to Chamber members, representatives of corporate partners, and other allies who are part of our network. We plan to introduce regional networking groups in the near future.
Join the statewide Facebook group here.
Proudly,
Grace R. Moreno
Executive Director
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Lunch & Learn with NAGLREP
March 4
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11:30AM–2PM
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The National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals of Greater Boston leads a session focused on topics relevant to LGBTQ+ housing professionals. This event is free.
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Mastering PivotTables & PivotCharts
March 23
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11:30AM–1PM
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Jamie Storella, Chamber founding member and owner of Launch Computer Consulting & Training, will lead a workshop on utilizing the power of Microsoft Excel PivotTables and PivotCharts. This event is free.
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Open Call: Fenway Health Board of Directors
Applications close March 1
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The mission of Fenway Health is to enhance the well-being of the LGBTQ+ community and all people in our neighborhoods and beyond through access to the highest quality health care, education, research, and advocacy. Fenway Health has put out an open call for Board of Directors applications. If you would like to get involved with the organization in this capacity, don't delay — applications are due March 1, 2020.
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