Chamber Connection
April 2019
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Hello chamber,
It seems that spring has finally sprung in Massachusetts and the vibrancy of the new growth is certainly motivating! Let’s take a look at what we’ve already done this month and what we have coming up.
BRINGING POWERFUL LEADERS & ALLIES TOGETHER
One of our chamber's goals is to set the bar for progressive LGBT workplace policy. At
PTC on April 2 we brought together human resources, procurement, and diversity and inclusion executives from our corporate partners to form a corporate roundtable.
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Douglas Spencer, one of our founding members and owner of
Spencer Brenneman, led our executives through a workshop to prioritize actionable steps that companies can take to create an LGBT inclusive workplace. Designated subcommittees will work together as we begin to implement mentorship programs, highlight connections with diverse suppliers, collect and share best practices, and educate employees at all levels of our partnered companies. In gathering changemakers to collaborate and establish a shared set of goals, we are holding each other accountable as we work systematically to improve conditions for LGBT employees and business owners.
KNOWING WHAT YOUR BUSINESS IS WORTH
In partnership with
MassMutual we are offering a free business valuation workshop for our membership. The 2018 MassMutual Business Owner Perspectives Study reveals that business owners spend the majority of their time working in their businesses instead of on their businesses. The reality is that long-term planning is not always top of mind, yet your business planning is inextricably linked to your personal financial future.
Evaluate your business using MassMutual’s Core Value Tool and discover how you can understand the value of your work and promote growth in your business. Whether you are a part of the chamber’s network already or if you’re hoping to join, we encourage you to participate. Personal laptops are required for the workshop.
Date: April 25
Time: 8:30–10AM
Location: 50 Milk Street, Boston, MA
Meridian Room, Floor 5
PRIDE IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
Pride season is right around the corner and our staff has been working hard to make sure we’re prepared to serve our community across the state. We're formalizing our presence in Western Massachusetts by kicking off this year’s Massachusetts pride in Northampton. Come find us at our table at Noho Pride on May 4! Parade parties will march from Hampton Ave, Northampton to the Pride event venue at the 3 County Fairgrounds. For more information, visit the
Noho Pride website.
Additionally, we are partnering with TD Bank to host a public reception at their local storefront:
Date: May 1
Time: 5–7:30 PM
Location: TD Bank, Northampton
175 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060
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The reception is open to anyone in the community! We are inviting LGBT-owned and allied businesses, as well as corporate partners local to Western Massachusetts, to learn more about our chamber and opportunities to support our efforts in promoting economic growth and viability for LGBT businesses statewide.
For more information about getting involved in this region, please contact
Leena Akhtar, our Western Massachusetts chamber ambassador and community liaison.
NEW WEBSITE FEATURES
The
job board on our website is now live, featuring positions posted by our businesses and corporate partners. If you are affiliated with our chamber and would like to post a job opening on our website, do so by signing into your Membership Information Center account.
We are also working to make new networking groups and chamber subcommittees accessible through the MIC. We will send out additional information as we develop this feature further. For help accessing your account and signing into your MIC, please contact
Kimberly Simonsen.
WE'RE HIRING
Do you want to help LGBT businesses thrive? Do you know someone who would like to get involved with our chamber? We’re looking to fill
membership associate and
social media specialist roles now! Find more information about both positions on our job board.
STAY CONNECTED
Thank you for supporting our work. Check out some additional community events below and stay tuned for more information as we dive into Pride 2019.
Proudly,
Grace R. Moreno
Executive Director
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Cape Cod Pride
June 22
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Noon
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The Fourth Annual Cape Cod PRIDE Festival is on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the Hyannis Village Green.
The festival is followed by PRIDE Dance Party at Cape Cod Beer 6–9PM.
Everyone is welcome. Admission is free.
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Fundraiser: Professionals for Trans Rights
May 31
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6:30PM
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Join the Mass Trans Political Coalition for a cocktail party and support a worthy cause at the same time. Professionals for Transgender Rights will bring together the trans-inclusive business community in an evening of networking to support MTPC’s important work.
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Business of Pride Event
May 9
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5:30–8:30PM
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Recognizing LGBT businesses in our community and their commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce.
The program will include honoring the LGBT Business Trailblazer Award and the 2019 LGBT Corporate Ally Award winners.
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Engage and Connect
May 20
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10AM–2PM
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The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Office of Diversity & Inclusion, in partnership with the Center for Women & Enterprise-Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council, Operational Services Division Supplier Diversity Office of Massachusetts, and Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce are hosting their 5th annual business opportunity fair, Engage and Connect. The purpose of the event is to provide suppliers with direct access to supplier diversity and/or procurement professionals from large buying organizations interested in discussing contracting opportunities with diverse suppliers.
If you are one of our chamber’s NGLCC certified businesses or, if you are in the process of becoming certified, we invite you to join us for the opportunity to network with corporations looking to diversify their suppliers.
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Womxn of Color Weekend
May 30–June 2
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Womxn of Color Weekend is an annual four-day Pride festival designed to elevate, strengthen, educate and celebrate hundreds of LGBTQIA Womxn of Color (WoC), non-binary People of Color (PoC), and their allies. Through a series of events including workshops, shows, shared meals, and celebrations, everyone will be able to create memorable and impactful moments throughout the course of the weekend!
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