Chamber Connection

October 2023

Dear Chamber,

When we embarked on the journey of establishing our Chamber, our founding team consisted of a diverse group, including corporate representatives, small business owners, and one recently available volunteer (me!). Right from the outset, we shared a common vision of creating something truly extraordinary. We aspired to build an organization that would provide our community, which we considered an extension of our own family, with the support and resources that we had long sought but often found elusive from other groups that didn't fully grasp our value.

From the beginning, we were determined to be different. We wanted to establish an organization that filled the gaps left by others. We were committed to forming a personal connection with every member and growing at a pace that allowed us to maintain this personalized attention for both our existing and new members. Despite well-meaning skepticism from some who believed our model wasn't scalable, we pressed forward with unwavering determination.

Today, after weathering the challenges posed by a pandemic and the looming threat of an economic downturn, we are overjoyed to announce that we have passed the milestone of 500 members! What's more, each of our members enjoys access to the most exceptional team of Member Service Representatives, who are truly second to none. Our team is led by the remarkable Thaís De Marco, who originally served as our Engagement & Membership Director before assuming the role of Deputy Director this past summer. Complementing Thaís are an extraordinary group of dedicated membership staff, including Angie Montalvo, our Western Mass Engagement Director, Administrative Coordinator & Videographer Owen Kobrel, Engagement & Membership Associate Gabby Blonder, Membership & Workforce Development Associate Mel Ayer, and our outstanding team of six business coaches from all over the state. With their support, we have not only reached the significant number of 500 members but we have also delivered high-quality, game-changing resources to many of those members.

Please know that no matter what your business needs may be, we are here to assist. If you have a requirement, don't hesitate to reach out to us. If we don't have the necessary resources in house, we will tap into our extensive network of corporate partners or our wider LGBTQ+ community network, which we cherish deeply.

Today, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our amazing team, which includes all 12 of us, and to all of our dedicated partners. Let us take a moment to celebrate the achievement of surpassing our 500+ small business member target! Congratulations to each and every one of us for this remarkable accomplishment.

Proudly,

Grace R. Moreno

Executive Director

FALL LGBTQ+ JOB FAIR

We are thrilled at the success of our Fall LGBTQ+ Job Fair hosted on Monday, October 30, at Northeastern University. This event brought together approximately 350 attendees and over 30 employers, emphasizing the great need for diversity and inclusion in the job market.

Our partner Fenway Health led a preparatory Resume & Cover Letter Workshop the week before the Job Fair, and the Better Business Bureau tabled the event as an in-person resource, offering invaluable support to LGBTQ+ job seekers. Attendees and employers fostered connections, and the sense of unity in our community was heartwarming.

We extend our gratitude to our corporate partners and all participants, and we're committed to our mission of creating inclusive opportunities for LGBTQ+ professionals in Massachusetts. Stay tuned for our next LGBTQ+ Job Fair at First Event in January!

2023 PITCH COMPETITION: $5K GRAND PRIZE

DEADLINE EXTENDED!

Our annual Pitch Competition will take place in three rounds over the course of the next few months. Our members are enthusiastically invited to participate!

First Pitch: Pitch Decks

Contestants must submit pitch decks by this Friday, November 3. Judges will review pitch decks and announce the businesses advancing to the second round.

Second Pitch: Zoom Live Pitch, November 29

Second round contestants will join us via Zoom on November 29 from 5 to 7PM to present their pitch decks and answer questions.

Third Pitch: In-Person Pitch, December 13

Contestants who advance to the final round will join us to pitch in person on December 13 at 6PM in Boston, MA.

Pitch Competition Prize Money

First Place: $5,000

Second Place: $3,000

Third Place: $2,000

Questions? Contact Thaís De Marco, Deputy Director.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

DANI SCHMIDT ART

Illustrator • Painter • Storyteller

Dani Schmidt is a queer, neurodivergent, freelance illustrator and painter from Holyoke, Massachusetts. They graduated from The Institute of Art and Design at New England College in 2021 with a BFA in illustration.

Dani Schmidt Art brings your organization's story to light by engaging the audience you need to reach with handmade, thoughtful, visual storytelling.

Services include, but are not limited to: portrait illustration, comics, social media content creation, creative consulting, surface design, poster illustration, product label design, and more!

To see Dani's impressive portfolio of work and to learn more about their offerings, visit danischmidtart.com.

QUEER VIDEOGRAPHY

Storytelling Through Video

Are you ready to shake up your corporate content with a touch of queer fabulousness? Queer Videography believes in the power of collaboration and creativity and they love working with clients who are pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities. In today's digital world, showing rather than telling is key, and Queer Videography's team is here to help you do just that.

From end-to-end production services including filming, editing, storyboarding, and producing, to

working on big corporate content or small business documentaries, music videos, and educational content, Queer Videography has the expertise to meet all your needs. They also offer social media memes, podcasts, and event and wedding video services.

For more info visit queervideography.com or email Jasper at info@queervideography.com.

THE FEMMES

High-Energy, Women-Forward Music For Weddings & Corporate Events

The Femmes are an all-woman and non-binary wedding band specializing in songs by female and non-binary artists. When you’re at a Femmes show, you’re at a high-energy concert experience. Epic sing-alongs, expertly crafted harmonies, and musicians who absolutely LOVE to interact with the audience, the Femmes are Boston’s go-to women’s party band!

The Femmes' roster includes Berklee alumni, touring artists, veteran wedding band performers, and pit band musicians with over 10 years of professional experience.

For more information or to book the bank, visit thefemmesband.com.

TOMO360

Maximize Your Marketing Results & Accelerate Growth

Tomo360 is a digital marketing agency serving companies with digital marketing needs in various industries, such as nonprofits, government, life science, business services, education, and hospitality. Based in Massachusetts but serving clients across continents, this engaging group is an MBE/WBE and the PRF70 state-certified contractor. Tomo360 provides award-winning websites,

social media campaigns, email marketing, videography, social and Google advertising, and more.

Visit tomo360.com for more information or contact Susu Wong, Principal & Chief Connector, at susu@tomo360.com.

Certified LGBTBE®