ACTION ALERT- Discriminatory legislation being heard on March 3rd and 4th
Advocating for you. We need you to take action.Dicriminatory legislation being herad on March 3rd and 4th. View as Webpage Members and supporters, take action below. Discriminatory legislative attacks on Tennessee's LGBTQ community are coming on March 3 and 4 as the 2020 Legislative Session moves forward. You can read our complete Bill Report for a breakdown of everything we are facing and where things stand. TAKE ACTION- If you are a business and have not, sign our open letter opposing further
142 Businesses Sign Letter Opposing Discrimination in Tennessee
35 Corporations and 107 Small Businesses Sign Letter Opposing Discrimination in Tennessee Following the signing of HB 836 in Tennessee, top businesses sign a letter opposing the bill and further attempts to discriminate against LGBTQ Tennesseans NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - February 5, 2020 - Today, 35 corporations and 107 small businesses, released an open letter opposing discrimination against LGBTQ Tennesseans and calling upon lawmakers to not pursue any further harmful bills this
Element Salon Opens Fourth Location with Ribbon Cutting
The Nashville LGBT Chamber held its first ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, October 3rd to celebrate its longtime member, Element Salon, opening their fourth Nashville location. Element Salon was named as one of the top 100 salons in the nation by Elle Magazine four years in a row. This local business started with six employees and a dream to elevate the beauty industry. Today Element employs nearly sixty employees in three locations and the growth continues with the opening of a FOURTH location in
Montucky Cold Snacks Celebrates Pride Month By Giving Back to the Chamber
Montucky Cold Snack is teaming up with the Nashville LGBT Chamber to give back during the month of June, Pride month! In the spirit of their core values, MCS began producing special edition Pride cans in 2016 that celebrate LGBTQ communities and gave all 8% of profits back to LGBTQ organizations from the sales of these cans. Join Montucky Cold Snack in celebrating Pride, helping create awareness about LGBTQ organizations, and help raise money for the Nashville LGBT Chamber during Pride month by grabbing
News Release: Business Leaders Speak Out Against Anti-LGBT Bills in Tennessee
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- 4/29/2019 Contact: Joe Woolley, CEO 615-585-0743 joe@nashvillelgbtchamber.com Business Leaders Speak Out Against Anti-LGBT Bills in Tennessee, Major Concern for Impact on Business and Tourism if Bills Pass Tomorrow Over 75 businesses signed an open letter opposing anti-LGBT legislation in Tennessee, including Amazon, Bridgestone, Dell Technologies, Postmates, and Warner Music Group Nashville, TN -- Major corporations in Tennessee have expressed
Postmates Joins Coalition of Businesses, and Cites Job Growth, Expansion Concerns in Response to Ant
Postmates Joins Coalition of Businesses, and Cites Job Growth, Expansion Concerns in Response to Anti-LGBT Bills in Tennessee Over fifty businesses signed an open letter opposing anti-LGBT legislation in Tennessee, including Amazon, Bridgestone, Dell Technologies, Genesco, and Warner Music Group Nashville, TN -- Today Postmates released a statement citing concerns over their ability to continue to invest in Tennessee if anti-LGBT legislation becomes law. Tennessee lawmakers are pushing the
ACTION ALERT: April 17, 2019
ACTION ALERT! We need you to act now to stop discrimination. Members- It has been a busy few weeks over at the State Capitol on the last few remaining bills that could have a negative impact on the LGBT and Business community in Tennessee. We are winding down but MORE ACTION is needed! Don’t wait and not act. We have developed an open letter to submit to the Governor's office, members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the House and Senate Leadership. If your company
Mayor Briley Signs Historic Executive Order for LGBT Businesses
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAYOR BRILEY SIGNS HISTORIC EXECUTIVE ORDER FOR LGBT-OWNED BUSINESSES, AFFIRMS INCLUSION AS RECOGNIZED CATEGORY FOR METRO PROCUREMENT Nashville Becomes First City in the South to Recognize LGBT-Owned Businesses NASHVILLE (Feb. 11, 2019) – Mayor David Briley today signed a historic executive order for LGBT-owned businesses, affirming their inclusion as a recognized category for Metro Procurement. By signing the executive order, Mayor Briley makes Nashville the first city in the
ACTION ALERT- Legislative Update As 2019 Session Begins
It appears that the Chamber and other advocacy partners will have a busy year at the Tennessee General Assembly. This year's legislative bill filing deadline came on Thursday and once again we face a number of anti-LGBT and anti-business bills. These include: Another attempt to force the Attorney General to defend school districts who have anti-trans policiesA bill to disallow cities and counties from penalizing for businesses to discriminate against LGBT individualsA religious freedom bill to
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TASTE 2018 is Nashville LGBT Chambers Biggest Event to Date
NASHVILLE, November 20, 2018The Nashville LGBT Chamber welcomed a record-breaking, sell-out crowd of 412 guests to sample food and drink from 24 vendors at their seventh annual fundraiser TASTE, on Sunday, November 18th. For the fourth year guests looked out over downtown skyline with rainbow colors seen on two iconic structures, the Gateway Bridge and City Hall. The Titans Stadium scoreboards were also lit with the Chamber and TASTE logos, welcoming guests to the stadium. Guests were invited to enter the
New CEO, New Logo for the Nashville LGBT Chamber
NASHVILLE, Tenn., August 13, 2018 – Following an extensive search and candidate review process, the Nashville LGBT Chamber today named Joe Woolley as the organization’s next chief executive officer. Representing more than 325 businesses and individuals in Nashville and the surrounding area, the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce is the premier advocate of the Greater Nashville Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender business community. Woolley succeeds Lisa Howe who served as the Chamber’s CEO for the past
Nashville LGBT Chamber Seeks Qualified Candidates for CEO Position
Chief Executive Officer Job Description June 17, 2018 Overview The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce (the “Chamber”), a 501(c)(6) membership organization, and its foundation, the Nashville LGBT Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, (the “Foundation,” and, together with the Chamber, the “Organization”), are recruiting a new full-time Chief Executive Officer. The Chamber advances common business interests, economic growth, and equality in the workplace and society for its LGBT members,
The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce Announces the Resignation of CEO, Lisa Howe
The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce Announces the Resignation of CEO, Lisa Howe After six years of remarkable growth, the LGBT Chamber’s first full-time employee to step down in August NASHVILLE, TN - May 18, 2018 - Ron Snitker, President of the Board of Directors of the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce has announced the resignation of Lisa Howe, the organization’s CEO. Snitker wrote to LGBT Chamber members saying, “We are disappointed to see Lisa go after helping lead the LGBT
Nashville LGBT Chamber Announces Finalists for the 2018 Excellence in Business Awards
For the sixth consecutive year, CURB Records is the presenting sponsor for the Nashville LGBT Chamber 2018 Excellence in Business Awards on Friday, May 4, from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Hilton Nashville Downtown. Over three hundred business and community leaders are expected to attend this high-profile lunch event to celebrate and recognize the finalists and hear from the winners who were selected for their contributions to Nashville's inclusive business and nonprofit communities. Tickets
Celebrating its 20th Year, the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce Announces New Board and Welcomes New Membership & Events Coordinator
NASHVILLE, TENN. – The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce is marking its 20th year as a leading business advocacy organization dedicated to economic growth and equality in the workplace. Founded in 1998 as the Nashville Association of Professional Persons, today the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce comprises more than 300 members, and will be honored on March 17, 2018 with the Community Leadership Award at the Human Rights Campaign’s Annual Equality Dinner in Nashville. “The LGBT Chamber has evolved
Out & About Expands to Puerto Vallarta
Bilingual LGBT magazine and website launches in MexicoFor Immediate Release A new magazine and website for the LGBT community of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico has launched. Out & About Puerto Vallarta will publish its first issue in January 2018. The website www.outandaboutpv.com (link is external) is live now. With a monthly distribution of 5,000 copies, the upscale glossy magazine will feature lifestyle and travel articles focused on the growing LGBT population in Puerto Vallarta, as well as the millions of
Nashville LGBT Chamber Unveils New TASTE Logo
The Nashville LGBT Chamber Unveils a New Logo and This Year's Date for Their Annual Fundraiser 'TASTE'For Immediate ReleaseSeptember 19, 2017 – The Nashville LGBT Chamber’s sixth annual TASTE fundraiser will be on Sunday, November 19th in Nissan Stadium's West Club. Event proceeds provide educational, networking and community-building opportunities for the organization's LGBT members, businesses and allies.The Chamber unveiled a new TASTE logo at their Brewing Up Business networking event on August 22 at
The Nashville LGBT Chamber Announces New Program: Take PRIDE in the Arts
The Nashville LGBT Chamber CEO, Lisa Howe, announced a new program today called Take PRIDE in the Arts. She describes it as an additional networking event that reflects the growth of the organization. “We are accustomed to the Frist, Nashville Ballet, and Nashville Opera hosting some of our networking events. We have added 75 members in eight months, and we have a long list of members who would like to host a Brewing up Business, which there are only 11 each year. Allowing our members who are Arts
NGLCC Honors Nashville LGBT Chamber with Excellence in Programming Award 2017
NGLCCNames the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce as 2017 Excellence inProgramming Award Recipient August 3, 2017 Nashville, TN –The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce(NGLCC), the business voice of the LGBT community, honored the Nashville LGBT Chamber ofCommerce with the Excellence in Programming Award on August 3 at the 2017International Business & Leadership Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Each year, the Excellence in Programming award recognizes chamber programs that provide significant
Wells Fargo and NGLCC Award $5,000 Grant to Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Wells Fargo and NGLCC Award $5,000 Grant to Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce August 3, 2017 Nashville, TN – The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce(NGLCC), the business voice of the LGBT community, awarded the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commercewith a $5,000 Chamber Development Grant for its 6th Annual 2018 Excellence in Business Awards at the 2017 International Business & Leadership Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.Funded by the Wells FargoFoundation and administered by the NGLCC, this
Nashville LGBT Chamber Celebrates 2017 Business Awards Winners
The Nashville LGBT Chamber Celebrates Winners at the 2017 Excellence in Business Awards Sponsored by Curb Records Over 300 guests attended the fifth annual Nashville LGBT Chamber 2017 Excellence in Business Awards last Friday, April 28th, at the Hilton Nashville Downtown. Mayor Megan Barry kicked off the event with a warm welcome from Nashville’s CEO. The LGBT Chamber’s President, Joe Woolley, gave a summary of the Chamber’s successes over the last twelve months,
News Release: 4/5/2017
The Nashville LGBT Chamber Hires Matthew Burns as its First Full-Time Membership & Events Coordinator The Nashville LGBT Chamber has added its second full-time staff person in five years. After a nationwide search and researching over fifty applicants, CEO, Lisa Howe, has named Matthew Burns as the Membership and Events Coordinator. “Matthew has an extremely successful background in organizational development, customer experience, communications, and managing multiple activities at once,” said
LGBT Chamber Announces Finalists for the 2017 Business Awards
The Nashville LGBT Chamber Announces Finalists for the 2017 Excellence in Business Awards Sponsored by Curb RecordsFor the fifth consecutive year, CURB Records is the presenting sponsor for the Nashville LGBT Chamber 2017 Excellence in Business Awards on Friday, April 28, from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Hilton Nashville Downtown. Over four hundred business and community leaders are expected to attend this high-profile lunch event to celebrate and recognize the finalists and hear about the winners who
Nashville LGBT Chamber Supports the Nashville Predators Second Annual Pride Night
The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce Supports the Nashville Predators Second Annual Pride Night The Nashville LGBT Chamber is working with the Nashville Predators for their Second Annual Pride Night, which is at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday, February 23, at 7 PM. Almost 350 tickets have been sold, compared to 250 tickets last year, and additional seating sections were needed to accommodate the demand. Sean Henry, Predator’s CEO and President, will address the crowd at a pregame
HIRING: The LGBT Chamber is Seeking a Full Time Membership and Events Coordinator
The Nashville LGBT Chamber full time Membership and Events Coordinator works closely with the Chief Executive Officer to support members and coordinate events. Responsibilities include onboarding new members and retaining current members using and expanding upon current systems. The Membership and Events Coordinator ensures regular communications with LGBT Chamber members and supporters through verbal, written, website, and social media channels. The Coordinator will help the CEO and committees organize
Nashville LGBT Chamber Signs the Tennessee Thrives Pledge
The Nashville LGBT Chamber is a proud supporter of Tennessee Thrives. Tennessee Thrives is a coalition of approximately 300 businesses and business organizations that are committed to maintaining a thriving economy for a Tennessee that welcomes all hard working people. Tennessee has experienced real economic loss after HB1840 that passed in 2016, a bill that allows counselors to deny services to clients based on their principles. North Carolina has provided the best (or worst) example of how
LGBT Business Builder Covered in The Tennessean
LGBT businesses encouraged to pursue private sector contractsJamie McGee , jmcgee@tennessean.com 6:21 p.m. CDT October 12, 2016 For large companies such as KPMG, there is a strong business case for diversity — not just among its workers, but among its suppliers. KPMG procurement manager Tim Ruddell stressed that point Wednesday as he encouraged LGBT business owners to gain LGBT Business Enterprise certification that could boost their procurement with private sector companies. The National Gay & Lesbian
LGBT Chamber and Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Enter into an Official Partnership
Members of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NAHCC) will now have a new resource for collaboration and growth. The NAHCC and the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NLGBTCC) have agreed to sign an inter-chamber agreement that will provide business owners from both memberships with enhanced resources to help them with their business development efforts. The purpose of this agreement is to create and establish a working relationship between the NAHCC and the NLGBTCC that will enhance the
NGLCC Honors the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce with Rising Star Award
NGLCC Honors the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce with Rising Star Award August 25, 2016 Nashville, TN – The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that the chamber was honored with the Rising Star Chamber Award on Thursday, August 25th at the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)’s 2016 International Business & Leadership Conference in Palm Springs, California. “While not a new chamber, the pace of our growth over the last four years has been phenomenal. We owe this
Part Time Position Open
The Nashville LGBT Chamber is hiring a part time Membership and Events Coordinator. Interested applicants are invited to send a cover letter and resume to lisa@nashvillelgbtchamber.org Job Descrlption The Nashville LGBT Chamber Membership and Events Coordinator works closely with the Executive Director to support members and coordinate events. Responsibilities include using and expanding upon current systems to onboard new members and retaining current members. The Membership and Events Coordinator
Nashville LGBT Chamber Announces Winners of the Business Awards
Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce announces the winners of its annual Excellence in Business AwardsNames Ally Award after Mayor Megan Barry Nashville, Tennessee – On Wednesday, April 13, 2016, the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce presented its annual Excellence in Business Awards luncheon presented by Curb Records and sponsored by HCA/Tri-Star, Fifth Third Bank, The Bank of Nashville and Nashville Pharmacy Services. In addition, table sponsors included: Baker Donelson, Cracker Barrel, Dollar General,
Nashville LGBT Chamber Announces Finalists for 2016 Excellence in Business Awards
The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce Announces Finalists for the 2016 Excellence in Business Awards For the fourth consecutive year, CURB Records makes it possible for the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce to present the 2016 Excellence in Business Awards on Wednesday, April 13 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton Nashville Downtown. This year, HCA/Tri-Star Health has joined as a Platinum Sponsor of the event. Over 300 business and community leaders, allies, and
Meet the Finalists
A diverse panel of judges read and scored applications from over 60 nominees. Those with the top four scores in each category have qualified as finalists. The finalists communicated an impressive level of success, talent, and commitment to diversity and inclusion over the last 12 months. The LGBT Chamber is proud of the impact these companies, professionals, and organizations have on the local economy and social justice. The complete list of finalists with a brief description of each
LGBT Chamber 2016 Excellence in Business Awards Save the Date
The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce annual Excellence in Business Awards includes a Who's Who of corporate leaders, small business owners, civic leaders, and professionals. We expect over 300 guests to attend this high energy event that has become known for its powerful audience, emotional acceptance speeches, and optimism among those committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. SA:VE THE DATE April 13, 2016 11am - 1pm DoubleTree by Hilton Nashville Downtown 315 4th Ave. N.,
Nominations are Open
The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce welcomes nominations for the 2016 Excellence in Business Awards. Submit a nomination. Categories include: Corporate Diversity AwardSmall Business Diversity AwardEntrepreneur of the YearBusiness Leader of the YearAlly AwardCommunity Service AwardLeadership in the Arts Award Individuals are encouraged to nominate as many people, businesses, or organizations as they want. The deadline for nominations is March 1st. Nominees will receive a questionnaire in order to
ScaleUp Nashville
The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce is one of several diverse business organizations who are helping identify candidates and presenters for the ScaleUp Nashville program, administered by the Chamber’s Business Studio small business initiative. Business Studio, in partnership with Pathway Women’s Business Center, Refinery Nashville and the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, has been given an initial award of $218,000 as part of the ScaleUp America program from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Lee Ann Womack to Headline TASTE
Lee Ann Womack to Perform at Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce Fundraiser ‘TASTE’Country music superstar Lee Ann Womack is set to perform at the annual fundraiser for the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce on Sunday, November 8 at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. The fundraiser, called simply, TASTE, is the LGBT Chamber’s annual benefit combining food, wine/distilleries and music. The event will include performances by Your Nashville Love Song and Tyler Ray Jacobson and will feature headliner, Lee
LGBT Chamber Participates in Diversity Bus Tour
From The Tennessean: When Rashed Fakhruddin was hired by Nashville Electric Service as an engineer, he said he would not be able to attend meetings from 1 to 2 p.m. Fridays. That time was for prayer. And during Ramadan, he may move his workday up a few hours to adapt to his fasting schedule. They were small accommodations, but by receiving that support from his supervisors, he felt motivated to go above and beyond for his employer, he said. He has become an engineering supervisor, and last year, he was
Nashville LGBT Chamber Receives Microgrant from NGLCC and Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo and NGLCC Award $2,500 to Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce Nashville, Tenn. (08/13/15) – The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that the chamber was awarded a $2,500 grant on Thursday, August 13th at the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)’s 2015 International Business & Leadership Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation, this grant was awarded to expand capacity and offer technical assistance to the Nashville LGBT
After the Honeymoon
Much has happened since Lisa Howe wrote this guest article for O&AN. The EEOC has interpreted Title VII to include sexual orientation. The Equality Act has been introduced in Congress with Representative Jim Cooper as a co-sponsor of the Bill. Read more about the state of the LGBT Chamber post-marriage equality.
Nashville and the LGBT Chamber is Ready for Marriage
The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce has been preparing for marriage equality for over a year. Last June, the LGBT Chamber began a membership initiative based on the wedding industry. When the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the state constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, work on the initiative stalled. The membership drive picked up again when the case was appealed to the Supreme Court. When the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case, the LGBT Chamber immediately prioritized being the
