Cracker Barrel, Dell Nashville Earn Top Honors at LGBT Chamber Excellence in Business Awards

Annual luncheon hosted by LGBT Chamber of Commerce recognizes individuals, businesses committed to equality in the workplace

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 9, 2018) – The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce hosted its 6^th annual Excellence in Business awards luncheon on Friday, May 4 at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Nashville, celebrating businesses and professionals who lead the city in diversity practices. Dell Nashville and Cracker Barrel received the Corporate Diversity award which recognizes large companies that excel in promoting LGBT friendly policies and workplace environments. The event was emceed by David Brzozowski and sponsored by Curb Records, HCA, Synovus Bank, Waller, Asurion and MediCopy.

More than 300 people attended this year’s luncheon which featured a keynote address from Mayor David Briley. At the event, Briley announced Metro’s investment in the city’s minority community by including $25,000 in the city’s budget earmarked to the LGBT Chamber, along with equal investments in the Greater Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce and the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The 2018 luncheon featured seven awards categories, five for individuals and two for businesses in the community. More than 100 applications were submitted for consideration. A close, competitive score in the Corporate Diversity Award resulted in co-winners for the first time.  A panel of board members, members and previous winners selected the finalists. Members were then able to vote on the finalists. "It is a privilege for me to work with these loyal members and local employers of choice," said Chamber CEO, Lisa Howe. "Our panel and our members recognize Dell's long-time commitment to diversity and inclusion and voiced a strong appreciation for Cracker Barrel's work over the last year to advance LGBT-inclusion as a part of their journey."
This year’s honorees include:

• Corporate Diversity:  Cracker Barrel and Dell Nashville
• Small Business Diversity: MediCopy
• Entrepreneur of the Year: Phil Cobucci, BAM! Social Business
• Business Leader of the Year: Kimberly Stephan-Tate, Asurion
• Ally Award:  Bethany Mason, Dollar General
• Community Service Award:  Joe Woolley, Get it Done Solutions
• Leadership in the Arts:  Don Schlosser, Nashville in Harmony
• President’s Award: Ron Sanford, Ron Sanford Productions

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce. The organization has seen large growth over their last 20 years and now has more than 300 members in Middle Tennessee.

About the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce
The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce is the premier advocate of the Greater Nashville Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender business community, representing more than 300 businesses in Nashville and the surrounding area. The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce advances common business interests, economic growth, and equality in the workplace and society for its LGBT members, businesses, and allies by providing educational, networking, and community building opportunities.
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