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, including:

• Tennessee Thrives

• NGLCC Rising Star Award

• Successful Advocacy Efforts

• 300 Members

• Professional Development Programs

• Partnerships

• Board Diversity

LGBT Chamber CEO, Lisa Howe, saluted those companies who have signed Tennessee Thrives, added voluntary self-identification for their LGBT employees, and worked with certified LGBT-owned suppliers.

The last hour of the program was highlighted by eight award presentations and the certification of six new LGBT Business Enterprises by Wells Fargo Mid South North President, Stephen Norris. Joe Woolley surprised Michael Burcham with the President’s Award. Burcham taught a one day professional development workshop for LGBT Chamber members last October. The event was emceed flawlessly by 2015 Business Leader of the Year, David Brzozowski. The luncheon concluded with Waller winning the Corporate Diversity Award and a rousing acceptance speech by Chanelle Acheson.

Award Winners

• Leadership in the Arts Award - OZ Arts Nashville

• Mark Lee Taylor Community Service Award - Nashville Launch Pad Volunteers

• Mayor Barry Ally Award - Sean Henry, CEO, Nashville Predators

• Sam Felker Business Leader of the Year - Paul Vasterling, CEO & Artistic Director, Nashville Ballet

• President’s Award - Michael Burcham, CEO, Narus Health

• Maria Salas Entrepreneur of the Year - John Dyke, Owner, CEO, The Turnip Truck

• Small Business Diversity Award - The Turnip Truck

• Corporate Diversity Award - Waller

Certified LGBTBE’s

• Donine Geiger & Lee Anne Jones - Doggie Doos

• Jack Davis - J. D. Events & Festivals

• Elliott Noble-Holt - MediCopy

• Jerry Jones - O&AN

• Ron Sanford - Ron Sanford Productions

• John Dyke - The Turnip Truck

Photo Gallery

About the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1998, the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce advances common business interests, economic growth, and equality in the workplace for its over 270 LGBT members, businesses, and allies by providing educational, networking, and community building opportunities. The Nashville LGBT Chamber empowers the LGBT community by making a sustainable and measurable economic impact in the greater Nashville area.

About the Nashville LGBT Chamber Foundation