Back in 2007 I was one of the founders of Hampton Roads Business OutReach ("HRBOR"), a local Hampton Roads based LGBT and LGBT friendly chamber of commerce. Since its launch in 2007, HRBOR has grown remarkably and is indeed changing hearts and minds - and mindsets in the larger business community. The Pensinsula Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are members (and HRBOR is a member of those chambers). Now, a group in Charlottesville want to take the concept statewide with a goal of fighting anti-gay discrimination and making Virginia a more welcoming state for all businesses.
NBC-29 TV has details:
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va (WVIR) -
A new business network is forming in Charlottesville
to fight discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender
people.
The Virginia Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is bringing together LGBT owned and friendly businesses to help promote them offer resources for customers.
Amy
Benson and her partner own Moose's Restaurant by the Creek in
Charlottesville. The women hope the chamber can help businesses like
theirs find success and support.
“We figure that would be a good
way for like-minded people to support people who support them,” stated
Amy Benson of Moose's Restaurant by the Creek.
“People want to
know that they're going to a business that is inclusive,” said Lisa
Green, a board member of the VA Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
The
new gay and lesbian chamber will launch this summer statewide. A
Charlottesville-based board member wants to hear from businesses in
central Virginia right now.
No comments:
Post a Comment