Affiliate Leaders Join NGLCC at the White House for Second Annual SBA Women’s Business Summit Kickof

Download pdf version here .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 3, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday, March 27, top women affiliate chamber leaders from across the country joined National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) President and Co-Founder Justin Nelson for a kickoff event at the White House for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 2023 Women’s Business Summit.

“In a place and time when trans women are increasingly being discriminated against and told that they cannot occupy women’s spaces, being counted among so many influential women was an amazing experience,” said Ellie Dote, an openly transgender woman and President of the Long Beach LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce. “Being here and being able to connect with women of influence all while sharing my desire to work together towards the advancement of small businesses in historically marginalized communities all while within the walls of the White House is an exciting step towards making equality a reality and a move that will allow our members to benefit and grow their businesses, ultimately contributing to the economic health of Long Beach and beyond.”

SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman kicked off the event, which coincided with Women’s History Month, followed by remarks by President Biden who announced the addition of new federal resources to support women-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs, including a planned expansion of the SBA’s Women’s Business Centers. 

“It was an extraordinary day having 10 of our top women affiliate leaders represent the LGBTQ business community at the White House,” said Justin Nelson, Co-Founder and President of NGLCC. “We look forward to continuing to work alongside our steadfast partner in SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman as more opportunities and resources are made available to women business owners nationwide.” 

There are nearly 13 million women-owned businesses in the U.S. or about 42 percent of all small businesses. Women-owned businesses employ over 9.4 million workers. Additionally, half of all new small businesses launched in the last two years have been started by women. 

Taking place each year in March, Women’s History Month is a valuable chance to spotlight the significant contributions of women to modern society, including the small business community. Women’s History Month has been observed nationally since 1987, with smaller-scale celebrations dating back an additional ten years. 

Affiliate leaders in attendance at the event included:

• Kellie Parkin (she/her), Executive Director, NGLCCNY

• Rebecca Wagoner (she/her), Executive Director, Quorum: Minnesota’s LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce

• Liz Pitts (she/they), President & CEO, Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce

• Pamm Meyers (she/her), Executive Director, New Mexico Out Business Alliance

• Amanda Cole (she/her), Executive Director, Plexus: Northeastern Ohio LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce

• Suzanne Wheeler (she/they), Executive Director, Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce

• Ilona Lohrey (she/her), President & CEO, GSBA: Washington State’s LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce

• Tammi Wallace (she/her), Co-Founder, President & CEO, Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce

• Ellie Dote (she/her), Board President, Long Beach LGBT Chamber of Commerce

• Cynthia Oliver (she/her), Executive Director, Three Rivers Business Alliance

 For a list of all NGLCC Affiliate Chambers click here.

# # #

MEDIA CONTACT:     media@lbglcc.org

ABOUT THE LONG BEACH LGBTQ+ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
The Long Beach Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s Mission and Vision is to have a positive impact on the LGBT business and professional community and its allies. Our mission is to increase our visibility as a powerful economic force within our LGBT community and the Greater Long Beach Area.  The Chamber was founded as the Long Beach Community Business Network in 1992 by a group of gay and lesbian business owners to serve as a networking and support organization for gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses within the greater Long Beach area. Since then we have grown to include gender expansive businesses from surrounding areas as well. In partnership with other gay and lesbian nonprofit organizations in Long Beach, LBGLCC contributes to the energy and quality of life within the city and surrounding communities.

www.lbglcc.org  |  @lbglcc on all social media

NGLCC MEDIA CONTACT: press@nglcc.org

ABOUT NGLCC:

The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce is the national business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT-owned businesses.

www.nglcc.org | @nglcc on all social media