It's been an amazing first year for the Mid-America Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, full of reasons to celebrate and look forward to the future. What started as a group of community leaders around a table has become something bigger and better than any of us could have imagined - and we're just getting started. Here's to the next year of the MAGLCC!
Who We Are
The Mid-America GLCC advocates, promotes and facilitates the success of the LGBT business community and its allies, using the guiding principles of equality, inclusion, economics and education. Our purpose is to create, identify and enhance business opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly organizations, thereby fostering a more inclusive and vibrant economy in the region.
In just one year, our membership has grown to over 125 diverse organizations. Members include large corporations, small businesses, sole proprietorships, individuals, government offices and nonprofits.
What We Do
B2B Network:
Our networking events, held on the second Thursday of each month by a Mid-America GLCC member, bring everyone together in a social atmosphere. They provide plenty of opportunities to meet, network, and learn good business practices. The hosting member business gives a highlight presentation of their company, and two selected members are invited to share a two-minute snapshot of their business or organization. It's fun, it's educational, it's good for business - and there are even door prizes for attendees!
Master Minds:
This monthly, 90-minute brainstorming session brings members together to discuss business challenges and opportunities. It is a safe environment where we celebrate success, solve pressing issues, offer support and encouragement, unleash creativity, and gain valuable insights to expand and grow businesses. Each session is structured to give the spotlight to one individual business - issues, utilize the powerful minds and diverse disciplines within our community, and help establish valuable relationships between like-minded industry professionals.
Business Equality Conferences:
This is an excellent opportunity for our Kansas City LGBT community and straight allies to come together at the business table. More than 60 guests attended the November event, hosted at Studio Dan Meiners. The conference highlighted smart business practices, encouraged individual and company business pursuits, and gave members insight and a chance to learn from each other. We will follow up this success with our second annual conference later this year.
Certification:
Our Supplier Diversity Committee works closely with the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of commerce (NGLCC) to certify that businesses are owned, operated, and controlled by LGBT individuals. Eligible businesses will join the list of more than 400 certified LGBT Business Enterprises across the United States, helping the NGLCC continue to be the largest LGBT business development and economic advocacy organization in the country. The Kansas City area now has 11 certified LGBT businesses, with more to come this year.
Communications Committee:
Our Communications Committee works to expand our influence across Mid-America. This year we focused on three foundational elements. We honed in on who we are as a chamber and the unique role we play in the community through our brand voice. We then developed a comprehensive brand architecture with an eye to a future of growth and expansion. Lastly we brought all these elements together with a brand look and feel that visually links all of our communications. We also showcased several members through spotlights in various media outlets.
The Mid-America Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MAGLCC) advocates, promotes and facilitates the success of the LGBT business community and its allies. Learn more at maglcc.org.