NYC's Premier LGBT Chamber of Commerce Sees Strong Membership Increase in Q1 & Q2 2012

Online, July 25, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce New York (NGLCCNY) is seeing steady membership growth in 2012. Forty-six businesses joined New York's LGBT Chamber from January through June 2012. This is a 64% increase over the 28 new memberships produced during the same period in 2011.

"Our fast-paced growth is natural given the high quality of programming and business results our members are enjoying," said Chamber President Richard Oceguera. "And we are especially committed to identifying LGBT owned and operated businesses in the New York area that can be certified as diverse suppliers."

The new members span fields ranging from architecture to film production to international economic development. An abundance of attorneys, hoteliers, event planners, public relations and marketing agencies, and human resources companies are among the savvy new NGLCCNY members.

"I joined NGLCCNY for more than networking - I'm here to be part of a community," said award-winning architect Chad Smith. "My firm is expanding, and one reason I became a member is for the LGBT Business Enterprise certification that will open further avenues of economic opportunity."

All NGLCCNY Business Members are eligible to apply for certification as LGBT Business Enterprises. If approved, this valuable designation gives business owners unique access to corporate contract opportunities and specialized training designed to prepare them to compete on the supplier diversity playing field.

While many small LGBT businesses are drawn to the certification program, a growing number of large mainstream firms are getting involved to develop relationships on a B2B level.

"I was impressed by the caliber of the Chamber members," said Manager Michael Civello of Plum Benefits, a Silver Business Member. "A local hospital was a potential client until my contact there left. I thought the deal was lost - and then I met their human resources staff at an NGLCCNY event. We're discussing a contract now."

NGLCCNY provides monthly professional community building and educational programming for LGBT businesses, non-profits, their allies and major corporations in New York. Visit nglccny.org to learn about membership and upcoming events.

NEW NGLCCNY MEMBERS Q1 & Q2:

Platinum Business Member
Zurich Insurance Group

Silver Business Members
Dorchester Collection
Insignia National Title Agency
Plum Benefits

Bronze Business Members
Chad Smith Architect LLC
Eolo
Lumina Films
Hotel Pennsylvania

Copper Business Members
1-800-TRAVLER LLC
Affordable Health Plans
Anthony Termine M.D.
Balady Promotions, Inc.
Branding for the Future, LLC
Brillon Associates
CapsulePen
Diversity Partners LLC
Etcetera Etcetera
Evolved People Media, LLC
Femworks, LLC
Fleurs
Gellis Associates
Gotham-Beauty.com
GSF Technologies LLC
Hlabeard Productions
Iris Libby Recruitment Consultants, a division of Altsearch Recruitment Consultants
Jeffrey Goldman, Esq.
Ken Jewell, Esq.
King Ferry Winery, Inc.
Law Office of Michael Bond
McDermott Will & Emery
Mediacy Inc.
Metro Ink
Metropolis Risk Management Advisors
Odyssey Leadership
Perfect Pitch Media Relations, Inc.
Remarkable Meetings
Romer Debbas, LLP
Scholastic
Strategic Remedy
UGL Services

Non-Profit Community Partners
Anti-Violence Project
In the Life Media
Swish Pride
Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art