[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 163 (Tuesday, November 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1481]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATIONS ON 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF LGBT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF 
                                ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 15, 2016

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the LGBT Chamber 
of Commerce of Illinois on their 20th Anniversary.
  In 1995, Tracy Baim of Lambda Publications and Kevin Boyer of 
Communications Management, Inc. saw a need for a local chamber of 
commerce dedicated to gay and lesbian owned businesses. Joined by three 
other business owners, they launched the Chicago Area Gay & Lesbian 
Chamber of Commerce. Their goal was to have 30 Members by the first 
organizational meeting in March 1996.
  By the time that meeting was called to order, the Chamber had grown 
to include more than 80 businesses.
  Today the Chamber serves a roster of over 300 Members, a number that 
increases almost daily. These members are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and 
transgender (LGBT) business owners, as well as gay-supportive 
businesses. Together they employ over 2,000 people in the Chicago area, 
with gross revenues that exceed $200 million. Its mission is to promote 
economic opportunities for the LGBT community in the state of Illinois 
by being an advocate and resource for all member businesses that 
encourage equality.
  The LGBT Chamber is very proud of the progress it has made as an 
organization over the past 20 years, and this past year in particular. 
Its partnership with SCORE, launched in February 2016, is the first of 
its kind in the nation, which gives their members access to the 
collective wisdom and guidance of many business leaders. SCORE is the 
premier source of free, confidential business education and mentoring. 
Its ongoing collaboration with the Small Business Administration helps 
bring the resources of the SBA to the Chambers members. These 
partnerships, along with their vital and popular networking 
opportunities, LGBT Business Enterprise Certification, and other 
educational programs, serve to strengthen its member businesses.
  Along with the 20th Anniversary Gala, the LGBT Chamber has major 
initiatives in progress that are designed to help LGBT businesses 
flourish. In this anniversary year, the biggest initiative is to create 
the LGBT Business Foundation of Illinois, a foundation that focuses on 
advocacy, promotion and education for small business owners and their 
employees to grow and prosper.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 20th 
anniversary of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois. I am honored 
to have such an exceptional organization in my district.

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