RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 3, 2021
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing the 25th anniversary of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois
Body
WHEREAS, the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Chamber of Commerce (LGBTCC) of Illinois was founded in 1995 by business owners Tracy Baim and Kevin Boyer. Observing that there was a void when it came to networking and resource opportunities for gay and lesbian entrepreneurs, the organization (originally named the Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce) was created with the initial goal of having thirty members by its first meeting in March of 1996. By the time of the meeting, there were more than eighty businesses that had joined the organization; and
WHEREAS, since its founding, the LGBTCC has expanded its mission to include professional and business development, advocacy, and education. The current mission is to promote economic opportunities for the LGBT community by serving as an advocate for all members; and
WHEREAS, the LGBTCC currently boasts more than 300 members, employs more than 2,000 people, and has revenue which exceeds $200 million annually; and
WHEREAS, in 2019, the LGBTCC launched the LGBTQ+ Biz Boot Camp with the objective of providing support during the critical first years of business operation to ensure success by supplying necessary encouragement, tools, and resources to assist in creating a sustainable business; and
WHEREAS, throughout the novel coronavirus pandemic, the LGBTCC has continued its work, hosting numerous events aimed at demonstrating the strength and determination of its member businesses, as well as offering much needed reassurance and assistance; and
WHEREAS, the LGBTCC continues to be a frontrunner in the arena of raising awareness on issues facing the LGBTQ community such as employment inclusion through its support of #HireTransNOW; and
WHEREAS, the year 2021 marks a quarter-century of service, advocacy, and training for the LGBTCC; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize the 25th anniversary of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois and acknowledge its work in promoting LGBT businesses; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois.
Dated: June 3, 2021