2023 Impact Report - Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce by Colton Ashabranner

[Y]OUR 2023 2023 IMPACT

Who we are!

The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1997, works to achieve equality and inclusion by promoting economic vitality in our communities and strengthening LGBTQ+ owned and allied businesses. In 2004, the Austin LGBT Chamber became one of the founding members of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) with representation on the Council of Chambers and Business Organizations in 2008-2009 and 2013-present. In 2019, Austin LGBT Chamber joined forces with our partner LGBT Chambers in Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio to form the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce. In 2021, The Austin LGBT, Greater Austin Hispanic, Greater Austin Asian, and Greater Austin Black Chambers of Commerce formed the groundbreaking collaboration, DECA (Diversity Ethnic Chamber Alliance).

About the Chamber - pg. 4

Membership Directory - pg. 14

Events - pg. 24

Committees - pg. 37

2023 Board of Directors

Incoming Board Members

2024BoardChair

Chamber Staff

Gary Schumann 2023 Board Chair Amy Clunie Membership Operations Manager Colton Ashabranner Marketing & Communications Manager Tina Cannon President & CEO Richard Stipe Treasurer Roger Trinh Emilie Kopp Andrew Peters Liz Arreaga Eve Molnar Emily Alley Becky Arreaga Lynn Yeldell Tim Packard Rich Segal Joshua Kettler Andrew Peters Secretary Deirdre Walsh Past Chair Valerie Salinas-Davis Past Chair

Letter from our 2023 Board Chair

As the Board Chair of the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, I am thrilled to present our 2023 Impact Report, celebrating a remarkable year of growth, advocacy, and collaboration.

Membership Growth: Our community has grown stronger and more diverse, with over 100 new members in the past year. This surge signifies the trust and confidence our members place in the Chamber to represent and support their interests.

Advocacy Success: Our relentless advocacy efforts have yielded substantial results. We successfully lobbied for inclusive policies, fostering a more equitable business environment. The Chamber's voice has been heard in legislative chambers, contributing to positive changes that benefit our members and the broader LGBTQ+ community.

Collaboration with Minority Chambers: Embracing the power of unity, we forged impactful partnerships with other minority chambers through our DECA initiative. This collaborative spirit has enabled us to amplify our collective voices, advocating for inclusivity and equal opportunities across diverse business sectors.

Social Connection: Our annual gala exceeded all expectations, serving not

only as a glamorous celebration of our community but also as a crucial fundraiser for future initiatives. The generous support from sponsors and attendees demonstrates the depth of commitment to our shared vision of economic empowerment and equality. The resounding success of the Pride in Local Music Festival showcased our commitment to cultural inclusivity and community engagement. By celebrating diversity through music, we not only created a joyous event but also strengthened our ties with the broader Austin community. The Chamber also held numerous member Ribbon Cuttings, luncheons, happy hours, and other social events providing networking opportunities for our community.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities to continue making a positive impact. Together, we will build on this momentum, ensuring the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce remains a driving force for progress, prosperity, and unity.

Pride, Gary Schumann 2023 Board Chair

2023 By the numbers

EVENTS in 2023 ACTIVE members

FOLLOWERS on social media NEW members in 2023 + + +

INCREASE in year over year membership

70 450 35% 20K 140

Education Fund

The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce has been supporting young LGBTQ+ students for many years.

The mission of the Austin LGBT Chamber Education Fund is to invest in the education, job training, and career opportunities of a diverse group of LGBTQ+ individuals who have the capacity and vision to be prominent business leaders working to create a better world for all.

We are excited to help students find educational opportunities that would otherwise not be available to them. With support from members and donors like you, this is all possible.

We award scholarships to LGBTQ+ and allied students, studying LGBTQ+ related studies, or business professionals seeking professional certifications.

Congratulations

2023 Scholarship Recipients

For information on eligibility or to apply, scan below:

In 2023, the Chamber was able to award $10K in scholarships from the Austin LGBT Chamber Education Fund.

Javier Ramirez Stellan Quan Trinity Edwards Birdie Niles

2023 Review

•Highest member count in Chamber history!

•A Record number of Rainbow Ribbon Cuttings, 2 years in a row.

•First Advocacy Day at the Capitol with Texas LGBTQ+ Chambers of Commerce.

•Introduced our first pro-LGBT bill in the Texas legislature .

•141 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were filed in Texas in 2023 (compared to 76 in 2021). 7 of those bills passed including a healthcare ban, drag ban, and DEI program bans.

•First Small Business Opportunity Summit with DECA

•10th Anniversary Big Queer Kickoff Party at SXSW

•Investment from Travis County into DECA

•Tina Cannon serves on the City's Economic Prosperity Commission, Austin Economic Development Board, Visit Austin Board, Greater Austin Chamber Board, Long Center's Business Arts Council, and the Business Advisory Council for Delta Airlines on behalf of the Chamber.

•Colton Ashabranner and Amy Clunie join Leadership Austin's Emerge 17 Class of 2024. Leadership Austin's Emerge Program is a lab for leadership development where skills are taught, trained, and put into practice through class discussions, team activities, and community involvement.

•Tina Cannon becomes 2024 AARO Fellow. AARO's Frank McBee Jr. Fellows Program is a rigorous, 13-month program for civic leadership development

•Launched Small Town Big Pride Memberships, offering those in smaller communities in the Greater Austin area access to Chamber resources.

•Our President & CEO Tina Cannon was featured on Austin Business Journal's Power Players in Austin list and was honored with an award during their Women in Business Luncheon. She was also on the Austin Woman Magazine 2024 Change Makers list. Tina was also granted an entrepreneurial award during United Nations World Logic Day.

•The 4th Annual Austin LGBT Chamber Holiday Toy Drive was the biggest yet! Together, we donated more than 500 toys for children at Lifeworks Austin.

Austin LGBT Chamber Impact Report

Our Core Partners

The Austin LGBT Chamber gratefully acknowledges the support of our largest member investors and our Corporate Partners and Sponsors for their help in fulfilling the Chamber’s mission. For more information on becoming a sponsor please reach out to info@austinlgbtchamber.com

Pivotal Investor

Premier Investors

Program Sponsors Pride Partners

Austin LGBT Chamber Impact Report - 11

Community Sponsors

DECA

Diversity and Ethnic Chamber Alliance (“DECA”) is a historic parternship comprised of the Austin LGBT Chamber, Greater Austin Asian Chamber, Greater Austin Black Chamber, Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

REED Plan

The REED Plan is a one of kind model setting a new national standard of community collaboration to impact opportunities for minority businesses and workforce.

In 2024, DECA will continue to work with community stakeholders to execute Regional Economic Equity Development (REED) plan components to better align the needs, desires, and capacity of large private-sector economic actors with broader community needs.

While Austin continues to benefit economically, DECA will work to ensure that this prosperity is distributed more equally and that economic opportunity is within reach for everyone in the Austin community, regardless of their ethnicity, sexuality or socio-economic standing.

Collaboration & Education

Find out more at decacentx.com

DECA's First Small Business Opportunity Summit

In August, DECA held our first Small Business Opportunity Summit. Attendees learned from experts about access to capital, certification and procurement, workforce develpment, & much more.

DECA the Halls Membership Mixer

In December, DECA held their first Holiday Membership Mixer at Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown with more than 200 attendees.

Our Members

180 Office Solutions

360 Balance & Dizziness

A+ Federal Credit Union

Abercrombie Law PLLC

Absolute Dermatology & Medi Spa

Acadia Healthcare Accent Food Services

ACL Live

Adam Milne - Texas Independent Insurance & Risk Management

Adobe

AEPARMIA ENGINEERING, PLLC

AGE of Central Texas

Agility Guides, LLC.

aGLIFF (All Genders, Lifestyles and Identities Film Festival)

AIDS Healthcare Foundation

AjK Family Rescue

Alfred's Catering

Alison Thorn, Realtor Alliance Abroad Group

Ally Medical Emergency Room

Alzheimer's Association

American Allied Pest Control of Austin

American Red Cross

Amplify Credit Union

Amy R. Cook, CPA

Antique Gallery Round Rock

Antonelli's Cheese Shop

Apple

Apricot Solar

Arca Continental

Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages

Ashley Nicole Affair

ASHwell

Atheist Community of Austin

ATX Construction Clean

ATX Cross Stitch Bitch

Austin Art In Public Places

Austin Asian American Film Festival

Austin Bar Association

Austin Board of Realtors - ABoR

Austin Chamber of Commerce

Austin Community College District

Austin Community Soccer Association

Report

Austin LGBT Chamber Impact

Members

(continued)

Austin Custom Builders LLC

Austin Energy

Austin FC

Austin Fire & Flood

Austin Gay Men's Chorus

Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce Education Fund

Austin LGBT Coalition on Aging

Austin Opera

Austin Passion Test

Austin Police Association

Austin Police Department

Austin Pride

Austin Pride Toastmasters Club

Austin Public Library

Austin Rainbow Theatre

Austin Regional Clinic

Austin Rise FC

Austin Symphony Orchestra

Austin Theatre Alliance

Austin Young Chamber of Commerce

Authentic Impact

Avita Pharmacy

B. D. Riley's Irish Pub Bandstand Presents

Bank of America

Barbara's Brides

Barbs B Q

Barnett & Garcia, PLLC

Baylor Scott & White Health Hospice

Beerburg Brewing Company

Behr Paint

Best Little Wine & Books

Better Half

Big Country Organic Brewing Co.

Big Gorilla Design

Bittel Books & Taxes

Bizaan Holdings, LLC

Blanton Museum of Art

Blue Lotus Weight Management

Bob's Your Coach

Brad Herrera-State Farm

Brew & Brew

Britton and Britton

Insurance Services

Austin LGBT Chamber Impact

Report - 15

Members

(continued)

Bryce Ramos Photography LLC

Buda Area Chamber of Commerce

Bumperactive

C3Presents

Caim Chiropractic

Canadian Executive Search Group

Canopy by Hilton

Austin Downtown

Capital Metro

Capital Strategies

Capps Law Firm, PLLC

Caritas of Austin

Carrie Welch State

Farm insurance

CASA of Travis County

Casata

CCR Studios

Celzo

Central Texas Clinical Research

Central Texas Food Bank

CHA Law Group, PC

Cheer Up Charlies

Chotchkes

Chris Rodriguez, REALTOR®

Cicada Lighting, LLC

Cirrus Logic, Inc.

City Limits Subaru

City of Austin Animal Services

City of Austin Economic Development Department

City of Austin Health and Human Services

City of Austin Municipal Court & Downtown Austin Community Court

City of Austin Office of City Manager

City of Austin Parks and Recreation

City of Austin Small Business Program

City of Austin Development Services Department

Classic Chassis Car Club - Lamba Car Club International

Clear Impact Solutions

16 - Austin LGBT Chamber Impact Report

Clement's Paint & Decorating Inc.

Cofer & Connelly, PLLC

Colette Austin

Compose Yourself, LLC

Conspirare

Content Sprout

Copperbox Leadership Advisory

Creative Action

Crunch Tax Services

CTA Worldwide

Chauffeured Transportation

Cyber Warfighters Group, Inc

Daddy's Barbershop, Inc.

Daniel J. Leeman, MD

Darian Rausch, REALTOR

Daydream Believer Creative

Deaf Austin Theatre

Deanna Garza

DebnamRust PC

Dee Ussery Realtor®

Deep Relief LLC

Deitchle + Simone Law Firm PLLC

Members

(continued)

Dell Technolgies

Departure Lounge

Destiel

Dickerson CPA, PLLC

Diversity Equity

Inclusiveness Consulting LLC

Do the Werq, LLC

Dolce Estivo Winery

Domain Construction Services, Inc

DoorDash

Dorothy's Cafe

Downtown Austin Alliance

dozanü innovations

Dr. Luke Johnson w/ Balcones Dental

Dress for Success Austin

Drink Slingers

Dumont's

Eastside Movement Co.

Eaton Fine Art, Inc.

Eclipse Event Co.

ECPR Texas

El Raval Restaurant and Tapas Bar

Ella's Apothecary

Ellen R Shaffer, CPA, LLC

Ellie Mental Health

Elysian Plastic Surgery

Emily McGranahan

LMT

End of an Ear Records

Endeavor Home

Lending

Entirety Financial

Entrepreneurs Foundation

Established Sartorial

Estelle's Social Lounge

Evans Family Law Group

Excel Global Partners

Extragrams!

Fahntoosh Enterprises

LLC

FLAVNT Streetwear

Flavor Co. Catering

Fogo de Chao

Foster Innovations

Founders First Capital Partners

Freebirds World Burrito

FVF Law

G&A Partners

Garrett Digital

Gaslight-Baker Theatre

GayRealEstate.com

Ghisallo Cycling Initiative

Gina's on Congress

Golden Soul Salon

Gonzo Strategy

Austin, LLC

Goodwill

Google

Gràcia Mediterranean

Gray Becker, PC

Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce

Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce

Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Ground Floor Theatre

Growth Acceleration Partners

Gusto Italian Kitchen +

Wine Bar

GVG Agency

Hahn Public

Halcyon Home, LLC

Chamber Impact Report - 17

Austin LGBT

Members

(continued)

Harmonic Speech

Therapy

Haunt Happy Books

HavenCon

Health Alliance for Austin Musicians

H-E-B

Highland Lakes Equality Center

Hill Country Ride for AIDS

Hilton Austin

Hold Out Brewing

Hot Dog Marketing

Housing Authority of the City of Austin

Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce Human Rights Campaign Texas

Hunter Coleman Wealth Strategies

Huntington-Surrey School

Huston-Tillotson University

IGC

I'm From Driftwood

Industrious

Inka's Screen Printing

LLC

International School of Texas

Iron Bear

Jarrott Productions

Joel Walsh Realtor

Just Mind

JZD

Kalologie Medspa

Austin

Kerbey Lane Cafe

Kind Clinic

Kirker Davis LLP

KMFA Classical 89.5

KOOP 91.7 FM

KOOP Radio 97.1 FM

Kroo Enterprises

Land Sea Soul

LATHAM & WATKINS

LLP

Laurel Coyle Photographs

Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas

Leaders Transform LLC

Leadership Austin

18 - Austin LGBT Chamber Impact Report

Leap to Success

Lee, Gober & Reyna

Legend & Ko.

Lesbian & Gay Peace Officers Association

Life in the City Service at First United

Methodist Church

Lifeworks

Lisa Hause Photography

Little Brother

Load Off Fanny's

Lockhart Arts and Craft

Londos Meadows

The Long Center for the Performing Arts

Loop & Lil's

LOVELOUD Foundation

Lynch Law Firm

Maidpro Central Austin

Make Entertainment Group

Manual Art and Project Solutions

Marcy Bell, MA, LPC

Mastermind Business Services

Matthew Balderas Photography

Members

(continued)

Maxim Hair Restoration

McGinnis Lochridge

Medicine In Motion

Medrano's Painting

Members (continued)

Roger Trinh Talent Solutions

Rollfast Ranchwear

Romanfield Enterprise Consulting

RSM US LLP

S.P.A.R.K.

Sabrina Kones, PMHNP-BC, PLLC

Sage Recovery Austin

Sam Sedlack Creative, LLC

Samsung Austin Semiconductor

San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Savrick, Schumann, Johnson, McGarr, Kaminski & Shirley, LLP

Scissor Sisters Salon

and Spa

Screamer.Co

Seal Otter LLC

Seven Oaks Law

Seventh Scout

SharpeVision

Modern Lasik

Side Kitsch Vintage

SignatureCare ER

South Austin

Silicon Labs

SL Phillips Law PLLC

Sleep Cycle Center

SOAL Technologies

Social Venture Partners

Austin

SoCo Wellness Center, PLLC

Sphere Realty & Property Management

State Theatre

St. David's Healthcare

Stensland Strategies

STG Design

Still Austin Whiskey

Stonewall Democrats of Austin

Stretch Zone

Studio Steinbomer

Sugar Valley Therapy

Sugarox Candy Studio LLC

Sun Dragon Martial

Arts and Self Defense, NFP

Sunday Lunchbox

Sunsational Solutions

20 - Austin LGBT Chamber Impact Report

Swallow Wines

SXSW

Tapestry Dance

Taylor Pride

Teacher Retirement

System of Texas

Terry Sayther

Automotive

Tesla

Texas Capital Bank

Texas CASA

Texas Gas Service

Texas Mutual

The Ampersand Group

The Arc of the Capital Area

The Body Collective

The Contemporary Austin

The County Line

The Courtyard ATX

The Cupcake Bar

The Davenport

The Existential Coach

The Four Seasons Hotel

- Austin

The Fowler Law Firm

The Frances Modern Inn

Members

(continued)

The Law Office of Yohana Saucedo P.C.

The Little Gay Shop

The New Philanthropists

The Pub ATX

The Purple Fig Eco Cleaning Co

The Ready Zone

The University of Texas at Austin

Athletics Department

The Venue

The VORTEX

The Zebra

Therapy with David

They Them Consulting

This Too Shall Pass

Ticketed.co

TIN Rx

Tina She Productions

LLC

Tito's Handmade Vodka

Traci Campbell, LCSW

Transgender Education Network of Texas

Truist Bank

Truluck's Ocean's

Finest Seafood and Crab

Twin Liquors

U.S. Small Business Administration

UNHUSHED

United Rentals

United Way for Greater Austin

University Federal Credit Union

Upward Logistics Group LLC

VCFO

Vireo Fitness

Visa Inc.

Visit Austin

Vivent Health

Waller Creek

Conservancy Wheelhouse Lifestyle Solutions

Whiteford Resources / Applied Emotional Intelligence

Williamson County and Cities Health District

Wimpy Originals

Wine for the People

Wishing Horse Productions

Women's Health Domain

Wondercide Natural Products

Workforce Solutions

Capital Area

Yoga for All Humans

YourBikerGang.com

Zach Theatre

ZenBusiness

ZRG Partners

Scan the QR code & Join the Chamber to be added to our Member Directory

Report - 21

Austin LGBT Chamber Impact

New Members

180 Office Solutions

ACL Live

AEPARMIA ENGINEERING, PLLC

Agility Guides, LLC.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation

Amplify Credit Union

Antique Gallery Round

Rock

Ashley Nicole Affair

Austin Chamber of Commerce

Austin Community

Soccer Association

Austin LGBT Coalition on Aging

Austin Passion Test

Austin Rainbow Theatre

Austin Rise FC

Barbs B Q

Baylor Scott & White

Health Hospice

Beerburg Brewing Company

Best Little Wine & Books

Better Half

Blue Lotus Weight Management

Bob's Your Coach

Brew & Brew

Bryce Ramos

Photography LLC

Buda Area Chamber of Commerce

Caim Chiropractic

Carrie Welch State

Farm insurance

Central Texas Food Bank

Chotchkes

City Limits Subaru

Classic Chassis Car Club - Lamba Car Club

International

Clear Impact Solutions

Compose Yourself, LLC

Conspirare

Creative Action

CTA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation

Deaf Austin Theatre

Deanna Garza

Dee Ussery Realtor®

Destiel

Dickerson CPA, PLLC

Diversity Equity

Inclusiveness Consulting LLC

Dolce Estivo Winery

Dorothy's Cafe

Drink Slingers

Eastside Movement Co.

El Raval Restaurant

and Tapas Bar

Ella's Apothecary

Ellie Mental Health

Emily McGranahan

LMT

Endeavor Home Lending

Estelle's Social Lounge

Flavor Co. Catering

FVF Law

Gaslight-Baker Theatre

Ghisallo Cycling Initiative

Gina's on Congress

Golden Soul Salon

Gràcia Mediterranean

Growth Acceleration Partners

GVG Agency

Haunt Happy Books

Health Alliance for

Austin Musicians

Hold Out Brewing

Hot Dog Marketing

Human Rights

Campaign Texas

IGC

I'm From Driftwood

Industrious

Jarrott Productions

JZD

KOOP 91.7 FM

Kroo Enterprises

Land Sea Soul

Laurel Coyle

Photographs

Lisa Hause Photography

Little Brother

Load Off Fanny's

Lockhart Arts and Craft

Londos Meadows

Loop & Lil's

LOVELOUD Foundation

Make Every Media

Manual Art and Project Solutions

Marcy Bell, MA, LPC

Mastermind Business Services

Medrano's Painting

Momo's Michelada Mix

Mr. Brown's Pet Stop

MTP, Inc.

Murray's Tavern

Nickel City

Nostalgic Gifts & Gallery

NRP Group

NTG

Old Pal Texas Tavern

Oracle

Orsted

PCCPA

PFLAG San Marcos

Pflugerville Pride

PIX Sports Gear LLC

Pride of Caldwell County

Pure For Men

Rainbow Bat Lodging

Rhinestone Cowboy

Rollfast Ranchwear

Romanfield Enterprise Consulting

Sabrina Kones, PMHNP-BC, PLLC

Salvaged Studio

Sam Sedlack Creative, LLC

Seven Oaks Law

SL Phillips Law pllc

Stretch Zone

Studio Steinbomer

Sugar Valley Therapy

Sugarox Candy Studio LLC

Sunsational Solutions

Swallow Wines

Taylor Pride

Texas CASA

The Ampersand Group

The Arc of the Capital Area

The BrancHR Group

The Courtyard ATX

The Cupcake Bar

The Davenport

The Existential Coach

The Frances Modern Inn

The Pub ATX

The Ready Zone

The Venue

Therapy with David

This Too Shall Pass

Ticketed.co

Tina She Productions LLC

Twin Liquors

UNHUSHED

Vireo Fitness

Visit Austin

Whiteford Resources

/ Applied Emotional Intelligence

Wimpy Originals

Wine for the People

Wishing Horse Productions

YourBikerGang.com

Austin LGBT Chamber Impact

Report - 23

2023 Events

Education. Connections. Advocacy.

The Chamber held over 70 unique programming events, creating successful connections, referrals and memories!

The Chamber advocates for LGBT-owned and allied businesses on city, county, and state levels.

24 - Austin LGBT Chamber Impact Report

Chamber committees continued to hold relevant webinars and meetings helping businesses in Austin find resources needed to thrive!

Statewide Advocacy

In Texas, when business thrives, people prosper. For this to happen, ALL Texans must be included and respected. Our state should be open for business and open for ALL.

The 1,000+ LGBTQ and Allied business members of the Austin, Houston, North Texas, and San Antonio LGBT Chambers of Commerce speak with one voice.

We call upon our local elected representatives to introduce or support legislation that supports diversity in the workplace and opposes discrimination. We know, in Texas, when business thrives, people prosper.

Advocacy Day

Over 170 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were filed in the 88th Texas Legislature. In February 2023, the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce held their first Advocacy Day at the Capitol. Attendees and Chamber leadership met with their elected officials.

Bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender Texans, are bad for business and bad for Texas. AntiLGBTQ+ bills devalue Texans and hurt our economy. Our state should be open to all. Anti-LGBTQ+ bills are bad for business and bad for Texas.

Day at the Capitol

- Austin LGBT Chamber Impact Report

Pride in Local Music

In 2023, the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce produced the Fourth Annual Pride in Local Music Festival on 4th Street! PILM — a full scale outdoor live music and creative festival celebrates the rainbow heartbeat of our town, known for our live music scene.

Since its inception, the Chamber has booked 40+ local LGBTQ+ artists for the festival.

The event featured more than 10 LGBTQ+ Austin musicians. In addition to the PILM stage, the festival showcased an OUTlaw Pride Fest Stage and a Pride Marketplace curated by The Little Gay Shop.

CHARLIES Austin LGBT

Impact Report - 27

Chamber

2023 Lineup inlcuded GINA CHAVEZ, BUTCH COUNTY,Primo the alien, julie nolen, promqueen, glass mansions, heyonce, brand new key, female Gallery, Tina G, S.JAI, AND MORE! Celia Light and MAEVE HAVEN with Extragrams EMCEED with help from chamber staff, mayor KIRK WATSON, AND OUR FRIENDS AT KUTX.

prideinlocalmusic.com ®

28 - Austin LGBT Chamber Impact Report

Business

The Business of Pride Gala is a labor of love for us here at the chamber. We LOVE seeing all of you stepping out and serving glam to support Austin’s vibrant and creative LGBTQ+ businesses.

The continued economic prosperity for our community depends on the steadfast kindness from all of you, and for that we Thank You.

30 - Austin LGBT Chamber Impact Report

™

2023

Business

Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown received the Corporate Partner of the Year award. LGPOA received the Ceci Gratias Non-profit of the Year award. SignatureCare Emergency Center received Health & Wellness Partner of the Year award. Extragrams received the Creative Arts Member of the Year award. Justin Galicz received Rising Star, Nico Ramsey received Pride in Leadership, and Emily Beckman received the President's Award. Travis County Judge Andy Brown received the Pride in Government award, & Bethany Cyrtmus-Davaul is Community Leader of the Year. Texas Capital Bank received the Allied Business of the Year award. Misc. Rentals received the LGBT-Owned Business of the Year award. sponsored by sponsored by sponsored by

32 - Austin LGBT Chamber Impact Report

SXSW Official Panels & Big Queer Kickoff Party

In 2023, the Chamber produced the Big Queer Kickoff Party and 3 panels.

The Business of Drag Queer Representation in Film Advocacy through Art

We host Monthly Luncheons and Monthly Happy Hours on the 3rd Thursdays of each month. Both are great networking opportunities!

Luncheons & Happy Hours Rainbow Ribbon Cuttings

Our Chamber held a record number of Rainbow Ribbon Cuttings in 2023, welcoming new members with ribbon and a giant pair of scissors for the perfect photo op! Haven't had yours? Email membership@ austinlgbtchamber.com to schedule today!

Report - 35

Austin LGBT Chamber Impact

Supplier Diversity & LGBTBE Certification

IS YOUR COMPANY 51% LGBT OWNED?

LGBTBE CERTIFICATION MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR YOU!

Certification as an LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) gives your business the opportunity to compete for sourcing contracts with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s (NGLCC) Corporate Supplier Diversity Partners. These Corporate Partners are committed to creating a diverse supply chain that is inclusive of LGBT businesses, and have targeted amounts for spending with diverse business enterprises. Getting your business certified is a necessary element of gaining access to these millions of corporate dollars.

Austin LGBT Chamber's LGBTBE's

acookcpa,

pc

Aeparmia Engineering

Agility Guides

Austin Fire and Flood

Barnett & Garcia, PLLC

Bittel Books & Taxes, PLLC

Bizaan Holdings, LLC

Cicada Lighting, LLC

Crunch Consulting LLC

Cyberwarfighters Group, Inc

Do the Werq, LLC

dozanü innovations

Drink Slingers

Eaton Fine Art, Inc.

El Raval Restaurant & Tapas Bar

Excel Global Partners

Free Lion Productions

Garrett Digital

GVG Agency

JZD

Leaders Transform, LLC

Mastermind Business Services

Midtown Independence Title

MTP, Inc.

OutBranding Promos

OutFitness

Parade Pediatric Speach

Therapy

Pride Socks

The Ready Zone Rizse

Seventh Scout SoCo Wellness Center, PLLC

Sugar Valley Therapy

Texas Independent

Insurance & Risk Management

They Them Consulting

Upward Logistics Group

Whiteford Resources

Yoga for All Humans

36 - Austin LGBT Chamber Impact Report

Committees.

Art Committee

Committee Chair

Todd Hogan-Sanchez

The Art Committee is focused on showcasing the amazing and diverse creative economy, the creators behind it, and on providing methods to help artists find success and showcase their talents, the Arts Committee leads the charge on producing several events including Pride in Local Music and the Annual Chamber Arts Mixer.

Ambassadors

Committee Co-Chairs

Lauren Mollard & Becky Arreaga

Ambassadors are Austin LGBT Chamber Members committed to welcoming new members and strengthening the bonds of membership! Ambassadors also help us with Rainbow Ribbon Cuttings.

One of the best ways to get involved and expand your network is through committees. We work together to solve problems and impact change in our community from advocating business policies to events and so much more!

info@austinlgbtchamber.com

Get Involved

Committees. (continued)

Health + Wellness

Committee Co-Chairs

Rich Segal & Katy Rankin

The Health & Wellness Committee maps out strategies to convene healthcare providers to impact the health and wellness of LGBTQ+ Austin. We focus on employee wellness and healthcare advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels. We act as a resource and neutral forum for the entire community, both patients and providers, through advocacy, education, and connections.

The Health & Wellness Committee holds an annual Pride Health Fair, feauring members of the comittee and all of the resources that they offer. The committee also spearheads the Austin LGBT Chamber Holiday Toy Drive, benefiting children at LifeWorks Austin.

Committees. (continued)

Advocacy

Committee Chair

Gary Schumann

The Advocacy Committee monitors civics, infrastructure, and community issues affecting the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce member businesses and employees. The Committee is composed of Chamber members and works closely with the President & CEO, Board Chair, elected officials, other chambers in Austin, and the Texas LGBTQ+ Chambers of Commerce. Together, we shape policy that protects member businesses and the LGBTQ+ workforce, and advocate for their economic prosperity.

Business Academy

ERG Roundtable

The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce Business Academy is focused on providing value-added training to our small business members throughout the year. Topics will range from how to establish your small business to managing your business once it is up and running. With sessions occurring every other month, the intent of the Business Academy is to give business owners the opportunity to learn new skills while creating a professional network of subject matter experts to collaborate with as your business continues to grow.

The ERG committee provides an open forum for education and awareness supporting the professional growth of LGBTQ+ individuals by fostering a safe environment within their companies/ businesses for individuals to be authentic in the workplace.

Thank You Sponsors.