National Grid supports development of Long Island’s first LGBT Chamber of Commerce
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Standing in Solidarity: National Grid Supports Formation of Long Island LGBT Chamber of Commerce (L to R): Chevonne Dixon, Senior Program Manager CCM; Alex Paoli, Associate Analyst, CCM; Haley White, Long Island Community Relations Manager; David Kilmnick, PhD., President and CEO of LGBT Network and Chamber; Robert Vitelli, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of LGBT Network; Kathy Wisnewski, Director, CCM Long Island; Brian Sapp, Government Relations Manager for Suffolk County; Krisitne Rakic, LI CCM Gridtern.
The business community on Long Island got a boost from National Grid to help create the Long Island LGBT Chamber of Commerce. The chamber, the first regional LGBT chamber in the area, received a $5,000 Project C grant from the company. The announcement was made at LGBT Network’s headquarters in Hauppauge, Long Island on July 12.
“LGBT-owned business owners continue to face unique obstacles that limit economic attainment and business success” said David Kilmnick, LGBT Network founder and President/CEO. “Anti-LGBT discrimination still exists, and it impacts the ability of LGBT people to start, grow, and sustain businesses. The Long Island LGBT Chamber of Commerce will break down those barriers by providing supports and by incorporating the broader business community.”
Membership to the Long Island LGBT Chamber of Commerce is open to any and all types of businesses interested in supporting LGBT-owned businesses and the LGBT community.
“We have a long, proud legacy of supporting our communities,” added Kathy Wisnewski, National Grid’s Director of Customer and Community Management (CCM) on Long Island. “One of our Project C commitments is to compassionately address the challenges our customers face, including environmental justice and social equity. (See a video of Kathy's remarks below.)
“To do that, we must break barriers so that LGBT business owners have the same resources and opportunities available to them as other businesses. This new chamber will not only benefit the LGBT community, but the entire Long Island business community and economy.”
Others lending their support at the announcement included the Long Island Association, Hauppauge Industrial Association of Long Island, Suffolk County Executive’s Office, the law firm Bell Law Group, and several businesses.
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