CIA to be a Sponsor of Natl LGBT Chamber Conference

WASHINGTON, D.C.—LGBT-certified business owners from around the world will meet in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., next month to reflect on an unprecedented year of advancement. The milestones include Apple CEO Tim Cook announcing he is gay and the U.S. Supreme Court decision affirming marriage equality in all 50 states.

For the first time at NGLCC, the CIA will serve as a sponsor. The CIA has developed a strong working relationship with the NGLCC since 2012. NGLCC has provided introductions to affiliate chambers across the country, which has enabled the CIA to dispel myths and misconceptions about the agency, discuss current diversity and inclusion efforts, and highlight the many internships and job opportunities at CIA. The CIA seeks to be an employer of choice for the LGBT community, and sees the NGLCC as a key partner in these efforts.

The NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference will be the first major national gathering of LGBT advocates and supporters since the Supreme Court marriage decision.

Attendees will hear from:

• Suze Orman, who USA Today has called “a force in the world of personal finance” and a “one-woman financial-advice powerhouse.” Time and Forbes have named her as one of the 100 most influential and powerful people in the world.
• Richard Quest, CNN’s foremost international business correspondent and host of “Quest Means Business.”
• Jonathan Capehart, Washington Post columnist and MSNBC commentator.

The NGLCC Biz Competition will involve LGBT entrepreneurs from three companies who will be selected to give their best 15-minute presentations on their company, a new or existing product, market or other innovation with the purpose of gaining valuable feedback from an expert panel of angel investors, venture capitalists and other business experts.

“This has been a momentous year for the LGBT movement. That is why it is so important to keep the momentum going and continue to push forward,” says Justin Nelson, president and co-founder. “NGLCC and our allies will urge Congress to enact the Equality Act, which would ensure the well-being of America’s diverse and innovative workforce, as well as non-discrimination in housing, credit, public spaces and services, education, federally funded programs and more.”

“Looking beyond domestic issues,” adds Chance Mitchell, co-founder and CEO, “NGLCC is committed to fostering the growth of LGBT entrepreneurs and business organizations around the world. This year’s conference will reflect this emphasis; we will be hosting discussions and workshops intended to realize this goal.”

The conference, which will be held Aug. 11–14 at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, will be the largest LGBT business development event in the world. For more information visit: nglcc.org/events