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Weekly Wrap-Up: April 1, 2022

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The Weekly

Wrap Up

April 1, 2022

What the Chamber worked on this week and what you need to know.

CEO Brief

Yesterday, Thursday, March 31, 2022, was the 13th annual International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). This day is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of transgender and gender-nonconforming people while raising awareness of the work that still needs to be done to achieve trans justice.

We would like to highlight the incredible work of Henry Seaton and the ACLU of Middle Tennessee. ACLU-TN just launched its TRANScend Tennessee program and it has already had a huge impact. Henry has been hard at work at the legislature this year, educating on trans issues and speaking out against the attacks on the trans community. Please take a moment to watch his moving and impactful testimony from this week against the anti-pronouns legislation.

For Transgender Day of Visibility, we asked everyone to take time to educate themselves on how to speak about transgender people. We also want to highlight last year's program where we heard from Olivia Hill and Jace Wilder on their personal stories and on trans issuesWe must continue to hear from trans voices and educate ourselves on trans issues. We look forward to doing more programs soon regarding this.


Yesterday was the final day to submit nominations for the Pride In Business Awards. Did you miss the deadline? Well, you are in luck, you can still submit but do it now below! 


Predator Pride Night tickets are almost gone. You better grab yours now! 


Lauren attended, with several of our small business members, two forums this week on supplier diversity. You can find more information about those forums below.


I was in East Tennessee this week for Leadership Tennessee. It was a wonderful experience in a part of the state I was not familiar with and I learned so much. The people are passionate and engaged in making their area of the state thrive. I was able to meet with Eastman Chemical, Bristol Motor Speedway, Balad Health, and ETSU to discuss the Chamber’s work and membership. We were also able to meet with the Appalachian LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the newly formed chamber in the area covering Tennessee and Virginia. We had a wonderful conversation and made plans for collaboration and partnership in our work of advancing LGBT equality through the workplace. 


That mission was front and center last Saturday when the board met for our strategic planning retreat. Thank you to our Titanium member, Waller Law, for hosting us and to all the board members that volunteered their time on a beautiful Saturday to chart the future of the Chamber. 

 

Looking through the survey results for the retreat, Lauren and I were happy to see that 75% of respondents (which half of the membership responded) listed the Weekly as their top member benefit, and left many other comments on how much they valued it. We are thrilled to hear this and will keep bringing these to you, highlighting all you need to know that the Chamber is working on for you

 

-Joe 

 

ADVOCATE

We now have two bills we were working to stop sent to the General-Sub Committee. While they are not dead, this is a very positive move that makes it highly unlikely that these bills could pass. The “Youth Protection Act” and now the “Don't Say Gay V.2” are there.

 

The other bills on our Priority Bill List are up next week and we are engaged in stopping them. Several bills moved forward this week. The session is quickly winding down and we need everyone to engage now if you are going to do so. There is still a need and opportunity for the business voice to speak out directly to key leaders on this issue. Contact us to find out more. 

 

As I mentioned, our LGBT grassroots equality group is working hard and doing incredible things.***Take direct grassroots action! Our partners the Tennessee Equality Project have several campaigns active. We hope you will take action.  

 

A positive action in our advocacy work, the Justice Department announced that it issued a letter to all state attorneys general reminding them of federal constitutional and statutory provisions that protect transgender youth against discrimination, including when those youth seek gender-affirming care. This will be used next week to help emphasize the issues of passing anti-LGBT legislation. 

 

EDUCATE

Small Business Education Track

We hosted tables at the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Small & Diverse Business Forum on Tuesday and Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s Business Taking Off on Friday. Thank you to both of these members for giving us the opportunity to talk about our work in the business community. We will continue to feed opportunities to our certified LGBT Business Enterprises.

RESCHEDULED: Join BAO and partner organizations on Wednesday, April 27th for training to help local business owners determine who all they want and need to be certified with. The Nashville LGBT Chamber will offer insights on certifying your business as an LGBT Business Enterprise. Register now!

 

Corporate Education Track

Join fellow ERG leaders on Wednesday, April 13th for a small group session to share tips and walk through the application process for the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index. This session aims to help first-time applicants or companies below 100 reach that top score. In this session, ERG leaders across the country will share insights gained, challenges experienced, and top tips for reaching 100. Register now!

 

CONNECT

Upcoming Chamber Events

The Nashville Predators in partnership with the Nashville LGBT Chamber and Nashville Pride will host the 7th Annual Predators Pride Night presented by SmileDirectClub during the game on April 12th. A Pride Plaza Party will kick off the game on the Bridgestone Arena Main Plaza featuring Chamber members and partners.

 

Tickets are selling out quickly. Grab your tickets now!

Join us on Thursday, April 21st for PM Brewing Up Business hosted by The Hart at BentoLiving Chestnut Hill! The Hart brings the Pacific Rim to the American South, featuring the freshest local ingredients and international takes on traditional dishes. Come check out this incredible space and make meaningful connections! Light appetizers and drinks will be available for all guests. Register now!

We are proud to bring you the Pride in Business Awards IN PERSON on Friday, June 3rd at the Music City Center. Tickets, tables, and sponsorships are available for purchase now.

 

First, we need someone to give the awards to and we want to hear from YOU. The nominations deadline has been extended to Thursday, April 7th. Use this form to nominate a deserving business, organization, or individual!

 

Upcoming Member Events

Drag Happy Hour

Sunday, April 10

Community Health Fair

Saturday, April 30

Upcoming Nashville Pride Events

Martinis and Jazz

Thursday, Apr. 28

Nashville Pride Parade

Saturday, Jun. 25


 

HOT DEALS

JOBS BOARD

NEWS RELEASES

 

MEMBERSHIP

Please join us in welcoming the following businesses that JOINED our Chamber this week:

  • Networking: Lakeview Health
 

Titanium Member

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Platinum Members

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Gold Members

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