The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois took its supporters back in time at Chicago's Ivy Room at Tree Studios Nov. 17. Their anniversary gala celebrated the 1893 Chicago World's Fair for what the organization called "a celebration 20 years in the making."
With an eclectic array of exquisite food provided by restaurants including Lettuce Entertain You, RPM Steak, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba, II Porcellino, Mon Ami Gabi, Nacional 27, Osteria Stato, Summer House Santa Monica, Shaw's and Beatrix as well as performances from belly dancing to acrobatics on display from the Chicago Cabaret Project, guests reveled in the joy of community while honoring the 20 years since Windy City Times Publisher Tracy Baim and a group of business owners began what Chamber Board Chair Billy Stevenson called "not just a chamber of commerce, but a movement."
"Starting a chamber of commerce [for] the LGBT community is putting an economic face on a social movement," Stevenson said. "Who doesn't pay attention when money talks?"
"We don't know what Jan. 21 [the day after Donald Trumps' inauguration] is going to bring, but our business and our community in general will need to be ever stronger," he noted. "With your help and support, we will continue to be your voice."
To that end, Stevenson announced the formation of the LGBT Business Foundation of Illinois, which is an "official 501 ( c )( 3 ) organization that will work tirelessly to foster LGBT diversity and advancement for LGBT business opportunities, LGBT workforce development, LGBT small business training and development and LGBT advocacy."
"Every action we have taken this year was strategic," Chamber Executive Director Gerardo Rodriguez said. "Focusing on how we can bring the best services to our community for the years to come."
The Chamber also took the opportunity to recognize seven community-owned businesses, advocacy organizations, Employee Resource Groups ( ERGs ) and individuals "demonstrating excellence, innovation and advancing entrepreneurship."
The Government Partner Award was given to U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois District Office District Director Robert "Bo" Steiner; BP Pride received the ERG Partner Award; Out & Equal's Jim Huberty and Lori Fox were honored for their work; the supplier diversity advocate award was received by Blue Cross Blue Shield ( BCBS ) Manager of Supplier Diversity LaTonya Forte'-Lyles; the LGBT Entrepreneur Award was given to Events with a K founder and owner Kristofer Sangari; the Corporate Sponsor Partner Award was received by Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises; and Baim was honored with the Founders Award.
The event's co-sponsors included Lettice Entertain You, Baker & McKenzie, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Windy City Times, Groupon, Miller Coors, Events with a K, Sidetrack and Elements.
For more information on the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, visit LGBTCC.com .