American duo honoured for their pioneering efforts to build global recognition for LGBT+ businesses

TORONTO, Nov. 4, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) has awarded its first-ever Chairperson's Award to Chance Mitchell and Justin Nelson, co-founders of the Washington-based National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).

The Chairperson's Award recognizes an organization or individual that has made a significant contribution to the LGBT+ business movement in Canada or abroad.

"Chance Mitchell and Justin Nelson have worked tirelessly for 14 years to build what is now the largest LGBT+ economic advocacy and business development organization in the world. Their pioneering efforts, along with their mentorship and support of the CGLCC and other global organizations, deserve to be recognized," said R. Bruce McDonald, co-founder and chair of the CGLCC.

"On behalf of my fellow co-founder Justin Nelson, the entire NGLCC family, and myself, I am tremendously honoured to accept the Chairperson's Award, recognizing the NGLCC's international leadership and ever-growing partnership with CGLCC over the past 13 years," said NGLCC Co-Founder & CEO Chance Mitchell. "The CGLCC was our first global partner and has always stood by our side as we launched new affiliate chambers and global initiatives, creating opportunities that improve the lives and economic strength of LGBT citizens around the world. We look forward to celebrating our continued partnership as the CGLCC co-hosts the opening reception at our inaugural Global LGBTI Business Week later this month."

The award will be presented to Mitchell and Nelson at the CGLCC's Black & White Gala in Toronto on Nov. 9. It is one of several Business Leadership Awards being presented by the CGLCC this year.

About the CGLCC
Established in 2003, the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is a national, non-profit industry association. The CGLCC is a broad-based coalition representing the interests of LGBT+-owned businesses and their allies. It promotes economic growth through advocacy and education, and works to advance the common business interests and opportunities of its members and stakeholders.

The CGLCC is the national certifying body for LGBT supplier diversity in Canada.

About the NGLCC
The NGLCC is the business voice of the LGBT+ community in the United States. It includes 45 LGBT+ affiliate chambers representing 1.4 million LGBT+ business owners in that country, and leads economic development opportunities at over a dozen international affiliates.

Photos available

SOURCE Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

Darrell Schuurman, Vice-Chair, CGLCC, [email protected], 416-761-5151 ext 22