Leadership Awards Announced

CAGLCC Announces the Recipients of its

The recipients of this year’s honors include:

Excellence in Business award -
David von Storch

David von Storch is a creative, astute and successful businessman who has launched and managed many restaurants, breweries and retail businesses in DC. His first venture was a Gay bar and restaurant in 1987. Since then he has opened three restaurant/breweries in DC and Virginia known as the Capital City Brewing Company. He has also created and operated three high-end full-service fitness facilities under the name Vida Fitness, one of which includes a boutique concept spa known as Aura Spa and has been recognized as the best in DC. Mr. von Storch is a partner in Bang Salon, a high-energy, high volume moderately priced salon and spa chain. In 1995, von Storch secured 1612 U Street, a building in which he plans to create a business and lifestyle center for the LGBT community.

Business Leadership award - Cathy Renna

Cathy Renna is a managing partner of Renna Communications, a firm that provides public relations strategies for organizations with missions that make the world a better place. Her unparalleled area of expertise lies in working with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender advocacy groups and non-profits. She is recognized nationally for public relations abilities and for her leadership in the LGBT community. Renna manages Renna Communications with her wife, Leah McElrath Renna.

Emerging Entrepreneur - Thomas Sanchez

Thomas Sanchez is a web strategist, entrepreneur and principal of Wamwaw LLC, a web development and strategy firm. Sanchez has been using the Internet to revolutionize the way people communicate. Many of his clients are progressive politicians and he has used his skills to help raise funds, recruit volunteers and get the vote out. He is a master of social communications models and has advised Fortune 500 CEOs, Members of Congress, and international delegates of the U.S. State Department on how to use technology to expand and focus their outreach efforts.

Paul Ludeman Volunteer of the Year - Jonathan Blumenthal

Jonathan Blumenthal cofounded and is president of Burgundy Crescent Volunteers (BVC), a 4,000 member strong organization to act as a source for local and national LGBT and LGBT Welcoming community organizations in 2001. BVC is an all-volunteer 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping other organizations solidify and mange their missions, events and projects. They have provided over 80,000 volunteer hours to the community and bring LGBT people together for volunteer activities that are social in nature. Blumenthal runs the organization with the help of his life partner, Eric Cohen.

Community Advocacy - Bob Summersgill

Bob Summersgill is a longtime LGBT rights activist. He was instrumental in a long-range plan that aided the passage of same-gender marriage in the District. The Chamber will be recognizing his involvement and the positive economic impact this will have on their members and the metropolitan area.

Corporate Partner of the Year – Wachovia a Wells Fargo Company

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