CAPITAL AREA GAY AND LESBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS FOR ANNUAL AWARDS

The Board of Directors of CAGLCC is requesting nominations for the Chamber’s annual leadership awards. Gala and ceremony to be held on April 20, 2012.

The Chamber recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations that have contributed to the economic, social and cultural fabric of the LGBT Community in the Metro DC area. Based on leadership, business success, charitable contributions, advocacy and awareness, the Chamber awards those people and individuals who have displayed exemplary, activity within the LGBT community by fostering strong leadership, being out at their organization or creating a supportive environment for LGBT employees at their workplace.

The Chamber seeks to identify the largest pool of candidates that may fit the following criteria below.

Please nominate and provide a brief description why you feel your candidate(s) deserves the following awards:

The CAGLCC “Excellence in Business Award” honors an individual or business for long-term achievement for the greater benefit of the greater Washington metropolitan area or the national LGBT community. Among the criteria to be considered are: contribution to the local or national LGBT community; contribution to the economic development of the Washington metropolitan area; a range of different successes over an extended period of time; involvement in business enterprises that have broad recognition in both the LGBT and mainstream communities; and contributions to diversity in the business world. The “Excellence in Business Award” is the highest award from CAGLCC and thereby seeks to honor the absolute highest levels of achievement and recognition.

The CAGLCC “Business Leadership Award” honors an LGBT individual for their leadership, accomplishments and example for the Washington area LGBT community. Among the criteria to be considered are: involvement with the Washington area LGBT business community; overall success of business enterprises; demonstrated commitment to expanding the diversity and reach of the LGBT community; contribution to the economic development of the LGBT community; and mentorship of others within the LGBT business community. The “Business Leadership Award” is CAGLCC’s premier honor for LGBT individuals in the Washington business community.

The CAGLCC “Volunteer of the Year Award” honors an LGBT individual for outstanding dedication and service to the broader LGBT community. Among the criteria to be considered are: length of volunteer service; specific accomplishments in support of LGBT organizations and community-groups; demonstrated commitment to the diversity of the LGBT community; examples of work with organizations and issues with great impact on the health, welfare and culture of the LGBT community; and a demonstrated focus on assisting organizations and populations that are historically underserved. The “Volunteer of the Year Award” is CAGLCC’s highest award for individuals whose volunteerism supports the non-profit organizations and community groups that sustain our LGBT community.

The CAGLCC “Community Advocacy Award” honors an individual, group or organization whose activism has benefited the health, well-being and position of the Washington area LGBT community. Among the criteria to be considered are: length of involvement as an activist in the LGBT community; specific work and accomplishments on behalf of the LGBT community; a focus on less prominent issues and underserved segments of the LGBT community; demonstrated success in building coalitions and relationships within and outside of the LGBT community; and achievements in bringing non-profit and for-profit groups together in pursuit of LGBT equality. The “Community Advocacy Award” is CAGLCC’s highest recognition for the activists who work to achieve equality for all LGBT people.

The CAGLCC “Emerging Entrepreneur Award” honors an LGBT individual, group or business that has demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit and success in new and creative endeavors in the LGBT community. Among the criteria to be considered are: the unique status of the business, service or concept within the LGBT community; whether the nominee is making a first foray into business; bringing a new type of business or service to the LGBT community; if the nominee is an LGBT business leader under the age of 40; and the potential for the nominee and/or business to grow into a vibrant and vital part of the LGBT community. The “Emerging Entrepreneur Award” is CAGLCC’s opportunity to celebrate new ideas, new concepts and new leadership within the Washington LGBT business community.

The CAGLCC “Corporate Ally of the Year Award” honors a business that has made significant accomplishments in partnering with the LGBT community. Among the criteria to be considered are: demonstrated change in corporate policies to be more inclusive of LGBT employees and/or customers; financial and other support of LGBT focused charities, organizations and community groups; public presence in LGBT events and media; successful partnerships with LGBT organizations; and an ongoing commitment to LGBT diversity. The “Corporate Ally of the Year Award” is CAGLCC’s premier honor for the business allies whose work helps advance LGBT business and equality.

PLEASE EMAIL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MARK GUENTHER WITH ALL NOMINATIONS. 

ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST BE MADE BY 5:00 PM FEBRUARY 29, 2012