Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce makes its debut

The Iowa LBGTQ Chamber of Commerce made its debut Oct. 18 in Des Moines, becoming the 77th affiliate chamber of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). Approximately 100 attendees were present, including guest of honor Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand. The NGLCC, a not-for-profit advocacy organization, seeks to enhance economic opportunities and promote the […]

The Iowa LBGTQ Chamber of Commerce made its debut Oct. 18 in Des Moines, becoming the 77th affiliate chamber of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). Approximately 100 attendees were present, including guest of honor Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand. The NGLCC, a not-for-profit advocacy organization, seeks to enhance economic opportunities and promote the progress of the LGBTQ+ business community. It has affiliated chambers at both national and international levels. Dan Jansen, chair of the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber, recognized a need to extend awareness and opportunities to LGBTQ business owners in Iowa.

“Sometimes we forget about other elements of the LGBTQ community, like commerce,” said Mr. Jansen. “The Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce really just creates a platform for identifying common business practices, economic growth, and ultimately, equality in (the) workplace.” Mr. Jansen said the idea to open an affiliate chamber began percolating at the Des Moines Capital City Pride Speaker Series in 2018. There, he met featured speaker Jonathan Lovitz, senior advisor and director of Public Affairs of the United States Economic Development Administration (EDA) in the U.S. Department of Commerce. At the time, Mr. Lovitz was senior vice president of Public Policy and External Affairs at the NGLCC, and suggested Mr. Jansen open an affiliate chamber in Iowa. “It was really talking to Jonathan and learning more about (NGLCC’s) mission and objectives, that interest sparked,” said Mr. Jansen. “It was a really exciting conversation.” The NGLCC made its debut in November 2002 when founders Justin Nelson and Chance Mitchell noticed that the economic contributions of LGBTQ individuals were being overlooked, despite economic equality being an important component of the movement. They aimed to highlight that LGBTQ people, besides their identity, were business owners, employers, taxpayers, healthcare providers, and vital contributors to the small business sector that drives the U.S. economy. To date, there are 53 U.S. affiliate chambers and 24 international affiliate chambers.

Chamber hopes to make Iowa 'more welcoming'

Aime Wichtendahl, Hiawatha city council member and the first transgender Iowan to be elected to public office, said she foresees the affiliate chamber having a positive impact on the local LGBTQ business community.

“In my term on the council, one of my greatest points of pride is being able to celebrate the opening and success of our local businesses, (and) to see a LGBTQ Chamber of commerce come together is just awesome,” she wrote in an email to the CBJ. “Allowing LGBTQ business owners to network and strategize, as well as provide a forum for those business owners to come together and learn from each other on the best ways to adapt in a challenging economy,” she said. “I also believe it will be an asset for these businesses to reach a new customer base, especially people looking for a safe, welcoming, and inclusive (environment) with which to do business.” Mr. Jansen said recent anti-LGBTQ activity in Iowa has made the state seem “a little less welcoming.” “Having an organization like the LGBTQ chamber, really opens that door to being a welcoming state. We welcome businesses of all kinds from all types of people,” he said. David Maier, a recent addition to the Cedar Rapids City Council, said the current political climate calls for increased support for the LGBTQ community.

“There's a lot of anti-LGBTQ laws that are coming out of the statehouse, especially this past legislative session,” he said. “So anything that we can do as a like-minded community to support businesses that are gay owned, and to be able to show the youth in the community –  especially trans youth – that the community has their back, and they can see that through the gay community and their allies, seeking out and wanting to support gay businesses.” Mr. Maier, the first openly gay member to serve on the council, plans to attend the Iowa City launch. He is curious how the chamber will benefit LGBTQ businesses in ways that local chambers can’t. He said it's important for businesses to have a network that they can leverage to help them with strategy and marketing, particularly within the LGBTQ community, but wonders how a broader reach would work. “I'm questioning how a statewide Chamber of Commerce will work, because I think each geography is so different,” said Mr. Maier.  “There are people, myself included, who are very conscious of where our dollars are spent and want to shop and spend our money on local businesses and businesses that share the same values and priorities,” he said.

Member benefits

The chamber focuses its efforts on four pillars of service, said Mr. Jansen. Building community and connection, promoting and creating economic development, career and professional development, and certification. Certified businesses are routinely sought after by NGLCC corporate partners who are looking to increase their spend with the LGBTQ business community.  “Certification is a way to kind of get your foot in the door with organizations who are specifically looking for supplier diversity,” said Mr. Jansen.  According to the NGLCC website, there are numerous benefits associated with certification. Businesses have access to mentorship programs, leadership training, scholarship opportunities and national recognition by leading corporations as a Certified LGBT Business Enterprise supplier, among many other things. The Cedar Rapids/Iowa City launch of the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce will occur on Dec. 7 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Tin Roost in North Liberty. Interested parties can register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cedar-rapidsiowa-city-launch-iowa-lgbtq-chamber-of-commerce-tickets-746419921077?aff=oddtdtcreator