NYC Businesses Flock to LGBT Chamber of Commerce: NGLCCNY Memberships Surge 56% in 2011
Business trend: despite recession, an increasing number of NYC business owners and global corporations are joining the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce New York to create new business opportunities and a sense of community.
Online, December 5, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Seventy-nine New York City-based businesses, non-profits and professionals have joined the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce New York (NGLCCNY) in 2011, equating to a 56% annual increase in membership. This rate of growth for a new, membership-based organization in a highly competitive marketplace is notable; especially while so many companies are looking for ways to cut costs.
While small businesses accounted for the majority of new memberships, global corporations, including Avon Products, Inc. and JP Morgan Chase, as well as white shoe law firm Debevoise & Plimpton, also joined the city's rapidly growing LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) chamber of commerce.
"Companies large and small are seeking innovative and strategic ways to maintain or increase growth," said Richard Oceguera, founding President of NGLCCNY. "NGLCCNY members have discovered the power of community in developing new business connections, leading to sustainable sources of profitability that are boosting bottom lines in this challenging economy."
Started in 2008 just as the housing market swooned and the credit crunch deepened, NGLCCNY has served as a beacon of support for a diverse array of businesses. At present it represents the needs of 180 LGBT companies, non-profits and professionals, as well as "allied" businesses and corporations that support, or target, the LGBT market.
"As a small business owner I thought it was more important than ever to join the NGLCCNY community," explained Jay Dellacona, Owner of Focus Events and Catering and NGLCCNY Bronze Business Member. "With the economic times as strained as they are, it makes sense to utilize a resource like the chamber of commerce to help me grow my business."
NGLCCNY offers its members and corporate partners an array of programs designed to strengthen business and build community ranging from its high-energy M3: Members' Monthly Mixer to quality educational programs featuring accomplished chamber members.
"NGLCCNY gives a serious business owner that extra leg up that can lead to new opportunities," said Richard Oceguera, NGLCCNY founding President. "Good times or bad, we're here to make a difference for our members."
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