FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fredericton Chamber of Commerce Signs Partnership Agreement with Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC)
Collaboration with National organization brings opportunities for growth, engagement to Fredericton’s diverse business community.
FREDERICTON, NB, JUNE 24, 2024 – The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC). The partnership aims to support the growth of LGBT+ businesses through the development and delivery of essential programs, as identified by the memberships of both chambers.
“This partnership with Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce is a natural fit for us as one of our organizational values is openness – meaning that we are an organization for the entire community and exemplify a spirit of inclusiveness, diversity and transparency,” said Morgan Peters, CEO of the Fredericton Chamber. “This agreement with the CGLCC provides us with tools, educational resources, and tangible benefits that our members can use to expand their business opportunities through a meaningful commitment to embracing diversity and inclusion for the 2SLGBTQI+ business community.”
The two organizations agree to collaborate to identify metrics on diversity, intersectionality, and allyship within Fredericton Chamber’s membership, to provide responsive and relevant programming to members.
“We are so pleased to join the Fredericton Chamber in carrying out its vision of Stronger Community Through Business Prosperity,” said Ashleigh Brown, Director of Business Development at CGLCC. “Equity and inclusion are attainable goals when we have the privilege of partnering with local organizations like the Fredericton Chamber. Throughout our discussions with leadership, they have demonstrated time and again that 2SLGBTQI+ owned businesses and their allies are not only welcome in Fredericton, they are a key contributor to the growth and sustainability of the competitive business environment in New Brunswick.”
The Fredericton Chamber and the CGLCC will support Chamber members by waiving the certification fee for diverse suppliers for the first year, as well as a discount on future certification fees. Fredericton Chamber members will also receive a discount on the Rainbow Registered Accreditation. This accreditation is awarded to businesses or organizations that meet a stringent set of standards to ensure 2SLGBTQI+ customers feel safe, welcomed, and accepted. Accredited businesses are deemed market-ready for the 2SLGBTQI+ customer and given the right to be associated with the program’s prestigious Rainbow Registered designation mark.
Commencing immediately, the partnership will see Fredericton Chamber share and promote information on the CGLCC’s programs, including the Supplier Diversity Program for 2SLGBTQI+-owned businesses, the Mentorship (Out for Business) Program, and the LGBTQI+ Newcomers Program. The Fredericton Chamber will also collaborate with the CGLCC to organize business meet-ups for diverse-owned businesses and their allies.
The CGLCC’s capacity has been strengthened by the support of the Government of Canada’s creation of the world’s first-ever 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program, and the powerful connection that the Fredericton Chamber has with the business community is a path to realizing the potential of this program in important regions like Atlantic Canada.
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About Fredericton Chamber of Commerce
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, a nationally accredited organization with more than 1,000 members, is an active business organization engaged in policy development and advocacy that affects the competitiveness of our members and the Canadian business environment. The Chamber’s vision is ‘Stronger Community Through Business Prosperity’.
Fredericton Chamber of Commerce Contact:
Morgan Peters (he/him),
CEO
Email: ceo@frederictonchamber.ca
Direct: (506) 451-9742
About Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce
Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) links 2SLGBTQI+ businesses in Canada to the wider business and corporate community. It fosters economic growth by supporting and nurturing 2SLGBTQI+ businesses, entrepreneurs, students, and allies, and by helping Canada’s corporate world connect with the 2SLGBTQI+ business community. For more information, visit https://cglcc.ca/.
CGLCC Contact:
Julie-Léonora Kesch (she/her),
Marketing and Communications Manager
Email: julie-leonora.kesch@cglcc.ca
Direct: 416-761-5151 x127
