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This is the first time that an LGBT+ Summit has been welcomed by NJ’s League in its 107-year history since its formation in 1915. Proving once again, New Jersey’s grassroots efforts lead the nation in LGBT+ inclusivity and business.

The speakers for the summit are in the bubbles.


Wayne, NJ (Nov 4, 2022) –
The New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Garden State Equality, is proud to announce its FIRST-EVER LGBTQ+ Summit will be held during the 2022 League of Municipalities Conference. In this history-making event, the LGBT+ community, businesses, and constituents will be represented at the League for the first time in 107-years.

This groundbreaking event will bring together all the state’s top LGBT+ leaders, State policymakers, Allied Organizations and Corporate Supplier Diversity leaders, who are each respected executives in their respective fields of advocacy, business, education, and sports.

During the Summit, leaders will discuss new ways to build on the community’s upward, rapidly-growing economic regional impact. This event gives legislators an incredible chance to form a stronger alliance with a historically under-represented minority group of constituents. The LGBT+ demographic is at the prime intersection of all races, sexual orientations and identities. Fostering a true partnership with this community allows legislators the chance to improve and ensure that their policy making and programming is truly DEI inclusive, relevant,  and essential.

The New Jersey LGBT+ community is a unified force and a demographic of constituents to be taken seriously.

Tickets for the Summit are limited and going fast: Click Here To Register

Location: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City

Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Time: 10 AM – 2 PM

Admission: This event is FREE for all members of the LGBTQ+ community, which includes: community organizers, government offices and officials, business owners, and professionals! Allies pay a nominal fee of $25 to show their economic support of the Summit’s mission.

The Summit’s breakout sessions will include expert discussions on:

  • recession-proofing your business to navigate the way forward via strategic planning, certification, financial education, and crisis preparedness.
  • the importance and advantages of Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity (SOGI) data collection at the State level.

“I would like to thank Mike Cerra of the League of Municipalities for making this historic event possible, and a very special thanks to Larry Sieg of Meet AC for doing what they do best, and that’s by continuing to host the world right here in beautiful Atlantic CIty,” said Gus Penaranda, Executive Director of NJPCC.

 Thank you to the event’s sponsors for your continued support: Comcast, Meet AC, Insider NJ, DGNL, and ROI-NJ.

 SPEAKERS FOR THE SUMMIT INCLUDE:

Stephen Blazejewski, CFP, President, New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce, and Certified Financial Planner at Equitable Advisors

Pete Caltabiano, CEO of C-Suite Impact / Impact CFO

Robin Dillard, CEO of the Business Equality Network and the Publisher of BEQ Magazine

Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director, Garden State Equality

Robert Goman, Founding Board Member, Sports Equality Foundation, and Key Architect, NIKE BETRUE Brand

Catherine Kelly, Founder CJK, Inc., Board Member at the Sports Equality Foundation

Stephanie Lokker, CEO, Lockerbie & Co., volunteer-VP of Supplier Diversity and a Board Director at New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce

Miss Elaine (Scott McMasters), Miss'd America 2023 Crowned Winner (Photo op)

Wesley McWhite, Director of NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission, Office of Diversity & Inclusion

Alexandra Mickler, Financial Representative at Northwestern Mutual

Gus Penaranda, Executive Director, New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce

Aaron Potenza, Policy & Training Consultant for Garden State Equality, Principal at Potenza Public Strategies, Chair of New Jersey’s Transgender, Equality Task Force

Chris Reber, President, Hudson County Community College (HCCC), one of the only LGBTQ+ College Presidents in New Jersey

Larry Sieg, CEO, Meet AC

Kimberly Smith, Regional Director of Community Impact at Comcast

Melinda Tarter, Wealth Management Advisor at Northwestern Mutual 

John M. Traier, owner of John M. Traier & Associates, volunteer-VP of Finance and a Board Director at New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce

Jessica Viotto, Vice President, Treasury Management at PNC

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ABOUT THE NEW JERSEY PRIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:

Since 2013, the New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce has been the premier LGBTQ+ and allied business organization committed to facilitating successful business collaborations and increasing the economic staying power of its diverse membership.  As an inclusive platform for business visionaries, the Chamber is the first stop for LGBTQ+ and allied entrepreneurs seeking to grow and access opportunities. Its primary mission is to promote the economic growth and development of the local community and help to better serve its members’ businesses by providing resources and opportunities for education, networking, and community engagement.

For more information, please visit https://njpridechamber.org or connect with the NJ Pride Chamber of Commerce on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The NJ Pride Chamber of Commerce is an official affiliate of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). It offers LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) Certification ® as a benefit of membership with the organization. Certified LGBTBEs are routinely sought after by over 300 NGLCC Corporate Partners who are looking to increase their spend with the LGBTQ+ business community. Certified LGBTBEs are also eligible for scholarship programs, mentorship and leadership training, and other business development tools.

ABOUT GARDEN STATE EQUALITY:

Garden State Equality, the largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in New Jersey, lifts up the diverse voices of LGBTQ+ communities through education and advocacy to advance the movement for equality in New Jersey and nationally. Instagram | Facebook

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Media Contact:
Andrea M. Garcia
COMMS/NATION LLC
andrea@commsnation.com

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