IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
- Chamber Connect
- Volunteer
- Events and Opportunities
- Member Spotlight
- Membership
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Happy New Year!
What an incredible year we had in 2019! We are proud to announce that the Nashville LGBT Chamber hit
500 members in the last days of 2019 and we start 2020 with that number, where will we end this year? Look at our other accomplishments from last year below. We are excited to bring even more growth this year!
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THANK YOU to our 500 incredible members. None of this is possible without them and we need them to continue to be a member, and
if you have been thinking about joining now is the time!
We want to remind everyone that
membership rates
increased
today
. They have not increased in 8 years and they will better align with other memberships and market rates. We still think they are very reasonable when you look at
what membership brings you
. Your investment buys you a year-long partnership that works on your behalf, advocating, educating, and connecting yourself and the community.
When you look at all you get, it really is an incredible value. Please consider joining us in 2020.
If you
join today
, January 1st, you can lock in 2019 rates!
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We attended a Partnership 2030 Advisory Committee Conversation early in December. We reviewed a "vital signs" survey for Middle Tennessee and continued the conversation on how diverse organizations can work together to ensure prosperity for all.
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Later in the month, we participated in another Partnership 2030 advisory committee meeting, hosted by the
Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. We reviewed a draft of the regional assessment report and competitive scorecards that will help guide the planning of the new five-year economic development strategy. There were some very interesting statistics and data points, especially around diversity and equity. We look forward to sharing results as they are finalized.
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Our staff is growing! We introduced our new legislative intern, Jace Wilder, at our Holiday Party in December.
Jace is a student at Belmont University. He is a great addition to our team and will help with advocacy initiatives during Session. Please check out his
bio
and help us welcome him on board!
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You may have seen coverage of a new bill that was drafted and will be filed when Session starts. It attacks the Trans community again, focusing on high school athletes and forcing them to compete as the gender they were assigned at birth. We will add this one to a long list of other possible anti-LGBT legislation that may get filed, on top of the bills from last year that we have coming back. Stay connected to us for ways you can take action against this Slate of Hate.
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We attended Breakfast with the Mayor hosted by the
N
ashville Business Journal
. Attendees heard from Mayor Cooper about several topics, but he
made quite a bit of news
by talking about city finances and the state that they are in. He said that the city was in receivership, which means the state had taken over its finances, which is not the case.
Words matter, especially words from our leaders. This type of talk can lead to devastating consequences for our city, our economy, and our member's businesses. It can make people question investing, moving, or staying here. We work hard to keep Nashville growing for our corporate members to our small business members, and making them equitable for all. We work on economic and community development issues all the time. Nashville faces many challenges right now with its finances, we have a lot of work to do, but we ask everyone to keep things in perspective and be careful how you talk about this issue. We don't know a city that would not love to have the growth and development that Nashville has.
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What a way to close out 2019! We had another successful Brewing Up Business networking event in December that also served as our Annual Meeting and Holiday Party!
Speaking of those board members, we said goodbye to several and we thank them for their dedication and service. We also said hello to new board members and look forward to working with them and having them lead the organization. We also have new leadership of the board. Thanks you to Ron Snitker for his incredible leadership as President of the Board.
Outgoing Board Members
- Jennifer Austin (Pareto Realty), Emily Benedict (Metro Council), Steve Burress (Old Town Trolley Tours of Nashville), Mikey Corona (The Mockingbird), Diane Hatley (Nissan), Amy Parker (Special Olympics Tennessee), Linzie Treadway (Vanderbilt University)
Incoming Board Members
- Stephanie Ballou (AllianceBernstein), Debbie Box (Amazon), Greg Cason (Nissan), Jon Grayson (HCA Healthcare), Jake Martino (Bridgestone Americas), Brian Rosman (DOG AND A DUCK), Marisa Swystun (Center for Nonprofit Management)
Ongoing Board Members
- Donna Drehmann (Postmates), Nicole Gibson (Dell), Clayton Klutts (Renaissance Therapy Group), Christopher Lester (C4ward Strategy), Courtney Lawrence (MediCopy), Ron Snitker (Waller), Terry Vo (Comcast), Rhonda Weatherford (Weatherford Enterprises), Taylor Wirth (Bass, Berry & Sims)
Executive Committee
- Ron Snitker (President), Greg Cason (Vice-President), Clayton Klutts (Treasurer), Taylor Wirth (Secretary)
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We need you!
The Nashville LGBT Chamber is looking for volunteers for our monthly networking programs. Opportunities include registration and photography!
This a great way to give back to the community, support the Nashville LGBT Chamber, and connect with our network!
Sign up below!
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Attend Brewing Up Business!
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We are excited for our upcoming
January Brewing Up Business.
Start 2020 off on the right foot and network with us! This event will be held on
Thursday, January 16th
at
Liberty Party Rental
. Guests will eat, drink, and connect with our community.
Registration is free for members & first-time guests and $10 for repeat non-member guests.
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Please mark your calendars for the following networking opportunities:
- February 18th - Predators Pride Night Reception (no BUB)
- March 19th - Top Golf Nashville
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Attend
Secret Soldiers
Reception + Q&A
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Please join us for an evening of art, education, and conversation at the
Nashville Children's Theatre
's special showing of "Secret Soldiers: Civil War Heroines in Disguise" sponsored by
AllianceBernstein
. A reception will be held at 5 pm and the show will start at 7 pm. Stick around after the show for a Q&A session where we will further tackle the themes of "Secret Soldiers". Registration for the reception and a link for purchasing tickets can be found below!
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Attend Predators Pride Night 2020!
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Predators Pride Night 2020 will be held on
Tuesday, February 18th
! Come join the Nashville LGBT Chamber and
Nashville Pride
as the
Nashville Predators
take on the Carolina Hurricanes! Pride Night packages include a game ticket and a limited edition Pride Night t-shirt! Before the game, all Pride Night attendees are welcome to join us at Bridgestone Arena for a mixer with light refreshments.
You may be able to find a few more tickets available in Pride Night sections. Use the link below!
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We had an incredible year of member spotlights in 2019! Read back through these spotlights we showcased. We are so proud of ALL of our members and we look forward to highlighting more in 2020!
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New Business Level Members
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Renewing Business Level Members
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Individual/Networking Members
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NEW
Friends of Jennifer Smith
Daniel Hare (Interfaith Dental)
Philip Morrissey
Trenton Bortz (Arcosa)
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RENEWING
Anna Claire Bowen, LMFT
David Brzozowski
Dena Benson-Scearce
Dez Stephens
J.D. Kious
Julia McAninch
Kevin Wilson, Realtor
Koryn Vandenheede
Megan Johnson-Rox
Russell Hobbs
Zach Young
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