NGLCC works on LGBT inclusion and opportunities in New Jersey
The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce today announced that two Hudson County cities have signed executive orders for the LGBT business community. Mayor Ravinder Bhalla of Hoboken, and Mayor Steven Fulop of Jersey City, have added NGLCC certified LGBT Business Enterprises, along with veteran-owned and disability-owned firms in contracting and procurement opportunities in both cities. For LGBT citizens in these cities, this inclusive policy provides equal access to contracting opportunities and economic development programs. NLGCC says it will drive innovation, create jobs, and promote economic growth throughout the region.
“Thanks to the leadership of Mayor Bhalla of Hoboken and Mayor Fulop of Jersey City, more diverse New Jersey entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to create jobs and develop innovations than ever before,” said NGLCC Co-Founder & President Justin Nelson. “This historic precedent will help push the New Jersey State Senate to pass A3162/S1570, which has already passed the Assembly and will include LGBT, disability, and veteran-owned firms in statewide contracts. These executive orders also offer other major cities, including nearby New York City, a replicable framework to expand their procurement and economic development programs.” He said it is a win for every community.
Neither city had specific inclusionary efforts for LGBT, veteran, or disabled person-owned business entities previously. But both cities now recognize such inclusion as a best practice that is used by Fortune 500 corporations and state governments in California, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. Many municipal governments throughout the country have also added NGLCC LGBT certified business to their contracting and procurement procedures.
“It makes sense that this kind of inclusion is taking off in this region,” said NGLCC Co-Founder & CEO Chance Mitchell. “The Northeast has one of the largest concentrations of NGLCC Certified LGBTBEs and LGBT-owned companies. Collectively, LGBT-owned businesses add to the $1.7 trillion dollars the LGBT business community puts into the national economy. Progressive and inclusive leadership, like that of Mayors Bhalla and Fulop, will ensure greater access to the American Dream for every American.”
NGLCC spokespeople said they are looking forward to working with NJ Governor Phil Murphy, Senate President Steve Sweeney, and Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg to pass S1570 and enact similar policies statewide.
nglcc.org press release in full.
