Page 28 - BEQ Magazine Iss 19

with the Economic Development Corporation. and our Corporate sponsors are uniquely
They hired Sheilley -- a veteran of a similar, engaged with the work of GSBA. We are not
successful merger in Kentucky -- to guide the interested in companies who just want to
WATCH new enterprise. sign a rainbow check and think that they have
BEQTV Within a year, the Ocala Metro CEP emerged done the work. We offer training and a chance

BEQ Embrace Ocala CEP with a focus on development and implemented to volunteer and be a part of the difference.
Interview (Summer 2021)
a new structure Members recognize
whereby members that we are more
are considered than a chamber,
partners, a move we are a voice for
that increased change and we
participation and amplify the voice
investment from of the individual
local businesses. as a collective
Creating a sense of community.”
belonging among
area business BEYOND
owners immediately NETWORK-
KEVIN
SHEILLEY, revitalized the ING AND MIXERS
president and CEO organization’s purpose and effectiveness.
of the Ocala CEP Meanwhile, 3,000 miles away in Seattle, During the second half of the 20th century,
| PHOTO CREDIT: Washington, GSBA, the largest LGBT business chambers of commerce primarily served
OCALA METRO CEP as networking and social organizations for
organization in North America and a founding
member of the National LGBT Chamber of business owners and professionals. Mixers
Commerce (NGLCC), was celebrating new and galas, dinners and awards ceremonies
accomplishments of their own. dominated the calendar. These types of
Established in 1981, GSBA evolved from a events do serve a purpose, but the economic
networking group to a chamber of business landscape has changed fundamentally in the
owners using their economic power to past 50 years.
address widespread discrimination against Supplier diversity programs and affinity
the LGBTQ community in Seattle. Historically, chambers brought conversations about
public agencies such as the police and fire business equality and equity to the foreground.
departments were antagonistic toward the The Great Recession highlighted the
MARK ROSÉN, community. The GSBA’s values of equality and importance of small and medium businesses to
GSBA acting diversity in business and in the community are our economy. Then came 2020. The COVID-19
president and CEO pandemic created an economic catastrophe
shared by its 1,300 small business, corporate
| PHOTO CREDIT:
and nonprofit members, creating a sense of for our nation even as we grappled with racial
MERYL SCHENKER
belonging for the LGBTQ community. But injustice and the widening wealth gap was
GSBA is about more than feel-good outreach; thrown into stark relief.
its innovative programs provide a pathway The urgent needs of small and medium-
to economic equality and success for LGBTQ sized businesses during the past 18 months
folks at all stages of their careers. was an opportunity for chambers to both
“We have a legacy of working in the advocate for and assist their members. Within
WATCH 48 hours of the Paycheck Protection Program
BEQTV community as the convenor and connector,” (PPP) details being finalized, the Ocala Metro
BEQ Pride Interview said Mark Rosén, GSBA acting president and
of Mark Rosén, Acting CEO. “Our members agree to our Code of Ethics CEP team rolled out “Get. Gather. Go.”, a
President & CEO,
28 SUMMER 2021 BUSINESSEQUALITYMAGAZINE.COM