Page 33 - BEQ Magazine Iss 19

Holland America Lines and Marriott Second, by attending or participating
Hotels as well as numerous smaller in a CEP event, initiative or program
hospitality companies to promote travel they are going to learn new and/or
within and to the state. better ways of operating and grow their
Serving as a connector across the bottom line. And third, by investing in
state of Washington, GSBA engages the CEP they are investing in the growth
with a variety of other parties to further of their business and a rising tide lifts
its mission to advocate for civil rights all boats.”
and small businesses. A prime example In addition to its internal
is the organization’s work authoring partnerships, the Ocala Metro CEP
and promoting legislation that led to works closely with other civic, private
the creation of the Washington State and business entities to achieve local
LGBTQ Commission. The Commission business goals. The organization’s
works to improve the state’s interface IMPACT initiative, run by director
with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, Cherrietta Prince, rolled out in March
transgender, queer, two-spirit and 2020 with a goal to improve diversity
intersex community, identify the needs and inclusion within the business
of its members, and ensure that there community.
is an effective means of advocating for “The CEP spent three years
LGBTQ equity in all aspects of state researching how best to address this
government. This level of engagement inequality of opportunity and we strongly
is the result of cultivating relationships believe the answer is entrepreneurship,”
with local and state entities over the Sheilley said. “Entrepreneurship is a skill
years. and when people have the opportunity
“We have an excellent and ongoing to enhance this skill, they create wealth
relationship with the Metropolitan for themselves, their families and their
Chamber and the Downtown Seattle neighbors.”
Association as well as with other IMPACT collaborates with the
chambers, the SBA, Port of Seattle, city and county to expand public
the Office of Economic Development,” sector involvement and several key
said Rosén. “We have had a reciprocal organizations are promoting the
relationship and have had a seat on the initiative by underwriting support across
Metro Chamber’s Board. Currently, we the spectrum.
are one of the organizations that is part “Several banks are helping us
of the Mayor’s Downtown Revitalization to identify cash flow issues, offer
Project along with the Metro Chamber financial literacy training and engage
and the DSA.” in conversations to propose economic
In Ocala, the Metro CEP counts relief opportunities. We’ve also
Top: The Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic its 1,400 constituents as partners, connected with major corporations to
Partnership was named the 2020 National study national approaches to diversity
Chamber of the Year by the Association of recognizing each relationship as a
Chamber of Commerce Executives partnership. and inclusion,” Prince said. “Our goal
“We proffer that a business earns is to be a catalyst for change in the
Middle: The Ocala Metro CEP promotes its return on investment in the CEP in entrepreneurial community.” 
growth with groundbreaking ceremonies
like this one for Miller & Sons Plumbing Inc . one of three ways,” Sheilley said. “First,
by attending or participating in a CEP
Bottom: The Ocala Metro CEP celebrates the event, initiative or program they are
grand opening of Gold’s Gym Ocala .
going to meet new customers, clients
and partners and grow their business.

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