The Relationship Between the GGBA and the NGLCC - San Francisco Bay Times

"The NGLCC was founded in 2002 by Justin Nelson and Chance Mitchell with a vision to elevate the economic impact of LGBTQ+ business owners at a national scale. They recognized that, despite the significant contributions of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs to the U.S. economy and a handful of successful local chambers like GGBA, there was no unified national voice advocating for economic inclusion, supplier diversity opportunities, and business advancement."

"GGBA is proud to have been one of the founding affiliate chambers of the NGLCC network. Our affiliate relationship means that GGBA and each of the other local LGBTQ+ chambers are independent organizations. We operate autonomously with full control over our local programming, operations, and strategic direction."

"In 2004, NGLCC launched its LGBT Business Enterprise certification program, becoming the exclusive third-party certifying body for LGBTQ+-owned businesses. From those beginnings in Washington, D.C., NGLCC has grown into the largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities for LGBTQ+ and allied business owners."

The Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA), founded in 1974, was the world's first LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce. The National LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) was established in 2002 by Justin Nelson and Chance Mitchell to provide unified national advocacy for LGBTQ+ business owners and advance economic inclusion at scale. NGLCC launched its LGBT Business Enterprise certification program in 2004, becoming the exclusive certifying body for LGBTQ+-owned businesses. GGBA serves as a founding affiliate chamber within the NGLCC network, maintaining operational independence while benefiting from national connections. The affiliate model allows GGBA to control its local programming and strategy while leveraging NGLCC's relationships with over 50 organizations and the collective power of the national network.

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