The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Herzing University-Brookfield today announced a scholarship for LGBT individuals working in the healthcare industry. The Pride in Healthcare scholarship opens up new possibilities for members of the Greater Milwaukee LGBT community to pursue careers in healthcare and further raise awareness among all healthcare professionals of the need for increased cultural understanding when caring for and supporting coworkers of the LGBT population.
The fifty-percent scholarships provide half-off tuition, up to $15,000, through Herzing University's Brookfield campus for LGBT employees of three Chamber members in southeastern Wisconsin – Aurora Health Care, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, and Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin health network.
“This scholarship will allow employees at three of our Chamber members the opportunity to get the skills they need to advance their career to the next level and help build the next generation of LGBTQ leaders in the health care industry,” said Jason Rae, President & CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
Pride in Healthcare scholarship applications are now being accepted by the LGBT Chamber of Commerce and must be submitted online at https://go.herzing.edu/pride-Scholarship by August 2, 2019. Applications include short essay questions and require a letter of recommendation from the applicant’s current employer.
“Herzing University is committed to helping LGBT students get the training and education they need to move ahead in their careers, as well as to helping build the most diverse and inclusive healthcare industry we can,” said Jarvis Racine, Campus President at Herzing University-Brookfield. “We hope many members of the LGBT community working at these outstanding institutions take advantage of this opportunity.”
A committee will review all scholarship applications and select the recipients. Students receiving the scholarship must apply to Herzing University-Brookfield for admittance beginning in the fall 2019 semester and enroll in any of the following programs:
In addition to receiving the scholarship, recipients will be asked to volunteer five hours per month to support the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce and its work to build a strong, diverse business community.
“We are so thankful for Herzing University’s forward-thinking leadership and commitment to building the next generation of LGBT leaders in the healthcare industry here in southeastern Wisconsin,” Rae said.
About Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is an organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and LGBT-allied businesses, corporations and professionals throughout the state of Wisconsin. It offers networking opportunities, business development efforts within the LGBT community, and educational programming to its members. The organization has more than 600 members from around the state. In 2015, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce received the National Chamber of the Year Award from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). More information can be found online at: www.wislgbtchamber.com.
About Herzing University
Herzing University is an accredited, private nonprofit institution with 10 campuses across seven states, a continuing education division and an online division. Founded in Milwaukee in 1965, more than 30,000 students have graduated from the University’s career-focused and flexible master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degree, diploma and continuing education programs. Fields of study span nursing, healthcare, technology, business and public safety. From 2013 through 2018, U.S. News & World Report has continually recognized Herzing University as having some of the best online programs nationally. Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission; www.hlcommission.org or (800) 621-7440. More information about Herzing University is available at www.herzing.edu.
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MILWAUKEE – The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce announced today that Old National Bank has joined the Chamber as its newest gold founding member.
“We are pleased to welcome Old National Bank as our newest gold founding member of the LGBT Chamber,” said Jason Rae, President & CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “They are an organization that values diversity & inclusion. We look forward to working with their team to grow a more inclusive business community all across our state.”
“Old National Bank is committed to being a leader in the financial services industry for the LGBT community,” said Kevin Anderson, Wisconsin Region CEO. “We know that partnering with the LGBT Chamber will give us the opportunity to continue reaching a diverse set of clients, as well as supporting our LGBT and allied associates. We look forward to a strong partnership with this award-winning organization.”
Old National Bancorp (NASDAQ: ONB) is the holding company of Old National Bank. Headquartered in Evansville with $19.7 billion in assets, it is a top 100 U.S. bank, the largest Indiana-based bank and has been recognized as a World’s Most Ethical Company by the Ethisphere Institute for eight consecutive years. For nearly 185 years, Old National has been a community bank committed to building long-term, highly valued relationships with clients. With locations in Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Minnesota, Old National provides retail and commercial banking services along with comprehensive wealth management, investment and capital markets services. For information and financial data, please visit Investor Relations at oldnational.com.
“We are truly thankful to Old National Bank for their support of the LGBT community,” added Rae.
The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is an organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and LGBT-allied businesses, corporations and professionals throughout the state of Wisconsin. It offers networking opportunities, business development efforts within the LGBT community, and educational programming to its members. The organization has more than 575 members from around the state. In 2015, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce received the National Chamber of the Year Award from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). More information can be found online at: www.wislgbtchamber.com.
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MILWAUKEE — The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce welcomes Rexnord Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee, as the organization’s newest gold founding member. Rexnord has been a regular corporate member of the LGBT Chamber for the past year.
“We are honored that Rexnord Corporation has decided to increase its investment and partnership with the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber and become our newest gold member,” said Jason Rae, President & CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “For the last year, it has been great to partner with Rexnord, particularly through our newly formed Manufacturing Council, which is focused on increasing diversity and inclusion within the manufacturing and industrial sector.”
“We are excited to become the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber’s newest gold founding member,” said Angela Hersil, Corporate Communications and Community Affairs Director for Rexnord. “Rexnord Corporation truly values a diverse and inclusive business community and we are committed to building that inclusive environment for our employees. We have enjoyed our partnership for the past year and are excited what an expanded partnership with the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber will allow us to accomplish.”
Rexnord is a multiplatform industrial leader comprised of two strategic platforms, Process & Motion Control and Water Management, with approximately 7,000 employees worldwide. The Process & Motion Control platform designs, manufactures, markets and services specified, highly-engineered mechanical components used within complex systems. The Water Management platform designs, procures, manufactures and markets products that provide and enhance water quality, safety, flow control and conservation.
As a gold founding member of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber, Rexnord receives a seat on the Chamber’s Leadership Advisory Council and Manufacturing Council, as well as other benefits over the regular corporate level.
“We are thankful for Rexnord’s continued commitment to developing a pro-fairness business community in Wisconsin,” added Rae. “They are helping lead the way in Wisconsin.”
The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is an organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and LGBT-allied businesses, corporations and professionals throughout the state of Wisconsin. It offers networking opportunities, business development efforts within the LGBT community, and educational programming to its members. The organization has more than 600 members from around the state. In 2015, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce received the National Chamber of the Year Award from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). More information can be found online at: www.wislgbtchamber.com.
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Businesses recognized for commitment to diversity and inclusion
MILWAUKEE —Twenty-one members of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce received a score of 100 and the distinction of being one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality” on the 2019 Corporate Equality Index compiled by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation.
Those businesses receiving a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index, and who are members of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, include:
Alliant Energy
American Family
AT&T
BMO Harris Bank
CUNA Mutual Group
Foley & Lardner LLP
Kroger
ManpowerGroup
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
MillerCoors LLC
Morgan Stanley
Northwestern Mutual
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart
PNC Financial Services Group
Quarles & Brady LLP
Robert W. Baird & Company
Rockwell Automation
S.C. Johnson & Son Inc.
U.S. Bank
U.S. Cellular
Wells Fargo
“We are thrilled to have 21 members of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce receive a perfect score on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index,” said Jason Rae, President & CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “We know firsthand that these businesses have a deep commitment to equality in the workplace and are actively helping build a more inclusive business community in Wisconsin and nationally. We offer them our sincerest congratulations on this great achievement.”
In addition to those businesses, a number of other Chamber members scored significantly high on this year’s Corporate Equality Index. Those businesses and their scores are: GE, 90; Harley-Davidson, 90; Kimberly-Clark, 90; Kohler, 90; Kohl's, 80; Komatsu Mining Corp, 75; Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c., 90; Thrivent Financial, 80.
“We are proud of all of our businesses that scored well on the Corporate Equality Index,” added Rae. “We look forward to working with all these corporations as we continue to build a stronger pro-fairness business community in Wisconsin.”
Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2019 Corporate Equality Index is the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees. In this year’s CEI report, 571 major businesses earned a top score of 100. A copy of the full report can be found here.
The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is an organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and LGBT-allied businesses, corporations and professionals throughout the state of Wisconsin. It offers networking opportunities, business development efforts within the LGBT community, and educational programming to its members. The organization has more than 575 members from around the state. In 2015, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce received the National Chamber of the Year Award from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). More information can be found online at: www.wislgbtchamber.com.
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MILWAUKEE – The award-winning Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce today announced the participants in the inaugural class of the Business Leadership Academy. The Business Leadership Academy is a year-long program focused on developing and fostering the next generation of LGBTQ and allied leaders in the workplace.
Those individuals selected to participate in the year-long program are:
“We have an amazingly talented group of individuals who applied and were selected to participate in the Business Leadership Academy,” said Jason Rae, President & CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “This diverse group of phenomenal LGBTQ and allied leaders are learning the skills they need to help build an even more welcoming business community.”
The 2019 Business Leadership Academy meets monthly from February to December on the second Tuesday of each month from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. These workshops will be held in the Milwaukee area. Topics that will be addressed during the program include: Effective Communication, Managing People, Business Financials, Productive Conflict and more.
“Through this program, we can break the rainbow ceiling and help get more LGBTQ and allied people into senior leadership positions at businesses and companies in the state,” added Rae.
More information on the new Business Leadership Academy can be found online at https://wislgbtchamber.combusinessleadershipacademy/.
The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is an organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and LGBT-allied businesses, corporations and professionals throughout the state of Wisconsin. It offers networking opportunities, business development efforts within the LGBT community, and educational programming to its members. The organization has more than 575 members from around the state. In 2015, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce received the National Chamber of the Year Award from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). More information can be found online at: www.wislgbtchamber.com.
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MILWAUKEE – The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce announced today that United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County has joined the Chamber as its newest gold founding member.
“We are honored to welcome United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County as our newest gold founding member of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber,” said Jason Rae, President & CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “We are looking forward to working with this great, long-standing community leader to build a more welcoming and inclusive business community throughout Wisconsin.”
“United Way is proud to be a member of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber and support the work that this award-winning organization does,” said Amy Lindner, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. “Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of what it means to Live United. Our strength lies in our partnerships, and we are excited to be working with the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber to help overcome the complex issues that face our community.”
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our local community. United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County impacts individuals and families by investing in 220-plus programs at over 110 agency program partners. United Way brings together partners from business, education, government, faith-based, and nonprofit organizations to work toward common goals, resulting in a better quality of life for all. Since their start in 1909, they have invested over $1 billion to solve our community’s most serious problems.
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County joins more than 40 other corporations as a gold founding member of the LGBT Chamber. Gold members receive a listing in the online business directory, invitation to all Chamber events, and a seat on the Chamber’s Leadership Council.
The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is an organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and LGBT-allied businesses, corporations and professionals throughout the state of Wisconsin. It offers networking opportunities, business development efforts within the LGBT community, and educational programming to its members. The organization has more than 575 members from around the state. In 2015, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce received the National Chamber of the Year Award from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). More information can be found online at: www.wislgbtchamber.com.
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MILWAUKEE – The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce announced today that Guaranteed Rate has joined the Chamber as its newest gold founding member, bringing the total number of businesses and organizations as members to nearly 600.
“We are excited to welcome Guaranteed Rate as our newest gold founding member of the LGBT Chamber,” said Jason Rae, President & CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “As they enter the market in Wisconsin, we are so excited to have them partnering with us to build a more inclusive business community.”
“Guaranteed Rate is committed to being a leader for inclusion and diversity throughout the state and within our industry,” said Peter Burgelis, Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate. “Our work with the LGBT Chamber will enable us to continue reaching a diverse set of customers and help them get the mortgages they need to own the houses of their dreams. We’re proud to be a member of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber and support the work that this award-winning organization does.”
Guaranteed Rate is one of the largest retail mortgage lenders in the United States. Headquartered in Chicago, the Company has approximately 317 offices across the U.S. and Washington, D.C., and is licensed in all 50 states. Since its founding in 2000, Guaranteed Rate has helped hundreds of thousands of homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances and funded nearly $19 billion in loans in 2017 alone.
“We are truly thankful to Guaranteed Rate for their support of the LGBT community,” added Rae.
The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is an organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and LGBT-allied businesses, corporations and professionals throughout the state of Wisconsin. It offers networking opportunities, business development efforts within the LGBT community, and educational programming to its members. The organization has more than 575 members from around the state. In 2015, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce received the National Chamber of the Year Award from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). More information can be found online at: www.wislgbtchamber.com.
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MILWAUKEE – This week, the award-winning Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce announced the launch of its new Business Leadership Academy. The Business Leadership Academy is a year-long program focused on developing and fostering the next generation of LGBTQ and allied leaders in the workplace.
“Today’s business environment for both small businesses and corporations requires leadership skills like effective communication, creativity, collaboration and the ability to motivate,” said Jason Rae, President & CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “We want to help our members make sure they have the knowledge and tools to grow in their roles.”
The 2019 Business Leadership Academy will meet monthly from February to December on the second Tuesday of each month from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. These workshops will be held in the Milwaukee area. Topics that will be addressed during the program include: Effective Communication, Managing People, Business Financials, Productive Conflict and more.
Interested individuals are encouraged to apply for the program today. Applications are available online at https://wislgbtchamber.comapplication/. Applications are due by January 8, 2019. The cost for each participant in the program is $1,500.
“Together, we can break the rainbow ceiling and help get more LGBTQ people into senior leadership positions at businesses and companies in the state,” added Rae.
This past summer, the LGBT Chamber released a study showing that organizations and businesses with one or more LGBT people in senior leadership positions report higher overall firm performance than organizations with no LGBT leadership. The study was commissioned by the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce and conducted by researchers at Marquette University.
“The study showed what we have been saying for years -- having LGBT people in leadership positions, whether it as a CEO, a business owner, a part of senior management or on the Board of Directors, is good for a business’s bottom line,” said Jason Rae, President & CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “We’re launching the Business Leadership Academy to ensure we have great LGBT leaders who can be in these business leadership roles.”
More information on the new Business Leadership Academy can be found online at https://wislgbtchamber.combusinessleadershipacademy/.
The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is an organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and LGBT-allied businesses, corporations and professionals throughout the state of Wisconsin. It offers networking opportunities, business development efforts within the LGBT community, and educational programming to its members. The organization has more than 575 members from around the state. In 2015, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce received the National Chamber of the Year Award from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). More information can be found online at: www.wislgbtchamber.com.
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The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce UW Credit Union as the organization’s newest platinum founding member. UW Credit Union had previously been a gold member of the LGBT Chamber since 2015.
“We are honored that UW Credit Union has decided to increase its partnership with the LGBT Chamber and become our newest platinum member,” said Jason Rae, President & CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “We have enjoyed the opportunity to partner with UW Credit Union since 2015. They have been active leaders within the LGBT Chamber as members of our Leadership Advisory Council and in our LGBT Workplace Alliance, as well as the presenting sponsor of the 2018 National Coming Out Day Breakfast."
“We are proud to increase our investment with the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce and look forward to building an even stronger partnership together,” said Rob Van Nevel, Executive Vice President & Chief Member Solutions Officer at UW Credit Union. “We want to be one of the premier financial institutions for the LGBT and allied communities, both in terms of where people want to work, but also where people want to do business. We look forward to building a strong partnership with the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber.”
With assets approaching $3 billion, UW Credit Union is ranked among the nation’s leading credit unions. From their caring employees to their best-in-class website and app, they make banking easier and stress-free. They provide support to members at local branches in the greater Madison and Milwaukee areas, Green Bay, La Crosse, Oshkosh, Stevens Point and Whitewater, along with a convenient network of 100+ surcharge-free ATMs.
In addition to serving as a Platinum Founding Member, UW Credit Union will also serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2019 National Coming Out Day Breakfast in Madison.
“We are thankful for UW Credit Union’s continued commitment to developing a pro-fairness business community in Wisconsin,” added Rae. “They are helping lead the way in Wisconsin.”
The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is an organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and LGBT-allied businesses, corporations and professionals throughout the state of Wisconsin. It offers networking opportunities, business development efforts within the LGBT community, and educational programming to its members. The organization has more than 575 members from around the state. In 2015, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce received the National Chamber of the Year Award from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). More information can be found online at: www.wislgbtchamber.com.
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MILWAUKEE — The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce welcomes Summit Credit Union, headquartered in Madison, as the organization’s newest gold founding member. Summit Credit Union was a regular corporate member of the LGBT Chamber since 2016.
“We are honored that Summit Credit Union has decided to increase its partnership with the LGBT Chamber and become our newest gold member,” said Jason Rae, President & CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “Since 2016, it has been great to partner with Summit on events and programs throughout the state, including our Women’s Leadership Luncheon in Milwaukee in the past.”
“We are excited to increase our involvement with the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce and look forward to building a solid, strong partnership together,” said Kim Sponem, Chief Executive Officer/President at Summit Credit Union. “Summit Credit Union truly values a diverse and inclusive business community. We are committed to building a welcoming and inclusive financial institution for our members and our employees. We want everyone to feel welcome at Summit and our expanded partnership with the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber will help us to do that.”
Established in 1935, Summit Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative. Summit holds $3.1 billion in assets and has more than 178,000 members and 580 employees across 36 locations throughout south-central and southeastern Wisconsin.
As a gold founding member of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber, Summit receives a seat on the Chamber’s Leadership Advisory Council, as well as other benefits over the regular corporate level.
“We are thankful for Summit Credit Union’s continued commitment to developing a pro-fairness business community in Wisconsin,” added Rae. “They are helping lead the way in Wisconsin.”
The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is an organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and LGBT-allied businesses, corporations and professionals throughout the state of Wisconsin. It offers networking opportunities, business development efforts within the LGBT community, and educational programming to its members. The organization has more than 575 members from around the state. In 2015, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce received the National Chamber of the Year Award from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). More information can be found online at: www.wislgbtchamber.com.
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Rockwell Automation recognized as Corporate Partner of the Year
MILWAUKEE — The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce today announced the winners of its 2018 Business Awards, a program that recognizes the contributions made by Chamber members to building a more diverse and inclusive business community in Wisconsin.
“The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize these amazing award recipients for all that they have done to build a more diverse and inclusive business community in Wisconsin,” said Jason Rae, President & CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “These winners represent the best of Wisconsin. We are excited to be able to recognize these deserving companies and individuals that are committed to building a pro-fairness business community in Wisconsin.”
Those businesses and individuals receiving awards this year are:
“Each winner demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity in the workplace, has a proven record of community involvement, and has worked to positively grow the LGBT and allied business community in Wisconsin,” added Rae.
The awards will be presented at the Chamber’s Anniversary Celebration and Business Showcase on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency in Milwaukee. The event runs from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. and the presentation of awards will take place around 6:45 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Registration is requested and can be done online at www.wislgbtchamber.com/anniversary.
The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is an organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and LGBT-allied businesses, corporations and professionals throughout the state of Wisconsin. It offers networking opportunities, business development efforts within the LGBT community, and educational programming to its members. The organization has more than 575 members from around the state. In 2015, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce received the National Chamber of the Year Award from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). More information can be found online at: www.wislgbtchamber.com.
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