Member Business Awards

Every year, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce presents a number of awards to recognize and honor members who have made significant contributions to building a more diverse and inclusive business community. These awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals who are dedicated to fostering an environment where all people can thrive and succeed. We're continually amazed by the commitment and innovation demonstrated by our members, and are honored to shine a spotlight on their impactful work.

2024 Tickets are Now Available!

The awards include:

Corporate Partner of the Year: This award is given to a corporation that exemplifies diversity and inclusion within its workplace and the broader business community.
LGBTQ Business of the Year: This award recognizes a business that is 51% or more LGBTQ-owned that actively contributes to the advancement and enrichment of the diverse business community.
Allied Business of the Year: This award recognizes an allied-owned business that champions diversity and inclusion in its business practices.
Nonprofit Organization of the Year: This award goes to a nonprofit organization that empowers and contributes to the growth of the diverse business community.
Business Resource Group of the Year: This award acknowledges an LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group (BRG) that promotes inclusivity within and beyond its organization and advocates for change.
John Ross Pruess Business Leader of the Year: This award is reserved for a dedicated individual from the LGBTQ+ community who has positively impacted our diverse business landscape.
Advocate of the Year: Given to an individual who has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion within the larger business community, this award promotes those advocating and advancing change in the community.

Recipients who have received awards in previous years:

2023 Awards

Corporate Partner of the Year: Kohler Co. (Kohler, WI)

LGBTQ Business of the Year: The Foster Lane (Milwaukee, WI)

Allied Business of the Year: Ollie's (Madison, WI)

Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Rainbow Alliance Advocacy (Appleton, WI)

Business Resource Group of the Year: Molson Coors’ L.A.G.E.R. (LGBTQ+ and Allies Group Employee Resources) (Milwaukee, WI)

John Ross Pruess Business Leaders of the Year: Doug Wetzel of Ashton North LLC (Milwaukee, WI)

Advocate of the Year: Vince Tripi (Milwaukee, WI)

2022 Awards

Corporate Partner of the Year: Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

LGBTQ Business of the Year: Auntie M's Creations LLC (McFarland, WI)

Allied Business of the Year: Milwaukee Food & City Tours (Milwaukee, WI)

Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Adoption Choice, Inc. (Green Bay, WI)

Business Resource Group of the Year: Froedtert Health’s LGBTQA Business Resource Group (Milwaukee, WI)

John Ross Pruess Business Leaders of the Year: Deondre Lewis & Myles Hecimovich of Infinity Massage and Bodywork (Milwaukee, WI)

Advocate of the Year: Jennice Samuels, Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Milwaukee, WI)

2021 Awards
Corporate Partner of the Year: Milwaukee Bucks
LGBTQ Business of the Year: Swaye’ Tea (West Allis, WI)
Allied Business of the Year: Mayana Chocolate (Spooner, WI)
Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Community Living Connections, Inc. (Madison, WI)
Business Resource Group of the Year: Kohler PROUD (Kohler, WI)
John Ross Pruess Business Leader of the Year: Kerri Balliet, Red Baron Coaching (Shorewood, WI)
Advocate of the Year: Governor Tony Evers

2020 Awards
Corporate Partner of the Year: American Family Insurance
LGBTQ Business of the Year: Delta Beer Lab (Madison, WI)
Allied Business of the Year: Red Shoes, Inc. (Appleton, WI)
Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Diverse & Resilient (Milwaukee, WI)
John Ross Pruess Business Leaders of the Year: Rick Clark & BJ Gruling of Kilwins Milwaukee-Bayshore (Glendale, WI)
Advocate of the Year: Refilwe Goll, Northwestern Mutual (Milwaukee, WI)
Business Resource Group of the Year: Kohl’s #PrideAtKohls (Milwaukee, WI)

2019 Awards
Corporate Partner of the Year: ManpowerGroup
LGBT Business of the Year: Telmark Sales Solutions (Appleton, WI)
Allied Business of the Year: Company Brewing (Milwaukee, WI)
Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin (Milwaukee, WI)
Business Leader of the Year: John Leidy, JDBC Tax Services (Milwaukee, WI)
Advocate of the Year: Heidi Duss, Summit Credit Union (Madison, WI)
Business Resource Group of the Year: Harley-Davidson’s Employee Alliance for Gay, Lesbians, Bisexual and Transgender Employees (EAGLE) (Milwaukee, WI)

2018 Awards
Corporate Partner of the Year: Rockwell Automation
LGBT Business of the Year: MOXIE Food + Drink (Whitefish Bay, WI)
Allied Business of the Year: Short Stack Eatery (Madison, WI)
Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin (Menasha, WI)
Business Leader of the Year: Leonard Sobczak, Eastmore Real Estate & Wisconsin Gazette (Milwaukee, WI)
Advocate of the Year: Shiva Bidar-Sielaff of UW Health (Madison, WI)

2017 Awards
Corporate Partner of the Year: Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network
LGBT Business of the Year: Accurate Web Solution (Green Bay, WI)
Allied Business of the Year: Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport Hotel (Milwaukee, WI)
Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Fair Wisconsin (Madison, WI)
Business Leader of the Year: Terri Coughlin of Coughlin Consulting (Milwaukee, WI)
Advocate of the Year: Dan Schoepke of Alliant Energy (Madison, WI)

2016 Awards
Corporate Partner of the Year: BMO Harris Bank
LGBT Business of the Year: Hinckley Productions (Madison, WI)
Allied Business of the Year: I Do Island Weddings (Janesville, WI)
Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Bay View United Methodist Church (Milwaukee, WI)
Business Leader of the Year: Michail Takach of ManpowerGroup (Milwaukee, WI)

2015 Awards
Corporate Partner of the Year: Foley & Lardner LLP
LGBT Business of the Year: Belwah Media (Beloit, WI)
Allied Business of the Year: Le Dame Footwear (Verona, WI)
Business Leader of the Year: Ed Seaberg of Rockwell Automation (Milwaukee, WI)

2014 Awards
Corporate Partner of the Year: MillerCoors
LGBT Business of the Year: A2Z Design (Appleton, WI)
Allied Business of the Year: Sugar Doll (Stevens Point, WI)
Business Leader of the Year: Colin Gorman of PNC Bank (Whitefish Bay, WI)

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