Building a
Thriving Community

Empowering queer and allied upstate professionals to
tear down social silos and build economic success
– OUR PURPOSE –
We’re striving to create an Upstate where LGBT+ businesses and professionals thrive at every level.
To give a voice to a long-ignored and marginalized community.
To be a resource to help the LGBT+ community thrive.
We’re striving to create an Upstate where LGBT+ businesses and professionals thrive at every level.
To give a voice to a long-ignored and marginalized community.
To be a resource to help the LGBT+ community thrive.
– Our Vision –
With an unwavering commitment to advocate for our LGBT+ and allied community, we are building social and economic equality in the Upstate.

Creating an Upstate where our LGBT+ community can live and work free from hostility and fear. and in social and economic equality.

With an unwavering commitment to advocate for our LGBT+ and allied community, we are building social and economic equality in the Upstate.

Creating an Upstate where our LGBT+ community can live and work free from hostility and fear, and in social and economic equality.

– Our Mission –
Create a strong queer and allied community in the Upstate for LGBT+ businesses and professionals by:
  • Providing specific and comprehensive legal and business resources
  • Creating collaborative opportunities for connection & learning
  • Proactively standing up for economic, social, and structural change to positively impact our community
Create a strong queer and allied community in the Upstate for LGBT+ businesses and professionals by:
  • Providing specific and comprehensive legal and business resources
  • Creating collaborative opportunities for connection & learning
  • Proactively standing up for economic, social, and structural change to positively impact our community
impact

With America's estimated LGBT+ purchasing power being over $1.4 trillion in 2022, our Chamber is more than just a platform for connection. We're having an impact.

In 2022, America’s estimated LGBTQ+ community purchasing power was $1.4 trillion.

That’s equal to the economy of Spain or Australia.

The LGBTQ+ community can leverage that purchasing power by investing in politicians, organizations and causes that understand our value will advocate for our rights.

The Upstate LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce is focused on building a thriving community with a growing voice and maximum impact.

In 2022, America’s estimated LGBTQ+ community purchasing power was $1.4 trillion.

That’s equal to the economy of Spain or Australia.

The LGBTQ+ community can leverage that purchasing power by investing in politicians, organizations and causes that will fight for our rights.

The Upstate LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce is focused on building a thriving community with a growing voice and maximum impact.

impact

Meet Our

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is the Chamber’s legal governing body, realizing the operational and directional decisions of the Chamber.  The Board of Directors guides fundraising and programming while maintaining an open line of communication, support and instruction with both the membership and the broader community. In short, the Board of Directors makes the work of the Chamber a reality.

Jose Hernandez

Executive Board - Board Chair

Jenny Meyers

Executive Board - Governance

Bex Miller

Executive Board - Vice Chair

Christen Clinkscales

Board Member - Communication & Marketing

Gary Leatherwood

Executive Board - Treasurer

KC Chen

Board Member

Stacey Laurin

Executive Board - Secretary

ConnieJo Bell

Board Member

Michael Allard

Executive Board - LGBTBE Certification

Jarrod Wiggins

Staff Member - Membership Director

Highlighting the Action of Our Founder's Circle

Our Founding Members are in the unique position of supporting the first LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce in the Upstate. They took meaningful action to create a future defined by opportunity and inclusion. We graciously acknowledge their support. Join them in demonstrating action for inclusion and equality by becoming a member of our chamber.

join the chamber

Curious about the positive economic impact of diversity?

Our members understand the power of inclusion and diversity. From our founding members (Founder’s Circle) to our ever-growing list of LGBT+ and Allied businesses and professionals, we are all striving to make the Upstate a better place for us all.

Become a Member

Are you ready to join a great group of people benifiting from the diversity of the Upstate?
join the chamber