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Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, one of the largest LGBT Chambers within the Southeastern region pushing for equitable change within the workplace and marketplace, has announced that NASCAR will become the organization’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion partner for the 2022 term.
This is the first time NASCAR has partnered with an LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber’s annual DE&I partnership funds and supports all of its training and programming in diversity, equity and inclusion, and it allows the organization to have a more expansive reach throughout the region.
“NASCAR has a rich history in our region and continues to be one of the most popular sports in the nation,” said Tiffany Keaton, the vice chair of the Carolinas LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce. “The intentionality of their partnership will allow the Carolinas LGBTQ+ Chamber to leverage relationships and increase our work in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion. The distinct brand that NASCAR brings to the chamber validates their commitment to equality and non-discrimination both on and off the track. It is an honor to name the league our ‘DE&I Partner’ for 2022, and I look forward to developing this amazing relationship.”
The Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce’s work to support change and growth helps strengthen organizations large and small – and the Carolinas region as a whole. Promoting DE&I training and education programming is a critical component of that change and progress for NASCAR and the communities in which it operates.
“NASCAR is excited to partner with the Carolinas LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce,” said Brandon Thompson, NASCAR’s vice president of diversity and inclusion. “With NASCAR offices and much of our industry based in the Carolinas, we look forward to working with CLGBTCC in support of its mission to foster equity, inclusion and economic prosperity for the LGBTQ community.”
In June of 2020, the modified race car sport announced its support for the LGBTQ+ community in a tweet for Pride month.
We are a diverse team whose identities, backgrounds & talents allow us to go faster & farther in our offices, at the track & in the stands.
We’ve joined @YouCanPlayTeam to ensure safety & inclusion of LGBTQ athletes, coaches & fans. #PrideMonth
Details: https://t.co/rOJi422X4P pic.twitter.com/pHAQxUgZQT
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 9, 2020
The Carolinas LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is an organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and LGBTQ+ and allied businesses, corporations and professionals throughout western North Carolina and most of South Carolina. Its mission is to foster equity, inclusion and economic prosperity for the LGBTQ community through strategic policy, professional enrichment, ally partnerships and economic development.