The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce has been named the 2026 Affiliate Chamber of the Year by the National LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the highest honor presented to an affiliate chamber within NGLCC’s national network.
The award was presented Aug. 21 during NGLCC’s International Business & Leadership Conference in San Diego. The Affiliate Chamber of the Year Award recognizes a chamber that “demonstrates vitality and relevance in its community while providing a strong, unified voice for the businesses it serves.” The recipient is selected by its peers through a review process that includes past Affiliate Chamber of the Year honorees.
“We are incredibly honored to be named the 2026 NGLCC Affiliate Chamber of the Year,” said Jason Rae, president & CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, in a press release. “This recognition reflects the work of our entire Chamber community. It belongs to our members, our staff, our board, and the partners who continue to believe in and invest in this work. Together, we have built a strong statewide organization that is creating real, meaningful opportunities for LGBTQ+ and allied businesses across Wisconsin.”
The recognition follows several years of continued growth and measurable impact by the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber. The Chamber has expanded its membership, strengthened corporate partnerships, increased opportunities for connection and education, and continued to develop programs that support LGBTQ+ and allied businesses at every stage of growth, according to a press release from the organization. These include newer offerings such as the LEAD webinar series, as well as established programs like the Entrepreneur Bootcamp and Business Leadership Academy.
The 2026 award marks the second time the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber has been named NGLCC Affiliate Chamber of the Year, following its first recognition in 2015. NGLCC’s national network includes more than 50 affiliate chambers across the United States. The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber also received NGLCC’s Rising Star Chamber Award in 2014 and has earned additional NGLCC honors for excellence in community impact, programming and communications.
