In September, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber announced its 2020 Business Award winners. The Chamber’s annual awards recognize members who are building a more diverse and inclusive business community in Wisconsin.

Award winners include:

Corporate Partner of the Year: American Family Insurance in Madison for growing and supporting the LGBT Chamber by serving as a member since 2016, being a leader in the LGBT Workplace Alliance, which connects area LGBT business groups, and serving as a past host and sponsor of a number of Chamber events, including the annual Madison Area LGBT Business Equality Summit. 

LGBTQ Business of the Year: Delta Beer Lab in Madison for being an active member of the Chamber and for its notable philanthropic involvement in the LGBTQ+, nonprofit, and progressive community, contributing the tips guests leave to a different nonprofit partner each month. Delta Beer Lab is a certified LGBT Business Enterprise by the NGLCC. 

Allied Business of the Year: Red Shoes Inc. in Appleton for its active participation in Chamber events, such as presenting at the 2020 Northeast Wisconsin Business Equality Summit and their intentional work to be inclusive in their new podcast, Sole Source, including doing an episode on the future of LGBTQ rights in the United States.

Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Diverse & Resilient in Milwaukee for its close work with the Chamber to advance a diverse and thriving business community since 2014. Diverse & Resilient has been a lead partner in the LGBT Workplace Alliance since its founding and has been engaged in numerous events and activities. Their leadership team has also supported employees going through the Business Leadership Academy.

Business Leaders of the Year: Rick Clark and BJ Gruling of Kilwins Milwaukee-Bayshore in Glendale for their passionate leadership in growing the LGBT and small business communities throughout the area. Partners in life and in business, these owners of a nationally certified LGBTBE have been actively engaged in getting more businesses certified. They have attended nearly every Chamber event and have been personal advocates and champions of the Chamber.

Advocate of the Year: Refilwe Goll of Northwestern Mutual in Milwaukee for being an advocate and champion for building a more inclusive supply chain in procurement. She serves as the Senior Category Manager & Supplier Diversity Program Manager at Northwestern Mutual, has been a regular and active participant in the Chamber’s Leadership Council, and has served on the Board of Northwestern Mutual’s LGBT Employee Resource Group. 

Business Resource Group of the Year: Kohl’s #PrideAtKohls group in Milwaukee for being a leader in creating a welcoming business environment. The group supports its national partner, The Trevor Project, as well as Courage MKE locally. It also participates in the LGBT Workplace Alliance and helps advocate and support the development of Pride clothing, making a positive impact on the community and within the company.