The History of the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce &
The Future of the Rainbow Chamber Foundation
Over a decade ago, trailblazers in the Sacramento business community came together to form the city’s first gay and lesbian chamber of commerce. Called the Lesbian Gay Business Alliance of Sacramento, the organization held its somewhat clandestine meetings in the backroom of a local restaurant for several years. The chamber assembled a phone directory, but the chamber’s effort did not gain the traction it needed and later dissolved.
Approximately five years ago, however, several local business leaders including Brian McMartin, Fred Palmer, Karen Chaney, Bill McJunkins, and Lane Aldridge decided it was time to re-new efforts to form a gay and lesbian chamber of commerce. The result is the current and flourishing Rainbow Chamber of Commerce of Sacramento.
The purpose of the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce of Sacramento is to promote networking within the gay and lesbian business community and its supporters, enhance the awareness of political and social issues and encourage involvement in charitable causes. Boasting approximately 140 members, the Rainbow Chamber has grown in stature and visibility, and counts among its members companies such as Target Corporation, Wells Fargo, and Ameriprise Financial Services, as well as a whole host of local businesses ranging from chiropractors and real estate agents, to accountants and caterers.
Recognizing its maturity as a viable organization, the Rainbow Chamber has incorporated under federal law, obtained directors and officers insurance, been visited by various local elected officials and other chambers’ representatives, and, in furtherance of its mission, formed a non-profit foundation to benefit LGBT youth and various other area charities.
The mission and the organization of the Rainbow Chamber Foundation are still in their infancy, but one of the primary visions for the Foundation is to have it serve as a resource for local LGBT young adults who have an interest in all areas of business. The Foundation aims to award scholarships to aid those who seek to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors, whether at a trade school, college, or in the field. The Foundation also seeks to support the Sacramento community at large through financial assistance and raising awareness.