contents

Welcome from the Executive Director 6

List of Sponsors 10

2024 Business Pride Awards 14

Thank You to our
2024 Business Pride
Award Sponsors 28

Boulevard Brewing Co.
Brewed for Everyone 30

Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 5961, Kansas City, MO 64171

(816) 474-3558 | www.maglcc.org

This is a Town Square Publications publication
created and produced for the
Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

Copyright © 2024 Town Square Publications

P.O. Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006

(847) 427-4905 | tbusby@tspubsdigital.com

www.TownSquarePublications.com

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Chamber and Town Square assume no responsibility for misinformation. Please contact the Chamber with any additions or corrections. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the Chamber and Town Square is prohibited.

Our Affiliation To The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce

The Mid-America GLCC is a proud affiliate of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce is a long established business advocate and a direct link between lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender business owners, corporations and governments. There are 52 National LGBT Chamber of Commerce affiliate chambers across the United States and Internationally.

Welcome from the Executive Director

I was told that June would be an EXTREMELY busy month. I was told to be prepared as the Chamber would be asked to speak at many events, present at many programs, and attend many meetings. And I can confirm those predictions all proved true!

But although June was an exceptionally busy month, I can reflect and feel reassured that because of all the planning we put in and the support we received from our Board of Directors and volunteers, we delivered on the many requests we received. I also know that even though our numerous activities in June felt overwhelming at times, we met the challenge and embraced this incredible month, celebrating our LGBTQ+ business community and allies in style.

Now, what I was not prepared for was how uplifted I would feel from experiencing this incredible month. It’s a month which means many different things to so many people, and it certainly has new meaning for me.

Just before June the Chamber welcomed our newest team member. Joy Hope (she|her) joined the Chamber in May as our Membership and Communications Manager. Joy has a long career in customer service and serves on both the Mid America Non-Profit Freedom Band and JoCo’s Pride Board, so she brings valuable knowledge and experience to our Chamber. We’re lucky to have her as part of our team.

Rounding off Pride Month was our annual Business Pride Awards, held on June 28th at the Midland Theater. I had previously attended the event as a guest, so I knew we had to deliver a first-class experience for all our sponsors, participants, and attendees. From the feedback I’ve received to date, the event proved a huge success, and again I was so fortunate to be surrounded by selfless volunteers and incredible businesses such as Marquee Events Rentals, Levity Events, and the one and only Dutzel’s Catering. The food! We’re all still talking about the food!

Enjoy the remainder of the summer. We’ll be saying welcome to the cool fall weather and colors soon enough, and we look forward to seeing all of you at our many remaining summertime events and programs.

2024 Business Pride Awards

The Chamber held our 2024 Business Pride Awards on June 28th at the Midland Theater. Nearly 250 guests joined us for an evening to celebrate and recognize seven incredible businesses and individuals. Carmen Carrera gave an uplifting keynote speech and Emcee Godfrey Riddle ensured the program ran smoothly. A welcoming champagne bar was sponsored by Aspis, the room setup and design was expertly created by Marquee Event Rentals, and the venue was beautifully brought to life by Levity Events. Arguably the night may mostly be remembered thanks to the incredible, exquisite food, including large revolving “grazing boards” at each table, provided by Dutzel’s Catering and Events. The 2024 Business Pride Awards will be hard to beat next year!

At Boulevard Tours & Rec, we strive daily to create a space for KC folks of all shapes and sizes to gather and enjoy time with friends & family. Our doors are open to all, and our beers and bevvies are brewed for everyone. Stop by and enjoy all we have to offer, from brewery tours to the Beer Hall to private events. Cheers!

Featuring:

• Brewery Tours & Guided Tastings

• 35 beers and bevvies on tap, plus Quirk Hard Seltzers, Fling Canned Cocktails, build-your-own flights and more!

• Test bar with the latest and greatest ex-beer-iments straight from our brewers

• Spacious and family-friendly Beer Hall with ample seating

• Patio seating with views of our brewery and KC’s downtown skyline

• Delicious food menu built to be enjoyed alongside our beers and bevvies

• Bottle shop featuring exclusive releases and the best Boulevard selection in town

• The Boulevard Tours & Rec Center is open 7 days a week.

• 2534 Madison Avenue, KCMO 64108

With multiple unique event spaces suited for 20-25, Boulevard is a great place to host your next event! We host weddings, fundraisers, birthdays, corporate parties and whatever else deserves a toast. Contact fineales@boulevard.com to get the party started or visit www.boulevard.com to learn more.

The Boulevard Tours & Rec Center
is open 7 days a week.

2534 Madison Avenue, KCMO 64108

Book Your Event With Us

With multiple unique event spaces suited for 20-25, Boulevard is a great place to host your next event! We host weddings, fundraisers, birthdays, corporate parties and whatever else deserves a toast.

Contact fineales@boulevard.com to get the party started

or visit www.boulevard.com to learn more.

Boulevard is a proud member of WeCo.