Diversity and Inclusion: First LGBTE business certified in Lexington

Feature photo: Louisville Pride Team poses with Todrick Hall in shirts procured by Custom LogoWare

Business owners across Kentucky are excited to become certified as LGBTQ+ businesses by the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).

The first business certified in Lexington was recognized in January 2020. Jesse Caylor, owner of Custom LogoWare, said he is excited to partner with companies that focus on their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. “Companies we work with started asking if we had a certification from the NGLCC,” Caylor said. “Once we researched the certification process, we saw the value in it.”

Locally owned and operated in Lexington, Custom LogoWare has been supplying custom apparel & promotional products to businesses, conventions, schools and community organizations since 2002. Whatever the event or occasion is, their team is ready to offer creative and cost-effective solutions to meet each individual budget and deadline.

The NGLCC is the business voice of the LGBTQ+ community. It represents the largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBTQ+ people, and the exclusive certifying body for LGBTQ+ – owned businesses. NGLCC currently has 60 affiliate chapters across the United States and internationally.

CIVITAS is the Louisville based chamber of commerce that serves Kentucky, Southern Ohio and Southern Indiana.

CIVITAS President Erica Fields said she loves seeing business owners joining the chamber of commerce and creating a business centered LGBTQ+ community. “We are so happy to have Jesse and Custom LogoWare as members of the local chamber of commerce,” Fields said. “It shows that this chamber is working to help LGBTQ+ business owners outside of Louisville too.”

Caylor said that being an LGBTQ+ business owner is exciting, but no different from any other business owner and the many responsibilities that come with the title. “LGBT-owned companies are more involved,” he said. “I’m excited to be a resource to Lexington and the surrounding areas.”

Caylor added that he’s hoping to host an event later this fall in Lexington that is geared toward LGBT owned businesses in collaboration with CIVITAS.