FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ATLANTA, Ga., September 30, 2021 –– Nominations are open through October 29 for OUT Georgia Business Alliance’s 2021 Community Honors spotlight awards, which will be unveiled live during the LGBTQ+ chamber’s virtual celebration planned for December 16.

With guiding input from the community, OUT Georgia will use its annual awards celebration to recognize Georgia’s LGBTQ+ businesses, nonprofits, and leaders charting significant impact in the categories of Business Leader, Community Leader, Next Gen Leader, Nonprofit, Corporate Ally, Small Business, New Business, Member, and Pivot of the Year!

Anyone can make a nomination for OUT Georgia’s 2021 Community Honors spotlight awards now through October 29. From there, OUT Georgia’s Board of Directors will determine the finalists and vote on the winner for each category, except for Member of the Year which will be open to finalist voting from OUT Georgia’s active Membership November 1-10.


2020 Winners


Business Leader of the Year

This award is given to the LGBTQ+ business leader in our community who has made an outstanding and sustained contribution to their organization, as well as to the OUT Georgia Business Alliance and the LGBTQ+ business community. Must be a Member of OUT Georgia for a minimum of two years.

Community Leader of the Year

This award recognizes a Community Leader who demonstrates a commitment to serving and advancing the LGBTQ+ community by having created or contributed significantly to the success of one or more local nonprofit organizations or community efforts. Need not be a member of OUT Georgia.

Next Gen Leader of the Year

This award is given to a young LGBTQ+ business leader, professional, or entrepreneur who has demonstrated serious business acumen and an innovative drive that has benefited their organization and the LGBTQ+ community. Nominees must be under 40 years of age by December 1, 2021. The recipient of this award need not be a Member of OUT Georgia Business Alliance — yet!

Nonprofit of the Year

This award recognizes the nonprofit. Individuals should be nominated in the Community Leader category.

This award is given to a nonprofit organization that works tirelessly in order to positively impact the health, happiness, and general welfare of those in the LGBTQ+ community. The recipient of this award need not be a Member of OUT Georgia Business Alliance, but must be a recognized nonprofit organization.

Corporate Ally of the Year

This award recognizes the corporation. Individuals should be nominated in the Business Leader category.

This award is given to the Corporate Partner or Member that has shown exemplary support to the LGBTQ+ business community and to OUT Georgia Business Alliance. As a corporation, the nominee has taken a leadership role in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace; demonstrates a high level of corporate social responsibility in the community; and supports their employee diversity of LGBTQ Employee Resource Group. Must be an OUT Georgia Corporate Partner or Member for a minimum of two years.

Small Business of the Year

This award is given to the LGBTQ-owned small business in the community that has shown exemplary support to the LGBTQ+ business community and to the OUT Georgia Business Alliance. Must be an OUT Georgia Member for a minimum of two years.

New Business of the Year

This award is presented to the LGBTQ-owned small business that is less than two years old and already building a track record of excellence, innovation, and impact. The recipient of this award need not be a Member of OUT Georgia Business Alliance — yet!

Member of the Year

This award is presented to the LGBTQ+ or allied business owner that has shown innovation in their business practices resulting in the advancement of their organization. In addition, this award recipient will also have advanced the mission, goals, and purpose of OUT Georgia Business Alliance, resulting in a positive impact for the LGBTQ+ business community. Must be a Member of OUT Georgia for a minimum of two years.

Pivot of the Year

COVID-19 has continued its impact here in 2021, especially among our BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and Minority-owned businesses. OUT Georgia’s Pivot of the Year recognizes the organization that not only navigated COVID-19, but one that did an exceptional job of adapting its business and positively impacting its community. The recipient of this award need not be a Member of OUT Georgia Business Alliance — yet!

NOTE: Past winners are ineligible for finalist selection in categories they have won for a period of three years. The OUT Georgia Board of Directors, staff, contractors, and companies for which they are primary owners are also ineligible for awards during their tenure. 


About OUT Georgia Business Alliance

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OUT Georgia Business Alliance proudly serves as Georgia’s only LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce.

Since 1994, OUT Georgia Business Alliance (formerly the Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce) has served the LGBTQ+ and Allied business community by advocating for the most inclusive and equitable business environment; providing support and resources to fuel economic growth; and driving meaningful community connections and impact across the State of Georgia.

OUT Georgia Business Alliance is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., and is a proud affiliate of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact us at OUTGeorgia.org or info@OUTGeorgia.org.