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DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION FOCUS MAGAZINE | MARCH 2022

Diversity Star Award to Recognize Regional DEI Champions

LANSING REGIONAL CHAMBER AND LEAP ANNOUNCE MAJOR COMMUNITY
AWARD TO BE PRESENTED ANNUALLY AT LRCC ANNUAL DINNER

he Lansing Regional Chamber Award applications for the Diversity
of Commerce (LRCC) and Star Award will be accepted
Tthe Lansing Economic Area electronically on the Lansing Regional
Partnership (LEAP) have joined forces Chamber of Commerce website from
to create a new award honoring Tuesday, Feb. 1 through Thursday,
organizations that champion March 31. Up to three supplemental
diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) documents can be submitted with the
in the workplace and the Lansing award application. All businesses in
regional community. The Diversity the tri-county region (Ingham, Clinton
Star Award honors companies and and Eaton counties) are eligible
organizations within the Lansing for this award. Nomination review
region that demonstrate a solid criteria and additional information
commitment to advancing equity for applicants is available on the
and creating inclusive environments, Lansing Chamber website: www.
champion efforts for diversity and lansingchamber.org/signature-
equitable practices in the workplace events. l
and beyond, support underserved
and underrepresented employees
and communities and contribute to a
more just and equitable region.

“Organizations of all sizes in our region have recognized
the critical importance of living out a commitment to
DEI from both a business and moral standpoint,” said
Tim Daman, president & CEO, LRCC. “The Greater Lansing
region is an established leader in advancing diversity and
inclusion, which is creating stronger organizations and a
more vibrant community. The Diversity Star Award will be
an annual opportunity to celebrate the best of the best
for their efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion.”

The LRCC and LEAP will present two annual Diversity
Star Awards at the LRCC Annual Dinner: one for small
businesses (100 employees or less) and one for large
businesses (101 employees or greater). Award applicants
must demonstrate how DEI has been successfully
developed in the company culture and business
operations and will be evaluated on their external efforts
to collaborate with area initiatives to improve and
recognize diversity in the Lansing region.

“Top talent knows no demographic boundaries. We know
that the most prosperous communities are those that
welcome and embrace the diversity of people, thoughts
and beliefs—this is the secret sauce in creating a great
sense of place with an educated/skilled workforce,” said
Tony Willis, chief equity development officer, LEAP. “It
takes intentionality and continuous effort to create
a welcoming and inclusive environment; this award
acknowledges businesses in our community that are
putting in the effort to do just that.”

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