Page 22 - LRCC March 2022 Focus

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

22