Wal-Mart Joins Gay Business Association

WASHINGTON, DC -- Wal-Mart will work together with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) in an effort to advance diversity within the store's associate, supplier, and customer bases, NGLCC announced Monday.

NGLCC announced the partnership with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. as part of the company's ongoing commitment to advancing diversity among all of its associate, supplier and customer bases. This partnership will include executive representation on the NGLCC's Corporate Advisory Council (CAC) and sponsorship of the organization's 2006 events and initiatives.

As part of Wal-Mart's involvement with NGLCC, Dee Breazeale, vice president of divisional merchandise, SAM'S CLUB Jewelry, will serve on the organization's Corporate Advisory Council (CAC). The CAC is composed of NGLCC corporate partners whose mission is to discuss issues upon which members of the NGLCC and CAC work together to educate Corporate America and the public on the economic benefits of providing a diverse workplace and creating mutually beneficial relationships with the LGBT and LGBT-friendly business community.

In addition, Wal-Mart will assist the NGLCC in developing, expanding and promoting corporate diversity business development and procurement opportunities by sponsoring some of its programs including two of the organization's conferences. Last month, NGLCC recognized the company as the newest corporate member of the chamber at the NGLCC's International Business and Leadership Conference in Montreal.

"We are honored to have Wal-Mart's support of the NGLCC. Our partnership will not only provide more opportunities for the NGLCC, but the business community as a whole," said NGLCC Co- Founder and President Justin Nelson. "We are pleased with this addition to our organization and to our council."

Wal-Mart joins a highly respected group of companies with representatives on the CAC, including IBM, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, American Airlines, Intel Corporation, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Lehman Brothers, Travelport, Merrill Lynch, American Express, Cisco Systems, Avis, Orbitz, Intuit, Kodak, Fannie Mae, Millennium Hotels and Resorts and Kimpton.