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Four Major Community Awards to be Presented Annually at LRCC Annual Dinner

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) and the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) are pleased to announce that applications are open for the second annual Diversity Star Award, honoring organizations that champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace and the Lansing regional community. Recipients demonstrate a solid commitment to advancing equity and creating inclusive environments, champion efforts for diversity and equitable practices in the workplace and beyond, support underserved and underrepresented employees and communities and contribute to a more just and equitable region. Peckham was the inaugural recipient in 2022 and will proudly serve as the award sponsor this year.

“Receiving the first Diversity Star award has been one of our organizational highlights and continues to motivate us in deepening our impact and investment in DEI efforts,” said Jo Sinha, President and CEO, Peckham. “This kind of recognition is more than just another award, but aims to truly honor, celebrate and elevate the importance of inclusion and equity in the workplace. We are excited to see the nominations of other businesses who are making DEI a key priority and work to create jobs and communities that are inclusive and allow everyone to thrive.”

“We saw a tremendous amount of community support in launching this award last year as businesses 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 Lansing region is an established leader in advancing diversity and inclusion, and the Diversity Star Award will be an annual opportunity to celebrate the best of the best for their efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion.”

In addition to the Diversity Star Award, the LRCC is also opening the nomination process for two business recognitions that will be presented during the Annual Dinner. The Outstanding Small Business Award has been presented since 1982 and honors a local small business that demonstrates stability, innovation, a commitment to community, perseverance and diversity. The Community Service Award was first awarded in 1948 and honors outstanding individuals who give their time and expertise to the community, above and beyond their own field of endeavor, and demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in all they do. This individual is an inspiration to the community, both in their profession and in their efforts to make the Lansing region a better place to live, work and play. The Legacy Award will also be presented to a long-standing LRCC member, recognizing their generations of support and engagement.

The Diversity Star Award applicants must demonstrate how DEI has been successfully developed and implemented in the company culture and business operations. They will also be evaluated on their external efforts to collaborate with area initiatives to improve and recognize diversity in the Lansing region.

“The Diversity Star Awards are a great way to acknowledge businesses who champion DEI while also encouraging others to take action” said Tony Willis, chief equity development officer, LEAP. “Along with educational attainability and job opportunities, we know that having an inclusive and welcoming community is paramount for our region to grow and prosper.”

Award applications for the Diversity Star Award, Outstanding Small Business and Community Service Award will be accepted electronically on the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce website from Monday, January 30, 2023, through Friday, March 3, 2023. Up to three supplemental documents can be submitted with the award application. All businesses in the tri-county region (Ingham, Clinton and Eaton counties) are eligible for this award. Nomination review criteria and additional information for applicants is available on the Lansing Chamber website: https://www.lansingchamber.org/signature-events/.