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DEI series designed to empower the business community to contribute to an equitable and inclusive region.

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) has announced a significant commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion that will empower the business community to contribute to an equitable and inclusive region.

“While we recognize the rich diversity of our region, we also know there is need to drive positive change to eliminate systemic inequalities,” said Tim Daman, president and CEO, LRCC. “The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce has reaffirmed its commitment to step up as business leaders and work toward a more equitable future for all.”

Embracing diversity, equity and inclusion makes organizations stronger and communities more vibrant and welcoming. A recent survey from Glassdoor showed that 67% of job seekers consider workplace diversity an essential factor when considering employment opportunities. More than 50% of current employees want their workplace to do more to increase diversity. Additional research from Fast Company shows organizations with above-average gender diversity and levels of employee engagement outperform companies with below-average diversity and engagement by 46% to 58%. According to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation “The Business Case for Racial Equity: A Strategy for Growth,” businesses with a more diverse workforce have been shown to have more customers, higher revenues and profits, greater market share, less absenteeism and turnover, and a higher level of employee and customer commitment to their organizations.

The LRCC DEI commitment will feature three distinct programs:

Executive Roundtables will offer CEOs and small business owners the opportunity to confidentially discuss best practices, equity tools, and approaches in strengthening DEI in their organizations.

The Institute of Programs will offer DEI courses to teams for professional and organizational development.

DEI Roundtables will provide practical tactics to position diversity as a focus of business strategy for growth. Roundtables will foster an open and welcoming environment that will encourage diverse culture appreciation while advancing DEI initiatives to create and sustain positive change in our workplaces and community.

“Our commitment is to actively work to make diversity, equity and inclusion a priority for the business community by developing tools and opportunities that promote diverse and inclusive business practices in the Greater Lansing region,” said Ashlee Willis, founder and CEO of Michigan Premier Events and event manager for the LRCC.

The first step in the LRCC DEI initiative is understanding the business landscape in our region related to diversity, equity and inclusion. The LRCC has distributed an anonymous survey to its members, which will be used to ensure the DEI programming and resources match the business community’s needs.

For more information about the LRCC DEI series, visit www.lansingchamber.org/DEI.