Wisconsin businesses awarded by LGBT Chamber of Commerce for inclusion and diversity

 

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Wisconsin businesses are being recognized for their efforts to support diversity and inclusion.

Thursday, Sept. 22 the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce announced winners of the John Ross Pruess Business Leader of the Year award.

CBS 58 spoke with one the recipients of the award.

"When we see them at the beginning we accept them, and we know we can provide a great healing space for them," said Myles Hecimovich, co-owner of Infinity Message and Bodywork.

The co-owner goes on to say, "We set out every day to provide a space that’s welcoming for people to feel very comfortable and for people to feel like they can come here for healing."

Hecimovich, along with his business partner and co-owner Deondre Lewis, are first-time winners of this award.

The business owner said this moment only furthers their mission and message of inclusion.

"We really train people to understand that everybody deserves healing, wellness, doesn't matter where they come from or who they are."

A true meter of success according to the Wisconsin LGBT chamber of Commerce.

"They know in order to have the best workforce, in order to have the best place to live, work and play, they need to be an inclusive employer," said Jason Rae, president and CEO of LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

Rae goes on to say businesses throughout Wisconsin are taking new strides towards inclusion. "We are continuing to see more and more business and cooperation, want to put LGBTQ issues front and center."

This is the eighth year for the award.

Wednesday, Sept. 28, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating their 10th anniversary.