Baton Rouge Reporter

Diversity Star Award to recognize regional businesses for advancing the goals of diversity and inclusion 

Baton Rouge, La. (May 17, 2022) – The Baton Rouge  Area Chamber (BRAC) today announced it is now accepting applications for  its Diversity Star Award to spotlight and honor regional businesses  that champion diversity and inclusion. The award application process is  open to all businesses in the nine-parish Capital Region regardless of  size or whether the business is a BRAC investor. Applications for the  2022 Diversity Star Award are open through June 30 at brac.org/diversitystar.

“Recipients of the Diversity Star Award embody BRAC’s goal of  creating a more inclusive economy in our local community,” said Jerry  Lebold, chair of BRAC’s Diversity & Inclusion Council and senior  vice president at BASF. “We look forward to celebrating the honorees and  sharing their DEI best practices for other organizations to consider.” 

A selection of members from BRAC’s Diversity & Inclusion Council  will participate in a judges panel to oversee the evaluation, selection,  and presentation of the Diversity Star Award. 

“Creating a more inclusive economy takes focus and collaboration from  the entire business community,” said Adam Knapp, BRAC President &  CEO. “The Diversity Star Award honors those companies being intentional  and persistent in their commitment to greater economic inclusion in the  Baton Rouge Area, which ultimately enhances the overall vibrancy and  growth potential of the region.” 

A winner will be selected in both a small and large business category.  

Nominees will be evaluated on their local Capital Region operations, activities, and impact through the following criteria:  

 

• Candidates should demonstrate support for diversity in business  and community through a statement of values or demonstrated track  record.  
• Candidates should demonstrate support for diversity in  their management structure, board makeup, and company culture,  including processes for career progression and promotion.  
• Candidates  should demonstrate support for diversity in their workforce through  company goals and efforts to recruit, retain and nurture a culturally  diverse workforce.  
• Candidates should demonstrate support for  diversity in the marketplace through company goals and efforts in  procurement practices that reflect a diverse vendor and supply chain.  
• Candidates  should demonstrate support for diversity within their community through  active support and collaboration with area initiatives to improve and  recognize diversity in the Capital Region.  

Applications for the 2022 Diversity Star Award will be accepted until  Thursday, June 30. Awards will be conferred at BRAC’s Economic  Inclusion Symposium presented by DOW in August. 

Honorees recognized in 2021 were City Year Baton Rouge in the small  business category and BASF Corporation in the large business category.  

To apply, or to get more information on the award, visit brac.org/diversitystar. 

About the Baton Rouge Area Chamber  

The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) is an aggressively ambitious  regional economic development organization with a bias for action. BRAC  seeks to push Baton Rouge beyond the status quo, unleash its potential,  and support a vibrant business community that believes the finish line  does not exist. BRAC seeks to accelerate economic opportunity in the  Baton Rouge Area, for everyone, through BRING IT! Baton Rouge, its  five-year, regional strategic plan. Learn more about BRAC at brac.org. 

Original source can be found here.