About Us
Creating Opportunities for the LGBTQ+ Community
The Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Chamber (CTGLC) fosters a more inclusive and vibrant economy in Connecticut by creating, identifying, and enhancing business opportunities for LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+ allied organizations.
Our mission is to provide lucrative business development opportunities and educational resources to the LGBTQ+ and allied business community throughout Connecticut.
As an official affiliate chamber of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the CTGLC is the voice of hundreds of Connecticut’s LGBTQ+-owned businesses. We actively promote and create supplier diversity and procurement opportunities for our growing base of corporate partners and business members.
Our Organization
Guided by Leadership, Encouraged by Community
At the CTGLC, our commitment to community extends to our internal community of Directors and Board Members, who join us in our efforts to encourage an inclusive economy here in Connecticut.
Members of our Board of Directors are elected by our Board to oversee the management and direction of the CTGLC. They provide guidance with high-level decisions regarding our strategy, financial performance, and risk management.
Our Roots
Deeply Rooted In Our Community
The CTGLC has deep roots in the local community.
Since the organization’s founding as the Connecticut Alliance for Business Opportunities (CABO) in 2007, it has evolved into an integral component of the LGBTQ+ community and Connecticut’ small-business sector.
After its launch, CABO gained momentum and, in 2009, the organization was recognized with the “Rising Star Chamber” from the NGLCC. In 2011, the NGLCC awarded the CABO “Chamber of the Year.”
In 2014, the CABO rebranded as the Greater Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and John Pica-Sneeden came on board as Executive Director. Since then, we’ve simplified our name to become known as the Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Chamber—more commonly the CTGLC.
All the while, our organization has remained rooted in our community—supporting our members and creating opportunities for them to engage in activities in our communities throughout Connecticut.
We proudly build on our past achievements and continue to identify new opportunities for growth and innovation.
CABO, The Connecticut Alliance for Business Opportunities, is founded by Dena Castricone
The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce recognizes CABO with the Rising Star Chamber Award
CABO wins the 2011 Chamber of the Year Award from the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. CABO President & Founder Dena Castricone is named on Connecticut Magazine's "40 Under 40" list.
CABO celebrates its 5th anniversary with a sold-out Business Expo and Awards event
CABO moves forward under a new name; the Greater Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
The CTGLC begins its 8th year looking forward while staying true to its roots. New leadership and the creation of four regional councils are early initiates to expand and enhance the chamber.
The CTGLC celebrates 10 years as an LGBT alliance for business opportunities in Connecticut.
Meet Our Leadership
Meet Our Board
