Ep. 10 - Jason Rae (Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce)

In today's episode, we're joined by Jason Rae, President and CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. We discuss how the chamber grew from a young professional networking group into a statewide business organization, how supplier diversity can help members access larger opportunities, and why relationship-building, storytelling, and innovation are central to creating real chamber value.

Takeaways

• Chambers can create deeper value by helping members build relationships, not just exchange business cards.
• Supplier diversity and certification can open doors for small businesses to connect with larger buyers.
• Entrepreneur programs can help turn early business ideas into stronger, more prepared companies.
• Corporate partnerships become more impactful when they move beyond sponsorship and into real member opportunities.
• Storytelling helps chambers show the value of their work, especially when contract wins and business relationships take time to develop.
• Chambers should keep innovating, testing new programs, and improving over time instead of waiting for everything to be perfect.

Chapters

00:00 Relationship-Building Over Business Cards
00:40 Introduction to Beyond the Ribbon Cut
01:03 Introduction to the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
03:09 Covering a Statewide Chamber Footprint
04:09 Jason’s Journey to Founding the Chamber
06:14 Keeping the Chamber’s Business Lane Clear
07:15 Supplier Diversity as a Chamber Value Add
11:25 LGBTQ+ Entrepreneur Bootcamp
14:06 Building Cohorts and Business Support
15:24 Turning Corporate Partners into Buyers
18:24 Starting a Matchmaking Event
20:25 Measuring the Impact of Supplier Diversity
25:57 Helping Smaller Chambers Connect Members to Bigger Buyers
27:42 Collaboration Across Chamber Networks
28:32 Final Advice for Chamber Leaders

Facebook: @WisLGBTChamber

Instagram: @wislgbtchamber

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wisconsin-lgbt-chamber-of-commerce

About Diagonal
Diagonal builds software shaped around the way chambers actually work. Our all-in-one platform helps chambers spend less time on administrative work and more time serving members, growing local businesses, and strengthening their communities.

Learn more about Diagonal: Diagonal for Chambers