Business Pride Awards 2026

Thank you for attending!

Celebrating Leadership. Elevating Business. Strengthening Community.

The Business Pride Awards is the Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s premier annual celebration, an evening dedicated to recognizing the leaders, companies, and advocates who are building a stronger, more inclusive business community across our region.

Each year, more than 250 business professionals, community partners, and civic leaders gather for a high-energy evening of connection, recognition, and inspiration. The Business Pride Awards is where business excellence meets purpose and where the Chamber’s mission comes to life.

Finalists by Category

Ally of the Year

Paige Gammon | National WWI Museum and Memorial - WINNER
Sheri Johnson | McCownGordon Construction
Tammy Martin | Burns & McDonnell

Chamber Champion of the Year

Jessica Blubaugh | United Way & Brandy Williams | MOCSA - WINNERS
Ashley Stephenson | Commerce Bank
Jeff Wagner | Aspis

Corporate Partner of the Year

McCownGordon Construction - WINNER
UMB Bank

Employee Resource Group of the Year

Commerce Bank
McCownGordon Construction
Turner Construction - WINNER

Government Official of the Year

Forest Decker | Director of Neighborhood Services, City of Kansas City, MO
Governor Laura Kelly | State of Kansas - WINNER
Wick Thomas | Missouri House of Representatives

LGBTBE® Certified Business of the Year

Crum Cleaning - WINNER
MOC BOD
On Tap

Non-Profit of the Year

Children’s Mercy - WINNER
First Call – Drug & Alcohol Prevention and Recovery
MOCSA