May 12, 2026
The Guild | Kansas City, MO
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
Voting for the 2026 Business Pride Awards has officially closed, and we’re so grateful to everyone who took part. Now it’s time to celebrate. Join us on May 12 at The Guild as we announce this year’s winners. We’d love to see you there!
Ally of the Year
Paige Gammon | National WWI Museum and Memorial
Sheri Johnson | McCownGordon Construction
Tammy Martin | Burns & McDonnell
Chamber Champion of the Year
Jessica Blubaugh | United Way & Brandy Williams | MOCSA
Ashley Stephenson | Commerce Bank
Jeff Wagner | Aspis
Corporate Partner of the Year
McCownGordon Construction
UMB Bank
Employee Resource Group of the Year
Commerce Bank
McCownGordon Construction
Turner Construction
Government Official of the Year
Forest Decker | Director of Neighborhood Services, City of Kansas City, MO
Governor Laura Kelly | State of Kansas
Wick Thomas | Missouri House of Representatives
LGBTBE® Certified Business of the Year
Crum Cleaning
MOC BOD
On Tap
Non-Profit of the Year
Children’s MercyÂ
First Call – Drug & Alcohol Prevention and Recovery
MOCSA
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsoring the Business Pride Awards is an opportunity to align your brand with leadership, inclusion, and community impact while gaining visibility among Chamber members, community partners, and leaders from across the business community.
2026 Sponsors
Signature Soiree Sponsor
Parterre Sponsors
Arbor Sponsors
Terrace Sponsors
Previous Winners
Ally of the Year - Eileen Weir, Centric
Chamber Champion of the Year - Joel Barrett, KC Rainbow Tour
Corporate Partner of the Year - Burns & McDonnell
Employee Resource Group of the Year - Henderson Companies
Government Official of the Year - Brandon Woodard, Kansas State Representative
LGBTBE Business of the Year - Gaels Public House
Non-Profit of the Year - KC CARE Health Center