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.
Meet the Finalists and Cast Your Vote
We’re excited to share the finalists for the 2026 Business Pride Awards. After an incredible response from the community, we’re now down to the top contenders in each category. These individuals and organizations represent the strength, innovation, and leadership across our region.
Votes will be collected and submitted to the Nomination Committee, who will make the final award selections. Winners will be announced at the Business Pride Awards on May 12, 2026 at The Guild.
- Voting is open to Chamber members, including employees of member businesses
- Only one ballot per business email will be accepted
- Ballots must be completed in full to be counted
- You may choose to abstain from any category
- Voting closes at midnight on April 17
Finalists by Category
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
Cast your vote by April 17 to help recognize those making a meaningful impact.
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.
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
2025 Business Pride Awards Photos
Thank you to our 2025 sponsors:
