Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Cultivate your talent using resources, data and programs to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that helps to retain your current workforce and develop recruitment strategies that encourage new talent.

Diversity Statement

Truly inclusive economic development begins with a commitment to supporting all voices. The Leadership Alliance between The Agency and the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to cultivating an economic climate that is welcoming, supportive, and empowering. We will do this by providing equitable services and programming to the businesses and residents we serve, regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, ability status, immigration, and socioeconomic status.

DEI
Committee

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Background

The Greater Binghamton Chamber initiated the formation of a DEI Committee in March 2021.

Purpose of DEI Committee

The purpose of this group is to steer Diversity Equity & Inclusion programming for the Greater Binghamton business community. Our goals for businesses are attract and retain diverse* workforces and increase inclusive cultures within their organizations with particular focus on policies, practices, and procedures. We will do this by providing learning opportunities and educational resources to enhance or implement new DEI strategies.

Purpose of Arrows Committee

(Minority, Woman, and/or Veteran-owned businesses). Gather a community of likeminded individuals focused on building strong cross-sector relationships, sharing best practices, while advocating for the needs of MWVBE’s in the Greater Binghamton Area. Committee members are not required to be a NYS Certified MWBE to participate. Bi-Monthly meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of the month and are free for all to attend.

Arrows
Committee

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di·ver·si·ty

/dəˈvərsədē,dīˈvərsədē/

The presence of differences within our workplaces, including, but not limited to psychological, physical, and social differences including race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, age, ability, beliefs, sexual orientation and business size/type. A diverse workplace is one with a variety of social and cultural characteristics.

DEI Programs & Events

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Inclusive Leadership Series

This brand-new series is an educational deep dive for company and organizational leaders to implement diversity and inclusion initiatives. Learn step-by-step ways to use resources and information to make inclusive policies/procedures. This series can be attended in individual sessions or as a full series. The first 10 signups for the full series receive a DEI gift.

DEI Book Club

The DEI Book Club can help you sharpen your thinking, keep you accountable, and be a place to meet other professionals on the DEI journey. Educate yourself on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics and through our summer reading list and participate in private virtual discussion forums.

DEI Conference/MWVBE Expo

Our 3rd Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference reimagined into a dual conference & expo that highlights Minority, Women, and/or Veteran owned businesses and their products/services. Attendees will learn more about the unique challenges of being a MWVBE & business development information. Participants will also learn to build inclusive practices within their workplace.

Resources

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Book Resources

  • Black Fatigue: How Racism Erodes the Mind, Body, and Spirit
    Mary-Frances Winters

  • Waking Up White, and Finding Myself in the Story of Race
    Debby Irving

  • The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table
    Mida Harts

  • Lead from the Outside: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change
    Stacey Abrams

  • No Pity: People with Disabilities Forging a New Civil Rights Movement
    Joseph P. Shapiro

  • Diversity, Inc.: The Fight for Racial Equality in the Workplace
    Pamela Newkirk

  • Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment Is Killing America’s Heartland
    Jonathan M. Metzl

  • White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism
    Robin DiAngelo

DEI Book Club Books

  • The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates
    Wes Moore

  • We Are Not Like Them
    Christine Pride and Jo Piazza

  • We Can’t Talk About That at Work!
    Mary Frances Winters

  • This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto to Ageism
    Ashton Applewhite

Our Community Is Changing and Growing

Get Involved

Are you interested in helping build a more equitable and diverse business community? Get involved with our DEI Committee or the Arrows Committee. Contact the Chamber directly at chamber@greaterbinghamtonchamber.com.