by Shaun Knittel - SGN Associate Editor

Each year, the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) honors those individuals and businesses who incorporate philanthropy and volunteerism into their business model and who are 'walking the talk for equality' at its Business & Humanitarian Awards Dinner, because, according to the organization's officials, the GSBA believes that business success is not measured solely in the board room or in terms of wealth.

'As business and community leaders, our honorees have demonstrated their success in business as well as their commitment to giving back to their communities,' says Louise Chernin, President and CEO of GSBA. 'We also recognize them for their visible support of the community. They walk the talk for equality every day.'

This year, the GSBA will honor the following recipients at the 34th annual Business & Humanitarian Awards Dinner:

New Business of the Year
Urban Animal, Cherri Trusheim, DVM

Business Leader of the Year
Linda Derschang, The Derschang Group

Business of the Year
Holland America Line, Rick Meadows, President of Seabourn & Cunard Line, North America

Corporate Leader of the Year
The Space Needle, Karen Olson

Nonprofit of the Year
Ingersoll Gender Center, Marsha Botzer

Community Leader of the Year
Rev. David Strong, AIDS Housing Association of Tacoma

Special Recognition - Voice for Equality
Jen Self, PhD, MSW, Q Center, University of Washington

The awards dinner will be held at the Marriott Seattle Waterfront (2100 Alaskan Way) on February 24, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Governor Jay Inslee will deliver special remarks and Justice Mary I. Yu will give the evening's keynote address.

According to officials, the businesses, nonprofits and leaders being recognized all have a proven track record of community engagement and giving back, and they have been especially supportive of the LGBT and allied community. The leaders being honored with GSBA Business & Humanitarian Awards are chosen by a committee comprised of former Awards recipients.

GSBA thanks the event's Presenting Sponsor: Vulcan; Dinner Sponsors: Goodwill, RBC Wealth Management, Safeco Insurance and Wells Fargo; and Award Sponsors: Pride Foundation and BECU. Ticket information is available at 206-363-9188; www.thegsba.org.



Established in 1981, the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) is the largest LGBTQ and allied chamber of commerce in North America. GSBA is widely known for its work on business development, connecting community through business, advocacy on behalf of civil rights and businesses and promoting LGBT tourism through its Travel Gay Seattle initiative. GSBA invests in the next generation of leaders by sponsoring a Scholarship Fund which will give out its two-millionth dollar in scholarships in 2015. For more information about GSBA, visit www.thegsba.org.

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