Get involved with one of PEN's Committees
Committees Descriptions
EVENTS & PROGRAMS
The purpose of the program and events is to promote the PEN and its members. This committee works closely with the both the community outreach and women's outreach committee. Examples of events include but are not limited to the Mayor's Economic Summit, Black Gay Pride, DC Pride, Night with the Nationals, and joint ventures with gay community organizations. Future programs include seminars on topics like Business Planning, Financial Planning, Real Estate Development, Contract Procurement, etc. for PEN Members. In addition, special emphasis will be placed on increasing the visibility of the lecture series. Get involved in this committee if you have ideas about programs or educational events that you would like to see.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
This committee works with new and existing members to help them achieve the maximum value from their PEN membership investment. The committee works to provided value added opportunities to members by helping to increase exposure within the organization and articulating the benefits of being a PEN Member. This group works on introducing new PEN members, sending out notices and reminders and coordinating brochures and staffing networking events. Joining this committee is a great way to get involved, meet new people and make new friends and business contacts.
WEB DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT
This group assists in the overall web infrastructure and platform for PEN. Work includes providing ideas to maximize the efficiency of utilizing information technology to create a better overall member experience. Working with databases, HTML, and new and emerging technologies is part of the this group’s responsibility. Whether you have years of experience or are new and looking to increase your exposure to IT, this is a great way to get involved!
MARKETING COMMITTEE
As PEN Metro DC’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce has grown and changed, there has been greater emphasis on branding and getting the word out about PEN. This group creates, cares for and maintains a brand identity of excellence, vision, leadership, advocacy and community partnerships through an internal and external marketing plan. This group is tasked with looking at what opportunities there are for greater brand awareness as PEN steps into its rightful place as the economic development engine for the LGBT community in the Metro DC are.
WOMEN'S & DIVERSITY OUTREACH
This committee increases women's participation and membership in PEN. Throughout its communications, programs, and branding, PEN strives for the greatest levels of diversity, including bringing more women and diversity to its members, programs, events and in leadership roles.
NGLCC & OTHER CHAMBER LIAISON
The NGLCC is
NETWORK THURDAY (NT) COMMITTEE
The Networking Thursday is PEN’s signature monthly event. Since PEN, Metro DC’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce is comprised of hundreds of professionals and business owners who regularly gather on the second Thursday of every month at a networking reception, the Network Thursdays (NT) Committee works to find a variety of appropriate business venues for the gatherings and will work to encourage a business sponsor for each NT. Get involved by scouting out new and future exciting locations for our next events. Sponsorships are available for these events!
BUDGET AND FINANCE
The Finance Committee oversees the development of an annual budget and its regular review. As an accountability arm of the Chamber, this committee analyzes financial statements and reports to the Board of Directors. The Committee also makes recommendations concerning policies regarding dues, fees and charges, and other price structures.
TRIANGLE BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL
PEN’s Triangle Business Advisory Council's is a weekly LGBT and allies business think-tank. This weekly networking, referral, coaching and business development group is comprised of LGBT (and friends) business owners, professionals and people who want to increase the effectiveness of their business, sales and marketing skills. This group of dedicated professionals meets every Thursday morning to discuss a host of different business issues like how to start, grow and run a business with greater success and profitability. Increase your sales, expand your business acumen and get motivated weekly!
GOVERNMENT LIAISON
The committee is PEN’s chief contact with local governments, at first focusing on D.C. and then spanning out as members and experience increase. The committee communicates with locally community leaders and the DC council to make them aware of our presence and desire be active participants in business issues that may impact the business community at large, as well as LGBT issues. Committee members are involved with the planning process of government projects and revitalization efforts in a similar fashion to the Washington Board of Trade or DC Chamber of Commerce. The committee makes recommendations to the PEN BOD on upcoming legislative issues and present PEN’s position at government hearings.
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Pending
AD HOC COMMITTEES
DINNER
PRIDE