INDIANAPOLIS (July 20, 2023) – Business Equity for Indy (BEI), a collective of local organizations committed to advancing racial equity and driving results for Black residents and residents of color, announces a new, free membership program. Through the new, free membership program, organizations will transparently share their commitment to and progress toward advancing racial equity. It is also an opportunity to join a collective, like-minded effort to learn best practices and find new resources to support their strategies for equity and inclusion.
“We are thrilled to introduce our membership program, which is a critical catalyst for change in Indianapolis. By joining forces with Business Equity for Indy, organizations can make a tangible impact in addressing racial disparities while unlocking the immense potential that diversity and inclusion bring to their businesses,” said Jeffrey Harrison, chair of Business Equity for Indy and President & CEO of Citizens Energy Group.
By becoming a member, businesses in Central Indiana can actively address inequity and promote a more inclusive and prosperous future for all with some specific, actionable commitments:
- Implementing or participating in several best practices, programs, and events;
- Providing data on their workforce, procurement practices, and public policy advocacy (to be published only in aggregate);
- Publicly sharing their progress as a collective business community to demonstrate the work accomplished and that inclusion is a key component of their organization’s strategy.
Organizations can choose between two membership tiers at no cost, Gold and Silver, each with different participation requirements aimed at advancing BEI’s pillars of People, Procurement, and Policy.
“Taking action against inequity requires more than just acknowledging the problem; it necessitates a genuine commitment to do the work,” said Melina Kennedy, CEO of Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP). “Through the membership program, organizations can demonstrate their dedication to advancing racial equity while sharing key initiatives, goals, and resources on diversity and inclusion efforts in Central Indiana.”
BEI invites businesses of all sizes and sectors to become members and actively contribute to the collective mission of advancing racial equity and creating greater economic opportunity. By embracing this program, companies can foster a more inclusive workplace culture and gain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining diverse talent, driving innovation, and building stronger connections with the community.
“Membership in Business Equity for Indy is a visible declaration of an organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Together, we can create a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” said Moira Carlstedt, Interim President and CEO of Indy Chamber.
“There is tremendous power in having multiple organizations committing to BEI membership and its goal to foster a more inclusive business environment,” said Tony Mason, president and CEO of Indianapolis Urban League. “Not only does it send the right message to employees, but it builds up the region as a place that cares about a more equitable future.”
For more information on BEI Membership or to join, click here.
About Business Equity for Indy
BEI is a joint effort of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership and the Indy Chamber, in collaboration with the Indianapolis Urban League, to grow a more inclusive business climate and build greater equity and economic opportunity for the Indy Region’s Black residents and people of color.
About the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership
The Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) was formed in 1999 to bring together the chief executives of the region’s prominent corporations, foundations, and universities in a strategic and collaborative effort dedicated to Indiana’s continued prosperity and growth. To advance this mission, CICP sponsors five key talent and industry sector initiatives, AgriNovus Indiana, Ascend Indiana, BioCrossroads, Conexus Indiana, and TechPoint, each of which addresses challenges and opportunities unique to its respective area: agbiosciences, talent and workforce development, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and logistics, and technology. To learn more about CICP, visit www.cicpindiana.com.
About the Indy Chamber
The Indy Chamber serves as a voice of progress and improvement in the Indianapolis region, uniting business and community to maintain a strong economy and quality of life on behalf of thousands of members across Indiana’s largest metropolitan economy. The Chamber’s advocacy efforts, networking events, economic development initiatives, and other member benefits promote success for individual members and a more competitive, pro-growth climate across Indianapolis. In June 2021, the Indy Chamber was designated by ACCE as the 2021 Chamber of the Year.
About the Indianapolis Urban League
The Indianapolis Urban League was founded in the fall of 1965 as a non-profit, non-partisan, interracial community-based social service/civil rights organization. The local affiliate is one of over 90 affiliates of the National Urban League.
