MassMutual Joins Forces with NGLCC to Support LGBT Business Owners and Showcase Diversity of Talent in LGBT Communities

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., March 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) announced today that it has become a corporate partner with the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) to help that organization advance the economic equality of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people, better understand the impact that economics could have on the equality movement and help boost economic growth in six key metropolitan areas across the country.

The cornerstone of MassMutual's work with NGLCC will kick off with local hands-on NGLCC Road Shows to help small businesses in key cities across the country gain certification as LGBT-Business Enterprises—making them eligible to meet federal supplier diversity mandates—and to provide financial education to business owners to help them put essential plans in place to keep their businesses viable over the long-term.

"As an early and outspoken supporter of equality for LGBT people, MassMutual recognizes that these communities are a vibrant, essential part of the small business engine that makes the U.S. economy run," said Mike Fanning, executive vice president at MassMutual, "and deserve a place at the equality table."

"The NGLCC is eager to join forces with MassMutual, a company that continues to make significant strides in improving LGBT inclusion—both in the company and its communities," said Justin Nelson, co-founder and president, NGLCC.

Look for Road Shows dealing with certification and financial education to kick off this year in Miami, Atlanta, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Cleveland.

"We recognize that economic growth in this country can only continue when all members of the business community contribute, and that includes LGBT owners and employees," said Tara Reynolds, corporate vice president in MassMutual's U.S. Insurance Group. "We believe expanding the opportunities for and celebrating the advancements of the LGBT business community is a step in the right direction," she added.

MassMutual is a Fortune 500 company that has been in the forefront of LGBT inclusion through its thriving Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG); MassMutual's participation in the historic Amicus Brief filed in opposition to DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act); membership in the HRC's Business Coalition for Benefits Tax Equity; and its support of legislation acts, such as An Act of Gender Equality and an Act Relative to Implementation of the School Bullying Law. In late 2013, MassMutual was notified that they had received a 100-percent score on the HRC's Corporate Equality Index (CEI), earning a place on the HRC's 2014 Best Places to Work list.

To find out dates and locations of local Road Shows, visit nglcc.org/events. For more information about MassMutual's work with the LGBT community, visit massmutual.com/lgbt. To learn more about the NGLCC, visit nglcc.org.

About MassMutual

Founded in 1851, MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policyowners. The company has a long history of financial strength and strong performance, and although dividends are not guaranteed, MassMutual has paid dividends to eligible participating policyowners consistently since the 1860s. With whole life insurance as its foundation, MassMutual provides products to help meet the financial needs of clients, such as life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, retirement/401(k) plan services, and annuities. In addition, the company's strong and growing network of financial professionals helps clients make good financial decisions for the long-term.

MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives. MassMutual is headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts and its major affiliates include: Babson Capital Management LLC; Baring Asset Management Limited; Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; The First Mercantile Trust Company; MassMutual International LLC; MML Investors Services, LLC, Member FINRA and SIPC; OppenheimerFunds, Inc.; and The MassMutual Trust Company, FSB.

For more information, visit www.massmutual.com or find MassMutual on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Google+.

About the NGLCC

The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce of the United States (NGLCC) is the only national not-for-profit advocacy organization dedicated to expanding the economic opportunities and advancements of the LGBT business community. With more than 550 certified businesses and growing, 140 corporate partners, and 54 local, state, and international affiliate chambers, NGLCC is the largest LGBT business development and economic advocacy organization in the world.

CONTACTS:                                                                                                                                       Karen Lavariere-Sanchez
413.744.7660
[email protected]

SOURCE MassMutual