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Chamber committed to diversity

But the Tampa group will stay out of a community debate on gay rights.

By JEFF HARRINGTON
Published June 24, 2005

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce on Thursday reaffirmed its basic commitment to diversity, gently stepping into a community debate over how far governments and businesses should go in dealing with gay rights.

But the business group deflected suggestions that it send a letter to the Hillsborough County Commission or otherwise challenge the County Commission's decision to abstain from "acknowledging, promoting or participating in gay pride recognition and events."

Pressured by some business leaders and politicians to take a stance, chamber chairman Sam Ellison began the group's monthly board meeting with a statement calling diversity "a core value of my company and this chamber."

"We embrace it," Ellison said, "not only because it's the right thing to do, but we've all learned that diversity of all kinds is good for business too. . . . Let it be known that this core value stands and we will remain inclusive of everyone as we carry out our work."

Fred McClure, the chamber's secretary/treasurer, said the statement was sufficient in underscoring the chamber's values, as detailed on a plaque in the chamber's meeting room. The "diversity" value on the plaque read: "We will create an environment where diversity is cherished, placing great value on differing perspectives while embracing and celebrating the differences."

Sending a letter could be "creating a conflict where one doesn't already exist," McClure added.

Vonn New, regional director for Equality Florida, a statewide gay rights organization, called the chamber statement a solid first step. But she urged the group to go further. "This is an opportunity to get specific and let the community know we are valued," she said.

Kim Scheeler, the chamber's president and CEO, initially said he would ban media from the morning meeting in order to allow a freer discussion among board members.

Scheeler said he changed his mind after mulling over objections from the St. Petersburg Times and consulting with Ellison, who returned from a trip to Mexico late Wednesday.

"Sam wanted it open," chamber spokesman Brad Swanson said.

In addition to the media, New was allowed to sit in on the meeting and make a statement on behalf of more than a half-dozen gay rights activists who were waiting outside.

New thanked the chamber members and urged them to do more. When she began to discuss plans for a Sunday rally, however, chamber director Bob Clark interjected. Clark of Tampa Steel Erecting Co. indicated the chamber had made a statement and it was time to move on.

But he was overruled and New was allowed to finish her statement. Afterward, Clark said he objected because New was trying to promote an agenda.

Jeff Harrington can be reached at harrington@sptimes.com or 813 226-3407.

[Last modified June 24, 2005, 00:46:17]