While the Daytona Regional Chamber has believed in the importance of diversity and inclusion as a business organization, we have never clearly outlined and publicly displayed our beliefs as it relates to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). At the August Board meeting, Chairperson of the Board, Bob Lloyd presented the following DEI statement for approval.
We, the business community of the greater Daytona Beach area, are united in our mission for equity, access and opportunity in all commercial activity. The Daytona Beach community has a proud and progressive history, which includes the home and life’s work of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the birthplace of Bethune-Cookman University, the ballpark where Jackie Robinson broke the “color barrier” in Major League Baseball, one of the first integrated beaches in the Deep South and the home of Dr. Josie Rogers, the first woman elected mayor of Daytona Beach two years after women in the United States won the right to vote. However, the Daytona Beach area also has a history of intolerance, bias and racism that threatens to overwhelm its progressive past and imperil its bright future. The Chamber likewise has a history of tolerance, diversity and inclusiveness in its past century but, like the community it serves, the Chamber can be better.
THEREFORE ….
We affirm the inherent dignity and value of every person and strive to maintain a climate for commerce, work and learning based on mutual respect and understanding.
We affirm the right of each person to express thoughts and opinions freely. We encourage open expression with civility, sensitivity, and mutual respect. We will treat each other as we treat our customers and, as the old saying goes, the customer is always right.
We affirm the value of human diversity because it enriches our lives and our businesses. We acknowledge and respect our differences while affirming our common humanity.
We affirm our rejection to all forms of prejudice and discrimination, including those based on age, color, diverse ability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, and veteran status. We take individual and collective responsibility for helping to eliminate bias and discrimination and increasing our own understanding of these issues through education, training, and commercial transactions with others.
We affirm our ongoing efforts to incorporate these principles in the perpetuation of a business community dedicated to inclusive excellence, where all citizens can live and thrive.
“While a part of our culture, it was important to put in words our belief in how we conduct business. We will be following up with specific initiatives that clearly align with this statement so that the affirmations lead to successful outcomes” stated Chamber President & CEO, Nancy Keefer.
