Chamber SPOTLIGHT

By Diane Sears

When Kristin “Kri” Edholm became the first paid staff member in the history of the Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Nevada (GLCCNV) last fall, she knew she was stepping into a milestone moment — not just for herself, but for the entire LGBTQ+ and allied business community in the Silver State.
For more than a decade, the chamber had been entirely volunteer-run, with a dedicated board juggling advocacy, programming and member services on their own time. In October 2024, the chapter hired Edholm as its first executive director, marking a turning point that reflects both growth and opportunity.
“It took a lot of work to get here, and it’s still taking a lot of work,” she says with a smile. “But it’s been incredible. The timing couldn’t be more perfect.”
That timing is especially relevant now: The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is hosting its 2025 International Business & Leadership Conference in Las Vegas August 19–22. Thousands of LGBTQ+ and allied business leaders from across the globe will gather to network, learn and celebrate successes. For Edholm, it’s both a professional highlight and a chance to showcase her state’s vibrant LGBTQ+ and allied business community.

A Statewide Force for Business
GLCCNV is unusual in being a statewide chamber, rather than tied to a metropolitan area, with members spanning from Las Vegas to the scenic Reno-Tahoe region. With about 120 members and 15 corporate partners, the chamber brings together entrepreneurs and corporations to foster business opportunities, advocacy and community support.
Because of Nevada’s geography, much of the chamber’s work happens virtually, though Edholm makes quarterly trips to Reno to connect with northern members in person. She’s quick to point out that the challenges and needs of members in more rural areas can be very different from those in urban centers — something she sees as a strength rather than an obstacle.
“We host both virtual and in-person events in multiple regions,” she says, “because inclusivity isn’t just about who you are, it’s about where you are.”

Navigating Today’s Business Climate
Like many business organizations, GLCCNV has had to navigate a changing environment for corporate partnerships. National conversations around LGBTQ+ inclusion have prompted some companies to reassess public affiliations. In other states, chambers have faced sponsorship losses. But Edholm says Nevada’s corporate relationships remain strong — something she attributes to transparency, creativity and a focus on mutual value.
“Small business drives Nevada’s economy,” Edholm says. “We’re job creators and community contributors. We’ve been able to maintain the vast majority of our partnerships, even if some corporate teams have restructured or rebranded. We’ve lost only one partner in all of this and have even brought on new ones.”
One shift, she says, is that companies now want deeper engagement rather than simply writing a check. That has been an opportunity. “It’s given us the chance to have real conversations about impact: how those dollars support small business and how we, in turn, can support their goals.”

Building for the Conference and Beyond
Anticipating the NGLCC conference in Las Vegas, GLCCNV has been focused on both infrastructure and celebration. Earlier this year, the chamber overhauled its online member directory, making it easier than ever for visitors to find LGBTQ+ and LGBTBE certified businesses in both northern and southern Nevada. The site’s improved search and filtering tools will serve not just conference guests but the broader community long after the event.
The chamber also worked on plans to host a corporate partner appreciation event on the conference’s opening night, taking advantage of the fact that many partners would already be in town for the conference.
“In a year when the economy has been challenging, especially here in Vegas, it’s important to take time to celebrate,” Edholm says. “Sometimes it’s hard to see the forest for the trees, but we’ve accomplished so much.”
The City of Las Vegas also helped the chamber roll out the welcome mat. Mayor Shelley Berkley officially proclaimed the week of the conference “LGBTQ+ and Allied Business Recognition Week.” Edholm will have a moment on stage to share the proclamation and speak about the power of business as a force for community.

The Business of Collaboration
Edholm brings a strong entrepreneurial background to her role. A former tech executive, she left the corporate world a decade ago to launch her own video marketing production company. Her work spans podcast production, livestreaming and event marketing, often delivered through collaborative partnerships with other Nevada businesses.
She describes herself as a “collaborative entrepreneur,” a term she admits she coined herself. Rather than building a team of permanent employees, she taps into her extensive network of small business owners to assemble the right expertise for each project. That same collaborative approach informs her work at GLCCNV.
“I treat the executive director role as one of my most important clients,” she says. “And just like with any client, I make sure I’m delivering value, strategy and measurable impact.”

Powered by the NGLCC Network
While GLCCNV operates independently, its affiliation with the NGLCC connects it to a nationwide and increasingly global network of LGBTQ+ chambers. Edholm is quick to credit the national organization’s affiliate programming, which provides resources, training and opportunities for peer exchange.
“Through the affiliate track at the NGLCC conference, I’ve been able to connect with leaders from other chambers who’ve been where we are now,” she says. “They’ve shared best practices that have helped us implement changes more quickly and effectively.”
For Edholm, the value of the conference goes beyond workshops and keynotes. It’s about the energy of being in a room with others who share the challenges and triumphs of building inclusive economic opportunity.
“When people come together, it’s magical,” she says. “It makes you feel like you’re not alone — especially during challenging times. Our community supports each other, celebrates together, and sets each other up for success. And yes, we have a lot of fun, too.”

A Message for Business Leaders
Hosting the event in Las Vegas adds another layer of pride. Attendees will not only experience the city’s famous hospitality but also see firsthand the innovation and resilience of Nevada’s LGBTQ+ and allied business community.
Edholm is ready to show just how far her chamber has come — and how far it can go. For her, being the first paid executive director isn’t just about making history: It’s about building a future where every LGBTQ+ business in Nevada has the support, visibility and opportunity it deserves.
In a climate where headlines can be discouraging, she chooses to highlight what’s working: strong partnerships, collaborative problem-solving and the undeniable role LGBTQ+ and allied businesses play in driving local economies.
Edholm’s message to fellow entrepreneurs, whether they’re seasoned or just starting out, is one of optimism and focus.
“We’re contributors. We make a difference,” she says. “We drive a lot of the success in our communities. If we focus on that, on the impact we’re making, then we’re already on the right path.”

At a Glance: The GLCCNV
Founded: 2013
Scope: Statewide, with members in Southern Nevada (Las Vegas) and Northern Nevada (Reno-Tahoe)
Members: about 120
Corporate partners: 15
For more information: glccnv.org

The GLCCNV Chamber Board is making history. Pictured left to right: Kurt Thigpen, secretary; Wes McQuillen, vice president; Roberto Garcia, treasurer; and Kri Edholm, president and executive director, the growing chamber’s first paid staff member.

The GLCCNV hosts in-person gatherings for LGBTQ+ business leaders and allies, as well as online events that allow it to cater to the whole state.