Northern, an integrated digital solutions agency for brands navigating digital transformation, has been named the Business of the Year by CGLCC, Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, as part of the 2021 Business Leadership Awards. The LGBT+ Business of the Year award celebrates a business that is owned, operated, and controlled by an LGBT+ individual(s) that has made a significant contribution to the LGBT+ community in Canada.
Northern has become one of Canada’s most prominent agencies—employing nearly 200 experts in web development, digital marketing, and user experience design. Northern is a proud member of the Canadian LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce and holds the Diverse Supplier designation with the organization—and has recently become a Rainbow Registered accredited business through the CGLCC.
“We recognize how important it is for Northern to be a place where people feel comfortable and empowered to bring their best and whole selves to work each day,” said Michael DeLorenzi, President of Northern Commerce. “Over the last six years, we have worked hard to create an inclusive environment where people feel accepted and appreciated, which has been a critical component to our continued success.”
In addition to the growth of the agency from a numbers perspective, Northern is also committed to growing from a maturity perspective. Northern is focused on incorporating more opportunities for growth and development and growing its team professionally. Northern has formed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and has invested in numerous external consultants to aid in these initiatives to ensure it continues providing additional support and perspective outside of its own.
Northern supports the Run for Rocky Annual Charity Run, partnering annually through participation, sponsorship and in-kind services. Northern is also a proud sponsor of the Pride London Festival and has invested in educational workshops for staff featuring presentations about LGBT+ issues and history. “We are committed to raising awareness and supporting LGBT+ initiatives,” said Michael DeLorenzi, President of Northern Commerce. “We will continue to focus on developing innovative digital solutions with diversity, equity, and inclusion at the center of everything we do.”