What exactly are domestic partner benefits? When a business offers extra perks to their non-married employees, such as health insurance or dental benefits, they generally term them as domestic partner benefits.
While not all businesses offer to cover spousal partners, the trend is on the rise. In 1990, only a couple dozen companies in the country participated. Now, 40% of Fortune 500 companies offer domestic partner insurance, as do 68% of Fortune 50 companies. (www.hrc.org)

The critical difference between spousal benefits and domestic partner benefits is taxation. While spousal benefits avoid being taxed, domestic partner benefits are considered income, and the company is obligated to report the fair market value to the IRS. What can be done about this? Well, if the domestic partner is listed as a ‘dependent’, then the benefits may be exempt from taxation. Check with your employer to be sure.

Some insurance companies require that individuals provide proof they are domestic partners, usually by registering with the state. How might one acquire proof of domestic partnership if the state does not offer a registry? Several insurance companies will permit documentation from a state other than the one of residence. The state of California has no laws on record that require California residence to be a registered partner. For example, a couple in Alabama may register in California and qualify for domestic partner benefits from an insurance company whose headquarters are in Minneapolis.

Does your company provide domestic partner benefits? Let Diversity Builder lead the way in establishing such benefits.

Diversity Builder currently offers a course for your human resources department entitled, "The Ins and Outs of Domestic Partner Benefits."

Visit Diversity Builder's Training Page

September 19, 2005 -- Supplier Diversity has quickly become the 'golden child' of corporate America, with an estimated $80 billion spent on goods and services from minority-owned companies in 2003 alone, (source: Fortune Magazine).

Corporations recognize the value of incorporating diversity into their supply strategies to effectively respond in the diverse marketplace. The trend of increased corporate spending on supplier diversity translates into substantial revenues for minority businesses. From minority-owned staffing agencies, such as Act ·1 Technical & Professional Services, to Latino market advertisers like Anita Santiago Advertising, minority supplier status has proven results and numerous success story's in today's marketplace.

So what exactly is supplier diversity? Supplier Diversity is a purchasing program where businesses opt to secure a ‘diverse group of suppliers,’ such as ‘women-owned and minority businesses.’ The suppliers categorized as ‘diverse’, vary by corporation, and most recently have included gay and lesbian business owners.

Who qualifies as a 'minority supplier?' Different corporations include various diverse groups in their purchasing policies. The most commonly recognized groups are women, Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American majority-owned businesses. The Intel Corporation has adopted one of the most extensive minority business definitions, to date. Intel recently expanded their minority suppliers to include gay and lesbian owned businesses. When asked about the inclusion of the lgbt population, Intel's supplier diversity representative responded, "At Intel, diversity is embraced as a core value, resulting in an inclusive environment that enables each of us to fully participate and contribute to our business."

Visit Diversity Builder's new Supplier Diversity page, featuring the Intel Corporation.

The Middle Tennessee region is positioned to receive national glbt visitors and continued press coverage, as Nashville's First Annual GLBT Life and Business Expo enters the starting gate. News is circulating on prominent sites such as Gaywired.com, OutinAmerica.com, and the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce's (NGLCC's) site, and Nashville is establishing its name on the national GLBT event circuit. In a quick internet search for the term, 'Nashville GLBT Expo,' Yahoo produced 2,520 results, and Google 733.

So what is all the expo buzz about? For starters, this expo boasts to be anything but typical. The event offers the country's most distinguished GLBT keynote speaker, Justin Nelson, who recently appeared on CNBC ringing the New York Stock Exchange's closing bell and is often found on the White House steps speaking on behalf of small GLBT businesses. Other guest stars include the divine Lady Chablis, from the film 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. (Yes, she will give a Nashville performance at Play). Joshua Estrin will present a dynamic technology seminar, likely to be standing room only. Josh recently appeared on CNN as an expert psychologist for Hurricane Katrina victims and is best known for his new book titled, Shut Up and Listen to Yourself. To add to the mix of fun and excitement, Traveling Proud has donated an all expense paid week long European vacation for two. Nashville is poised to give both sponsors and guests 'something to talk about.'

Sponsorships and a few booths are still available. Booths are priced at $165.

Click to See More Expo Details!

Check out these powerful marketing solutions Diversity Builder now offers:

Email Marketing Campaigns - let Diversity Builder create and manage your newsletters to stay in 'constant contact' with your customers.

Direct Mail - let Diversity Builder design your direct mail advertisement and effectively reach your target market.

Custom Web Sites - yes, we offer flash, online brochures for your business, and much more at affordable rates

Brochure and Logo Design

Press Releases - from creation to distribution, place your business in the public's lap.

Free Marketing Consultation - set up your free marketing consultation with Diversity Builder to discover how you may improve in reaching your customer and business goals.


Email info@diversitybuilder.com for more information.

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