Murphy Signs Order On LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses At Lambertville's Union Coffee

LAMBERTVILLE, NJ — Governor Phil Murphy signed an Executive Order to establish a state certification program for LGBTQ+ owned businesses in Lambertville's own Union Coffee on Tuesday.

Union Coffee is an LGBTQ+ owned coffee shop, making it the perfect location for the historic moment.

Certification, which will be free of charge, would expand access to public and private contracting opportunities and enable businesses to proudly identify as LGBTQ+ owned in their advertising.

"Today’s executive order reflects the Governor’s ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community and affirms that LGBTQ+ businesses are welcome and encouraged to grow and thrive in New Jersey," a news release read.

The governor said he wanted to enhance the businesses' visibility and demonstrate the vital participation of LGBTQ+ community members in New Jersey's economy.

“I am honored to support the endeavors of entrepreneurs from a historically underrepresented community through the creation of this certification program," Murphy said. "New Jersey will always value the contributions of our LGBTQ+ community."

Lambertville's mayor, Andrew Nowick, was on scene to support the legislation.

“As the Mayor of Lambertville and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am grateful for Governor Murphy’s ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and economic progress for all New Jerseyans,” Nowick said. “Our little city on the Delaware is home to many LGBTQ+ owned businesses that will benefit from the governor’s executive order and we deeply appreciate his dedication to equity in economic growth and vitality."

The owner of Union Coffee shared her excitement about the new executive order's promises of visibility.

“One of the most rewarding things about owning a small business is having the opportunity to create an openly inclusive space for my employees and customers alike,” Carolyn Gadbois said. “I feel so proud that Union Coffee has become known as a haven for the LGBTQ+ community, and I believe Gov. Murphy's executive order will help open even more doors on our collective path toward visibility and equality.”

The State already has certification programs in place for small businesses and businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and disabled veterans.

Last year, the treasury began waiving the $100 fee for these businesses to become certified. Under the program to be established by Treasury per Executive Order No. 295, businesses that are majority-owned and operated by one or more individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ can become certified for free as an LGBTQ+ owned business.

“By expanding this benefit to help LGBTQ+ -owned businesses, we can help more enterprises successfully launch and gain a foothold in their respective industries,” said Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio.

Certification provides State-backed documentation of a business’ status, which can be beneficial in pursuing contracting opportunities at the local, state, and federal level, as well as in the private sector.

“We couldn’t agree more with Governor Murphy’s statement in 2018 that ‘Social progress cannot be achieved without economic progress,’” said National LGBT Chamber of Commerce Co-Founder & President Justin Nelson. “And now New Jersey continues its tradition as a leader in LGBT rights by living up to its promise and creating greater access to the American Dream. We thank Governor Murphy’s administration for their commitment to the LGBT community — and to all business owners — throughout New Jersey."

He added, "This victory for inclusivity has once again proved our core values that ‘diversity is good for business’ and that ‘if you can buy it, a certified LGBT-owned business can supply it.’ We are excited to see LGBT business enterprises in every field, from construction to catering and everything in between, help grow the economy of New Jersey and beyond.”

The treasury will establish rules and regulations to effectuate the Executive Order and work to ensure the procedures used to certify LGBTQ+ owned businesses are on equal footing with the procedures used to certify other types of businesses.

The full executive order can be read online.

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