Breakthru Beverage Group Grows Relationship with Equality Illinois
Company to serve as first ever Annual Community Outreach Partner for the LGBTQ advocacy organization
CHICAGO (May 24, 2018)–Breakthru Beverage Group has expanded its commitment and partnership with LGBTQ advocacy organization Equality Illinois. Breakthru and its leadership have been long-standing supporters of Equality Illinois and the broader LGBTQ community, with a relationship dating back more than a decade.
Through this yearlong commitment, Breakthru will amplify Equality Illinois’ mission to its 1,200 Illinois associates and more than 18,000 accounts to broaden the organization’s base of support and promote opportunities for involvement. Breakthru will support Equality Illinois’ events, identify partnership opportunities with like-minded brands and promote key initiatives and events through on- and offline engagement.
“At Breakthru, we believe a culture of inclusivity and respect is vital on both a personal and professional level. A successful community is one where every individual feels their culture, identity and beliefs are valued,” said Danny Wirtz, Vice Chairman of Breakthru Beverage Group. “Through this relationship, we can support Equality Illinois’ efforts to promote equality and acceptance for the LGBTQ community and connect our brands to new audiences in unique ways.”
Founded in 1991, Equality Illinois fights for equal treatment and full acceptance of the LGBTQ community. The organization aims to build a better Illinois by advancing pro-LGBTQ policies, increasing the visibility of LGBTQ leaders throughout the state and empowering LGBTQ and allied community groups to grow and embolden their base.
‘Be Inclusive’ is one of Breakthru’s core company values and has a firm influence on business practice and culture. Upon hire, all Breakthru associates complete a mandatory training focused on promoting a culture of inclusion. Breakthru’s Diversity and Inclusion Alliance, which represents associates across all markets and functions, regularly hosts trainings and volunteer opportunities that support efforts to lead a diverse workplace, develop cultural competencies and anti-biased behavior, among other topics.
Through this partnership, Equality Illinois will contribute to Breakthru’s ongoing Diversity and Inclusion programming and associate-driven initiatives to expand education and engagement on critical issues.
“Breakthru has been a steadfast supporter and longtime friend of Equality Illinois. While we operate in different arenas, there are many parallels between our organizational values and beliefs. We both aim to drive success in our communities,” said Brian C. Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois. “Breakthru and the Wirtz family have been on the front lines of Equality Illinois’ work to make the world a safer and fairer for the LGBTQ community. This marks a great evolution of our partnership, and we look forward to seeing what we can continue to achieve together.”
On Sunday, June 3, Breakthru will join Equality Illinois at its 2018 Pride Kickoff Brunch as one of the premier sponsors. The event celebrates the start of Pride month and features a celebration of the leaders who help advance LGBTQ civil rights year-round. Tickets are available online for $35 with proceeds benefitting the LGBTQ civil rights work of Equality Illinois.
For a complete list of Equality Illinois’ upcoming events, visit www.EqualityIllinois.org.
About Breakthru Beverage Group
Breakthru Beverage Group is one of the leading alcohol wholesalers in the United States and the largest broker in Canada representing a full total beverage alcohol portfolio of spirits, wine and beer. Across all markets, Breakthru aligns a nimble and insightful approach to sales, marketing and operations. Family ownership is active in the business and committed to being stewards of heritage and champions of innovation. For more information, visit www.BreakthruBev.com.
About Equality Illinois
Equality Illinois builds a better Illinois by advancing equal treatment and full acceptance of the LGBTQ community. Equality Illinois envisions a fair and unified Illinois where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and where all people live freely regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or gender expression. Equality Illinois defends and advances LGBTQ civil rights, works to get LGBTQ leaders in positions of influence throughout the state, and builds a civically-powerful statewide network of LGBTQ champions in LGBTQ and allied community groups.