The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce - a business advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender businesses and entrepreneurs - has presented Morgan Stanley with its Financial Services Diversity Corporation of the Year award.

The Diversity and Leadership in Financial Services awards were held at the New York Stock Exchange on January 11.

The evening celebrated achievements of financial services institutions that best integrate LGBT diversity in their business practices. Senator Charles E. Schumer and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney were also recognized for efforts to ensure economic equality for all people and businesses. New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn delivered remarks and was joined by Reps. Jerrold Nadler and Eric Massa.

"We are very proud that the NGLCC has recognized Morgan Stanley for its commitment to diversity and support of LGBT businesses," said Marilyn F. Booker, Managing Director and Global Head of Diversity.

In honoring Morgan Stanley, the NGLCC highlighted the Firm's long-standing commitment to LGBT diversity, adding that "the most significant factor that differentiated this year's corporation of the year from its competitors was its commitment to including LGBT-owned businesses in the firm's diverse supply chain" since 2007.

Jeffrey Siminoff, a Managing Director in Legal and Compliance and Chair of the Pride Employee Networking Group, accepted the award on behalf of the Firm.

"We have been unrelenting as a Firm in recognizing the business opportunities presented by diverse markets and are proud that our commitment to all of our employees and clients has been recognized," Siminoff said. "We recognize that we do best when all employees know that they can and should bring their full selves to the table."

This recognition builds on accolades the Firm has previously received:

• The Firm received a perfect score of 100 percent last September on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index, which measures corporate support of LGBT equality.
• The HRC selected the Firm as its 2009 Corporate Equality Award recipient.
• Siminoff received the Individual Achievement award last June from the Empire State Pride Agenda, which is New York's statewide LGBT civil rights and advocacy organization.
• And the NGLCC previously awarded the Firm's Pride ENG "Program of the Year" at its Diversity and Leadership in Financial Services awards dinner in December 2008.