PHOTOS: Philly LGBT Business Leaders Honored at IBA Luncheon
Philly LGBT business leaders gathered for a lovely luncheon yesterday at the Sofitel. The annual event — hosted by Independence Business Alliance (IBA) — serves as a networking soiree, a chance to spotlight what LGBT entrepreneurs are doing in Philadelphia, and an award ceremony honoring one local business with a $5,000 grant. I reported yesterday that this year’s honoree was Roger Harman and Vincent Whittacre from Gold Standard Cafe in West Philly. (More on their exciting plans for the grant money here.)
Big-namers like Mayor Nutter, and state representatives Brian Sims and Mike O’Brien were in the house, but I was most impressed by the range of businesses represented at the event. I chatted with everyone from Michael Kelly-Cataldi, owner of Kelly-Cataldi Home in Glendside, to allies Antoinette Johnson and Tyler Westnedge from At Media, and Chris Bradie, who’s responsible for opening new businesses at the University of Pennsylvania. Another thriving LGBT businessman, Mr. HughE Dillon, was there taking snapshots of the whole affair. Check out more of the afternoon’s attendees (and support their businesses!) in the slideshow below.
