Philly’s Independence Business Alliance Wins Chamber of the Year

Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Independence Business Alliance (IBA), got some big news today. Only moments ago, at the Business & Leadership Conference in Las Vegas, the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) awarded it the coveted 2014 Chamber of the Year Award. 

Reps from NGLCC say they chose IBA as this year’s recipient because it “is developing innovative ways to engage with their community … the dedicated board and staff truly embody the spirit of national-local partnership. Their work partnering with major corporations, their extensive educational and outreach programming, and their engagement with the local business community is consistent and impressive.”

IBA does a lot of work in the city and region to provide resources and encourage economic development for local LGBT-owned business. Among other things, every year, it hands out a $5,000 grant to a Philly-area LGBT entrepreneur, money that is used to promote innovative ideas, and expand business. Some prior benefactors include Metro Men’s Clothing, and, most recently, West Philly’s Gold Standard. They’ve also recently kicked off a monthly networking mixer, ConnX, that encourages local business folks to mingle and exchange ideas. (The next one is coming up on August 19th at Tavern On Camac.)

“The IBA is excited to share this honor with the local LGBT and allied business community we serve,” IBA Executive Administrator Tom Cavanaugh said after receiving the award. “It is an honor to be recognized for our hard work, and we hope to inspire Philadelphia for years to come.”

Many congrats.