May 2014 - Independence Business Alliance

In April, IBA ConnX, the region’s only monthly networking series for Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT business community and its allies, found itself crossing the Delaware for some high level networking, compliments of our host—IBA Member, Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ.

IBA Members, guests and business professionals from across the region gathered in the Aquarium’s magnificent Currents Ballroom on the beautiful Camden waterfront and enjoyed a spectacular view of the Philadelphia skyline and a fascinating look into their 550,000-gallon Shark Realm exhibit, which features hundreds of amazing fish and over 20 sharks.

One of the highlights of the evening was the awarding of the 2013 DVLF/IBA Scholarship to Kevin Morrison—a Temple University student working toward his degree in actuarial science. Kevin was selected to be the recipient of last year’s scholarship from among a dozen area college and university students after a rigorous application and selection process. Upon winning the scholarship, Kevin had this to say, “My experience with the IBA and DVLF exemplifies the strength of the Philadelphia LGBTQ community. I was grateful for the warm welcome I received from my interviewers and from everyone at the networking event which I attended with the IBA and DVLF. The scholarship money makes such a great difference for me as a student working to pay toward my tuition and other school expenses. The scholarship allows me to spend more time devoted to study and professional development, which I greatly appreciate”.

DVLF Executive Director, Samantha Giusti and IBA Board President, Rich Horrow were on hand present Kevin with a check for $1,000 which will assist him in his studies at Temple.

View more pictures from the evening. (Photo credit: Thom Duffy Fine Art)

Membership in the IBA and attending IBA ConnX events can help business owners and professionals make those connections which are vital to the growth and sustainability of their businesses—so said Stacy Steffen, Catering Sales Manager for Adventure Aquarium and host of April’s IBA ConnX event. “Since joining the IBA, I have attended many of the events and have hosted a ConnX event. The IBA is a great group consisting of all professional individuals looking to network and make connections. I have met a lot of great people who have assisted me in making connections and promoting my event space. From my contacts and connections through the IBA, I have obtained two events for my venue! The events are fun, fresh and always produce more great connections.”

For more information on IBA ConnX contact 215-557-0190 or events@independencebusinessalliance.com

On May 12th the IBA hosted the 2014 Business Leaders Luncheon at the Hotel Sofitel Philadelphia. The luncheon, presented by West Laurel Hill Cemetery & Funeral Home, was attended by over 200 members, guests and community leaders, including the Honorable Michael A. Nutter, Mayor of Philadelphia, State Representatives Mike O’Brien & Brian Sims and Councilman-At-Large James Kenney.

PNC Bank President, Bill Mills long-time Corporate Partner and loyal friend to the IBA, presented the 2014 PNC Bank LGBT Business Award to IBA Members, Roger Harman & Vincent Whittacre of The Gold Standard Café.

One of the many highlights of this year’s luncheon was the announcement by IBA Board President, Rich Horrow, of the newly forged Corporate Partnership between the IBA and Comcast & NBCUniversal. Many representatives of Comcast were present including several members of Comcast’s LGBT ERG—OUT at Comcast, as well as the media mogul’s Vice President for Government Affairs, Klay Fennell who delivered the keynote address.

This was the 4^th year for the Business Leaders Luncheon and by far the most well attended and biggest success yet. The theme for this year’s luncheon—Grow Your Business—was carried throughout the event by all who addressed IBA Members and guests that day. It was probably best captured in a statement from Corporate Counsel for Elsevier, Tiffany Davidson, who said at the conclusion of the luncheon, “The message I walked away with from today’s event is, ‘the IBA is an incredibly influential organization that has and can play an instrumental part in helping LGBT professionals and allies in the Greater Philadelphia area grow their businesses.”

A huge thanks goes out to all who made this event possible, in particularly our Corporate Partners, Luncheon Sponsors, Jeffrey Cesari & his amazing team from Shimmer Events, HughE Dillon Photography and all those who helped make the day a true celebration of the achievements of the LGBT Business Community in the Greater Philadelphia Region.

View photos of the event.

Month: May 2014

IBA ConnX Crosses the Delaware!

The IBA Celebrates the LGBT Business Community at Business Leaders Luncheon