Philadelphia, PA (August 22, 2025) – The Independence Business Alliance (IBA), Greater Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce returned from the International Business and Leadership Conference for the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) after winning the award for National Affiliate Chamber of the Year.
This prestigious award recognizes an NGLCC Affiliate Chamber for their local community leadership, support, and promotion of LGBTBE certification, advocacy initiatives and innovative programming that supports the LGBTQ+ business community and is annually given to one chamber among the more than 60 LGBTQ+ chambers across the country.
IBA CEO Zach Wilcha was on hand at the conference in Las Vegas, NV to accept the award, remarking that he was proud of the work of the organization and thanked the NGLCC “on behalf of everyone on Team IBA, including the Board, Staff, Corporate Partners, and our amazing members.”
He further remarked that, “The work that LGBTQ+ Chambers do is more important than ever, and at the IBA we consider entrepreneurship and steady employment in affirming spaces paths to self-determination for queer people. And that the vitality of business and the efforts to maintain a robust economy depend on a diverse and inclusive workforce and clientele, and the ability to feel safe, valued, and protected from bigotry.”
IBA Board President, Mars Sharrock, added, “The Independence Business Alliance is growing to meet the current moment by adding programming that builds cross-sector connections and especially works to support our transgender community, even when it’s not the most glamorous. It’s always an honor to have the hard work of such a small and dedicated team recognized.”
Growing outward from an idea at a meeting with 5 individuals in 2007, the IBA has become a thriving chamber with more than 300 members and 18 high-level corporate partners. The IBA provides connections, access, and resources for Greater Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ and allied business communities and workforce through events, education, and advocacy. They are a founding member of the Diverse Chambers Coalition of Philadelphia (also comprised of local Asian American, African American, and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce) and are represented on Philadelphia’s Tax Reform Commission and Mayor Parker’s Business Roundtable. They became the first Chamber in the country to house an initiative to prioritize the economic uplift of Transgender and Gender Nonconforming communities, called TransWork.
About NGLCC
NGLCC is the largest global advocacy organization dedicated to expanding merit-based economic opportunities and advancements for LGBTQ+ and other allied and interested businesses.
www.nglcc.org @nglcc
About Independence Business Alliance
The Independence Business Alliance (IBA) is the LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia and an affiliate of the NGLCC. Providing opportunities, access, and resources for LGBTQ+ businesses, employees, and our visible allies, the IBA advocates for, educates, and connects our LGBTQ+ and business communities. The IBA is a member of the Diverse Chambers Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.
www.thinkiba.com @think_iba