| Philadelphia, PA (May 2022) – The Independence Business Alliance is excited to announce the recipient of the 12th Annual PNC Bank $5,000 LGBT Business Award, given by PNC Bank to an LGBT or allied IBA-member business that is poised to grow, innovate, and give back to the community. This year, the award goes to LGBTQ-focused Beyond the Bell Tours in Philadelphia! Beyond the Bell tours are a social enterprise committed to “Putting the People Back in People’s History.” They create inclusive historical walking tours of Philadelphia highlighting marginalized communities, peoples, and histories. They tell stories of people they love and admire. People who have shaped our city through movements, activism, and resistance. Rebecca Fisher (she/her/hers), who co-founded the business with Joey Leroux (he/him/his), had this to say about what the $5,000 means to their organization: “In this moment while anti-LGBTQ+ laws are being passed across the country, we are heading towards light and love by celebrating our LGBTQ ancestors who have fought for our rights before us on our 2022 Pride Trolley Tour. We are grateful to IBA and PNC for their support in helping us tell LGBTQ stories with pride this June.” IBA Executive Director Zach Wilcha says, “We are incredibly grateful for PNC’s commitment to our organization and the our community’s small businesses. As a founding corporate partner of the IBA, their PNC LGBT Business Award has impacted innovative and creative businesses for 11 years now, and we can’t wait to celebrate future winners.” Congratulations to Beyond the Bell Tours, and all of the other incredible applicants! |
