Dear GPPN Friends and IBA Members:
It is with great pride that I announce some exciting developments in the IBA and GPPN family.
The Independence Business Alliance (IBA), the Greater Philadelphia Region’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that it will assume the mantle of monthly LGBT professional networking events which were started over 20 years ago by the Greater Philadelphia Professional Network (GPPN). As many of you know, the close working affiliation that the IBA has shared with GPPN since our formation in 2007 has been instrumental in helping the IBA grow our organization to where we are today at over 200 members. In fact, the IBA has grown by over 30% in 2013 alone and was recently recognized by the Philadelphia Business Journal as one of the Top 25 Business Networking Associations and Groups in the Philadelphia Region. This shows that the Philadelphia LGBT business community is strong and growing!
With this momentum, the IBA is pleased to present the next evolution of professional networking for the LGBT business community, allies and friends. Beginning in January 2014, the IBA will present IBA ConnX monthly networking events throughout the entire region.
The IBA ConnX events will showcase many of the same features of GPPN events – business card exchange, marketing minute, just to name a few – all at interesting and unique local restaurants and venues that allow for the prime focus to be on professional networking and making that right business connection. That is what IBA ConnX is all about!
Please join us for the IBA Holiday Party at the Hard Rock Café, Tuesday, December 17th, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM for additional announcements about IBA ConnX and the upcoming schedule of IBA ConnX events for Winter/Spring 2014.
Finally, I’d like to make special mention of the contribution of Thom Cardwell in building the foundation for LGBT professional networking across the Philadelphia region. Through the efforts and dedication of Thom and GPPN volunteers over the years, many of us have made important business connections and friendships that have sustained and made our community that much stronger. We are so grateful for these contributions and look forward to welcoming Thom as an important IBA member and resource, with his own special brand of community announcements, at the inaugural IBA ConnX event in January 2014.
On behalf of Tom Cavanaugh and the entire IBA Board, I would like to wish everyone all the best in the holiday season and for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2014.
Warm regards,
C. Richard Horrow, Esq.
IBA President