OUT at Borgata is proud to partner with the Independence Business Alliance, Philadelphia’s LGBT chamber of commerce. The IBA provides opportunities, access, and resources to LGBT professionals and allies in the Greater Philadelphia area, and promotes economic development, growth, diversity and leadership in the region.
“Autumn is flying by, and as the holidays approach, the Independence Business Alliance is happy to be celebrating one year of partnership with our friends at Borgata,” said IBA’s Executive Director Zach Wilcha. “As we start to make plans around more ways to collaborate with Borgata, we look forward to the IBA’s year ahead and several initiatives that we’ll be spearheading.”
One of the organization’s biggest upcoming projects is a Supplier Diversity Initiative. “As more LGBT-owned businesses are becoming certified through the NGLCC, more opportunities for those businesses present themselves,” Wilcha explained. “After a successful supplier diversity initiative from last summer’s DNC in Philadelphia, City agencies like the Port Authority are taking advantage of the goods and services that LGBT businesses provide by offering opportunities for contracting. In fact, opportunity abounds as the NFL Business Connect has promised to make LGBT businesses part of their minority spend, creating opportunities for LGBT-owned, local businesses as the NLF Draft comes to Philadelphia for the first time.”
IBA is also looking forward to their continual philanthropy work within the greater Philadelphia region. They will be giving out the PNC Bank LGBT Business Award to a deserving business looking to take things to the next level with their business plan. “We also plan to give out our LGBT Business Student Scholarship, presented by the IBA and DVLF, to a deserving area undergrad business student,” Wilcha added. “After the success of last year’s inaugural Business Integrity Award, we will be presenting this award yet again to a member-business that upholds high standards of behavior towards LGBT customers, suppliers, shareholders, community, or employees.”
Also on tap are a series of signature IBA events, including their annual Holiday Party; this year, it will take place at the Washington Foyer of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Additionally, IBA be throwing a Health Fair with partners at Independence Blue Cross in mid-March. Also, they will also be celebrating Women’s History Month in March with their annual Women in Business Panel.
“We’ve also begun to plan a 10th Anniversary Celebration for the IBA,” said Wilcha. “IBA10 will take place in May 2017, and we can’t wait to celebrate our first decade with our members and new friends.”
For more information on the Independence Business Alliance, click here.
Bryan Buttler has covered the Philadelphia-area LGBT beat for over two years, and also reviews theater, opera, and classical music. Along with his own writing, Bryan teaches communications at a local college. He lives in Center City Philadelphia. His favorite things at Borgata? The Water Club, the Pear Lychee Martini at Izakaya, and the Table Thai Massage. Follow Bryan on Twitter @bryanb82 and Instagram @bryanbuttler.