Leaders of LGBT chambers of commerce throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions are scheduled to gather this week to network and share ideas and best practices.
The Independence Business Alliance (IBA), the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce® (NGLCC) affiliate for the Philadelphia metropolitan area, will host the regional Council of Chambers and Business Organizations (CCBO) Summit in Philadelphia.
During the summit, chamber board members will participate in informational sessions, discussing why LGBT chambers are relevant and exploring ways that chambers can have a meaningful impact on their LGBT communities and local economies.
"This is the first time that the LGBT chambers from the Northeast region will meet to share ideas, challenges and solutions," said Bill Gehrman, IBA president. "A large number of these chambers are only a few years old, or recently became affiliates of the NGLCC, so everyone is very excited to meet their peers and learn about the operations and successes of the different organizations."
Sessions will also focus on nuts-and-bolts, chamber-building activities, including learning to grow membership and retain existing members; engaging corporations in chamber programs; soliciting sponsorships and other support; generating revenue and long-term stability; and assessing organizational structure and board development.
"Ambitious summits like this one will guarantee the continued growth of local chambers as board members and chamber executives strengthen their skills while learning new strategies," said Kate Karasmeighan, the NGLCC's chief of staff and director of external affairs. "We always see great results when chamber leaders come together to network and share information."
In addition to board members from IBA, the Greater Boston Business Council, Connecticut Alliance for Business Opportunities, NGLCC New York, Central Pennsylvania Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Washington, D.C.'s Capital Area Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Hampton Roads Business OutReach and the NGLCC will have board members representing them at the summit.
