Independence Business Alliance

Join conscious leadership coaches?Marc Dickstein, Leadership and Career Coach?and?George Ramsay?for an interactive 90-minute gathering of gay men (cis and trans men who are attracted to men) interested in exploring connection. We’re all about bolstering connection with self, friends, colleagues, romantic partners, and beyond — in ways that are not just effective, but enjoyable and enlivening. We’ll collectively discuss: What is connection? What gets in the way? What can you do to create more of it? We’ll introduce and play with powerful tools that you just might find yourself using… for the rest of time. What to Expect: -Ground into a supportive container through some guided breathwork -Reflect on relationships and connection in various areas of your life -Explore what gets in the way, and clarify how you show up to those obstacles -Experiment with some new tools and frameworks? -Create opportunity for inspiration and action You'll leave this session with new tools and perspectives on connection! March 13, 2025 1pm-2:30pm on Zoom Register Here: https://lu.ma/5v10ouay

The Affiliate Chamber Education Summit (ACES) is always a masterclass in leadership, strategy, and collaboration, and this year was no exception. It was a joy to brave the bluster to be in great company in Cleveland, Ohio. From needed discussions to meaningful connections with funny, personable leaders, the summit reinforced the vital role affiliate chambers play in driving economic empowerment and sustainable impact within the LGBTQ+ business community. One of the standout moments was joining chamber veteran Tony Vedda, CCE, IOM of North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce for Building a Chamber Legacy: Sustaining Impact Through Leadership Changes. Leadership transitions are inevitable, but with strategic foresight, intentional succession planning, and a commitment to mission-driven growth, we can ensure our organizations not only endure but thrive. I was also deeply inspired by the mission-driven heart of Tammi Wallace of Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce and grateful to share space with the uncompromising Zachary Wilcha and compassionate Sydni Perry-Anderson from Independence Business Alliance, whose insights and leadership continue to elevate our collective work. A sincere thank you to the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)'s Carly Specht, Jason Rae, and Justin Nelson for their vision and execution in delivering such a high-impact experience in a time of tremendous pressure. And of course, appreciation to Wells Fargo and Plexus LGBTQ and Allied Chamber of Commerce for their investment in the affiliate chamber network and our shared commitment to economic inclusion. I leave ACES energized, equipped with fresh perspectives, and ready to implement actionable strategies that will drive long-term success. Looking forward to continuing the conversation and building on this momentum. #ACES2025 #StrategicLeadership #EconomicInclusion #LGBTQBusiness #ChamberExcellence

March 2025 ConnX Join the IBA, the LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce for the Greater Philadelphia Region, at our monthly networking event at InLiquid Art + Design Studio from 5:30-7:00pm. Don't miss the opportunity to network with other LGBTQ+ professionals and allies among thought-provoking art. All are welcome to this FREE event! Whether you've been attending IBA events regularly, haven't been in a while, or are brand new to the IBA, we'd love to have you join us. Meet local business owners, employees, and other community stakeholders. REGISTER HERE: https://lnkd.in/e9BRUDwb Wednesday, March 19th, 2025 5:30-7:00pm InLiquid Art + Design Studio 1400 N. American St. Studio 314 Philadelphia, PA 19122

March 2025?ConnX Join the IBA, the LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce for the Greater Philadelphia Region, at our monthly networking event at InLiquid Art + Design Studio from?5:30-7:00pm. Don't miss the opportunity to network with other LGBTQ+ professionals and allies among thought-provoking art.? ? ?All are welcome to this?FREE?event! Whether you've been attending IBA events regularly, haven't been in a while, or are brand new to the IBA, we'd love to have you join us. Meet local business owners, employees, and other community stakeholders. ? Wednesday, March 19th, 2025 5:30-7:00pm InLiquid Art + Design Studio 1400 N. American St. Studio 314 Philadelphia, PA 19122 REGISTER HERE: https://lnkd.in/e9BRUDwb ? "March for Art, InLiquid’s reimagined annual fundraiser art auction + exhibition is on view from March 9 - 22, and features contemporary art by more than 200 Philadelphia artists. Enjoy special events throughout March among this year’s collection of contemporary art and find special one-of-a-kind pieces to grow your collection or to give as gifts! ? When you purchase art through InLiquid, you directly support the region’s artists as well as provide free arts programming to over 25,000 children and adults throughout the Greater Philadelphia area! This two-week celebration features contemporary works of art from over 200 local artists across all media, gifts from local businesses, and unique events. This year, InLiquid will also present an experiential video installation and a pop-up cash-and-carry jewelry boutique in our gallery. This long-established fundraiser isn't just a party—it's when our community comes together to celebrate our visual arts culture!"

The Independence Business Alliance is extremely grateful to have been a recipient of Rivers Casino Philadelphia Change Makes a Different Program for the latest quarter. They graciously raised over $15,000 for the IBA! We are grateful for their support and this meaningful donation.

Policy Roundtable:?Navigating Philly’s Budget & Taxes for Businesses Wednesday, March 12 |?9 - 10:30 am?| Philadelphia Museum of Art Join the The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia for a Policy Roundtable with?Philadelphia City Controller,?Christy Brady, CPA, the?Department of Commerce, and?Zachary Wilcha from the Tax Reform Commission and the Independence Business Alliance?for a panel discussion that will cover what businesses need to know about the city budget, tax policies, and grant programs. This will be a great networking opportunity for local, values-driven businesses owners throughout Philadelphia to connect with each other while also participating in an open forum to learn about what plans and opportunities the city of Philadelphia has for local businesses. The conversation will cover the city budget, tax policies, and much more during the panel discussion. Guests will be able to ask questions directly of the City Controller, Dept of Commerce, and Tax Reform Commission. REGISTER HERE: https://lnkd.in/eW6SfScW

IBA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Matthew E. Selmasska In their own words: "Matt’s an attorney with Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP in Philadelphia and focuses his practice on real estate and business disputes. He helps businesses and individuals with contracts, land use matters, partnership disputes, and insurance matters. He’s a Pennsylvania native and lives in Center City with his husband and hound-rescue." Connect further with Matt at his LinkedIn profile: https://lnkd.in/eDBiuDri BECOME A MEMBER OF THE IBA: https://lnkd.in/ewsfNchk

IBA IS LOOKING FOR NEW BOARD MEMBERS! As we begin planning for many new and exciting opportunities for the next year and beyond, the IBA Nominations Committee is seeking nominations to the?Board?of Directors. Our goal in nominations again this year is a continued?focus on diversity and balance,?so that the?Board?is representative of the IBA membership, and also to maintain and enhance the skill sets needed for a strong and effective?Board. If you or another IBA Member has the passion and drive to help the IBA continue to grow and better serve our LGBTQ+ and allied business community, then we would very much like to hear from you. We’re specifically looking for members with experience/interest in ? Finance ? Foundation Fundraising ? Strategic Planning ? Non-Profit Management ? Events ? And/or?Board?Governance If you would like to nominate yourself or another candidate for a position on the slate of nominees, or to learn more about participation in?Board?activities and?Board?responsibilities, please contact?Zach?Wilcha, IBA CEO, via email at?[email protected]?by no later than Friday, March 14, 2025.

Spring 2025 Survey: SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS IN PHILLY! Help the Diverse Chambers Coalition of Philadelphia be an effective voice for the needs and aspirations of diverse small business owners in Philadelphia by completing our Spring Season Survey. TAKE SURVEY HERE: https://lnkd.in/eedV365x In 2022 and 2023, survey results helped us advocate for lower BIRT and wage taxes, and we were successful! BIRT and wage taxes were lowered! We also were instrumental in the formation of the current Tax Reform Commission and various new policies and initiatives including PHL Open for Business. SPREAD THE WORD TO OTHER SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS IN PHILLY! YOUR VOICES MATTER! African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

REMINDER: IBA's February 2025?ConnX is POSTPONED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER!! Out of an abundance of caution, we are postponing February?ConnX due to inclement weather. PLEASE STILL JOIN US ON FEBRUARY 27th AT THE?RITTENHOUSE?GRILL!!!?This is one of our most attended networking events of the year, you won't want to miss it!