The Independence Business Alliance will next week host its fourth annual Business Leader Luncheon to honor the city’s LGBT business community. At the event, the LGBT chamber of commerce will present its fourth PNC Bank LGBT Business Awardee. IBA executive administrator Tom Cavanaugh said the winner, whose business will receive a $5,000 grant, has been identified and won’t be revealed until the luncheon. The luncheon, which is IBA’s signature event, is presented by the West Laurel Hill Cemetery and Funeral Home May 12 at Sofitel Hotel, 120 S. 17th St. Registration and networking begin at 11 a.m., and the lunch program follows at noon. Mayor Michael Nutter will give opening remarks, and Comcast vice president of government affairs Klayton Fennell will deliver the keynote speech. Cavanaugh said the luncheon continues to get larger each year. “This year, the luncheon will gather between 150-200 LGBT business owners, allies and civic leaders,” he said. “It has grown every year. When it first started, there were probably 125 people in attendance. Last year, we maxed out the ballroom.” Cavanaugh said the networking opportunities are a big draw for the guests. “This is probably the most diverse event of the year and we gather civic leaders, business owners and corporate partners,” he said. “It is a high-profile event and it is a great networking opportunity to make those connections that are vital to their business and be connected to people and businesses they wouldn’t otherwise be connected to.” Tickets are $70 for IBA members and $80 for non-members and guests. For more information on the luncheon, visit http://independencebusinessalliance.com.
