Philadelphia LGBT Chamber Announces Evan Urbania as Next President

Change In Leadership To Support Philadelphia’s Expanding Organization

June 3, 2011, PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Board of Directors of the Independence Business Alliance (IBA), Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, announced that Evan Urbania has been nominated President of the Chamber, pending formal approval from the Board at its June 13 meeting. Urbania will be the IBA’s second leader, following founding president Bill Gehrman, who has led the chamber since its launch in 2007. 

“Founding President Bill Gehrman has developed a great foundation that Evan and the Board will take to the next level. Through networks like the IBA, our City Commerce Department and the Office of LGBT Affairs we are sending the message that Philadelphia is OUT for business,” says Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter.

Urbania, 31, has been a member of the IBA’s leadership from the chamber’s beginning.  He, along with First Vice President Elect C. Richard Horrow, was among the Steering Committee organized in 2006 by Gehrman to lay the foundation for the new organization. The IBA was formally launched in January 2007, with Gehrman as President and Urbania as Secretary. Urbania currently serves as First Vice President and has previously chaired the chamber’s membership and marketing committees.

“I’m honored to lead this incredible organization. Four years ago there was a real need for this chamber, and now we have the opportunity to achieve even more for our LGBT-owned businesses, professionals and allies,” said Urbania. In addition to his role with the IBA, Urbania is Co-Founder and Principal of ChatterBlast Media, an online strategy and social media marketing company based in Philadelphia. A graduate of Drexel University, Urbania lives in Center City Philadelphia.

“The Independence Business Alliance has thrived in its first four years due in great part to dedicated volunteer leaders such as Evan Urbania,” said Gehrman. “With a strong foundation of nearly 200 businesses, committed corporate partnerships and valuable programs, the chamber is well positioned for this transition and will benefit from Evan’s experience, wisdom and innovative thinking.” Gehrman’s two-year director term extends through June 2012. He plans to remain active and involved in the organization’s growth. In addition to his role with the IBA, Gehrman is Founder and President of En Route, a marketing consulting company that specializes in tourism and cultural organizations.

The IBA will announce this transition at the first Annual Luncheon on June 6^th at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, where over 125 guests will also honor the winner of the organization’s $5,000 PNC LGBT Business Award. For additional information about the Independence Business Alliance, visit www.IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com.

Downloads and images for this press release can be found at: http://cbla.st/urbaniaiba  

About the Independence Business Alliance: The IBA is an affiliate member of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and an affiliate of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. A membership-based business advocacy organization, the IBA is dedicated to making the Philadelphia region an influential and diverse LGBT business community with an impact on economic development, equal rights and policy issues. The IBA serves 11 counties in the tri-state Greater Philadelphia region: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania; Mercer, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties in New Jersey; and New Castle County, Delaware.  

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