IBA to Reward Local LGBT-Owned Business

US Airways Senior Vice President Suzanne Boda and Mayor Michael Nutter are scheduled to speak at the event.

In March, I told you about the Independence Business Alliance‘s (IBA) annual LGBT Business Award contest that would reward a local entrepreneur $5,000 to take his or her business dreams to the next level. Last year’s winner was Gavin McKay from United Fitness. He used the money to create an online model of his Gayborhood gym that helped him share his business plan with a broader clientele.

This time around, there are six applicants up for the award — all LGBT-owned and located in the Greater Philadelphia region. The winner will be announced at a fancy luncheon on Monday. IBA president Evan Urbania says a networking reception will kick off the afternoon, followed by a welcome address from Mayor Michael Nutter and a keynote speech by Suzanne Boda, US Airways’ senior vice president and executive sponsor to the airline’s LGBT business resource group, Spectrum. Then the moment everyone will be waiting for: Urbania’s going to present a big ol’ check — like the kind Ed McMahon used to bring to peoples’ doors — to the lucky local business. I begged and pleaded for him to tell me who it was but his lips are sealed.

See for yourself when the the 2013 Business Leaders Luncheon kicks off on Mon., May 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Paris Ballroom of the Sofitel Hotel (120 S. 17th St.) For tickets and more info, go here.

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