LGBT Chamber Launches New Name, Brand as Keystone Business Alliance

Harrisburg, PA - August 23, 2018 - Central Pennsylvania Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce unveiled a new brand and name, Keystone Business Alliance – Central PA's LGBT Chamber of Commerce (KBA), yesterday at their networking mixer hosted by LeFevre Funk Architects in Lancaster. The chamber, founded in 2007, serves as the business voice of the LGBT community in South Central Pennsylvania, and has garnered national awards and accolades in just over a decade since its founding.

The new brand comes amid growth and evolution for the chamber, which hired its first full-time Executive Director in April, and has announced new programming initiatives, including regular networking events in Lancaster. This new networking series will be an addition to the chamber's popular existing mixers, held primarily near Harrisburg, and other programs aimed at building business.

"We are excited to unveil Keystone Business Alliance – Central PA's LGBT Chamber of Commerce, as part of our strategic plan to move our chamber forward and better serve our members", said Harry Young, Executive Director. "This new, more inclusive brand reflects who we have always been as a chamber and as a community, and positions us for success as we connect LGBT owned and allied businesses and professionals with opportunities in our region and beyond." The new brand also aligns with NGLCC – National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and LGBT Business Enterprise Certification, added Young.

To lead the rebranding project, the chamber engaged Christman Consulting, a chamber member and Certified LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE). "It is important that our mission to advance economic opportunities for LGBT owned and allied businesses remains the focus of our work, and doing business with our members, and particularly our LGBTBEs, is central to that", said Cory Messinger, Chair of the Board of Directors for KBA. "Jodi Christman has done an excellent job managing this project, and we look forward to continued growth under our new name and brand." In addition to Christman Consulting, KBA engaged Trophy House, another LGBTBE, to assist with the project, providing marketing materials to support the new brand.

"We are committed to our mission, and to upholding the strong reputation we have built by centering our work on our members and their needs", Young stated. "With the announcement of our new look and name, we celebrate the vision of those who got us where we are today, and look forward to taking the chamber and its members to new heights in the coming year."

About KBA

Keystone Business Alliance is committed to expanding the economic interests of LGBT owned and allied businesses through advocacy, education, and partnerships with the local business community. An affiliate of NGLCC – National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, KBA is based in Harrisburg and serves eight counties in South Central Pennsylvania. For additional information, visit www.keystonebusinessalliance.org.