Hampton Roads Business OutReach (HRBOR), the area’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, celebrated its 10th anniversary with a gala event on May 20 at the Hilton Norfolk the Main. National Association of Gay and Lesbian Chambers of Commerce Senior Vice President Sam McClure was the keynote speaker. A reception, sponsored by Overture Point, followed by a plated dinner and live entertainment by the Jakob Vanko Band rounded out the evening.
“The Gala is not solely a networking event,” said President Geneva Perry. “It’s a celebration of what we have accomplished and the launching pad for where we are going.”
[rev_slider HRBOR10gala]
HRBOR was conceived in December of 2006 when a handful of the LGBT owned, operated and allied business owners saw the need for resources and support in a professional business setting.
From that inauspicious beginning, HRBOR was founded. After taking care of the legal formalities, HRBOR immediately established monthly networking events at a member business. Membership grew rapidly, and in 2010 the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Chambers of Commerce (NGLCC) awarded HRBOR its Rising Star Chamber of the Year award.
“The exponential growth of HRBOR over the last decade has been impressive, and it continues to grow and diversify with our community,” said President Geneva Perry. “We have members from all sectors of industry, from multinational corporations to sole proprietors. And we offer each of those businesses customized levels of benefits.”
Gala sponsors were Overture Point Chesapeake Apartments, the Hilton Norfolk THE MAIN and iHeart Media.
For more information about HRBOR, please visit www.hrbor.org or plan on attending the HRBOR Open on Thursday, June 8 from 6:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m.at the Virginia Stage Company.
