A-LISTS community spotlight by jared cox Have you ever found yourself seeking out ways to connect with other business pro-
fessionals? Maybe you would like to find a way to increase your small business’ client base and aren’t sure where to start. For members and supporters of the LGBT com- munity there is an organization out there in your very own neighborhood that may be a wonderful resource for your growing empire. The Long Beach Community Business Network is an alternative Chamber of Commerce whose primary goal is to enhance the Long Beach LGBT community by assisting businesses to develop and grow their busi- nesses. The Long Beach Community Business Network is an organization that has been instrumental in the development of gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses within the greater Long Beach area. Founded in 1992, the LBCBN is a nonprofit organization that exists solely for the benefit of its members as well as the extended LGBT business and professional community. Networking is essential for most business people and put- ting your business out in the community is vital for successful business development. Networking opportunities present you with the chance to increase your contact lists and expand your resources. The LBCBN provides support and networking opportunities for current members
along with assisting new businesses within the community to establish themselves. To help achieve this goal, they offer members a wide range of benefits. The LBCBN offers an extensive online-directory with company listings, contacts and advertis- ing space. Each month, they host a variety of networking meetings to assist busi- nesses in increasing their client base and as well as overall exposure in the busi- ness community. Each year, members receive a free listing in a printed directory with a total circulation of 15,000 that are available throughout the community in various establishments including bars, restaurants, businesses and sponsored events. Members are also invited to attend several mixers throughout the year to mix and mingle with other like-minded business professionals. The LBCBN is involved with promotions of their members
each year at local pride festivals in southern California. A re- cent addition to the LBCBN benefits lineup is access the Allied Health Care Credit Union. They offer members reduced ad- vertising rates with several member publications throughout the community as well as member to member discounts. The LBCBN is a member of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles Gay/Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and the National Gay/Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Members of the LGCBN can attend any events hosted by these other chamber organizations as members, providing yet another way to expand your growing business. Each month, the LBCBN hosts two regular events. The first Wednesday of every month, they host a lunch for members at Skylinks of Long Beach, and the third Wednesday of every month, Skylinks hosts a cocktail hour for LBCBN members. Skylinks’ Director of Catering, and LBCBN member, Colin Stevens states, “Attending these social events is not only a great way to make new friends, but also to promote and network your busi- ness in a casual environment with like-minded professionals.” This month, the LBCBN will have a booth at the Long Beach
Gay Pride Festival. Members are offered a space within the LBCBN booth to display marketing material to feature their business’s goods and services. In June, LBCBN Board of Directors member Paul Duncan says that they have plans to attend and represent the LBCBN community at the Busi- ness Expo at Petersen Auto Museum. Not only does the LBCBN work with LGBT-owned and supportive businesses, they also reach out to other nonprofit organizations. Most recently, the LBCBN partnered with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to provide members of both groups a networking opportunity. The LBCBN works closely with The Center Long Beach to pair members up for different volunteer opportunities to give back to the community as a whole. The LBCBN also provides resources for the LGBT job seeking community to post resumes online for LBCBN members to review.
14
RAGE monthly | MAY 2010
THE LONG BEACH COMMUNITY BUSINESS NETWORK
A Vital Organization and Resource
Upcoming Events:
LUNCH: MAY 5 Julie Kreisler / Kreisler Media Group “Creating a Marketing Campaign Using Social Media (Facebook & Twitter).
EVENING: MAY 19 Edward Acasio & Bryan Loetz Fierce-Events Catering “How to Make a Fabulous Impression with Catering.”
LUNCH: JUNE 2 National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
“Certification for Obtaining Contracts with Fortune 500 Companies.”
You can find more information about the services and networking opportunities at
lbcbn.com. You can also pick up the LBCBN Directory this month at the Long Beach Pride Festival as well as other locations throughout Long Beach.
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