Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce celebrates Cedar Rapids, Iowa City launch

The Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce held its Cedar Rapids/Iowa City launch Thursday evening at the Tin Roost in North Liberty, the second event of its state-wide initiative to raise awareness and seek members for its new organization.

The Dec. 7 event saw a packed house, with a mix of LGBTQ business owners, regional and state politicians and leaders, LGBTQ community members and allies. The overall feeling in the room was one of jubilation and excitement as community members came together to discuss current and future opportunities with the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber. Realtor Ben Black, with the Keller Williams Legacy Group, sponsored the evening’s event and also served on the planning committee. Kalyie Alibasic, treasurer of CR Pride and an account specialist with TrueNorth Companies, said it always seemed like “something was missing” within the community, and the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber presents an opportunity for community members to come together to support LGBTQ businesses. She’d like to see the organization expand outside the cities into rural areas, as well.

Chad Johnston, Iowa LGBTQ Chamber secretary who also serves on the board of directors, said the organization is planning about five to six more launches across the state, with sights set on Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Council Bluffs, Ottumwa and Northwest Iowa. He’d like to increase membership and representation across the state. “The Chamber has the ability to leverage contributions to the state, which I think will earn us a seat at the table eventually. Money does talk,” he said, and noted that LGBTQ businesses have contributed $1.7 trillion to the U.S. economy. According to the National LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), LGBTQ-owned businesses have also created 33,000 jobs and contribute $2 million annually to the economy. “We’ve gotten fantastic feedback so far,” he said, noting that 30 businesses have joined the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber since its launch in October, with two becoming certified with the NGLCC.

  Barb Hanson is one of the Chamber businesses who recently became certified. One of the regional team members who organized the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City launch, she owns and operates Shared Existence, LLC, a consulting firm that offers coaching to organizations and businesses in intercultural development. “I would love to see membership grow,” she said. “I never would have imagined (this)--feeling safe in spaces and having support, having community, having your business elevated is wonderful.”

Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague said he would have loved to have an organization like the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce years ago, when he opened his own business and felt lost. The Chamber, he said, is a chance to give stability to the LGBTQ community from all parts of the state. Honored speakers that night were Hiawatha City Council member Aime Wichtendahl, Iowa State Senator Liz Bennett, and Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague. A key theme that ran through speeches was the importance of queer visibility, particularly in Iowa, where the political climate has not been favorable to LGBTQ members.

“Power comes from being visible,” said Mr. Johnston, during opening remarks. “Coming out gives you power. We are coming out together,” he said. “Our power is our economic impact on Iowa.” “Our community is incredible, creative, and incredibly resilient,” said Ms. Bennett, and “visibility is the most important aspect.”