What is something people may not know about the work of your organization? Beyond promoting queer owned business and creating a resource for the LGBTQ+ community to find safe spaces, we also work to help create those safe spaces. We’ve had several events that have focused on LGBTQ+ issues while including information for allies and organizations on how to be inclusive. Several of our board members are certified to teach courses on diversity and inclusivity on the basis of sexual orientation and identity and we are able to offer classes to groups and businesses. We have also made a commitment to collaborate and support our community nonprofits so we’re all able to come together to achieve our goals. 

What do you love most about our community? I love the people in our community the most. I have had the pleasure of meeting and becoming friends with some of the most passionate individuals. We have small businesses celebrating their anniversaries, gallery sneak peeks, fundraisers for close friends, apps developed, careers pursued, families started, books published, companies launched, and we have more nonprofit champions than we do potholes. It’s a gorgeous place to be surrounded by gorgeous people.

What sets your organization apart from other nonprofits? The INBA is the only local LGBTQ+ business chamber serving all of the Inland Northwest. The only thing that sets our organization apart from others is just that; we’re the only one of our kind. Our region, and Spokane specifically, has so many incredible organizations working tirelessly for such wonderful causes, we can only hope to live up to the standards that already exist. Our goal is not to be set apart, our goal is to work alongside all our local organizations in order to best serve the LGBTQ+ community. 

What excites you about the future of the organization? The INBA is so lucky to have the history and foundation created by former board members and managers over the years. The INBA has evolved so much since it began, and we are so excited to start 2020 with the energy to continue serving our community, advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals, organizations, and businesses, and keep working toward the day where no one has to wonder where they will be safe.

What does the organization need now? Membership. The more organizations and businesses that become members, the more we are able to show the rest of the county, state, and country that the Inland Northwest is accepting and welcoming to everyone. The more diverse and inclusive we are, the more people will come here and bring their ideas, their businesses, their passions, and create jobs, opportunities, and help our local businesses and organizations thrive. 

For more information, visit inbachamber.org.