TAMPA | The Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber of Commerce, formerly the Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber of Commerce, unveiled its new name and branding Jan. 17, 2020 at the Centre Club during its annual State of the Chamber luncheon.
The chamber has served Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ community since 1983, representing businesses, groups and individuals throughout Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties. As an affiliate of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), it provides LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTE) certification to LGBT-owned businesses and promotes equality for all.
More than 175 supporters attended the annual luncheon, including St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. The longstanding chamber members discussed the state of equality in Tampa Bay, detailing their dedication to diversity and inclusion for all. They were flanked by presentations from chamber leadership, members and Trulieve, the event’s presenting sponsor.
By its design, the State of the Chamber exists to recognize community leaders, discuss the chamber’s vision for the future and detail its accomplishments of the previous year. Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Justice Gennari used the opportunity to reveal that membership had an overall growth of 830% in 2019, with event attendance growing by 166%.
“We are kicking off 2020 with our members, past and current board members, elected leaders and corporate partners to showcase our 35 plus years in the Tampa Bay Region and our vision for the next 35,” Gennari shared.
“Last year we hosted the NGLCC International Business and Leadership Conference in Tampa Bay and this year we look to match the excitement with seven new educational programs, networking socials, events and so much more,” he continued. “We truly are the only resource in Tampa Bay Area advocating for the LGBT business community and dedicated to expanding economic development for the LGBT business community and this event highlights the milestones we have achieved.”
Gennari subsequently unveiled the chamber’s new name and branding, sharing its updated logo designed by Tampa’s BKN Creative. The LGBTBE-certified firm worked diligently on the design to ensure it matched the chamber’s strategic plan.
The new branding incorporates the colors of the rainbow and seven hexagons, representing the chamber’s seven core values and the Tampa Bay counties its serves. “We worked with BKN Creative to ensure that the new branding truly represented our chamber to showcase our values and members from the Greater Tampa Bay Area,” Gennari said.
“The transition will take place over the next few weeks as we continue to execute our strategic plan for 2020,” he continued. “The rebrand will not change the way the Chamber advocates for current members and it will continue to support its members throughout the seven-county region.”
“BKN Creative is incredibly honored to have worked with the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber on their recent rebrand and logo design,” BKN CEO Kevin Tydlaska-Dziedzic added. “As an LGBTBE certified business, this rebrand was one we were personally connected to and thrilled to have had the opportunity to impact with our experience and creative eye. We look forward to seeing this chamber continue to excel and impact our Tampa Bay LGBTQ community.”
For more information about the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber of Commerce, its LGBTBE certification and future events, click here. View a gallery of photos from the luncheon by Dylan Todd below.
