“Diversity: the art of thinking independently together.” ~ Malcolm Stevenson Forbes

“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.” ~ Maya Angelou

HRBOR's illustrious Board of Directors.

And if it is the American Dream that is illustrated on our tapestry—a dream made true by entrepreneurship and legacy—then it is the diversity of our dreamers and leaders in business that make it truly rich.

Here in Hampton Roads, we are fortunate to have an organization whose sole purpose is to protect and promote that diversity. In particular, it promotes a sector of local business that counters our major industries (namely, our government- and military-related industries) with all the other colors of the spectrum, so to speak.

Hampton Roads Business OutReach (HRBOR) is a broad based coalition of LGBT owned and LGBT supportive businesses and professionals dedicated to the development, growth and advocacy of Hampton Roads and its LGBT community. By promoting an environment in which diversity can flourish, HRBOR is committed to the economic growth and prosperity of our members and our community.

In fact, HRBOR is the only LGBT and LGBT-friendly Chamber in the Commonwealth. This past May, the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce® (NGLCC) honored the organization as its 2010 Rising Star Chamber of the Year Award. The award acknowledges HRBOR’s “noticeable growth, enthusiasm, and vision on behalf of its members and community.”

“For a young chamber to experience this kind of growth in only a few years is nothing short of inspirational to the chamber movement,” remarks NGLCC’s Co-Founder & President Justin G. Nelson. “Today, with a new website and continual outreach into the broader community, HRBOR stands as a shining example of commitment to diversity, economic equality and opportunity for its members, and the growing voice of the LGBT community in this conservative region of the United States.”

Indeed HRBOR’s growth has been exponential since its relatively recent inception. Founded in 2007 by Christianna Flynn, HRBOR has flourished to over 100 members since then. Under the leadership of its dedicated board of directors; past president Shannon Bowman; and current president and prominent local business owner Nicole Carry, HRBOR seemed to emerge fully formed—yet the truth is they are only getting started.

Not just a place for LGBT business owners, the organization includes a great many LGBT allies as members. In fact, almost half of HRBOR’s membership is made up of business professionals from the LGBT Supportive Community.

A crowd gathers at one of HRBOR's Third Thursday Networking Events at Decorum.

What’s more, HRBOR welcomes non-business owners, as well. Really, any individual with professional goals will benefit, particularly from the organization’s many networking events.

Simply put, as long as you support HRBOR’s mission, you’re encouraged to join.

Looking ahead, HRBOR’s goals include partnering with local charities for fundraisers and to raise awareness of those in need in our community.

It also plans to kick off of an annual Wine Tasting signature HRBOR event in January of 2011.

And in an effort to grow in its own diversity, HRBOR plans to add experienced board members into the fold. (Those interested are encouraged to apply.)

But perhaps the most compelling reason to join is because HRBOR’s network of local business leaders actually, truly engages each other through their Third Thursday Networking Events. Each month a different member’s business hosts the function, promoting direct support amongst HRBOR members and a means to meet, socialize, and, of course, network.

Essentially, HRBOR membership gives you access to the people who are actively changing the face of our local economy and influencing the direction of our region. It colors our tapestry with diversity and entrepreneurial spirit. It exists solely to help our businesses thrive and our community to grow.

For anyone dreaming the American Dream here in Hampton Roads, clearly HRBOR is where you want to be.

This month’s Third Thursday Networking event, which takes place this coming Thursday, will be hosted by Kelly A. Meerbott of Meerbott Marketing. It will be held at Gordon Biersch in Virginia Beach’s Towne Center (4561 Virginia Beach Boulevard).

To register, or to find more information about HRBOR, visit hrbor.org.