HRBOR 5th Anniversary Event - June 21, 2012

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One of the things I am most proud of since first coming out and beginning to build a new life is my contribution to the founding of Hampton Roads Business OutReach ("HRBOR").  HRBOR first officially launched in May, 2007, and the first "Third Thursday" business networking event occurred in June, 2007.  But my collaboration with Christianna Flynn, my original co-conspirator if you will, began roughly a year earlier when we first met to talk about how to effectively market our businesses to the Hampton Roads LGBT community (I recently came across Christianna's original e-mail of May 9, 2006, to me asking to meet).  At that time the local LGBT community had no business related organizations at all .   The only available marketing tool was one "LGBT directory" where one could place ads.  None of the advertisers ever met and most of us knew little or nothing about each other.  

After months of talking the two of us decided that we needed to start a business networking group and this idea culminated in a impromptu meeting at the old library in the Ocean View area of Norfolk.  About 40 people attended to our amazement and joy.  From that group the original HRBOR founding board was derived.  From this effort I made a whole new circle of friends (I had become invisible to the vast majority of my "friends" from the closeted phase of my life) and made some enduring business connections.  Equally, important is that it was through HRBOR that the boyfriend and I got to know each other better and began dating.  HRBOR changed my life.   Time and time again when I am contacted by gays coming out later in life I stress that it is crucial that they get involved in LGBT organizations in their communities to rebuild what they've lost in the coming out process.  It takes a concerted effort and yes, one feels highly nervous and uncomfortable, but the long term result can be life changing.

Moving fast forward to this month's 5th anniversary of the launch of Third Thursdays, HRBOR's event should be wonderful.  We have a spectacular venue - the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk pictured below - and great event sponsors: SunTrust Bank, Distinctive Event Rentals (they did the tent for my daughter's wedding) and New Leaf Florist which produces simply amazing flower creations. I truly hope local readers will attend whether they own a business or not.  Admission is free and there's plenty of parking.  Here are more details:

 

What: 5th Anniversary Extravaganza & Membership Drive for HRBOR!! Bring your friends, business affiliates, associates, and anyone interested in Building Equality within business as we honor the founding members and look to current as well as prospective members for the future growth within the community.New and renewing members will receive a 25% discount on membership in honor of HRBOR's 5th Anniversary.

Where: The Harrison Opera House, Grand Lobby – 160 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk VA 23510

When: Thursday June 21, 2012 from 6 - 8 pm

Admission: FREE

 

For those not in the know, the Virginia Opera Association (the venue host) is in its 37th year of operation, and is known and respected nationwide for the identification and presentation of the finest young artists, for the musical and dramatic integrity of its productions, and for the ingenuity and variety of its education and outreach programs.