Montgomery County LGBT Business Council and 1776 at Ambler Yards to Co-Host LGBTQ Cultural Competency Trainings

On Wednesday, November 28th, the Montgomery County LGBT Business Council and 1776 at Ambler Yards are cohosting the first of what hopes to be many LGBTQ Cultural Competency Trainings at the Ambler Yards campus in Lower Gwynedd Township, PA.

Presenting will be Todd Snovel, who serves as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs.  Recently created by Governor Tom Wolf, it is the only such commission in the entire country.

“This workshop will equip community leaders with the information, skills, and language to be forward-thinking when it comes to engaging their LGBTQ populations and to create inclusive culture,” said Snovel.

This interactive training session will focus on creating inclusive workspaces. It will equip business, organizational and industry leaders with the knowledge and tools to be responsive to the needs of their LGBTQ colleagues, clients, and community partners. Participants will learn inclusive vocabulary, tips for making their work policies and cultures affirming and understand how to be visible allies to the LGBTQ community. Participants will receive Certification for LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency in the Workplace from the Montgomery County LGBT Business Council.

The trainings are not the first manifestation of the recent partnership between the Montgomery County LGBT Business Council and 1776 at Ambler Yards, a coworking site and business incubator located on the Ambler Yards campus. Recently, both organizations worked together to craft the new Ambler Yards Anti-Discriminatory Policy which took effect this past September.

“The Montgomery County LGBT Business Council is thrilled to be able to offer these trainings to its members, and I believe we are the first business chamber in the county to do so,” said Richard Buttacavoli, co-founder and President of the MCLGBTBC. “The LGBTQ community has a high brand loyalty and we are active in using our purchasing power, estimated at $917 billion in 2015, with companies that have a positive presence in our community. As more people self-identify as LGBTQ+, organizations of all kinds should be more cognizant.”

Seating for the inaugural training is limited to 50 and will be free to invited guests, Professional and Social members of the MCLGBTBC and members of 1776 at Ambler Yards. Non-members are $25. The 2- hour session begins at 3 pm will have a break midway with light refreshments. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by November 18th to ensure a seat.

After the session, there will be an after party/membership drive at the 1776 space on the Ambler Yards campus. This event begins at 5:30 pm and is free for session participants and the public at large. Attendees will learn about membership in the MCLGBTBC, membership at 1776 at Ambler Yards and will have a chance to network. Food and drink will be served, free of charge.

For more information or to register for either event or both, go here or contact Ambler Yards Campus Manager Ben Bergman at bbergman@ambleryards.com . To join, or for more information on the Montgomery County LGBT Business Council, visit their website at www.montcolgbtbiz.org.