We’re excited to share an update about one of our GSBA programs: the Capitol Hill Business Alliance (CHBA)! Beginning October 2nd, CHBA is officially GSBA: Capitol Hill. This change represents more than just a new name—it’s a reflection of our continued and expanded commitment to supporting Capitol Hill’s thriving business community as part of the larger GSBA network.
Over the past four years, CHBA has worked diligently to provide businesses in Capitol Hill with advocacy, resources, and opportunities for growth. Now, as GSBA: Capitol Hill, we’ll be devoting even more staff, time, and resources to the program, ensuring businesses on Capitol Hill have the support they need to succeed.
While Capitol Hill Business Alliance’s Facebook page will be deactivated on January 1st, 2025, this move is part of our effort to simplify communication and focus on delivering more impactful services and initiatives. To stay up to date with Capitol Hill business news, we encourage you to follow GSBA’s Facebook and other social media channels.
We’re also collaborating on efforts to develop the Pike/Pine Business Improvement Area (BIA), adding even more value for businesses in the area.
“Not only is Capitol Hill our GSBA home base and considered Seattle’s “gay-borhood” but it is the largest concentration of small businesses in the entire state and as the largest LGBTQ+ small business focused Chamber of Commerce in the country, we believe that it should be a major focus of our work,” said Ilona Lohrey, GSBA President & CEO.
“We are so incredibly proud of the work that we have already been doing in Capitol Hill through the Capitol Hill Business Alliance program, that earlier this year, we decided to put even more energy behind the program including the full force of our GSBA staff and additional time and resources, and now this shift in branding represents that prioritization of the program”
What Does This Mean for Current CHBA Members?
Your membership, benefits, and connection to Capitol Hill’s eclectic business community are here to stay. With GSBA: Capitol Hill, you’ll have even greater access to advocacy, resources, and networking opportunities. As the largest LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce in the U.S. and North America, GSBA has been empowering businesses since 1981, and we’re committed to making Capitol Hill businesses stronger than ever.
“I’m really excited about the future of GSBA: Capitol Hill. Capitol Hill has always been my business home and one of my favorite Seattle neighborhoods. After almost two decades of owning and operating a business on Capitol Hill, coming into the work at CHBA, now GSBA Capitol Hill has been both joyful and inspiring,” said Laura Culberg, GSBA: Capitol Hill Program Manager.
“I am excited to continue to work with the small businesses on the hill including continuing our quarterly Hill Talks that engage the entire neighborhood and the more intimate Know Your Neighbor series that addresses smaller pockets. I’m also thrilled to be finally launching a long-time vision–the “Just Walk In” campaign in the coming weeks, as well as helping to assess the possibility of a Pike/Pike BIA being formed.”
For questions, feel free to contact GSBA: Capitol Hill’s program manager, Laura Culberg, at Laura@thegsba.org or memberships@thegsba.org. We’re excited about what’s ahead and can’t wait to keep building a stronger Capitol Hill together!
