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THE REGION WE REPRESENT

Three Rivers Business Alliance (3RBA) is the LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce for the Pittsburgh/Greater Allegheny Region. 3RBA serves the LGBTQIA+ businesses operating in the following regions:

  • Southwestern Pennsylvania

    Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Clearfield, Fayette, Greene, Indiania, Lawerence, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties

  • Southeastern Ohio
    Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Jefferson, Mahoning, Monroe, and Washington Counties

  • Northern West Virginia
    Brooke, Dodd-Ridge, Hancock, Harrison, Marion, Marshall, Monongalia, Ohio, Pleasants, Preston, Taylor, Tyler, and Wetzel Counties

  • Northwestern Maryland
    Allegheny and Garrett Counties

FAQs

How often does the 3RBA meet?

3RBA meets at least six times a year. Programming includes business networking, educational programming, business growth opportunities, and joint events with other community groups. Keep an eye on the Event Calendar for all dates, times and locations.

Do I have to own a business to join?

Absolutely not! 3RBA is both a business and professional networking group, and we encourage individuals who are looking to network with other businesses and professionals to join.

 How do I join?

CLICK HERE to view information about our membership levels.

 Does 3RBA have a code of conduct for its members?

Yes. 3RBA expects all members to follow its Code of Conduct.

 I'm starting a new business. Does 3RBA have any resources available to help me?

Yes. 3RBA has members and partners whose expertise is supporting entrepreneurs and/or small business owners. 3RBA also provides education, access to capital, certification opportunities, supplier diversity networking and a myriad of other activities to support individuals in the creation of their businesses.

Can 3RBA assist me in getting an LGBT Business Enterprise® (LGBTBE®) designation for my business?

Yes. As a 3RBA member, our partnership with the NGLCC, the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, gives you access to the many programs and benefits available through the NGLCC, including certification as an LGBTBE®. For more information on the process, click here.

How can I advertise on 3RBA's web site?

Review our sponsorship opportunities which include prominent placement for banner ads on the 3RBA's web site.

I would like to present a program at one of 3RBA's member meetings. How can I do that?

3RBA loves to have diverse programming amongst our members and partners. Contact the Program Committee Chair with your proposal.

I'd like to be a member, but I do not want my membership public. Can you do that?

Absolutely! Our online directory is available to only 3RBA members.

Do I have to be LGBT+ to join 3RBA?

Not at all! Our membership includes many supporters who desire to do business with the LGBT+ community. Our allied members make up a healthy percentage of the total membership.

Are my dues or other contributions or gifts to 3RBA tax deductible?

Membership dues and other contributions or gifts to 3RBA are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for Federal income tax purposes. However, they may be tax deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses under other provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. To learn more, check out 3RBA's IRS 501(c)(6) exemption letter.

What is the 3RBA Foundation?

In 2019, Three Rivers Business Alliance Foundation was established to assist 3RBA fund its educational programming and allow 3RBA to concentrate on being a membership association. To learn more about the 3RBA Foundation and its IRS 501(c)(3) exemption status, click here.

3RBA COMMITTEES

EXECUTIVE

FINANCE

NOMINATING

Programming and Events

MEMBERSHIP AND BENEFITS

DEVELOPMENT

SUPPLIER CERTIFICATION

SMALL BUSINESS PRIDE

DEI COUNCIL

COMMUNICATIONS

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY

Ronald L Hicks, Jr.

Paul E. Block

Michael Testa

Adrian Fierro and Chris Rafalski

Missie Berteottie and Samantha Goldberg

Micah Cporali and Patriece Thompson

Michael Testa and Jessica Eberly

Ray Sidney-Smith and Nina Jo Washington

David Bubas and Anastasia Nolte

Chris Rafalski

Ray Sidney Smith and Michael Testa

Board of Directors

Three Rivers Business Alliance (3RBA) is governed by a Board consisting of a diverse group of business owners and professionals representing a cross-section of members from throughout the Pittsburgh/Greater Allegheny Region.

Board members serve three-year terms and are elected at the Annual Membership Meeting. The Officers are selected by the Board after the Annual Membership Meeting and serve 1-year terms. Committees exist as provided by the Bylaws and/or as directed by the Board.

Ronald L Hicks, Jr. (He/Him)

President/Director

Partner, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

Welcome to Three Rivers Business Alliance (3RBA)!

As an affiliate chamber of NGLCC, the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, 3RBA is the chamber of commerce for the LGBTQIA+ business community in the Pittsburgh/Greater Allegheny Region. Our mission is to create a vibrant LGBTQIA+ business community through development, education, promotion, and advocacy. Our values include equality, diversity, inclusivity, community service, integrity, vision, and leadership. Our vision is to become the leader in diversity, innovation and philanthropy within the LGBTQIA+ business community in the Pittsburgh/Greater Allegheny Region and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

To learn more about 3RBA, including why you should join and how you get involved, please contact me at [email protected].

Cynthia Oliver (SHE/HER)

Executive Director

Partner, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

Welcome to Three Rivers Business Alliance (3RBA)!

As an affiliate chamber of NGLCC, the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, 3RBA is the chamber of commerce for the LGBTQIA+ business community in the Pittsburgh/Greater Allegheny Region. Our mission is to create a vibrant LGBTQIA+ business community through development, education, promotion, and advocacy. Our values include equality, diversity, inclusivity, community service, integrity, vision, and leadership. Our vision is to become the leader in diversity, innovation and philanthropy within the LGBTQIA+ business community in the Pittsburgh/Greater Allegheny Region and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

To learn more about 3RBA, including why you should join and how you get involved, please contact me at [email protected].

Michael Testa (he/him)

Testa Consulting, Owner
LGBTE Executive Vice President/Director
Supplier Certification Comm. Co-Chair

Legislative Advocacy Comm. Co-Chair

Nomination Comm. Chair

Michael Testa (he/him)

Testa Consulting, Owner
LGBTE Executive Vice President/Director
Supplier Certification Comm. Co-Chair

Legislative Advocacy Comm. Co-Chair

Nomination Comm. Chair

Adrian Fierro, (he/him)

Branch Manager, AVP and

Small Business Banker,

Huntington Bank

Secretary/DirectorProgramming & Events Comm. Co-Chair

Paul E. Block (he/him)

Paul E. Block CPA
Treasurer
Director

Finance Comm. Chair

Jessica Eberley, (she/her)

Owner

HRT Solutions

Director

Supplier Cert. Comm. Co-Chair

David W. Bubas, (he/him)

Senior DirectorUPMC Center for Engagement

and Inclusion

Director

DEI Council Comm. Co-Chair

Anastasia Nolte, (she/her)

Branch Manager

PNC Bank

Director

DEI Council Comm. Co-Chair

Chris Rafalski, (he/him)

Owner

Rafalski Enterprises

Director

Communications Comm. Chair

Programming & Events Comm. Co-Chair

Ray Sidney-Smith, (he/him)

Owner

w3 Consulting

Director

Small Business Pride Co-Chair

Legislative Advocacy Comm. Co-Chair

Samantha Goldberg, (she/her) MSW

Open Space CCW, Owner

Director

Membership & Member Benefits

Comm. Co-Chair

Micah Caporali, (he/him)

Supplier Diversity Senior Manager

Endo Pharmaceuticals

Director

Development Comm. Co-Chair

Patriece Thompson, (she/her)

Director of Community Engagement

Turner Construction

Director

Development Comm. Co-Chair

Erica Sumpter, (she/her)

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Highmark Health

THE NATIONAL LGBT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Three Rivers Business Alliance (3RBA) is an affiliate of the NGLCC, the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. NGLCC is the business voice of the LGBT community, the largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBTQIA+ people, and the exclusive certifying body for LGBT-owned businesses.

To learn more about the NGLCC and its certification process, visit our Get Certified page!

3rba Background

In 2019, Three Rivers Business Alliance Foundation (3RBF) was established to assist 3RBA fund its educational programming and allow 3RBA to concentrate on being a membership association.

3rba Mission

3RBF's mission is to educate, inspire, and empower members of the LGBTQIA+ business community and their allies in the Pittsburgh/Greater Allegheny region and build a stronger overall economy and community.

3rba Goals

- Provide professional and business development education and programming for LGBTQ+ business professionals, entrepreneurs and small business owners and their allies;

- Fund scholarships and grants to deserving LGBTQ+ residents so that they may develop skills and become more successful

- Fund studies and reports on the impact of LGBTQ+ businesses in the Pittsburgh/Greater Allegheny region;

- Engage in activities that foster diversity, inclusion and growth.

3rba needs

Some of the projects 3RBF is looking to fund are

- $1,500 for one Lunch & Learn for 30 participants, or $6,000 for 4 lunches;

- $5,000 for a pull out section in the Pittsburgh Business Times or other similar publication to highlight LGBTQ+ business owners;

- $2,500 to video our programs and post them on our website;

- $10,000 in scholarships for LGBTQ+ business owner development and skills training.

donation levels

Diamond: $25,000+

Ruby: $10,000 - $24,999

Emerald: $5,000 - $9,999

Sapphire: $2,500 - $4,999

Garnet: $1,000 - $2,499

Ways to donate

You can donate by completing this Pledge Agreement and returning it and a check made payable to "3RBA Foundation" to:

Three Rivers Business Alliance Foundation

1735 E. Carson St. #403

Pittsburgh, PA 15203-1705

Also, you can make a donation online by completing this Online Donation Form

501(c)(3) Status

3RBF is a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation exempt from federal income taxes under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3) per the attached
IRS exemption letter. Accordingly, contributions or gifts to 3RBF may be deductible as charitable contributions for Federal income tax purposes.

IRS NOTICES AND BYLAWS

Three Rivers Business Alliance (3RBA) is registered under the Internal Revenue Code as a 501(c)(6) exempt organization, per the attached IRC 501(c)(6) application and IRS exemption approval letter, both of which have been redacted for privacy purposes. Accordingly, membership dues and other contributions or gifts to Three Rivers Business Alliance are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for Federal income tax purposes. However, they may be tax deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses under other provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

Three Rivers Business Alliance Foundation (3RBF) is a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation exempt from federal income taxes under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3) per the attached IRS exemption letter which has been redacted for privacy purposes. Accordingly, contributions or gifts to 3RBF may be deductible as charitable contributions for Federal income tax purposes.

Here are copies of 3RBA's Bylaws and 3RBF's Bylaws.