Fellow OUT Georgia Business Alliance Members –

I hope this message finds you well and that everyone is staying safe and healthy while we are amid a pandemic crisis.

I am writing to inform you that it is that time of the year again; yes, the Changing of the Guards. Today is my last day as President of the OUT Georgia Business Alliance. It has indeed been an honor and quite the RIDE!

In the past year, we celebrated:

  • The 25th Anniversary of chamber existence 
  • Hiring the organization’s 1st Executive Director
  • Being named a “Game Changer” in the LGBTQ+ Community by Councilman Antonio Brown and the Atlanta City Council
  • Obtaining a seat on the current Atlanta Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board
  • Signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • Rebranding from the Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce to the OUT Georgia Business Alliance
  • Launching a new Website (outgeorgia.org)
  • Upgrading our Membership database

Looking back at the past year, while I am happy with the progress that we have made together, there is still much more to be accomplished.

In the next year, you can expect valuable (and virtual) programming, especially as we continue to navigate COVID-19, in addition to more strategic partnerships allowing us to serve more LGBTQ+ and ally businesses across Georgia…stay tuned!

I am honored to have led such a wonderful organization, as well as to have worked with some outstanding Board members and our Executive Director.

I am excited to “pass the baton” to Michael Daniels (Vice President/Incoming President) who will be leading the charge, along with Executive Director Chris Lugo.

Prior to joining the Board of Directors as the Membership Chair, Michael spent years as an Ambassador representing the Chamber and connecting with our growing Membership.

I look forward to Michael’s leadership over the next year and the continued work to advance the LGBTQ+ economy right here in Georgia.

It has been a pleasure. Thank you so much for your support, and I look forward to serving as your Immediate Past President.

Yours in Economic Empowerment & Equality,

Petrina Bloodworth
Immediate Past President, OUT Georgia Business Alliance


About OUT Georgia Business Alliance

OUT Georgia Business Alliance proudly serves as Georgia’s only LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce.

Since 1994, OUT Georgia Business Alliance (formerly the Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce) has served the LGBTQ+ and Allied business community by advocating for the most inclusive and equitable business environment; providing support and resources to fuel economic growth; and driving meaningful community connections and impact across the State of Georgia.

OUT Georgia Business Alliance is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., and is a proud affiliate of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact us at OUTGeorgia.org or info@OUTGeorgia.org.