Among the partners united to produce Gay Games IX in 2014 is Plexus, Cleveland's LGBT and Allies Chamber of Commerce.
Plexus was founded to fill a need for networking and business development amongst Northeast Ohio’s LGBT business community and allies.
Co-founder Eric Lutzo was involved in the launch of both Network Metro Cleveland (2003) and Cleveland Professional Network (2001). It was through the evolution of these organizations that Plexus has become the LGBTA Chamber of Commerce for Northeast Ohio. After the election in November 2004, Eric quickly realized that more was needed than just networking. If Northeast Ohio was going to capitalize on the talents of the LGBT business community, the community needed a voice and the supporters needed a way to connect to that voice.
In 2005 Eric began attending national conferences and asked speakers to address Network Metro Cleveland around chamber and workplace equality issues. In that same year, Dave Ream, a member of Network Metro Cleveland and the National Gay/Lesbian Chamber of Commerce stepped up to co-found Plexus. Through out 2006 Eric and Dave worked on the mission, strategy and board development. They attended a number of national conferences in an effort to study best practices from around the country.
As a result of their work, Plexus incorporated as a 501(c)(6) trade organization in May of 2006 and made its debut at Pride in June of that year. As a nonprofit organization Plexus serves the LGBTA business community and advocates workplace equality issues in Northeast Ohio. Plexus is a strategic partner in the economic development of Northeast Ohio and serves as a point of connection for corporations, supporters, LGBT businesses and professionals.
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