Montco LGBT Business Council

Featured Members

Feature Member: Allebach Photography

Allebach Photography was launched in 2006, but 2014 in North Wales by owner Michael Allebach.

How has COVID-19 impacted the daily operations of your business?

We were forced to shut down because of the Montgomery County lockdown. That meant, despite us operating with so few people, we were unable to continue running our photography studio. We run a VIP Facebook group that has helped us maintain a connection with our very loyal client base, so we’re very much looking forward to resuming our photography.

How has your business been adapting to the challenges presented by the pandemic?

We’ve put a lot of focus into reaching out to our clients to see how they’re holding up. It’s important for us to stay in contact with our clients, as we wouldn’t be anything without them. We’re also in the process of launching a couple new projects that help solve some problems that this current situation has caused.

More information:

We would love to share our newest project! We know that receptions have become non-essential, but ceremonies can still happen. We will be performing elopments in the studio and livestreaming services for all their guests! It’s a wonderful way to keep the special date you’ve chosen to be married and still save the celebratory reception for when the world opens back up! Anyone interested can keep up to date via our website and/or Facebook

Feature Member: Saint Miriam Parish and Friary

Our parish was founded in 2007 and we have moved from shared space in a synagogue in Philadelphia to leased space in Blue Bell to the campus we now own in Flourtown. We have always maintained being inclusive and progressive despite our being Catholic. As Franciscans we also integrate everyone into the life of our community regardless of any limiting or defining factor and are a welcoming place with full integration into the community for LGBTQ persons. We operate a school (infant, pre-k, k) as well as a Historic Cemetery and Friary, too. 
 
Obviously COVID-19 has caused us to close our school and parish, at least in-person gatherings. We maintain virtual worship and online and virtual teaching classes as well as our outreach program to the homeless which has been featured lately on Fox 29 and in the Times Herald. We constantly need supplies and donation to keep our ministry and outreach to the homeless strong. Tom Frey, who led our involvement with the Montgomery County LGBT Business Council, leads our outreach campaign into the streets and our demand and need has substantially increased due to the pandemic.
 
More Information:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reference/Links:
 
Main Website: www.mySaintMiriam.org
 
 
 
 
 

Feature Member: Russell Tutoring & Consulting

C.C. Russell, Owner of Russell Tutoring & Consulting
C.C. Russell started Russell Tutoring & Consulting in 2017 — we’ve been open almost three years.  I started trying to make tutoring a full-time job for me.  Now I have a tutoring staff of eight.
What are you most proud of in your business?
I have built this business from the ground up. In 2019, my business revenue grew 103%, entirely on referrals from happy customers.  That’s really exciting to me.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Finding really good tutors!  I have grown my business very carefully because I want to make sure to hire the best. Finding the best isn’t easy.
How has COVID-19 impacted the daily operations of your business?
Traditionally, all our tutoring has been delivered in students’ homes.  We are now doing all our tutoring virtually.  Fortunately, we have tutored students virtually since our inception, so we adapted well and quickly.
How has your business been adapting to the challenges presented by the pandemic?
The biggest challenge has been that the SAT and ACT have been cancelled for months, which means that students who are ready for the test have no test to take!  We know there will be tests in the fall, so we’re working hard to help students find a balance between keeping their skills up and not burning out on the work.
More information:
SAT and ACT will definitely be back on line in the fall, even if the tests are at home.  Students should still be testing to be competitive for college admissions; if families have questions about that, they are welcome to give me a call.
http://russelltutoringandconsulting.com/
https://www.facebook.com/RussellTutoringandConsulting/