A Night of Connection: GTI at the BBB Elevate Event in Celebration of Black History Month

Celebrating Black History, Building Black Futures

The BBB Elevate event brought together Connecticut's business community to honor Black History Month through what matters most: connection. The room was filled with entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders, all united by a shared belief that building strong networks is building strong communities.

For GTI, the evening was a reminder that the work of growing together doesn't just happen in boardrooms or through formal programs. It happens in handshakes, in conversations over a table, in the willingness to show up and be present.

The Power of Showing Up

Events like BBB Elevate are the heartbeat of community growth. When organizations like GTI come together with partners like CBNA, the result isn't just a networking event — it's a statement. A statement that says we believe in lifting each other up.

The evening brought together a diverse mix of professionals and community builders. Ada Pilgrim, owner of DL Companions, a homecare agency, was among those making connections throughout the night, joined by her son Lorenzo. Colin Osborn of Cosborn Agency was also in attendance, and entrepreneur Shamoon, working in the trading and finance space, added to the depth of conversations happening across the room.

When people who care about their community come together in the same room, good things happen. That's what last night was about — connections that turn into partnerships, and partnerships that turn into impact.

— Grow Together Initiative

Plenty of meaningful connections were made throughout the evening. The energy in the room was palpable, and the conversations ranged from business strategy to community impact to the shared vision of economic empowerment in Connecticut.

About CBNA

The Connecticut Business Networking Association (CBNA), founded by Cesar Barros, is a thriving network of over 900 business owners and professionals across the state. CBNA's mission is to create meaningful connections between businesses through regular networking events, workshops, and community initiatives.

GTI is proud to count CBNA among its community partners, and we look forward to continued collaboration as both organizations work to strengthen Connecticut's business landscape.

A Beautiful Night

From start to finish, the BBB Elevate event was a beautiful evening. The combination of celebration, networking, and genuine community spirit made it one of those nights you walk away from feeling energized about the future.

GTI extends its sincere thanks to Cesar Barros and the entire CBNA team for sponsoring such an impactful event, and to everyone who came out to celebrate Black History Month through the power of connection.

We also want to acknowledge the NJ Developments team — Jamiah Bartlett, Nolan Krieger, and Javier Flores — for their continued support and for representing alongside GTI. Having supporters who show up, not just in words but in person, means everything.