Within the last decade, the term, 'startup' became synonymous with hype and empty promises. Just as often, though, it was a term pregnant with ambition and hope. When the dot-com bubble burst, the sails of a lot of high-tech fortune hunters were luffed and it was the entrepreneurial spirit that won out in the long term.

You are holding in your hands the inaugural edition of Q!, a startup of sorts. This particular startup embodies the resilient heart of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Allied business community of the Twin Cities - our community - and with it, the focused talent and entrepreneurial spirit that distinguishes Quorum member organizations from other businesses.

Q! will come to you quarterly with the intention of keeping you connected to a network of energetic people who make things happen, keeping you informed of events that affect your business or organization, and keeping you equipped through informative articles from our membership.

Unlike most startups, Q! is not driven by one larger-than-life personality, but guided by a group of dedicated people who want to see Quorum impact our community in a tangible way. I invite and encourage your feedback to make this newsletter more valuable to you. I hope, as well, that you will take the time to contribute to Q! in the form of an article. Who knows? You might just provide the spark of inspiration that drives a fellow entrepreneur to new heights of innovation.

Dedicated to our success,
Todd Park
Editor