Date: September 6, 2011 Media Contact:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ARL Marketing & Public Relations
954-600-3154
Andrew@arlmarketing.com
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce forms to fill a void in LGBT and LGBT Friendly business needs in the Greater Fort Lauderdale Area
(Fort Lauderdale, Florida) – September 6, 2011– Fifteen years after the Rainbow Alliance was created to promote LGBT and LGBT friendly tourism in the Fort Lauderdale area, the Board members realized they needed to do more for the community. The Rainbow Alliance was bound by existing Bylaws and was unable to expand to include all LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses in Greater Fort Lauderdale.
On April 26, 2011, the Rainbow Alliance membership unanimously voted to establish the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (GFLGLCC) as a 501 c (6) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT friendly community in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area.
The new Chamber was soon formed as an affiliate of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). This important affiliation will extend our reach beyond Greater Fort Lauderdale. As a result, members will have access to many more benefits, compared to the Rainbow Alliance. In addition to the NGLCC affiliation and benefits, the GFLGLCC intends to work with other affiliate chambers like the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) and MBA Orlando - Central Florida's LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
Membership fees are also much lower. The Rainbow Alliance dues started at $330, where a standard Business Membership with the GFLGLCC is only $250. We are also waiving new member processing fees, said Keith Blackburn, President of the newly formed GFLGLCC.
The GFLGLCC’s affiliation with the NGLCC will allow the Chamber and its members more opportunities. As a national umbrella organization, the NGLCC is a clearinghouse of ideas and information for and between businesses and organizations. The NGLCC works with Federal, State and Affiliate Chambers and business groups on various issues. Most importantly, the NGLCC is the premier advocate on behalf of LGBT owned businesses, professionals, students of business, and corporations that share in our desire to expand the community's financial opportunities, economic growth, continued innovation, and equality.
The NGLCC Supplier Diversity Initiative (SDI) offers businesses a tool to make connections and open doors with America's top corporations and each other. The SDI certifies Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender owned Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs) and works to provide opportunities for LGBTBEs to gain exposure within corporate procurement processes. The NGLCC SDI offers certification to LGBTBEs, as well as a host of opportunities to enhance your business' visibility to corporations seeking to do business with LGBT suppliers. Each member of the GFLGLCC will have a membership to the NGLCC and if qualified, is eligible to apply for the SDI at no additional cost.
The GFLGLCC will begin to host and promote a variety of services and events to the community and its member,, including Networkers, Workshops, Breakfasts, Luncheons, Dinners, Evening Mixers, member to member discounts, business seminars, business tables and introductions, to name a few. For a full list of events and services available through the GFLGLCC please visit www.gogayfortlauderdale.com.
About Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GFLGLCC):
The GFLGLCC is a 501 C (6) Non Profit organization, with the following Mission Statement: Dedicated to promoting business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly community in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area. To be an advocate and resource for all member businesses that promote equality. To promote tourism with a unified approach, by working with appropriate and related organizations.
About National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC):
The NGLCC is the business advocate and direct link between lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) business owners, corporations, and government, representing the interests of more than 1.4 million LGBT businesses and entrepreneurs. The NGLCC is committed to forming a broad-based coalition of LGBT owned and friendly businesses, professionals, and major corporations for the purpose of promoting economic growth and the prosperity of our members.
For more information about the GFLGLCC, or to become a member please visit www.gogayfortlauderdale.com or contact ARL Marketing & Public Relations at 954-600-3154 or via email at: andrew@arlmarketing.com for media coverage, press kits, membership kits and live interview requests.
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