Sunday, October 5, 2014

THE GFLGLCC IS LOOKING FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS TO JOIN OUR NEWLY FORMED YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP (YPG)

The GFLGLCC is looking for young professionals to be a part of our newly formed group.

The Young Professionals Group (YPG) was developed to empower young LGBT professionals and their allies to preserve and grow a culture of diversity, service, leadership, advocacy and camaraderie among LGBT and allied GFLGLCC members. YPC collaborates with local business, organizations and community leaders to produce fun and dynamic networking and educational events. All GFLGLCC LGBT and allied professionals 21- 40 years-old are eligible and invited to participate.

For more information, please contact Keith Blackburn at Keith@gflglcc.org or Adam Alvarado at adam.alvarado@edwardjones.com 

Thursday, July 24, 2014

FORT LAUDERDALE WINS BID TO HOST 2015 NGLCC CONFERENCE


August 11-14, 2015 at Marriott Harbor Beach, Fort Lauderdale Florida












Mark your calendars! The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) has chosen Fort Lauderdale, FL as the host city for the 2015 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference. Next year's event will take place August 11-14, at the Marriott Resort Fort Lauderdale Harbor Beach Hotel. 

Building on this year's sold out conference, next year's event will seek to break the 700 attendee record that will be set next week in Las Vegas, NV.

"NGLCC is thrilled our annual conference will take place in Fort Lauderdale next year. We applaud our local affiliate chamber, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GFLGLCC), for working so closely with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau to put together the winning bid," said NGLCC Co-Founder and President, Justin Nelson. 

"In addition to the many LGBT and allied business owners residing in South Florida, the NGLCC conference now attracts attendees from across the country and around the world. In addition, Fort Lauderdale offers a wealth of special event venues and unique experiences that have become the hallmark of the annual NGLCC conference," said NGLCC Co-Founder and CEO Chance Mitchell.

"We are thrilled that NGLCC chose Greater Fort Lauderdale as the host city for their August 2015 annual conference. Our destination's open and welcoming relationship with LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) residents, tourists and business has been gratifying for us with a resulting record breaking 1.3 million LGBT visitors in 2013, " said Richard Gray, Managing Director, LGBT market, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Individuals interested in the 2015 event should contact events@nglcc.org to receive regular updates about next year's conference. 


As the exclusive Broward County affiliate of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce – (NGLCC), all GFLGLCC members receive full membership and benefits without having to pay extra dues. Through the NGLCC, we strive to keep you informed of trends, common practices and legislation that may affect you and your business.

The GFLGLCC’s mission is to promote business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly community.  We are an advocate and resource for all member businesses that promote equality. We promote tourism with a unified approach by working with appropriate and related organizations. For more information about the GFLGLCC, please contact Keith Blackburn at Keith@gflglcc.org
The NGLCC is the only global not-for-profit advocacy organization dedicated to expanding the economic opportunities and advancements of LGBT people around the world. With more than 140 corporate partners and 52 local, state, and international affiliate chambers, NGLCC is the largest LGBT business development and economic advocacy organization in the world. Serving as the exclusive certifying organization of LGBT-owned businesses, the NGLCC is the direct link between corporations, government and one another. ​

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

GIVING BACK TO THE LGBT COMMUNITY ONE NON-PROFIT AT A TIME

For Immediate Release:
Contact: Michael Vita
786-586-4286


Michael Vita, Director of Membership/Marketing – GFLGLCC; Keith Blackburn, President – GFLGLCC; Siegi Constantine, Board Member – GFLGLCC; Jimmy Lagle, General Manager - Lipton Toyota; Chris MacLellan, Director of Senior Services – SunServe, at Dos Caminos Modern Mexican Cuisine & Lounge. Photo Credit: Steven Shires, Photography


“GIVING BACK TO THE LGBT COMMUNITY ONE NON-PROFIT AT A TIME”
By the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and Lipton Toyota

Fort Lauderdale – February 26, 2014: At their Quarterly LGBT Networking Luncheon on Wednesday, February 25th, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GFLGLCC), together with Lipton Toyota, presented donations to two non-profit organizations. Jacqueline Lorber, President of the South Florida Symphony Orchestra, and Chris MacLellan, Director of Senior Services at SunServe, were present to receive the donations at Dos Caminos Modern Mexican Cuisine & Lounge.

The presentation was part of a unique program resulting from a partnership with Keith Blackburn, President of the GFLGLCC, and Steve Jensen, President of Lipton Toyota. The program is a cash-back to local non-profit chamber member organizations. Lipton Toyota will make a $300 donation on behalf of any GFLGLCC member (or their family and friends), who purchases or leases a new vehicle from Lipton Toyota.

The South Florida Symphony Orchestra is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enrich the quality of life in the communities it serves through a commitment to the highest quality of symphonic performance and music education. “We are honored to have been selected to receive two donations resulting from collaboration with the GFLGLCC, Lipton Toyota, and two thoughtful patrons. It has helped us connect to people in our community,” said Jacqueline Lorber.

SunServe is a model 501(c)(3) nonprofit social service agency serving the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) community in South Florida. Providing high-quality, compassionate, and progressive care for all, including those in financial need, minorities, youth, seniors, families, and those with life-challenging physical or emotional conditions. Thank you for the kind donation to SunServe's Silver Serve program. I met a wonderful group of professionals in attendance and felt welcomed as soon as I entered the event area!” said Chris MacLellan.

GFLGLCC is a non-profit 501c(6), and part of its mission is to promote business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly community. “There was a lot of thought put into this unique collaboration.  Our newest Board member, Siegi Constantine was instrumental in making it happen.   We were all very excited to see everything come together,” said Keith Blackburn.

Lipton Toyota is an award-winning dealership for both Sales and Service, winning the President's Award as well as the Excellence Award for customer satisfaction in our Service Department. “Lipton Toyota doesn’t only want to sell cars, we want to help the LGBT community,” said Jimmy Lagle, General Manager - Lipton Toyota

For further information on this unique program please contact: Keith Blackburn at 305-798-5455 - keith@gflglcc.org 

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Friday, January 10, 2014

The GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES MICHAEL VITA HAS JOINED THE STAFF


For Immediate Release

Contact: Keith Blackburn
305-798-5455 Keith@gflglcc.org


January10, 2014


THE GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES MICHAEL VITA HAS JOINED THE STAFF
Named Director of Marketing and Membership


Fort Lauderdale, FL: The GLFLGCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Michael Vita has joined the staff as the Director of Marketing and Membership. Previously he was a Board Member and the Secretary/Treasurer of the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Vita will oversee membership and facilitate networking events, quarterly luncheons, and the Annual Equality Awards Dinner.

Michael was the Executive Director of the Espanola Way Association – An Historic Village in the Heart of South Beach and a director of the Market Company – producer of Farmers Markets in Miami and the surrounding areas. He has held positions with the City of Miami Beach (Special Events Coordinator/Director of CiviCall) and Manhattan Towers and Morton Towers (Property Manager)

Prior to 1989, Michael enjoyed a successful career on the Broadway stage in New York City. He has appeared in the original productions of “Chicago,” “Sweet Charity,” and “42nd Street,” among others. His career highlights can be viewed at http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=78472.

The GFLGLCC is a 501 C (6) Non Profit organization, which promotes business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly community. They are an advocate and resource for all member businesses that promote equality with a unified approach by working with appropriate organizations. Additional information can be found at GoGayFortLauderdale.com

For further information, please contact Keith Blackburn 305-798-5455

Monday, January 6, 2014

GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES COMPLIMENTARY BEACH SHUTTLE















For Immediate Release        
                                                
Contact: Keith Blackburn
305-798-5455 Keith@gflglcc.org 

January 6, 2014

GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES COMPLIMENTARY BEACH SHUTTLE
From Fort Lauderdale Beach Resorts to Wilton Manors

Fort Lauderdale, FL: The GLFLGCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce presents the newest way to combine the fun of Fort Lauderdale beach with the exciting nightlife on Wilton Drive, in Wilton Manors.

Beginning Friday, January 10, 2014, visitors to Fort Lauderdale will be able to board a complimentary shuttle, powered by FAB2GO, from the Fort Lauderdale Beach Resorts to Wilton Manors. The Complimentary Shuttle will run continuously from 7:00pm to 1:00am every Friday and Saturday night.

Leave the hassles of commuting between Wilton Drive and the Beach Resorts by boarding a stunning Mercedes Benz Sprinter, powered by FAB2GO, a gay owned and operated luxury transportation company located in Wilton Manors.

The Complimentary Shuttle is another idea brought to you by the GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and its participating member sponsors; Tito’s Handmade Vodka (produced in Austin at Texas’ first and oldest legal distillery) and Hotspots Media Group (the voice of the gay community in Florida).

Sponsored Shuttle Pick-up and Drop-off Locations:

Alcazar / Worthington Guesthouse, 543 North Birch Road.
Fort Lauderdale’s most popular and largest Gay Owned Resort.

W Hotel Fort Lauderdale, 401 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard.
South Florida's hottest locale.

B Ocean Hotel, 999 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard.
Mesmerized!

Rumor's Bar and Grill, 2426 Wilton Drive.
Offering a full bar and your favorite food!

Courtyard Café, 2211 Wilton Drive.
Your neighborhood place to eat 7 days a week, 24-hours a day on weekends.

Media Sponsors include Hot Spots, Print Matters and Mark's List

The GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to promote tourism with a unified approach by working with appropriate and related organizations. The GFLGLCC is a non-profit 501c(6).

For information please contact: 305-798-5455 | http://www.gogayfortlauderdale.com/


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