THE GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES 2019 CHAMBER HERO AWARD WINNERS

Chamber Hero Awards to be presented by Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean J. Trantalis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla (August 21, 2019) - The Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce has chosen 5 outstanding members to receive the inaugural Chamber Hero Award. The awards will be presented by Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean J. Trantalis at a luncheon event which takes place at the new Wild Thyme Oceanside Eatery on September 5th. The event is sponsored by Capital One. Everyone is welcome, but advance registration is required. Details and registration links are located by clicking here.

The 2019 Chamber Hero Awards will be presented to:

• Jungle Queen Riverboats – Jeffrey Kaplan
• Northwestern Mutual Striano Financial Group – Linda Buccilli
• Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitor’s Bureau – Richard Gray
• Freedom Travel – Richard Safaty
• Reyka Vodka – Paola London

"Jungle Queen Riverboats has shown support for our chamber and the LGBT+ community by hosting our annual holiday parties for the past 3 years in a row. The 4th one is scheduled for this December. Not only has Jungle Queen Riverboats donated the boat and crew, but Jeff and his team have always been there to greet our members and to personally assist" said Keith Blackburn, President & CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

"Linda and Northwestern Mutual has supported the chamber and is the exclusive presenting sponsor of our quarterly breakfast events. Linda has been an amazing ally to our community. In addition to the chamber, she has supported fundraisers, like the annual Bowling to Fight Hunger, Florida AIDS Walk and more said Keith Blackburn, President / CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

"Our partnership with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau - CVB is critical to our tourism-related efforts. The CVB partnership supports our chamber and our LGBT+ Visitor Center. With the CVB's partnership and Richard's personal commitment, along with the full support of his CEO, Stacy Ritter we have been able to make a huge impact" said Keith Blackburn, President / CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

"Soon after Freedom Travel joined the chamber, we were strategizing how to create a unique experience while raising money for the chamber.  Rich quickly got approval from Celebrity Cruises to host a Sunday lunch on the Celebrity Silhouette. This event was used to showcase our first chamber cruise, which sets sail on September 7th on the Celebrity Equinox" said Keith Blackburn, President / CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

"I first met Paola in 2015 when I was planning the Welcome Reception for the NGLCC International Business and Leadership Conference, which took place in Fort Lauderdale. The event was huge with 1000+ expected attendees. Paola and her team donated the product and created an amazing and unforgettable Reyka Waterfall. That event led to our ongoing partnership, with Reyka Vodka as our monthly mixer sponsor" said Keith Blackburn, President / CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

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About the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce - GFLGLCC

The GFLGLCC is a 501 C (6) Non-Profit independent organization affiliated with the NGLCC – National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, 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 and to promote tourism with a unified approach, by working with appropriate and related organizations.

For more information, contact the GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce at +1-954-523-3500 or visit www.GFLGLCC.org. Get social and engage with Greater Fort Lauderdale on social media channels including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

PRESS CONTACT:
Keith Blackburn, 954-523-3500 / Keith@gflglcc.org

NGLCC - NATIONAL LGBT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE AS HOST DESTINATION FOR 2021 NGLCC INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

World’s Largest LGBT Business Event Brings Thought Leaders Together to Greater Fort Lauderdale

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 14, 2019) – The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) has chosen Greater Fort Lauderdale as the host destination for the 2021 NGLCC International Business and Leadership Conference, the world’s largest LGBT business event. The event will take place on August 8-14, 2021 at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida.

“We are thrilled to bring our 2021 International Business & Leadership Conference to the cosmopolitan Greater Fort Lauderdale and the beautiful Diplomat Beach Resort,” said Justin Nelson, co-founder, and president of NGLCC. “The destination not only offers a thriving LGBT scene, but it also offers event organizers and attendees with stunning beaches and a variety of world-class museums, culinary experiences, and unique attractions.”

“We last hosted the NGLCC in 2015 and are extremely excited to be bringing them back again in 2021,” said Keith Blackburn, president, and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

Greater Fort Lauderdale is the LGBT capital of Florida, has the highest concentration of same-sex couple households in the country and has hundreds of gay-owned and operated businesses. The destination also welcomes 1.5 million LGBT travelers annually and has been proactively targeting and welcoming the LGBT market since 1996.

“Greater Fort Lauderdale is very proud to be seen as one of the global leaders in welcoming LGBT travelers, and we are very much looking forward to hosting NGLCC attendees in our destination where diversity shines,” said Stacy Ritter, president, and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Greater Fort Lauderdale is home to the largest LGBT business organization in Broward County, the GFLGLCC – Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce.  The GFLGLCC also operates an LGBT+ Visitor Center, located in the heart of Wilton Manors.

More than 1,400 LGBT and allied business leaders will gather for innovative leadership programming, networking and engagement opportunities. Greater Fort Lauderdale served as the host destination for the 2015 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference.

“We are thrilled to welcome back NGLCC for another fantastic conference,” said Richard Gray, senior vice president of Diversity & Inclusion of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We strongly value our partnership with NGLCC, and we look forward to wowing all the thought leaders and attendees at this globally recognized conference on our sunny shores.”

The NGLCC International Business and Leadership Conference will include workshops, seminars, performances, panels, entertainment and more. Attendees will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the destination.

“Greater Fort Lauderdale is world-renowned as a progressive destination and understands the importance of the LGBT traveler and LGBT business community,” said Chance Mitchell, co-founder, and CEO of NGLCC. “It is the perfect fit to bring our conference to Greater Fort Lauderdale, where attendees will learn about business success, make new connections, and hear from inspiring and unforgettable keynote speakers in a truly authentic, welcoming and inclusive destination.”
 

# # #

About the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce - GFLGLCC

GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce:
The GFLGLCC is a 501 C (6) Non-Profit independent organization affiliated with the NGLCC – National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, 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 and to promote tourism with a unified approach, by working with appropriate and related organizations.

For more information, contact the GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce at +1-954-523-3500 or visit www.GFLGLCC.org. Get social and engage with Greater Fort Lauderdale on social media channels including Facebook and Twitter

PRESS CONTACT:
Keith Blackburn, 954-523-3500 / Keith@gflglcc.org

Wells Fargo and NGLCC Award $2,000 Grant to the GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

August 3, 2017 

Fort Lauderdale, FL – The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the business voice of the LGBT community, awarded the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce with a $2,000 Chamber Development Grant for its Business Connect program at the 2017 International Business & Leadership Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation and administered by the NGLCC, this grant is awarded to support and provide increased visibility to the LGBT Business Summit. The main goal of the program is to foster the development, growth, and sustainability of NGLCC’s 1,000 certified LGBT Business Enterprises® (LGBTBEs®). 

“The NGLCC is excited to see the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce grow as an organization and a voice in the LGBT owned and allied businesses community,” said Sam McClure, NGLCC Senior Vice President. They have shown tremendous growth in the size of their business membership and outreach programs, embodying the mission that NGLCC has continuously strived for.” 

“Wells Fargo is a proud, long-time supporter of NGLCC, and we share their commitment to helping small business owners succeed financially,” said Lisa Stevens, Wells Fargo head of Small Business. “We are dedicated to providing funding that will support their entrepreneurship and leadership training programs, along with educational tools and resources to help diverse-owned business in communities across America grow and thrive.” 

“The Business Connect Program has become a vital resource to our members as they expand their businesses and engage in long term growth,” said Keith Blackburn, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber. “The program furthers our mission of supporting our members through business growth, education, and advocacy. We are thrilled to receive this generous grant from Wells Fargo and NGLCC which will allow us to expand and enrich our program.” 

ABOUT BUSINESS CONNECT:

ABOUT NGLCC: 

The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT-owned businesses. www.nglcc.org | @NGLCC 

ABOUT WELLS FARGO: 

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $2 trillion in assets. Wells Fargo serves approximately 3 million small business owners across the United States and loans more money to America’s small businesses than any other bank (2016 SBA government data). To help more small businesses achieve financial success, in 2014 Wells Fargo introduced Wells Fargo Works for Small Business® – a broad initiative to deliver resources, guidance and services for business owners – and a goal to extend $100 billion in new lending to small businesses by 2018. For more information about Wells Fargo Works for Small Business, visit: WellsFargoWorks.com. Follow us on Twitter @WellsFargoWorks. 

ABOUT GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE GAY & LESBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce was founded in 2011. Our mission is to promote business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly community, be an advocate and resource for all member businesses that promote equality, and promote tourism with a unified approach by working with appropriate and related organizations. 

MEDIA CONTACTS: 

Jonathan Lovitz 

Senior Vice President, NGLCC 

jlovitz@nglcc.org

954-695-5896 

Keith Blackburn 

President and CEO, GFLGLCC 

keith@gflglcc.org

954-523-3500 

Exclusive LGBT Wedding Resource Guide: Just Vows - Love is Love

For Immediate Release

THE GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE LGBT WEDDING RESOURCE GUIDE: JUST VOWS - LOVE IS LOVE PARTNERSHIP WITH BLACK-TIE PUBLISHING 

Today marks the 1st anniversary of the historic day when marriage equality became law in Florida. The GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that we have partnered with Black-Tie Publishing to produce our exclusive LGBT Wedding Resource Guide: Just Vows - Love is Love, focused on Broward County.


 

According to the latest US Census, Fort Lauderdale has the highest number of same-sex couple households in the U.S.  Neighboring cities of Wilton Manors and Oakland Park are in the top ten. contributing to our local demographic is a huge wedding destination industry.

Our Wedding Resource Guide will assist LGBT couples looking for “gay welcoming” companies as they plan their wedding.  Our guide is a perfect way for your business to connect with the LGBT demographic. The guide will feature reception sites, restaurants, photographers, event professionals, officiants, health and beauty,  realtors, attorneys, insurance companies, hotels, florists, caterers and more! 

Surveys say that 24,248 same sex couples living in Florida will opt to marry during the next 3 years. If you're interested in reaching this huge market, contact Nancy Feller or Stephanie Bosco-Luca of Black-Tie Publishing. You can reach them at 954-472-6003 or at nancy@justvows.com.

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 at Keith@gflglcc.org  

http://www.gogayfortlauderdale.com/

GFLGLCC and Equality Florida Join Forces in Broward County for "Another Business for Equality" Partnership

For Immediate Release

THE GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES ANOTHER BUSINESS FOR EQUALITY PARTNERSHIP WITH EQUALITY FLORIDA                                        

Contact: Keith Blackburn
Keith@gflglcc.org

On the heels of the huge victory in the Supreme Court last week, we must all take time to congratulate our community for all of their hard work and dedication. Everyone made a contribution, but the momentum really built when our allies and corporate America joined in. Together, we turned the tide and at the end, the majority of Americans were behind us.

The NGLCC – National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, along with our chamber and 41 other LGBT chamber affiliates, Equality Florida and countless other organizations have all worked hard to make this happen.

In March of this year, the GFLGLCC joined the NGLCC and 379 organizations to become part of the Amicus Brief, which urged the Supreme Court to support marriage equality on the basis that “Employers are better served by a uniform marriage rule that gives equal dignity to employee relationships,” reads the brief, filed by global law firm Morgan Lewis. “Allowing same-sex couples to marry improves employee morale and productivity, reduces uncertainty, and removes the wasteful administrative burdens imposed by the current disparity of state law treatment.”

Our work isn’t over yet. In Florida and 27 other States, it is still legal to fire someone because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. In addition, we face legal discrimination in housing and in many cases; we can be refused goods and services because of who we are. This is obviously unacceptable and must change. What amazes me is that many people don’t realize this. In recent polls, 80% of Americans believe that it is illegal to fire someone because they are LGBT.

ENDA, the Employment Non Discrimination Act would provide basic protections from job discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. It must become law.  While there have been multiple versions, none have been approved by our congress. In the latest version, passed by the US Senate almost 2 years ago, small business with less than 15 employees, military and religious organizations were exempt. 

We need ENDA to become law, without any exceptions. As it stands now, anyone in America can get married in the morning and if they live and work in one of the 28 states without protections (Including Florida), they can be fired that same day. That doesn’t sound very American, does it?  We must join together, using the momentum we've gained to ensure that this injustice ends with equality for all. 

The GFLGLCC is proud to announce a new partnership with Equality Florida's Another Business For Equality initiative, which spotlights pro-equality businesses that maintain and promote LGBT inclusive nondiscrimination policies and that support local and statewide nondiscrimination laws. By doing so we will improve Florida's reputation as a welcoming and inclusive place to live, work and visit. All GFLGLCC members will have the $50 administration fee waived when they participate in the program.

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 at Keith@gflglcc.org  

http://www.gogayfortlauderdale.com/

THE GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES JIM ALBRIGHT HAS JOINED THE STAFF

For Immediate Release

THE GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES JIM ALBRIGHT HAS JOINED THE STAFF
Named Director of Marketing and Membership                                            

Jim Albright

Contact: Keith Blackburn
954-523-3500 Keith@gflglcc.org

Fort Lauderdale, FL: The GLFLGCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Jim Albright has joined the staff as the Director of Marketing and Membership. 

Jim was born and raised in Northeastern Ohio near Akron, Ohio.  He graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.  Jim moved to Greater Fort Lauderdale in 1997. Prior to beginning career in Marketing and Advertising, he worked as Retail Manager for 10 plus years. For the past 15 years, he worked for local LGBT publications including Hotspots Magazine.  In 2014, Jim moved to San Diego California California for a year to assist a friend market her business. Missing South Florida, he returned several months ago. Currently, Jim lives in Pompano Beach, with his partner. Jim has been active in the LGBT community for many years and looks forward to expanding the GFLGLCC.

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 954-523-3500

http://www.gogayfortlauderdale.com/

THE GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF 3 NEW BOARD MEMBERS

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Keith Blackburn
954-523-3500 Keith@gflglcc.org 


March 27, 2015


THE GFLGLCC- Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF 3 NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Fort Lauderdale, FL: The GLFLGCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of 3 new board members.  They are Mark Budwig of S.MARK Graphics, Adam Alvarado of Edward Jones and Christopher Dunham of Dunham Insurance. Each has been appointed to a two year term. "I am very excited to have these three highly qualified additions to our board! Each one of them brings a unique talent to the chamber" said Keith Blackburn, President / CEO of the GFLGLCC. 

Mark Budwig

Mark Budwig Mark Budwig is the owner and president of S.MARK Graphics since its founding 30 years ago. The boutique creative agency designs marketing materials for print, electronic and advertising media. Budwig is responsible for new business development, maintaining client relationships and developing project concepts. S.MARK works with a wide range of businesses on both a project-to-project and retainer basis. About his board appointment, Budwig stated "I'm am excited to be joining the board of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. As an affiliate of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, I am happy to lend my leadership skills to these organizations to locally promote certified LGBT Business Enterprises. A great opportunity for gay-owned businesses to grow!"

Christopher Dunham

Dunham Insurance CEO Christopher Dunham began a successful career in 1989 with one of the top insurance companies in the country. In 1997—recognizing the need for a more personal approach to insurance and estate planning services—Christopher founded the agency that bears his name as a family business. About his board appointment, Dunham stated  "As a lifelong advocate of promoting equality through opportunity, it’s an honor to be chosen to serve on the Board of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and to take my place among an outstanding group of business and community leaders who are committed to promoting business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly communities. "I am privileged to be working alongside Keith Blackburn and this dynamic organization".

Adam Alvarado

Adam Alvarado graduated from Florida International University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Certificate in Banking Studies. Adam spent 8 years as a Purchasing Manager for BE Aerospace Hardware company in Miami, FL and another 4 years as a Buyer at California Glass Company in the Bay Area. In 2012, Adam joined Edward Jones as a Financial Advisor. Recently, Adam spearheaded and chairs the YPG - Young Professionals Group of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. About his board appointment, Alvarado stated "I look forward to working with this amazing Board to make GFLGLCC the first choice for LGBQT & Allied Businesses. Thanks for the opportunity!" 

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

http://www.gogayfortlauderdale.com/

URGENT ACTION: Business Amicus Brief for Marriage Equality

BE PART OF HISTORY!

We invite your business to join us in this historic opportunity!

As you probably know, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to consider marriage equality this term and this will have major implications for the business community. By June, it will likely decide definitively whether states must allow same-sex couples to marry, and whether states must recognize the marriages of same-sex couples who wed elsewhere.

 

Background: In 2013 the NGLCC and 300 other business organizations (including the GFLGLCC) and Fortune 500 corporations were amici on the Supreme Court case of the Defense of Marriage Act in 2013 that detailed burdens on employers due to inconsistencies in marriage. We anticipate that the business community will make an even stronger showing in this case. The GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is very proud to partner with the NGLCC again.

 

As such, a broad coalition of Fortune 500 companies, business organizations, and other employers will be filing a friend-of-the-court brief in the Supreme Court, setting out the business case for marriage equality. In particular, the brief will explain to the Supreme Court how employers are burdened by the inability of certain employees to marry the spouse of their choice, and by the current patchwork of state laws applicable to same-sex marriage. Those burdens include:

 

* Recruiting/retention challenges in those jurisdictions that do not have marriage equality;

* Corporate administrative and financial burdens;

* Lack of certainty and business uniformity; and

* Requiring employers and HR departments to implement government-mandated regulations that undermine the corporate mission

 

Please click here for your review and consideration of the most current draft of the brief, and a summary of the cases can be found  here. While the draft will undoubtedly change somewhat between now and filing, the main arguments and topics are included. 

 

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is serving as pro bono counsel on the amicus brief. If your company would like to join the brief, please follow the link below to fill out a preliminary information sheet. The last day to join the brief is Tuesday, March 3, 2015 and the brief will be filed at the Supreme Court on Friday, March 6, 2015.

Please note that if your company is not already a Morgan Lewis client, they will need to ensure that there are no conflicts issues, and put in place their standard pro bono engagement agreement, which they can provide after you fill out the form linked to above.

 

Please Click Here to Sign on to the Amicus Brief 

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 

Young Professionals Group (YPG)

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

http://www.gogayfortlauderdale.com/

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OUTreach Public Relations Partners with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce - GFLGLCC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 19, 2012

Fort Lauderdale, FL – OUTreach Public Relations is proud to announce its recent partnership with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce - GFLGLCC.  Under the new agreement, members of the chamber will have access to OUTreach’s services at an extremely discounted rate. 

“Many small businesses in Fort Lauderdale cannot afford to retain a public relations firm full-time, so this partnership is a great way for these businesses to reach local media and gain valuable exposure,” states Joey Amato, founder of OUTreach PR.

Earlier this year, Amato launched OUTreach Public Relations; a company created to help businesses connect to the lucrative LGBT market.  Since then, OUTreach has been retained by a variety of clients ranging from hotels and resorts to visitor’s bureaus and non-profit organizations. 

Some clients that have used their public relations services include: OASIS SENS resort in Cancun, Stonewall Pride, Carma Productions, AIDS Walk Orlando and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“The initial response to OUTreach has been overwhelming,” states Amato.  “Being one of select few firms in the country specializing in LGBT public relations has proven to be very beneficial.”

OUTreach Public Relations provides traditional public relations services in addition to social media marketing and consulting.

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 promotes equality.  To promote tourism with a unified approach, by working with appropriate and related organizations.

For more information about the GFLGLCC, or to become a member, please visit http://www.gogayfortlauderdale.com/ For media coverage, press kits, membership kits and live interview requests, please contact Keith Blackburn at 305-798-5455, or via email at: GoGayFortLauderdale@gmail.com

For more information, please contact:

OUTreach Public Relations:

407-496-8751     

outreachpublicrelations@gmail.com   

www.outreachpublicrelations.com   

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