$2 Million in New Grants Aimed for LGBTQ+-owned and Ally Restaurants

 

National LGBT Chamber of Commerce Teams Up Affiliate Chambers and Grubhub

To Offer String-Free Funds for Struggling Restaurants Impacted by Covid

America’s vulnerable LGBTQ+-owned restaurants and bars serving food will find a vital lifeline this fall stemming from the partnership formed by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and Grubhub. These small business owners have been among hardest hit by Covid impact with loss of jobs and income over the past two years.

Grubhub, a leading U.S. food-ordering and delivery marketplace, and the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the business voice of the LGBTQ+ community and certifying body for LGBTQ+-owned businesses nationwide, have opened applications for their NGLCC/Grubhub Community Impact Grant Program. The grants are expected to range from $5,000 to $100,000.

“We often say at NGLCC that ‘If you can buy it, an LGBTQ+-owned business can supply it.’ That is especially true of the LGBTQ+-owned restaurants across America who kept our communities and first responders fed throughout the pandemic. We’re proud to partner with Grubhub in offering these grants to support these businesses throughout the nation. America’s 1.4 million LGBTQ+-owned business owners have shown incredible resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now, in turn, we can help them recover stronger than ever,” said NGLCC Co-Founder and President Justin Nelson.

Throughout June, NGLCC was named the official partner of Grubhub’s Donate the Change program, which has raised tens of millions of dollars for organizations in need since launching in late 2018. The partnership welcomed Grubhub and Seamless diners to opt-in, round up their order total, and donate the difference, with the company matching eligible donations from Grubhub+ members. The proceeds raised will now be made available through NGLCC to support the LGBTQ+ community and LGBTQ+-owned restaurants.

“As the world starts to return to a new normal, we know many businesses are rebuilding and reopening, especially LGBTQ+-owned restaurants that are often the pillars of their communities,” said Kevin Kearns, senior vice president of restaurants at Grubhub. “We’re thrilled to partner with NGLCC and give back to the LGBTQ+ community - one that has shown incredible strength and support for those in need throughout the pandemic.”

Under the innovative grant program, the NGLCC has set a goal to allocate 30 percent of the funds to businesses owned by people of color and transgender/gender non-conforming individuals.

Restaurants wishing to apply for grants should visit www.nglcc.org/ghgrant 

NGLCC and its partners will expertly evaluate applications after the October 12, 2021 closing date. Major grantees will be awarded onstage during the NGLCC Back To Business (B2B) Summit in Hollywood, Florida this November, as well as in local communities.

Over 30 of the more than fifty NGLCC Affiliate Chambers across America, including the GFLGLCC – Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce, will help amplify this grant opportunity to support local restaurants. Those local chambers will also benefit from this initiative’s newly established “Affiliate Chamber Fund.” This fund will enable any establishment that receives a Community Impact Grant Program that is not currently a member of an NGLCC local affiliate chamber to have one year of membership paid. Additionally, many of NGLCC’s more than 300 corporate partners enhanced their Pride 2021 programming with food orders from Grubhub during their programming with Employee Resource Groups and community partners - a best practice expected to continue throughout future Pride celebrations.

“Grubhub is doing what it does best: A timely delivery. But this time it’s providing sustenance for LGBTQ businesses.” Said Keith Blackburn, President / CEO of the GFLGLCC. This lifeline will keep businesses afloat that enhance our community and play a pivotal role in our lives.”

Additionally, many of NGLCC’s more than 300 corporate partners enhanced their Pride 2021 programming with food orders from Grubhub during their programming with Employee Resource Groups and community partners - a best practice expected to continue throughout future Pride celebrations.

For more information on the Community Impact Grant Program regarding restaurant eligibility requirements, timelines, how to apply, and more, please visit www.nglcc.org/ghgrant. 

# # # 

About NGLCC

The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) 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, known as Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (Certified LGBTBE®) suppliers. 

www.nglcc.org @nglcc

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

About Grubhub

Grubhub is part of Just Eat Takeaway.com (LSE: JET, AMS: TKWY, NASDAQ: GRUB), a leading global online food delivery marketplace. Dedicated to connecting more than 33 million diners with the food they love from their favorite local restaurants, Grubhub elevates food ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms and an improved delivery experience. Grubhub features more than 300,000 restaurant partners in over 4,000 U.S. cities.

Help The GFLGLCC Match $25,000 to Raise $50,000+ #OrlandoStrong

For Immediate Release THE GFLGLCC ANNOUNCES TITO'S HANDMADE VODKA PLEDGES TO MATCH $25,000 TO RAISE $50,000 PLUS TO ASSIST THOSE EFFECTED BY THE ORLANDO TRAGEDY  The GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce board and staff were shocked by the horrific event at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando early Sunday June 12.  On Monday morning, I received a phone call from Grant Portier, the Florida Market Manager of Tito's Handmade Vodka. Last Summer Tito's was one of our sponsors for the NGLCC Welcome Reception which we hosted. It was a great event with 900+ in attendance.  Monday's call was to offer condolences to the LGBTQ community and to ask how they could best help our neighbors in Orlando. Tito's Handmade Vodka proposed matching donations up to $25,000 to help those affected by Sunday's tragic shooting in Orlando.  Grant told me that he and the company recognize and appreciate the support they receive from the LGBTQ community. The one question they had was which organization would be best equipped to facilitate the donation. Without hesitation, I contacted our community partner Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida. Within several hours, we had a solid commitment from Tito's Handmade Vodka. Amy Lukken, head of the philanthropic arm of Tito's stated "All of our family here at Tito's Handmade Vodka are heartbroken over the cowardly act that occurred at Pulse Night Club.  We are responding the only way our family, friends, and fans know how to and that is with love. We desire a world free of hate for all mankind and will continue to support our LGBTQ families. We are making a contribution to Equality Florida and are asking you to join us in donating to them as well.  Tito's will share the love and match dollar for dollar up to $25,000." It gets better. Southern Wine & Spirits (they are the local distributors of Tito's Handmade Vodka) has also committed to matching funds collected from their employees.  All employee contributions, as well as Southern's match, will go directly to help the victims and their families via Equality Florida. The GLFGLCC is proud to work with companies like Tito's Handmade Vodka and organizations like Equality Florida. Please join us and help those in need by clicking here . In the comment box, put "Tito's match", so they can be sure to double your dollar. 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/

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 25^th, 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 

~~~END~~~

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   

###

2012 Year-to-Date Highlights from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce – GFLGLCC

2012 was a busy and highly productive year for the GLFGLCC – and we still have a month to go!  While our membership grew, we maintained 8 Media Partners and 9, 501 (c) 3 Community Partners.  Our unique relationship with the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, NGLCC allowed us to offer many unique benefits and opportunities to our members.  Take a look below for a sampling of what we’ve accomplished:

January 2012:

·         Moved to our new office!

·         GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn took part in a teleconference with senior Obama Administrations official, Export Import Bank Chairman, Fred Hochberg, and NGLCC Co-Founder & President, Justin Nelson after his meeting with Vice President Biden, to discuss major economic themes from the 2012 State of the Union address and what they mean for the LGBT and allied business community.

February 2012:

·         Sponsored the 2012 GLBT Travel Expo Tour Fort Lauderdale at the Pride Center. GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn attended and promoted our member businesses at our chamber booth.

March 2012:

·         GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn and Board member Alan Beck attended Palm Beach Pride, where we promoted Greater Fort Lauderdale as the premier LGBT travel destination and promoted our member businesses.

·          Board member Alan Beck represented us at his Fun Maps booth at the GLBT Expo in NYC -- promoting our chamber and distributing our Rainbow Hospitality Alliance brochures.

·         GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn traveled to ITB in Berlin, Germany to promote LGBT travel to Greater Fort Lauderdale. We created a sponsored brochure, which was distributed in the “Pink Pavilion” in conjunction with the IGLTA and throughout Berlin.

April 2012:

·          The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) invited us to participate with them at the annual Cruise 3Sixty Trade Show, April 27-28, 2012 at the Broward County Convention Center. NGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn, along with FAB2GO-VIP2GO attended and promoted Greater Fort Lauderdale as the premier LGBT travel destination and promoted our sponsor businesses at our booth.

  

May 2012:

·          NGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn took part in an NGLCC Real Estate Teleconference. On the call, diversity and industry experts from JPMorgan Chase, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae, discussed how businesses within the real estate industry can benefit through participation in the Supplier Diversity Initiative (SDI).  Great insights were gained, which could greatly benefit those in the real estate industry. This includes Realtors, attorneys and any business which takes part in the real estate process.

·          We participated in a hand-delivered letter to President Obama -- with the NGLCC and other affiliate chambers, thanking him for his support of Marriage Equality.

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn attended the CVB Tourism Appreciation Luncheon with the Mayor of Fort Lauderdale, County Commissioners, CVB President, Nicki Grossman and many others.

·         We sponsored “Beach Bear Weekend” which helped raise money for Sun Serve, while promoting our member businesses.

·          Board member Steve McAleer along with Roger Handevidt represented our members at Miami Beach Gay Pride, where they promoted Greater Fort Lauderdale as the premier LGBT travel destination and promoted our member businesses at our booth.

·         GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn attended Gay Days Orlando Expo, where we promoted Greater Fort Lauderdale as the premier LGBT travel destination and promoted our sponsor businesses at our booth.

June 2012:

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn, along with Roger Handevidt and Mago Sosa attended the St. Pete Pride event, where we promoted Greater Fort Lauderdale as the premier LGBT travel destination and promoted our member businesses at our booths.

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn, along with Board member Alan Beck attended Stonewall Summer Pride, where we promoted Greater Fort Lauderdale as the premier LGBT travel destination and promoted our member businesses at our booth.

·         Hosted a packed launch party for SouthFloridaFun.com at Dapur

·         GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn moderated a session, which discussed "Diversity Supplier Relationships and Creating a Strong Ally Culture." This was at the Florida Diversity Council’s Inaugural GLBT-Allies Diversity Summit, which took place at the Pride Center. 

July 2012:

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn attended the July 4^th Tea Cruise for the Brian Neil Fitness and Health Foundation, where we promoted Greater Fort Lauderdale as the premier LGBT travel destination and promoted our member businesses at our business table.

August 2012:

·         Roger Handevidt represented the GFLGLCC and Rainbow Hospitality Alliance at the Poverello Bowl-A-Thon, where we promoted our member businesses at our booth.

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn and Board Members Steve McAleer, Alan Beck and Todd Bludworth attended the NGLCC National Business & Leadership Conference in Chicago.

September 2012:

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn took part in the historical, first LGBT Trade Mission and the inaugural LGBT Summit of the Americas in Bogotá Colombia.  GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn met with Michael McKinley, U.S. Ambassador to Colombia.

·          We presented the inaugural symposium, “Transitions Solutions for LGBT Seniors” at the Pride Center as a free informative event for the community. Board member Steve McAleer represented the GFLGLCC and our members.

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn attended the Gay Days Las Vegas Trade Expo, where we promoted Greater Fort Lauderdale as the premier LGBT travel destination and promoted our sponsor businesses at our booth.

October 2012:

·          Sponsored the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.

·          Held a fund raiser and social, to benefit for the Stonewall National Museum and Archives at the iL Lugano Hotel and Residences.

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn and Board member Steve McAleer, along with Roger Handevidt promoted the GFLGLCC and our members at our booth at the annual Oktoberfest in Oakland Park.

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn attended the 13^th Annual Community Marketing & Insights (CMI) Conference in San Francisco with GFLGLCC Board Member, Alan Beck and Rickard Gray, newly appointed Managing Director of the LGBT Market for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). While there, we promoted the Greater Fort Lauderdale as THE LGBT travel destination.

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn with Roger Handevidt and VIP2GO/FAB2GO participated with the City of Fort Lauderdale’s free Business Education Seminar, designed to help your business grow.  We displayed members’ business collateral in our booth space.

November 2012:

·          GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn and Board members Steve McAleer and Alan Beck attended the first-ever Federal Procurement Fair for LGBT businesses at the Department of Commerce in Washington, DC. Acting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank spoke to the attendees. 12 Federal agencies were represented -- all looking to do business with our LGBT Certified members. Met with the Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator, Eugene Cornelius Jr.  The Federal Procurement Fair is designed to connect LGBT-owned businesses with the over $400 billion the federal government spends annually on goods and services, of which nearly $100 billion is with small business suppliers. At the fair, NGLCC announced significant memorandums with federal agencies, deepening collaboration with government leaders to bring resources, access, and new opportunities to your business. 

·         GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn along with Board members Todd Bludworth, Steve McAleer and Alan Beck attended the NGLCC's 10th Anniversary National Dinner: Beyond Expectations in Washington, DC at the National Building Museum. GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn met briefly with Congressman Elect Patrick Murphy. Board members Todd Bludworth, Steve McAleer and Alan Beck were present.

·         GFLGLCC President/CEO Keith Blackburn and Board member Steve McAleer attended the official opening for the NGLCC Supplier Innovation Center, where U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Karen Mills performed the ribbon cutting honors. 

·         Teamed up with the NGLCC and Small Business Saturday to promote our chamber and small business owners.

Announced that our inaugural “Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay Travel Guide,” which will have a circulation of 10,000 copies and a worldwide distribution.